Education Week | St Mary’s welcomes community with open arms

By Jemma Jones

May 13, 2025

Mason Jarrett, Kellie Spence, Alia Spence and Zoe Perry. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

During a bustling Catholic Education Week, St Mary's School Rushworth showcased its vibrant community spirit, welcoming prospective families, current parents and visitors to experience the school’s diverse offerings.

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Beyond the traditional student and principal-led tours, the school hosted an array of engaging activities including a football clinic, a lively disco, and a Mother’s Day high tea.

Families were also invited to be immersed in one of the morning literacy blocks where expert staff delivered daily evidence-backed and research-based learning and teaching to our engaged and motivated students.

On Friday, May 9 there was a particular focus on Mother’s Day, with each student in each year level engaged in an activity or craft to give to their mums.

Shandy Chillingsworth, a mother of three St Mary’s students, emphasised that these community-engaging activities are a regular feature of the school’s approach.

Hailey Wilson and Tannah King crafting something special. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

The welcoming atmosphere was one of the reasons the Stanhope family made the trek out to Rushworth for school each day.

All of her three kids attend the school all in different year levels: Mia, 12 will be graduating this year, Archie, 9, will continue his studies for a few more years, while Sienna, 5, is one of the bright-eyed Preps to come in this year.

“The kids love it here, they love learning here,” Mrs Chillingsworth said.

“It makes it easier for us in the morning because they want to go to school.”

Even past students can’t stay away from the campus for too long.

The student teacher this year, Jessica McLean, is an old scholar of St Mary’s and returned to experience what it was like on the other side of the teacher’s desk.

“It’s been so good here, it’s my first placement ever, and I’m loving it,” Ms McLean said.

Staff, parents and students speak highly of St Mary’s School Rushworth. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

“I’ve been learning so much and learning from the teachers who used to teach me – it’s quite surreal,” she said.

Ms McLean said it was great to come back to the school where she had so many good memories at.

“I applied for a few places, but I was lucky enough to get a slot here – I just love it here,” she said.

St Mary’s prides itself on offering quality teaching practices, engaging specialist subjects and extracurricular activities that focus on the academic, social, emotional and spiritual elements of a child’s development.

Enrolments remain open – if you would like a tour of the school with principal Vincent Ryan and Year 6 students, please do not hesitate to contact the school to organise a time on 5856 1347.