FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Term 4 - Week 6

Last week St Nicholas' commitment to a well rounded and holistic education was paramount in our Year 5 and Year 6 excursions. Our Year 6 students were fortunate to experience the wonders of our nation's Capital and Year 5’s enjoyed the adventure of Lake Burrendong.

While both the excursions cover key components of different syllabi, arguably the greatest impact aligns with their personal development. Traveling away from home to new environments, without family, often presents new anxieties and feelings. This is particularly the case in 2022 as COVID has denied these children many lead up experiences.

I would like to congratulate our Year 5 and Year 6 children, staff and parents on wonderful successful excursions. 

The success of an excursion relies on two key factors:

1. Planning and preparation: Thank you to our teachers and support staff for the detail and time that went into planning and preparation. Our students were set up for success.
2. Student attitudes: Our students' commitment to living and learning safely and with value , respect and courtesy directly impacts the enjoyment and success of any excursion. I was delighted to inform our Year 6 students on Monday morning, I have never taken a more respectful and courteous group of students away on an excursion throughout my career. Well done!

Amanda O’Halloran

With a tinge of sadness accompanying great pride I announce Mrs Amanda O’Halloran has been successful in her application to join the Catholic Schools Office as a Subject Matter Expert: Inclusion.

Throughout her four years at St Nicholas Amanda has earnt the enormous respect of our school community for her knowledge, professionalism and caring manner in the inclusion space. She has been an amazing asset to our school and personally provided wonderful support.

While Amanda will be missed enormously, her promotion opens an opportunity for somebody else. I hope to announce our new Inclusion Support Teacher (IST) in the coming days. Pleasingly Amanda’s new role will involve support and coaching for our new IST.

Social Interactions

Historically the 2nd half of Term 4 presents a significant rise in socially concerning behavior from our students. Added complexities during this time can often lead to unproductive social interactions amongst peers.

Once again I would like to highlight the resource 'School TV'. This month's edition is ‘Bullying’. Unfortunately, no school is immune to the impacts of bullying. This edition outlines practical strategies in how to identify bullying behaviours.

Bullying is an ongoing or repeated misuse of power in relationships, with the intention to cause deliberate psychological harm. Bullying behaviours can be verbal, physical or social. It can happen in person or online, via various digital platforms and devices and it can be obvious or hidden. Bullying in any form or for any reason can have immediate, medium and long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders.

Despite the efforts made to reduce bullying behaviours, the research tells us that one in four students still report being bullied every few weeks. However, not all negative behaviour should be considered bullying. The key difference is that bullying does not stop on its own. It’s important young people learn how to identify behaviours that are rude, behaviours that are mean, and behaviours that are related to bullying.

Often the reasons for bullying can be complex. Some young people do it to get approval from others, some do it to regain control, whilst others may do it because it makes them feel safe. Supporting young people as they work through their emotions will help them unpack the motivation and reason behind the behaviour.

In this edition of School TV, caregivers can better understand why some young people engage in bullying behaviours and what to do to support a child experiencing it. 

 https://stnicholastamworth.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/bullying

Have a great week

John Clery

PRINCIPAL