Principal's Panorama

“...Love each other as I have loved you....” John (15:12-17)

Dear Parents, Carers and Friends,

Well past the half way mark for Term Two and continuing to live our school motto "STRIVE EVER HIGHER'. When we look at our beautiful, small school community, we ask ourselves a foundational question: What does it look like when we truly live out our calling as a Catholic School?

The answer is revealed daily, right before our eyes. Thanks to the dedication of our skilled helpful adults (including weekly volunteers such as Chris Heitbrink and Rita Williams), the enthusiasm of our children, and the support of our families, we are actively realising what we like to call our ‘golden reality’—a school where our faith is alive, our spaces are calm, and every child is deeply valued.

If you walk through our corridors on any given day, this is what you will see, hear, and feel:

• Fidelity in Relationships: Our classrooms have become beautifully calm, gentle learning spaces. We are hearing soft, gentle voices and a wonderful chorus of learning fill the air. Our teachers are working hard to ensure that when students need redirection, it happens quietly and privately, preserving the unconditional positive high regard we hold for every single learner.

   

• Sanctity of Life: We see God in each and every member of our community, made in His image and likeness. This respect extends directly to the world around us. Our students are stepping up as true stewards of creation, looking after our physical environment, using rubbish bins mindfully, and treating (most of) our resources with care and awe.

   

• The Common Good: In a small school, unity is our greatest strength. We are explicitly teaching the skill of collaboration so that every child’s voice is heard. Our teachers are working with system non-negotiables to ensure that the content we teach is accessible to everyone. We know that 'fair' does not always mean 'equal', and we are proud to wrap extra support around those who need it most so that every child has the opportunity to excel.

   

• Primacy of God: Being a Christ-centred community is at the forefront of everything we action. We walk with God in our hearts, starting and ending our days in reflection. Throughout our day; from morning Prayer, Grace, through to afternoon prayer, our children are learning that prayer is a living, breathing part of who we are, and has come a LONNNNGGG way from when some of us were at school!

   

At St Mary of the Angels, we are not just a place of academic learning; we are a family doing our daily work, living just as Jesus taught us.  So we can ensure a better future for all the young people in our care

Family Night

On the 19th June, we will be holding a "Family Movie and Games Night" here at St Mary of the Angels.

Although we would love a night of crock pots and warm toasty mash potatoes... that will have to hold off until Term 3 and instead we will have Sausage Sizzle and Popcorn!

Our Family Night will consist of:

•  a room where the movie ('G'-Rated) will be set up, please feel free to bring pillows or bean bag.
• a room set up with board games and playing cards!

Just a reminder, this is not a drop off and leave event, you will be required to stay with your child/ren, we want to see you as a family within our BIGGER family.

In order to ensure all have a safe and happy evening, water will be the only beverage option available for our young people and we ask that parents/carers support this completely.

We are looking forward to seeing all parents and carers with their children on Friday 19th June, do not forget to RSVP!

Parent Liason Groups 

Speaking about parents and carers... a reminder about of PEN Network and our WhatsApp Groups for each Stage.

I am unable to add parents/carers who do not give permission to be added, so please complete the 'expression of interest' form as I only have three parents across our entire school atm! The link is HERE.

Catholic Schools Week 2026 Wrap Up

Catholic Schools Week last week was a delight!

We had a full professional development day for all of the Armidale Catholic Schools on Monday, National Sorry Day on Tuesday, Simultaneous Story Time and Deanery Mass on Wednesday, Assembly on Thursday AND finished on Friday with our Mini Vinnies PJ Day! What a week.

Wednesday really was a highlight for our school leaders, the Stage Three students to attend the Deanery Mass at the Cathedral on Wednesday. Ned and Miles read the Prayers of the Faithful beautifully and Mrs Hayes and I were so proud of all of the Stage Three students and their conduct throughout the mass and when we toured the Cathedral.  

It was the first time some of our young people had been! The awe in their faces was delightful!

Friday was a winner all around and we thank Ms Outridge for her planning and preparation and all of our SHA and Mini Vinnies volunteers who made the day happen! See Ms Outridges write up HERE

A reminder that our 2027 Kindergarten Enrolment Interviews have almost concluded!!!

Our enrolment interviews for 2027 Kindergarten (Early Stage One) have almost concluded, if you know of any families with a child who is ready to commence school, or who are looking for a Catholic education for their child.

Please ask them to contact the office or to complete the online application form by following this QR Code.

Semester One Reports are Released!

We look forward to seeing all parents/carers at our 3 Way Conferences: Parent Teacher Interviews next week!

Thank you for partnering with us as we walk this path together, living just as Jesus taught us.  Have a peaceful long weekend. We shall see you all on Tuesday!

Zoe Nugent