St Marys Rushworth Newsletter

Principals Message

The Hope of Spring’s Change

 

Spring is a metaphor for change.  Some changes we plan and others arrive uninvited.

To all these changes we ask the gift of Your perspective Lord, as it beckons us towards expectation, hope, and rebirth.

May the sunlight and the rain, be reminders that You are at work renewing the earth.  As a God of renewal, You are ever at work in our lives this Spring.

Awaken us to new life and perspective.    Amen

 

TERM 3 HOLIDAYS

I congratulate our students on another wonderful term of solid learning.  Our teachers have noted that as often happens in term 3, after lots of revising, rephasing and reviewing, our students have become more confident and are able to confidently grasp the concepts that have been taught.  Over the holidays it will be good for them to have some down time.  We suggest that they continue to read and for the younger students to revisit their number and letters.

Thanks to our parents and carers for another constant term.  We appreciate all you do for your child/ren in partnership with the teachers. Thanks to our staff who have worked tirelessly for your children over the past 10 weeks.   

Next term is another busy 11 weeks of learning activities, assessment, planning and fun.  It will be made easier by being in the refurbished learning spaces. The students will appreciate more space both in classroom and in the playground.

 

QUEEN ELIZABETH II

I’d like to acknowledge the long and staunch reign of Queen Elizabeth II over 70 years (1952 – 2022). Queen Elizabeth was a committed leader who loved tradition but also fearlessly embraced progress.  She gave a life time of stability and service to the countries where she served as head of state and she ruled with love, friendliness, direction, empathy and example.   King Charles III described his late mother as a dedicated and devoted Queen who stood steadfast, through times of change and progress, times of joy and celebration and times of sadness and loss. 

 

THANK YOU

We thank Mrs Loretta Robbins who has taught grade 4 for term 3 whilst Mrs Angela Brockett has been on sick leave.  St Mary’s School was very fortunate that Loretta had recently moved back to the Rushworth area with her husband Neil before Angela’s diagnosis.  Loretta’s wealth of experience in education and specifically in literacy has enabled the grade 4 students to learn new strategies and to continue their learning without disruption.  Loretta has followed Ange’s overviews and adjusted when necessary. We wish Loretta well and hope that we are able to continue our relationship with her during term 4 and beyond. 

 

MRS BROCKETT

Mrs Angela Brockett has been given a medical clearance from her medical team to return to her teaching duties at the start of Term 4.  We are delighted to welcome Mrs Brockett back to our school and hope that she enjoys more space and a more innovative learning space.

 

CLASSROOMS FOR TERM 4, 2022

Next term after 12 months of being in crowded, temporary classrooms our students will enjoy the benefits of being in a spacious and modern learning space.

  • Grade 5/6BS will move to the refurbished wing (Reed St end).
  • Grade 4AB will move to the refurbished wing. (Southam St end)
  • Grade 2/3HD will move to the current F/1 classroom 
  • Grade F/1TP will move to the current 5/6 classroom. 
  • The lower-level classroom will become the Art and Science room.
  • The current 2/3 room will be the AUSLAN and Intervention room. 
  • The amphitheatre will be used for class activities as well as for our assembly.
  • The staff room will become a staffroom again. 

 

HELPERS NEEDED on FRIDAY SEPTERMBER 16th       

On September 16th we will be moving the furniture into the new and refurbished areas. Hopefully by then Peter our architect will have registered all the defects for the builders to address. This will mean that when we move furniture and resources into the refurbished classrooms MUCH care will need to be taken that the walls are not marked.

I encourage as many as possible who are able to give some time on Friday to help out with trailers. Unfortunately, we are unable to have children present on that day which I realise makes it difficult when it is a pupil free day.

 

 

 

 

SWIMMING AT AQUAMOVES

Our students had quality lessons at Aquamoves last week.  Every child who attended thoroughly enjoyed the experience and I have no doubt that their swimming skills improved 100%. 

                                                                    

TRANSITION for 2023 YEAR 7 

Students attending Year 7 at Rushworth P-12 in 2023 will have another transition morning tomorrow, Wednesday September 14th , from the start of the day until 12.30pm. Students are asked to go to the College in the morning and they will be collected at 12.30pm by St Mary’s staff.

 

PLANNING FOR 2023

As we are starting to look towards and prepare for 2023, we are seeking information from any family who knows or thinks that they may be relocating and won’t be attending St Mary’s in 2023.  If this applies to your family, could you please advise me via email on: cfraser@smrushworth.catholic.edu.au

 

SCHOOL FEES

As it is nearing the end of term, I would encourage those who pay in instalments to ensure that you are still making regular payments in order to clear your 2022 School fees by November/early December.  Thank you for your attention to this matter. 

 

UNIFORM

Term 4 is our sun smart term where children are required to wear a broad-rimmed hat. 

It is also time to begin wearing our summer uniform.  Please be aware of the weather as there are still some very cool days.   Please encourage your child/ren to find their hat and have it packed on day 1 of term 4.

 

SUNSMART

As part of our SunSmart practices we require that all children and staff wear hats whilst outside in term 4.  I ask that families start preparing for this by ensuring that your child has a school bucket hat and that it is also clearly named. Can you also ensure that your child knows where their name is. 

No Hat = No Play

Children without hats will have to stay in an undercover area during 1st and 2nd lunch.  We do NOT have a grace period, hats must be worn from day 1 of term 4.

Parents are also advised to keep an eye on daily UV ratings and apply sunscreen before school if required. Students are encouraged to bring their own sunscreen to school to reapply throughout the day. Our school will have sunscreen for children to use if needed. If your child has an allergy to sunscreen please let the office know by emailing:

admin@smrushworth.catholic.edu.au 

 

PLACEMENT

Brittney Kouroupakis, Brylee’s (F/1TP) mum, is completing her Certificate IV in Education Support. On Friday during Term 4, Brittney will be working in 5/6BS and 4AB on a voluntary basis to enable her to complete the required placement hours. 

 

LEAVE

I will be taking the first week of term 4 as leave.  Simon and I are flying to Christchurch New Zealand to meet our 8th grandchild, Oliver James Angus Fraser.  Of course, we are also keen to see our son Simon and his partner Georgina.  We will enjoy visiting many amazing places in the breath-taking south island of New Zealand, including Wanaka, where Simon and Georgie will marry next year.

Thea Parry will be the responsible leader in my absence. Thea will have a day in the office on Tuesday October 4th. 

 

HOLIDAYS

The term 3 holidays begin on Thursday September 15th at 3.20pm.  We hope that you enjoy the spring holidays and take time out as a family to enjoy the movies, a picnic, local attractions, family and friends.

 

PRAYERS

We continue to pray for all those who are lonely, sick and suffering.  We also continue to pray for Mrs Brockett. 

 

 

 

 

Have a good fortnight

 

Catherine Fraser