The program, which allows permanent teachers to take up short term placement in rural or remote areas of the state has brought Rachael Flett to our school community and she has been staggered by the great array of opportunities already available to the local students.
Mrs Flett, who has experienced teaching in China and large Sydney schools, has introduced local youngsters to Spanish, cooking, gardening, robotics and virtual reality classes, as well as drama, debating, public speaking and ceramics.
She has also assisted students achieving at elevated levels of learning by providing tailored support and extension opportunities in literacy and numeracy.
The program has been a win:win situation for both the school and the participating teacher so full marks should go to both.
●●●
Mathoura Bowling Club had near-full greens for its Gulpa Creek Fours Tournament last weekend.
The event was held over Saturday and Sunday and the perfect greens greeted the 26 teams (104 bowlers) who entered. By the end of day one there were five three-game winners so Sunday would see the first three positions decided.
Success went to the only five-game winners, a team from Diamond Creek skipped by P McEvoy.
The remaining places were decided on points and shots up with Rod Werner’s composite side claiming second and B Witcher’s Ballarat team taking third place.
Highest winning margin prizes were won by T Taylor (+18) in Game 4 and Joe Murphy (+28) in Game 5. A lucky card draw was won by K Walsh (Tongala).
Organisers are grateful to sponsors and to everyone who contributed to the success of the tournament in any way.
●●●
Mathoura Public School students got up close and personal with some deadly critters last week.
A Deadly Australians presentation enabled the youngsters to gain first hand knowledge of the dangers of a number of venomous snakes - safely stored in their containers - as well as getting a feel for a blue-tongue lizard.
●●●
A local family’s association with Mathoura Football Netball Club extended into yet another generation on Saturday.
Harry McCormick followed in the footsteps of his dad Tony and grandfather Carey, when he took to the field in the club’s senior match against Tocumwal.
And to make the feat even more remarkable, Harry is just 14 years of age.
To cap off the day, Mathoura claimed the four points.
The local teenager has come up through the ranks with the club, starting with the fourths.
However, as the club has been unable to field a thirds team he was thrust into the reserves and has been dealing well with the hustle and bustle of the grade.
It was not only a proud occasion for Harry, but for all the McCormick family, especially his dad, Tony, who is still wearing a big smile on his face!
●●●
Many locals will remember former Murray Shire Councillor Warren Polglase, from Bunnaloo, who received a gong in the recent Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
Warren, or ‘Polly’ as he was better known, was awarded an OAM in recognition of his service to local government and to the Tweed River community.
His service to Tweed Shire includes six years as mayor while his community contribution included involvement with the Tweed Chamber of Commerce, Tweed Regional Art Gallery, Tweed South Rotary Club, Tweed Netball Association and Murwillumbah Community Centre.
Congratulations to Polly on a job well done!
●●●
Mathoura’s Events Committee is now ready to surge forward with its plans for the annual Easter Fair, together with the role it plays in helping other organisations achieve their particular goals.
The group’s recent Annual General Meeting saw Pauline Benham and Pam Fitzpatrick returned as president and treasurer, with the addition of Jo Harding as secretary and Kevin Laws as Public Officer.
They will be assisted by a committee comprising Allan Bugg, Linda McGuiness, Sandy Turner, Mick Gregson, Greg Harding and Tom Weyrich.
