CONGRATULATIONS are in order on three fronts for some of the pupils of the local school.

First we must say well done to the Year 6 leaders who did a wonderful job organising and running the clown doctors day at the school when everyone helped raise funds for the clown doctors. For such a small school they did very well to raise $38.30 on a fun day. A tremendous effort!

Next we should congratulate Ryan Hardgrave, Zalina Richards, Jordan Aqualina and Gwendoline Bell who have each achieved their bronze awards for school work, responsibility, behaviour, etc.

Finally congratulations to the five children who made it to the Manning Zone PSSA Cross Country Carnival at Wingham. You all did well to get there and represent your school and on the day you did your school proud. Keep up the good work.

Wednesday, May 27 is the official opening of the school kitchen garden which the pupils and community helpers have put such work and love into creating.

Community members are invited to come along and enjoy the fruits of the labours of the pupils and friends at the official opening where the lunch provided will consist of produce picked from the very first harvest along with a traditional aboriginal inspired lunch. The school’s friend, Aunty Mary, has promised to attend and teach the pupils about some bush tucker plants for the garden which she will bring along.

The children love to have friends and parents come along to days like this and Aunty Mary is a special friend to every pupil who attends our school. The pupils always look forward to and enjoy her visits very much. Thank you for making time for them in your busy life Aunty Mary. I’m sure they will love the bush tucker you introduce them to and have a great time.

If you, as an interested community member, would like to learn about bush tucker along with the children feel free to come to the school and listen to Aunty Mary. I’m sure you will enjoy her instruction on this matter and learn quite a lot.

Thanks to the P and C workers for providing the usual wonderful Mothers’ Day stall so the children could buy mum a gift without her having to drive them to town. It is always a great day. The Mothers’ Day lunch for mums and grandmothers was fun and a great time was enjoyed by all who attended.

NAPLAN testing is over for years 3 and 5 once more and gymnastics are on the go - much more fun I assure you - and a great way to get a little fitter.

Next term we intend to conduct cooking classes (probably so mums get a slightly more palatable breakfast in bed next Mothers’ Day as the young cooks have Fathers’ Day next to practice on dad) and are asking for the basic utensils and equipment you might no longer be using so more pupils can learn this helpful skill. Any donations of equipment can just be dropped off at the school as you pass on a week day. If unsure of what is needed please feel free to ring 6550 6555, Fax 6550 6417 or Email mtgeorge-p.school @det.nsw.edu.au and ask if what you have is suitable. Your assistance will be greatly appreciated.

MANY happy returns to Blake Smoothy who is the last one on my list to celebrate this month. Ex-Mount Georgian connections Jenna Allen and Robyn Hemmingway are in our thoughts this upcoming week, too, although not in the district anymore. We wish all of you very happy birthdays and hope you each have a healthy and prosperous year ahead of you so we can do the same next year. Above all be happy! It helps keep you feeling younger.

A little trivia for our June birthday friends - your birthstone (if one can call it that) is the pearl and your special flower is the rose.