GENERAL NEWS
PRINCIPAL FOR A DAY
Emily Lasker
Recently I wrote a letter of application for the role of Principal for a Day. Following the interview process I was selected as the successful candidate. Wow…this was my opportunity to demonstrate my leadership skills.
On Monday 12th November 2018, I took on the role as Principal for the Day. No school uniform for me; I wore clothing the staff would wear. I was even presented with my own St Nicholas name badge: “Emily Lasker, Principal”.
Once I arrived at school my first job for the day was playground duty. I then assisted to run some of our Monday Assembly. My public speaking skills were quickly put to the test.
My next job for the day was to assist with the Kindergarten Orientation. It took me back to my first day at St Nicholas School. The new Kindies were so small and some were leaving their parents for only the second time for a morning at big school. After a few tearful moments, they were happy to stay at our school in the safe hands of our wonderful Kindy Teachers to experience all our school has to offer.
I then had morning tea in the staff room. Thank you Mrs Macpherson for the yummy slice you whipped up for us all! After morning tea it was back to work. I teamed up with Mrs Doyle checking PAT test and Mini-Lit data. This was followed by a ‘learning walk’ around the school. I was able to get an insight into the way all the different grades work by using our learning spaces and using the strategy WALT WILL WILT. In my role I was able to step inside the spaces and see what everyone was learning. I was greeted as Miss Lasker.
During second break I had a cup of tea with my wonderful teachers Mrs O'Sullivan and Mrs Hofman.
I also had the opportunity to sit with Mrs McSweeney and learn about her role and how she enjoys doing the productions that our school perform. Mrs Slattery informed me about absent forms and how much work behind the scenes is involved.
In the afternoon I stepped back into my own grade during their Art lesson in my capacity as Principal.
I then spent some time with Mr V discussing how many students from my year have been at St Nicholas School from Kindergarten all the way to Year 6. I have been at St Nicholas School for 7 years. That’s a long time and I cannot believe it will soon be at an end. I am delighted to say that I provided Mr V with a long list of events I would like to see the school hold.
Thank you so much Mr V for letting me walk alongside you and see our school from your perspective. What a privilege it was to be the Principal for the Day. Gosh Mr V, whoever takes over your role has some big shoes to fill! It opened my eyes as to what needs to be done in a day to make our school run as smooth as clockwork. I would also like to thank the teachers for welcoming me as well as the interview panel for allowing me to take on this role. This opportunity will be with me forever. Thank you
END OF THE 2018 SCHOOL YEAR
Whole School Mass
Thursday, 6 December 2018 - 9.30am
The Undercroft
(Full School Summer Uniform)
The end of year Whole School Mass will be held 9.30am on Thursday, 6 December 2018 in the Undercroft. Students will be required to be dressed in full summer uniform for this day.
Presentation Night Rehearsal
Thursday, 13 December 2018 - 8.45am to 2.55pm
TRECC
(Sports Uniform)
Students come to school as normal with recess, lunch and water bottle packed in their school bag. Students will be transported to and from the TRECC throughout the day. There will be no canteen facilities on this day. Infant students may be collected early from school after their rehearsal (only if convenient for parents) to rest up for the big night.
Presentation Night
Thursday, 13 December 2018 - 6.30pm
TRECC
(Full School Summer Uniform)
The teachers and students are working hard to prepare entertainment items for our upcoming Annual Presentation Night which will be held at the TRECC on Thursday, 13 December 2018 at 6.30pm. Students will be required to be dressed in full summer uniform for this evening and are asked to arrive at the TRECC no later than 6.10pm to be seated in their designated area.
PRESENTATION NIGHT AWARDS
Our annual Presentation Night is always a highly anticipated event on our school calendar. The evening is an opportunity for us all to gather together as a whole school community to reflect on our busy school year and to celebrate the successes of our students in the academic, sporting and cultural areas. There are also some very special awards that recognise individual students for their contribution to our school through their actions and participation. While not all students will receive awards, it is important to remember to focus on our own personal achievements and to be affirmed in knowing we have done our best. We look forward to sharing this very special evening with our staff, students, families and extended families.
THE BELLA CONLON AWARD
Bella was one of twin students in Kindergarten twenty three years ago. She lost her life in a tragic accident. Each year she is remembered by a special award given to a student who shows outstanding citizenship and Christian Living in Kinder to Year 2. This is presented by the Conlon Family who have been long time residents in Tamworth.
THE MARTIN HENRY AWARD
In 1985 Martin Henry was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a cancer that occurs in young children. Recent breakthroughs in research have increased the odds, in 1985, this was years away. Martin fought this terrible disease all the way into remission. Sadly, the disease returned suddenly and he passed away (Oct 3, 1986) aged 8 years old. The void left remains ever empty, but his example, of courage and determination highlights who the ‘real’ heroes really are. This year, this award will be presented to a student in Year 3 or 4 who shows great courage in the pursuit of their goals.
THE BURKE AWARD
This perpetual award was donated to the school by Mr and Mrs Brian and Robyn Burke whose son David was the last primary school captain of Christian Brothers College on the site which is now St Nicholas School. This award is given to a student in Year 5 or 6 who shows exceptional citizenship and leadership.
THE JOSEPH O’HALLORAN AWARD
This award was donated to the school in memory of Joseph who when in Year 1 at St Nicholas School was killed in a tragic accident. This is awarded to a student in Kinder to Year 3 who has made a contribution to school life at St Nicholas School through their consideration of others.
THE PETER JENKINS AWARD
Peter Jenkins was an active parent and Board member in our school community until he lost his life to cancer. Peter’s three children Bridget, Marion and Alex were all students of St Nicholas School and McCarthy Catholic College. This is awarded to a student from Year 4 to 6 who shows outstanding contribution to school life with courage in the pursuit of their goals.
THE LUKE HANNAFORD AWARD
Luke Hannaford was an ex-student of St Nicholas School and McCarthy Catholic College. He is the son of Mrs Leanne Hannaford, our Educational Assistant here at St Nicholas School. In 2004, when in Year 3 Luke developed a brain tumour. After long but successful treatment, Luke returned to school however over the years that followed Luke would continue to battle numerous tumours. In spite of this challenge, Luke always had a smile on his face and never lost his sense of fun or his desire to make others happy despite his hard battle. Sadly Luke lost his long fight with cancer on the 12th July 2015 at the age of 20 and it is with great pride that his family present the inaugural Luke Hannaford Award here this evening. This award is in memory of Luke’s sense of happiness and humour. It is presented to a student who comes to school each day with a sense of fun and passes this happiness on to the rest of the community.
ST DOMINIC AWARD
As a Dominican founded school we draw on the Dominican tradition of searching for truth, learning and prayer for our inspiration. One student from each class from Year 3 to 5 will be awarded for outstanding academic achievement in Key Learning Areas.
MOUNT CARMEL AWARD
This award will complement the Dominic Award. While the Dominic Award is based largely on academic
achievement, this award will take into account outstanding application and effort. It will be awarded to students from each class in Year 3 to Year 5 at St Nicholas School.
SLOW DOWN AND STAY SAFE
Please .... please ... please !! For the safety and care of our children ....
1. Use the pedestrian crossing to cross Carthage Street.
2. Be patient and polite on the roads.
3. Have respect for all our neighbours.
There is no excuse for bad manners.
SCHOOL STUDENT TRANSPORT SCHEME (SSTS)
Applications now open for 2019
School student applications for 2019 open from Monday, 15 October 2018.
Students progressing to year 3 and year 7 do not need to re-apply if they:
- are continuing at the same school
- are residing at the same address
- have not been sent an expiry notification from Transport for NSW.
Where a student meets the new distance eligibility, the system will automatically update their entitlement. If they do not meet the new eligibility, they will receive an expiry notification. Students who have an entitlement approved under a medical condition which is due to expire will receive a notification advising them to re-apply. Term Bus Pass holders will receive a notification to re-apply. If students need to update their information or re-apply, they should go online to https://apps.transport.nsw.gov.au/ssts/updateDetails
Applications need to be submitted before 31 December 2018 to ensure student entitlements are updated and their current entitlement/card is not cancelled. If their application is submitted after 31 December 2018, the system will automatically cancel a card and a new one will need to be issued.
Students residing in Rural and Regional (R&R) areas should receive their travel pass at the commencement of the new school year from their nominated operator. Note: some R&R operators do not issue travel passes. Students should check with their operator for more information.
For further information visit https://apps.transport.nsw.gov.au/ssts
WHEN KIDS DON'T PLAY BY THE RULES ANYMORE
by Michael Grose
Recently, I had a conversation with two parents who’s children wouldn’t cooperate with them any more. Their kids were both thirteen and they were too old for some things such as joining the family at the dinner table, but they weren’t too old to be driven to school. They cooperated with their parents when it suited them. They resisted when it didn’t. They played by some rules and deliberately broke others.
Both kids were the eldest in their family. They were both taking their parents through new parenting ground.
Thirteen is a notoriously difficult age. It’s an age of regression. This is not to excuse abusive or uncooperative behaviour but it does provide some context.
Approaching this time is tricky, as parents want to maintain good relationships but also need to ensure their kids stay safe and engaged in family and school-life.
One way of working with children and young people who directly challenge you or the status quo is to get them working for you, rather than against you.
You can’t pick and choose
Many young teens like to distance themselves from their families. Not quite teenagers in the real sense of the term and no longer children, they are stuck in the middle of two stages. It can be a struggle for many parents.
It’s common for kids in this age group to want to operate outside of the family. Teenagers need to be cut some latitude and not be expected to do the same things as they did when kids. As parents we need to make some adjustments. However expect them to come to the party for important things such as treating siblings respectfully and turning up for family mealtimes.
They can’t opt out of reasonable family obligations; nor can they cooperate on their terms only. Life is full of give and take. The best place to learn this is in the relative safety of a loving family.
Co-operation is two way
Sometimes young people need to be reminded of the tenuous nature of cooperation. One way to do this is for a parent to temporarily withdraw their assistance around activities they value such as being driven to places; having meals cooked; even having clothes washed.
If you withdraw your cooperation in this way, make sure you do it calmly so that your young person or child doesn’t interpret it as play for power. Cooperation is an all or nothing thing so let them experience your non-cooperation for a time. Think this through very carefully. You may need to outlast your young person to make a point so do it at a time when you feel strong
‘I can use your help’
One way of working with children and young people who directly challenge you or the status quo is to get them working for you, rather than against you. Acknowledge that they are older and that you could really use their help to look out for and after their siblings. Many young teens search for significance within their family so give them more responsibility rather than less so that they can feel older.
You build your skills with the outliers
The outliers in your family will always test your parenting skills. You may have to throw out the playbook that used to work and look for different strategies to bring these outliers in from the cold.
Whatever method you use I think it’s essential that you don’t allow kids to operate outside the family rules and norms for too long. It becomes tiresome for you and destructive for family life as well.
Michael Grose, founder of Parenting Ideas, is one of Australia’s leading parenting educators. He’s the author of 10 books for parents including Thriving! and the best-selling Why First Borns Rule the World and Last Borns Want to Change It, and his latest release Spoonfed Generation: How to raise independent children.
NEWSLETTER DISTRIBUTION
Paper copies of the newsletter are available for collection at the front office each Thursday afternoon after 2.00pm. If you would prefer a paper copy then ask your child to collect one from the front office before leaving school.
McCARTHY CATHOLIC COLLEGE
Year 7 2019
Orientation Day
Please be advised that the date of the McCarthy Catholic College Orientation Day for Year 7 2019 has had to be changed due to a clash with a Year 6 excursion.
The new date is 3 December 2018. Parents will be notified of the change from McCarthy.
More details regarding Orientation Day will be published closer to the date.
Any queries, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Jo O'Brien at McCarthy Catholic College on 67610800.
KINDERGARTEN 2019
Orientation Day 3
Monday, 19th November 2018
9.00am to 11.00am
DRAMA AND COMMUNICATION CLASSES
St Nicholas Public Speaking Competition.
One of the highlights of the school year is the St Nicholas Public Speaking Final. It will be held on Thursday 22nd November in the school auditorium at 11.30 am. These speeches are always:informative, humourous and thoroughly entertaining. The ten finalists always amaze us with their original and often hilarious topics. Everyone is welcome to come and watch. This is also one of our important House events.