Mrs Ryan's Fortnightly Reflections

Thank you so much to each and everyone of you in our community for your support, flexibility and willingness to put everything aside for the greater good of our community. Every single person has played a vital part in contributing and preparing for what is ahead. 

Thank you to the many families who have responded to our Welfare check, it has been comforting to know that at this point in time we are safe and have done all that we can for what the next week may entail. St Mary’s continues to monitor the unfolding of the floods daily and are checking in with staff every 48 hours to ensure they too are safe and keeping as well as can be expected. We know that the schools collective role will be in the aftermath, supporting staff and families with any resources we can. 

St Mary’s at the moment is being used as an additional site for emergency services however is no longer an evacuation point. There is a Victorian Police mobile unit on site and the ambulance have medical supplies there ready in the event that the community needs additional supplies and supports. It is great to be able to offer our school to the greater good if needed. 

I will continue to communicate regularly with our community in hope of our return to school plan. The leadership team have meet to make a tentative plan however given Echuca / Moama is yet to know the severity of the peak of the flood we will make a day by day plan. Catholic Education Sandhurst are also in communication with all emergency services and the SES in advising and supporting St Mary’s at this time. We still have no transport for school and many in the community are faced with unknown challenges ahead. I will release communication in regard to school on Monday, on Sunday afternoon. 

This week the community of St Mary’s is deeply saddened to hear of the death of Zac Welch. Zac is the father of Banjo in Year 1, and siblings yet to start school; Vance and Flo. Harper Welch in Year 2 is also Zac’s niece. We keep the entire family and those who knew Zac in our thoughts and prayers at this time. 

I do hope that we are all keeping as well as we can be. Supporting one another, reaching out to a friend and neighbour in need and definitely recognising that we are not alone. Please explore the rest of the newsletter which offers many support and resources that may be valuable at this time. 

“Courage is not having the strength to go on. It is going on when you don’t have the strength.” Theodore Roosevelt

Please know the school community is still here if anyone is need. 

Take care, stay well, stay safe and God Bless. 

Jasmine Ryan 

Principal