Principal Announcements
Newsletter 1 term 4
Welcome to Term 4
Congratulations to all students for such a positive and settled start to term 4. I sincerely thank the whole school community for such a warm welcome. I am enjoying getting to know all of the students and staff and greeting parents each morning.
Unfortunately, we were unable to live stream our first assembly due to some technological issues (first time in 35 years) but I was still able to go through a quick ‘Who am I?’
Here is a summary for you:
My name is Elaine Vertriest and I am very proud to be the new Principal of St. Mary’s Mooroopna. Growing up in East Burwood, Melbourne, with an older brother and sister, I have 35 years of teaching experience in both primary and secondary schools. After relocating to East Gippsland with my family 24 years ago, I am now settling into Shepparton while getting to know the beautiful Goulburn Valley.
My favourite subject is mathematics. I enjoy horse riding, walking my dogs, yoga, and travelling in my spare time. I am also a proud supporter of the Collingwood Football Club - go the mighty Pies! I have three wonderful children: Caitlin, Melissa, and Brendan. They are all now working or studying.
With a commitment to creating a safe and nurturing environment, I aim for every student to feel safe, happy and empowered to thrive to be successful at St. Mary’s. I am eager to support our school community and help everyone achieve their best. Thank you for the warm welcome as I embark on this new journey with you!
Good News!
Last week we received the wonderful news of 2 new arrivals into our community:
Baby Preston Arrives!
Welcome Marnie Jude Preston
Born 8/10/2024
10:46pm
Weighing 3320g / 7 pounds 3
Baby Walters Arrives!
Elodie Anne Walters 🌸✨🌷
Born 7th of October 2024
A precious 3630 grams
Welcome to your precious bundles.
We look forward to greeting them with lots of cuddles in the near future.
We also welcome Ethan Baker to St. Mary’s.
He has joined us for 6 months as a sports trainee from England. Ethan has already shown a real passion for supporting our students. Welcome Ethan!
Sad News
We were sad to hear of the sudden passing of Mo over the holidays. Our thoughts and prayers are with Liz and her family. Mo will forever be a part of the St. Mary’s story. Jimmy has been very welcome in supporting our students so far this term.
Vic Roads Works
An email was sent on Monday 7/10 notifying the community of the road works on Toolamba Road. We thank you for your cooperation and patience with this unexpected interruption to buses, drop-offs and pick-ups for approximately two weeks.
Interschool Athletics
We congratulate the Grade 3 to 6 students for their excellent participation in last week’s interschool athletics. The students participated extremely well and certainly let their light shine. Well done everyone and thank-you to all staff involved.
Student Free Days 2025
On Wednesday 9/10 all families would have received details about the 2025 student free days for 2025, letter attached below. Please note the extended holiday period during Easter for staff to be involved in dedicated professional development days set by the Sandhurst Diocese to support the Magnify Sandhurst initiative. More details to come!
MultiLit Training Begins
Throughout term 4, the Prep to Grade 2 staff are all involved in two professional development days regarding the launch on InitiaLit. This literacy-based program will begin in 2025 to support all students with their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. I am sure the staff and the community will be inspired by these new initiatives.
Attendance matters!
Every minute matters. This is a simple statement, but a true one. For every minute a child is at school they learn. For every minute they are absent they not only miss out on they are absent they not only miss out on learning, but they also lose some previous learning.
Before School Supervision
Please note that all students that arrive at school prior to 8:30am must fill out an application via the link below. I appreciate everyone's understanding and cooperation regarding this.
Link -
Assembly 14th October
Principal’s Awards
14th October - Lucas Torney-Keating
Lucas has shown that he is a responsible and respectful student by choosing to clean the yard himself. Thanks Lucas, for ‘Letting Your Light Shine’ and keeping our wonderful school beautiful and clean, making it an even happier place to be.
Well done Lucas!
Ms V’s Inspirations
“From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a life.” Arthur Ashe
“Yesterday is a dream, tomorrow but a vision. But today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness, and every tomorrow a vision of hope. Look well, therefore, to this day.” Sanskrit Proverb
Elaine Vertriest
Principal
"Let Your Light Shine before others, so they may see your good works." Matthew 5:13