Principals Message
The first 3 weeks of term 4 have been very busy with the 3/4 and 5/6 camps, incursions and P & F fundraisers. It has been very pleasing to hear positive comments from the teachers who attended each camp about how well our students cooperated with the camp leaders, their teachers and with each other.
Friendships were consolidated and new friendships were made while on the camps. Friendship is one of the most important and yearned for qualities of life. To each of us, friendship has a different meaning; for all of us it is a gift which needs to be cherished and nurtured. It needs to be cultivated on a daily basis and needs to be free of possessiveness.
Why is it we are drawn to some people more than others? What makes us want to maintain a friendship?
Friendship is a life-line. Connecting with like-minded people who genuinely care about one another is a gift we take for granted all too often. Friends are people we feel good with, some make us laugh, some hear us out and really listen to our hearts, others support us when the going is tough, and still others just hang with us when we need down time.
They are the ones who show us our strengths when all we see is weakness; they point out our good character traits, like courage and loyalty, when we are down on ourselves. They remind us of past accomplishments and spur us on in our future. They build into our lives and we are richer for having spent time with them. We come away with a stronger sense of “self” because we have been together.
Lord, I cannot go this road alone,
I need to depend on someone, as
they depend on me.
I need a sense of someone caring
Someone helping
Someone sharing the exuberance
and the joy, the pain and the
humiliation.
I need a friend, just as they need one.
You are it, Lord, my friend.
Be with me in my time of need.
Amen
PRINCIPAL APPOINTMENT
Today families would have received a letter announcing our new principal for 2024 and forward. Please check our emails for this letter.
PERFORMING ARTS TEACHER
Recently we advertised for a teacher to replace Ms Chris Marshall. We advertised for a performing arts teacher and Miss Kathleen Parry has been appointed to teach performing arts one day a week in 2024. Miss Parry will be responsible for organising the Bi-annual Production in 2023.
PLACEMENT
Zahley Francis from Rushworth P-12 College will be completing her school-based work placement at St Mary’s each Wednesday until the end of the school year. Zahley is a past student of St Mary’s PS.
Brittney Kouroupakis will be returning to our school to finish her placement for her Certificate IV in School based Education support following the birth of her son Huey earlier in the year.
CATHOLIC MISSIONS WEEK: Crazy sock day -Thursday October 26th
Sunday, October 22, was the beginning of Catholic World Missions week. His Holiness Pope Francis invites people around the world to come together in celebration of World Mission Sunday. This annual event serves as a poignant reminder of the life-giving work carried out by missionaries in Australia and across the globe.
His World Mission Sunday message draws inspiration from the Gospel of Luke (cf. 24:13-35), recounting the story of the disciples on their journey to Emmaus. With the theme "Hearts on Fire, Feet on the Move," Pope Francis reminds us that the missionary spirit resides within the hearts of all individuals.
Our students are invited to wear ‘crazy socks’ on Thursday October 26th for a gold coin donation to celebrate the work of the Mission in helping communities to flourish by supporting grassroots projects, including healthcare, education, and spiritual care.
RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP
Our students will be participating in a Responsible Pet Ownership session with Kristy and her dog on Friday October 27th. Staff will be take each class to the hall for their session.
HALLOWEEN DISCO
On Friday our Parents & Friends group will be holding a Halloween Disco in the school hall from 4.30pm – 6.30pm for students from foundation to grade 6. Cost is $10.00 per child which includes a party pack. There will be prizes for the best dressed. Drinks and snacks will be available to purchase.
WALKING /RIDING TO SCHOOL WITHOUT SUPERVISION:
I have had several requests from parents for their child to walk or ride to school unsupervised. While Rushworth is a small country town with minimal traffic, I would encourage you to be mindful of the Vic Roads regulations. The school would prefer that children under 9 do not walk or ride to and from school alone.
FROM VIC ROADS WEBSITE:
Keeping our kids safe as they get to and from school is everyone’s responsibility.
As kids come to and from school it’s important for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists to be aware and take extra care during these busy times. Even a small reduction in speed could save a child’s life.
Children & pedestrian safety
Research shows that young children do not have the skills and experience to be safe in traffic on their own. Parents and carers need to take special care and supervise young children in traffic.
Children up to 5 years
Parents and carers must always hold children’s hands when near traffic or the road. Once a child is mobile, especially walking, they must never be left unsupervised around roads or vehicles. Young children lack the skills, knowledge and judgement to be able to cope with traffic and so need to be constantly supervised.
Children 5 years up to 12 years
Parents and carers can help children by providing plenty of practical supervised experience in using the road safely, as a part of the journeys taken every day. Research shows that children under age 12 do not have the skills and experience to be safe in traffic. Teach them safe traffic behaviour and set a good example.
Children 11 or 12 years and over
Children may become more independent in their travel, however in complex traffic situations they may still require supervision. Check regularly to ensure that children remember and follow safety procedures. Work with them to plan safe walking and cycling routes.
Victoria Police have a list of precautions to help kids stay safe when walking to school. Some of their suggestions include:
- Walk confidently.
- Pay attention to what’s going on around you.
- Don’t wear headphones, as they may stop you from hearing danger approaching.
- Find an easy way to get to school and home again with good crossings and as little traffic as possible.
Some other helpful tips include:
- Parents should help their children plan a safe route.
- Avoid taking shortcuts — stick to the planned route.
- Watch out for cars at every driveway and intersection.
- Don’t accept rides from strangers
ATTENDING ST MARY’S IN 2024:
Staff are in the process of organising classes for 2024. If your child is not returning to St Mary’s in 2024, could you please advise me as soon as possible. This request does not involve parents of 2023 grade 6 students.
SPECIALIST SHOWCASE AND MINI CHRISTMAS CONCERT:
On Friday December 1st from 11.00am – 12.30pm, our specialist teachers are organising a showcase of the wonderful work that your children complete in the specialist classes. We look forward to showcasing work completed in Art, Auslan, Respectful Relationships and Science. Following the showcase of work we encourage you to stay from 1.30pm – 3.00pm and join our teachers and students for a mini Christmas concert. Each class will sing a Christmas carol and a song. The whole school will perform a song together. We will be having an earlier first and second break on this day.
HOW CAN YOU HELP:
St Mary’s Primary School has a vibrant parent community, and your involvement is welcomed and encouraged. As a school, we are proud of our supportive and enthusiastic parent community. There are many ways for parents to become involved in the school community, and ultimately your involvement enriches school programs and enhances your child’s growth and learning. Some of the opportunities for parent involvement include:
- Supporting and engaging in learning programs
- Becoming a member to our School Advisory Council Covering
- Shelving books in the Library
- Assisting with food preparation, BBQ at special school events when required
- Becoming a member of our ‘Parents and Friends’ committee or assisting with their activities.
For the safety of our community, all parent helpers at St Mary’s Primary School are required to have a Working with Children check.
Have a great fortnight,
Regards
Catherine Fraser
Principal
