Hats on in teacher’s honour

STUDENTS and staff at a Bacchus Marsh primary school capped off a unique way of raising funds for the fight against cancer last week, in honour of a beloved teacher with the disease.

St Bernard’s Parish Primary School held a Hats On For Mrs Battaglia day on Wednesday 29 May, as part of Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea.

School principal, Mary Sarah Galbraith, said it was wonderful to see the school community get onboard such a worthy cause, and support a long-serving teacher.

“It was a really fun day. The children responded so beautifully to it,” Ms Galbraith said.

“We were thinking about the best way we could show solidarity with Tonena [Battaglia]. Due to her treatment, she’s had hair loss, and wears a hair wrap or hat.

“We thought, well, if that was what she wears, what was the best way we could show we love her, and how could we best be with her in this moment?

“Mrs Battaglia is a much-loved member of our community, and so we decided to wear a hat in her honour.

“We had everything from Easter hats, country western hats, furry pink cowboy hats, and monster hats.

“It’s the first year we’ve done it, and the students and staff were so enthusiastic.”

Despite going through the difficult time of cancer treatment, Ms Galbraith said Mrs Battaglia was the kind of person that “never thinks about herself”.

“She’s been with us for about 23 years now; she’s gorgeous.

“Her whole focus is somebody else always; she’s never thinking about herself. Even on special days, if she’s feeling well, she’ll come in for an hour or two.”

About $1,100 was raised during Hats On For Mrs Battaglia day, partially through an auction and raffle.