General News
Dhulu - Message Stick
Yaama!
Cultural Immersion Groups
At St Edward's School, we provide weekly Cultural Immersion lessons for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The lessons are programmed and taught by our Aboriginal Education Assistants. Each grade will have one lesson a week focusing on a significant part of Aboriginal Education and Culture.
Kindergarten - The Dreamtime
Year 1 - Aboriginal Art & Gamilaraay Language
Year 2 - Cultural practices & Gamilaraay Language
Year 3 - Identity, Family/Kinship & Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Role Models
Year 4 - Gamilaraay Language
Year 5 - Connections to Country
Year 6 - Indigenous History & Storytelling
Gamilaraay Word of the Week
Gunagala (Sky) & Dhawun (Country)
Week 1: Gunimaa / Mother Earth
Week 2: Dhawun / Land, Country
Week 3: Bagay / River
Week 4: Gunagala / Sky
AEA team
Brittany Cloake - bcloake2@arm.catholic.edu.au
Primary AEA
Jarrod Peachey - jpeachey@arm.catholic.edu.au
Primary AEA
Amanda Gwalter - agwalter@arm.catholic.edu.au
Infants AEA
Sally-Anne Clarke - sclarke@arm.catholic.edu.au
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Focus Teacher
Word of the Week
Students are encouraged to continually use the "Word of the Week" in context during class, expanding their oral language skills, one word at a time! Each time a student uses our 'Word of the Week' in the classroom, they will earn a point. The student with the most points at the end of the term will receive a book prize to further expand their vocabulary.
We will publish our Word of the Week on Facebook and in the newsletter. Please encourage and support your child to use this word at home.
Term 4 Week 4 Word of the Week "GLUM"
Kinder 2026 Orientation Mornings
This Friday, 7th November, from 9.30-11.30am, we again welcome our Kindergarten students for 2026 as part of our transition program. The third and final Orientation morning will be held on:
Friday 21st November, 9.30-11.30am (Week 6)
Children are asked to bring a hat, a drink bottle and a snack for each orientation session. They can wear play clothes with closed-in shoes. At each Orientation visit, we ask that parents enter via the back gate on Thompson Crescent, and staff will be there ready to support your child to happily enter the kindy space.
These orientation sessions are an extremely important way for your child to prepare socially for the transition to school.
Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day falls on the 11th November each year. On the 11th hour, on the 11th day of the 11th month, a minute’s silence is observed and dedicated to those soldiers who died fighting to protect our nation. A short prayer service with the students will be held at each Campus this Tuesday 11th November to commemorate and remember all Australians who have died as a result of war. Our School Captains, Ivy and Charlie, will also attend the Remembrance Day Service with Mrs Hatton and Mrs Salvestrin at the Tamworth Town Hall.
St. Vincent de Paul Christmas Hamper Appeal
We ask all students and families to donate non-perishable food items that can be put into a Christmas Hamper to help those families who are struggling. Some suggestions are non-perishable basic items such as noodles, cereals, biscuits, muesli bars, tea, coffee, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and conditioner. In addition to these items, they are hoping for some items to help people in need celebrate Christmas, such as chocolates, soft drinks, Christmas cakes and puddings. Please help us share the Christmas spirit of giving to those in need. Every item counts. Donations can be made to the class teachers or at either school office. Thank you for your support!
St Ed's Presentation Night - Tuesday 9th December
SAVE THE DATE - Please note that our St Ed's End of Year Awards Presentation Night will be held on Tuesday 9th December at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment Centre, commencing at 6.00pm sharp, doors open from 5.30pm. Family members are all invited to attend. Please join us for a memorable evening, celebrating our school achievements, grade performances and class awards.
Further information regarding this event will be communicated closer to the date.
School Return Dates for Term 1 2026
Tuesday 27th January - Staff Development Day
Wednesday 28th January - Staff Development Day
Thursday 29th January - Students in Years 1 - 6 return to school
Thursday 29th January - Wednesday 4th February - Best Start Assessments for Kindergarten students
Thursday 5th February - Kindergarten students commence
Student Drink Bottles
With a spike in warmer temperatures, it is important that all students arrive at school each day with a drink bottle to remain well hydrated. We ask parents to please check and ensure that your children have a water bottle in their school bag daily. Thank you for your continued support.
Pupil Free Day
Please note our final Pupil Free Day for this year is Thursday 18th December.
School Fees
As we approach the end of the 2025 school year, we sincerely thank our families who have already paid or have set up a recurring payment plan. We kindly remind all families that school fees must be paid in full by Friday 21st November 2025 as outlined in your Statement of School Fees. You can check your current owing balance via the Compass App > More > School Fees. Compass Pay or BPAY are our preferred method of payment for school fees. If you are unable to pay your school fee balance, please email Hannah Barnes - setadmin@arm.catholic.edu.au
Late Arrivals
We cannot stress enough the importance of getting your children to school on time every day. There has been an increase of students arriving at school after the bell time of 8.45am. Students arriving at school late has an impact on the students themselves, the class and the teacher, not to mention the valuable learning time the students are missing if this is a regular occurrence. Please support us in ensuring your children arrive at school before 8.45am.
Change of Details
It is imperative that the school office be advised of any change of details, such as a change in family situation, address, workplace, email addresses and phone numbers. Please email any changes to your personal details to setadmin@arm.catholic.edu.au. Thank you.
Leaving or Relocating??
Planning for the 2026 school year is well underway. Over the coming weeks, we will be placing students in classes for 2026. If your child is currently in K – Year 5 and you will NOT be returning to St Edward’s in 2026, please let the school know in writing as soon as possible.
P & F Upcoming Events - Save the dates!
We thank our amazing St Ed's P & F who have been busily organising the following fundraiser events for the remainder of the school year. Please mark these important dates in your calendar.
St Ed's Annual Golf Day
Mark your calendars for Sunday, 30th November! Our annual golf day is back and promises to be a fantastic day of fun, friendly competition, and community spirit. It's the perfect opportunity to hit the green, catch up with other parents, and support our school.
Sponsorship
We are also seeking sponsors to help make this year's event the biggest success yet. If you or your business is in a position to offer sponsorship, we would be incredibly grateful for your support. There are various sponsorship packages available to suit different budgets. Interested in sponsoring? Please fill out our online form by scanning the QR code in the flyer or clicking here
We can't wait to see you on the course!
Gingerbread House Decorating Night - Saturday 13th December, 6.00 pm Primary Hall
Invite your friends, family, and neighbours to a super fun, low-stress Gingerbread House Decorating Night!
All you need to do is purchase one of our pre-made Gingerbread House Kits from Compass, and then join us on Saturday, 13th December at 6.00 pm to assemble and decorate together. No baking needed!
It’s a wonderful tradition to start and a fun way to catch up with friends. Spread the word!
This is an adults-only social event, perfect for a relaxing night out.
Compass how to order:
- Log onto Compass > More > Canteen
- Select your eldest child > select a day from now until 12th November 2025 > Order via the Canteen menu - Gingerbread House Night - 13th December 2025
- Ensure your order is processed by checking the receipt emailed from COMPASS
All orders must be placed via Compass Canteen no later than Wednesday 12th November 2025
For any Compass ordering enquiries, please contact the school office.
2026 Travel Passes
School Student Travel Information for Parents and Students
School Travel Passes
Applications are now open for 2026 School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) travel. Students in the Opal network applying for an Opal card (including a Term Bus Pass) for the first time will receive their School Opal card at their nominated postal address from mid-January 2026. Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply for a new card or update their existing card as soon as possible. Students who receive a notification that their School Opal card is expiring need to resubmit their details. If a student has lost their School Opal card, they will need to apply for a replacement card.
Note: a new card will not be issued if an existing School Opal card is updated online – you must submit a replacement application if a School Opal card is lost. In the Opal network, students should travel with a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card. If outside Greater Sydney, parents should contact their local bus operator to discuss their travel needs. Students living in rural and regional areas will receive their travel pass from their nominated transport operator. It may be issued via their school or be sent directly to them at home. Note: Some rural and regional operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.
Terms of Use: Students using School Opal cards must tap on and tap off in line with the Opal terms of use. This includes travel within the approved times between 6.30am and 7.00pm from Monday to Friday on school days only. Students must use their Child/Youth Opal card for any travel outside these times. All students are required to comply with the Student Code of Conduct. The code of conduct aims to ensure the safety and well-being of school children and other passengers. It is important that parents ensure their child is aware of this, as failure to comply with the code of conduct can result in a suspension from travel.
Application for Extended Leave - 10 days or more
Family holidays and travel are no longer considered under the Exemption from School Procedures. Travel outside of vacation periods is now counted as an absence for statistical purposes. Please contact the school office if your child/ren will be away from school for 10 days or more, as an application form will need to be completed and approved at the discretion of the Principal.
Student Absences
Please remember to explain all student absences on Compass within 7 days of the absence. Once the 7 days pass, you will not be able to make any changes, and this will be reflected in your child's semester school report. If your child is absent, please jump on to Compass on the day. There are 2 messages sent out: 1 on the day at 10.00 am and then a reminder email every Friday for unexplained absences that week.
Esteem Kids
Before-school care is available in the Infants Hall for both Primary and Infants students. It operates from 7:00am to 8:30am, Monday to Friday during the term, and includes breakfast.
After-school care is available in the Infants Hall for Infants students only from 3:00pm to 6:00pm, Monday through Friday. Our Primary after-school care operates from the Art Room for primary students only from 3:00pm to 6:00pm, Monday through Friday. Afternoon tea is also provided.
Families are encouraged to make enquiries or express interest by contacting William Wong on 0410 841 628 or email: info@esteemkidsgroup.com.au or visit the website at www.esteemkidsgroup.com.au
ABSENCES - Please remember to contact (telephone or text) Esteem Kids St Edward's directly if your child is going to be absent on 0481 373 883. Thank you.
McCarthy Catholic College - Yr 7 2026 Orientation Day
Real Talk Parents & Caregivers Sessions - 2025
Real Talk Parents & Caregivers Sessions will be held at McCarthy Catholic College on Wednesday, 12th November from 6.00-7.00pm (Primary School focused) & 7.30-8.30pm (Secondary School focused).
TOPICS BEING COVERED:
• Current culture and what’s impacting our kids
• Trends and statistics around young people and tech use
• Developmental changes & our kids.
• How to have these important chats
If you are attending, please RSVP HERE
Armidale Diocesan Investment Group (ADIG) Client Feedback Survey
ADIG would love their customers/clients to complete a short 5-minute survey (link below or scan the QR code) about their service and how they can better meet the needs of our community. They would greatly appreciate hearing from you.
https://adig.com.au/adig-survey
SWAP IT
SWAP IT is a free, evidence-based school lunchbox program. The program supports parents and carers to SWAP what is packed in their child’s lunchbox from sometimes foods to everyday foods. Visit their Website here.
Cancer Council Healthy Lunch Box
Visit 'Cancer Council Healthy Lunch Box' for a one-stop shop for everything you need to know about packing a healthy lunch box.
Don't forget to like us on Facebook and tell your family and friends about our page too!
St Edward's Primary School: Facebook
We are now on Instagram too! Feel free to follow our page to keep in touch with the fantastic things that happen at St Edward's Primary School.
St Edward's Primary School: Instagram
