FROM THE PRINCIPAL

To the St Nicholas School Community

TERM 1 - WEEK 9

Welcome to Week 9 Term 1, 2021.

The rain and subsequent flooding of the last week is yet another reminder of the hardships Australians continue to face in these uncertain times. People's lives have been turned upside down, often through no fault of their own. The floods are a reminder that life can be brutally unfair.

For all of us there are learnings we can take out of these tragic circumstances. As parents we want to protect our children and see them ‘get a fair go’. However it is important to sit with our children and explain life is not always fair. Infact, there will be times in their life when they are dealt a very cruel blow. 

It also reminds me why at St Nicholas we are so heavily pushing our three creeds in 2021:

• I am safe.
• I am valued, respected and cared for.
• I am a learner.

While we have a duty of care to keep our children ‘safe’ and our core business is ‘learning’, never has there been a more important time to be kind. Valuing, respecting and caring is the first (and possibly greatest) way of supporting each other.

Green Day

Last week's Green Day took on extra significance as we welcomed our parents back onto the school grounds for the first time since the outbreak of the pandemic. Community events such as Green Day remind me how fortunate we are at St Nicholas. Please enjoy the video highlighting this wonderful day.

Thanks to our Year 6 staff and students for their organisation and efforts. Their ability to think creatively, supporting a cashless site, is commendable. Please see the “Our Faith” section of the newsletter to learn of the amazing total raised by our community for Caritas.

Art Competition 

Last Friday's Gallery for the Art Competition was another wonderful opportunity for our students. At a time when educators face unprecedented pressures on the achievement of our students in literacy and numeracy, it would be easy to drop extra curricular activities. Our staff’s continued commitment to providing opportunities such as the art show to our students is as strong as ever, and greatly appreciated by their principal. 

On behalf of our students, thank you to Miss Sophie Dewhurst, Mrs Amy Henry and their band of helpers.

Look out in next week's newsletter for a highlights video.

Armidale Diocesan Sporting Gala Days

For the last four weeks I have called on parent feedback in regards to St Nicholas Schools' historical stance of not participating in Armidale Diocesan Sporting events. The response from parents has been unanimous in their desire for St Nicholas School students to participate.

I therefore have no hesitation in listening to the school community and advising St Nicholas School students will participate in the Armidale Diocesan Sporting Gala Day events in 2021.

Name for our Student Centred Courtyard

As articulated in last week's newsletter, I call on the St Nicholas School Community to help in the naming of this space. Please, put on your creative hats and come up with a great name. All ideas, please forward to jclery1@arm.catholic.edu.au

Have a wonderful week

John Clery

PRINCIPAL