Principals Message 

As Term 3 draws to a close we have much to celebrate here at ASC. Congratulations to our graduating class of 2022. 143 students will graduate on Friday and head out into the world to make a positive difference to our community and the world. Their families will be watching them graduate in our brand new Multi-Purpose Centre. What a privilege it has been to be able to share the educational journey with these students and their families. We wish them all the very best for their upcoming HSC examinations and know that they will be taking full advantage of the holiday period to revise and prepare. 

A special well done to Thitipat (Bonny) Jarulerdanan and Jacob Pearce whose Industrial Technology works have been nominated to be a part of InTech and to Madison Sim who has been nominated to perform her HSC Music 2 piece in Encore. Students are nominated for these HSC showcase events only if they achieve at the highest level.

Last week our Senior Student Leadership Team, supported by Ms Hoddinott arranged for Year 10, 11 and our parents to participate in workshops with Tomorrow Man and Tomorrow Women. These very challenging workshops are designed to disrupt stereotypes and build emotional muscle. We have had a fantastic response to these workshops from our students and feel confident that they will take the lessons learned from the workshops into their daily lives.

Year 7 and 8 parents we encourage you to come along on the first Wednesday of next term to find out more about how you can support your student’s learning through the Get Caught Reading program. Our year 7 and 8 classes have been participating in this reading development program this year and the results that are being achieved through consistency and resilience in learning are very impressive. I want to give a special shout out to 7HUMS Blue for their excellent work and progress. There are details of the Parent information evening later in the newsletter.

Next term we will be trailing with selected classes our new Digital Learning Management System, Canvas. Canvas is a fantastic learning tool and our Canvas Action Team are very excited about how they can provide ongoing quality feedback on student submissions using the tool. The use of Canvas at our school will provide greater transparency for families about what is being learned, how well it is being learned and also what students need to do to improve further. The tool will be rolled out progressively over the next few years and will be enhanced by our Bring your own device program. Students across all year groups will be using Canvas next year so if you are considering end of year gifts for your learner, perhaps a laptop could be on the list. WE also have laptops available at school for students to borrow.

We will see some staff changes next term with recruitment occurring for leadership roles, teaching and non teaching positions. As previously announced, Ms Tammy Cameron will be taking up her new position as Principal of Dorrigo High School at the start of Term 4. Dorrigo is very fortunate to have such a caring, innovative and professional leader, she will be missed by all of us here but especially by her Stage 4 Boys Group. Mrs Janette Holmes will return to us in her Head Teacher Stage 6 role after two terms as relieving Deputy Principal at Guyra Central School. Mr Tom Model has accepted a transfer position to HSIE at Erina High School on the Central Coast. Erina is excited to be getting such an excellent staff member with great football coaching skills. Mrs Deb Moore who has been relieving as Head Teacher HSIE has been successful in gaining a position as Head Teacher Mentor at Coonamble High. Sensei Moore will be using her skills and experiences as a passionate beginning teacher mentor to ensure our rural and remote NSW schools attract and maintain the best beginning teachers. Congratulations Sensei we wish you all the best on your next adventure. I am thrilled to have been able to accept the position of Principal here at Armidale Secondary College permanently and to be able to remove the (Rel.) from my signature. I am excited by the challenge ahead of ensuring that our exceptional public high school is the first educational choice for the Armidale community. The possibilities for what we can achieve together are endless.

A reminder to everyone that ASC is a uniform wearing school. We have a multiform that gives all students a variety of choices about what to wear to school. Tights are not a part of our school uniform and should be kept for the weekends, sport and exercise. Wearing our uniform shows that you belong, that you are a part of a vibrant and inclusive school community. Uniform helps to promote equity for all students and shows that you are proud to belong. Black fully enclosed leather shoes don’t just look good but they are safe to wear for all activities in labs, kitchens and workshops. If families are struggling, we have uniforms available for students so that everyone can show they belong. Our uniform sends a message to the wider community. When we wear it we look smart and respectful and people in the community recognise that and it assists to build a positive perception of the school. 

Have a wonderful spring break and enjoy some relaxation and rejuvenation ready for a fresh new start in Term 4.