From the Principal's Desk

Relieving Director Educational Leadership

I have been asked to relieve as the Director Educational Leadership - Armidale for the remainder of the year while Mr Hobbs is on leave.  Mrs Deiderick and Mrs Pennington will again share the relieving principal role. 

School Administration Manager

This week I received an email indicating that Dawn Stainton has been appointed as our School Administration Manager permanently.  Dawn has been relieving in the position since 2021.  Dawn is certainly an asset to our school and we are very fortunate to have her.  Congratulations Dawn.

Staffing for 2024

Planning is well underway for 2024.  At the end of this year, we will be saying farewell to two of our teachers.  Ellie Barraclough will be taking up an appointment at Walcha Central School and Annabel Cullen will be moving to St Mary's Guyra.  Ellie and Annabel will be missed but I wish them well at their new schools.

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Emma Polson back to the school.  Emma has been working across the New England/North West Area supporting schools as a Lead Specialist in Numeracy.  She will be returning in 2024 as our Assistant Principal Curriculum and Instruction.

I can now let you know who will be teaching each stage next year. 

Kindergarten - Mrs Pennington and Mrs Harris (1 day)

Stage 1 Magpies - Mrs McCathie and Mrs Corcoran

Stage 1 Possums - Miss Newman

Stage 2 Bilbies - Miss Randall

Stage 2 Wombats - Miss Landow

Stage 3 Emus - Mrs Bull

Stage 3 Dingoes - Mrs Townsend

Stage 1 Diverse Learning Teacher (High Potential and Gifted Education and Learning Support - Mrs Beard

Stage 2 and 3 Diverse Learning Teacher (High Potential and Gifted Education and Learning Support - Mrs Deiderick

Library, Digital Technology & Creative Thinking - Mrs Dunham

Assistant Principal Curriculum and Instruction - Mrs Polson

School Learning Support Officers - Ms See (Kindergarten), Ms Rose (Stage 1)

We will also have Mrs Stainton and Mrs Frost in the office, and Mr Schaeffer as the General Assistant.

Each year we have requests for classes etc.  Please be aware that requests are sometimes conflicting, and not all requests can be accommodated. Teachers work diligently on the complex task of creating functional class groupings for the new year.  We aim to create classes with an even mix of boys and girls, academic and social development levels, behavioural and learning support needs, while also accounting for friendships, separations and other student needs. 

Stage 3 Major Excursion

Stage 3 have their excursion to Coffs Harbour next week, leaving Monday and returning on Wednesday. Students should be at school no later than 8.15am ready to leave at 8.30am. Please remember, no mobile phones are permitted. 

Celebration of Learning Assembly

The Celebration of Learning Assembly will be held on Friday 8th December starting at 12.00pm.  Parents will be notified if your child will be receiving an award. 

PAX Word of the Fortnight: SPORTMANSHIP

                                                       Weeks 7 and 8

 What Is Sportsmanship?  Sportsmanship is when people who are playing or watching a sport treat each other with respect.  This includes players, parents, coaches, officials, and fans.

Watch this video for more ideas about sportsmanship -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iE-G5vylx8Q 

How can you encourage others to show sportsmanship?                  

Every Day Matters

Missing a day here or there may not seem like much, but absences add up and can negatively impact your child’s learning and wellbeing. When your child misses one day a week that’s 40 days of school and 8 weeks of learning in one year. Over an entire school journey this adds up to 2.5 years of lost learning.

Set your child up for success at school.  Good attendance is key to your child being able to fulfil their potential and make good progress in school. #EveryDayMatters 

Let's do this together. 

Ian Reeves

Principal