Principal's Report

Dear Parents, Carers, and Community Members,

We have now moved into the second half of Term 2. This term is always a very busy time, with so many things happening, especially as we move toward the completion of important learning tasks and the Years 7 to 10 reporting period.

Our students have been actively participating and excelling in a diverse array of extracurricular pursuits this term, including the Armidale Eisteddfod, rugby league, Cross Country, and Tennis, among others, with remarkable success. Personally, I take great pride in how exemplarily our students represent us. Despite being a smaller secondary school compared to many others, both public and private, our students consistently demonstrate that dedication, hard work, and a commitment to excellence enable them to succeed in any environment.

Catholic Schools Week

This week we celebrate Catholic Schools Week, a week-long celebration that involves all 24 parish schools operating across the New England and North West regions of New South Wales (comprising 19 Primary, 2 Central, and 3 Secondary schools). This year’s theme, "Our Hope-Filled Future," serves as a powerful reminder of our Catholic values and our core mission of loving God, loving one another, and caring for others, especially the less fortunate. It marks a time to celebrate the collective achievements of our school communities, highlight student learning, and acknowledge the teachers, staff, and families dedicated to providing a nurturing, faith-centred environment. As we look toward the future, we do so with the confidence that our shared values prepare our students to lead with compassion and integrity.

Learning Expectations: The Little Things Matter

At our whole-school assembly this week, I took the opportunity to revisit the theme I shared at the start of the term: ‘Getting the little things right.’ The foundation of success in any secondary school environment—and in life—relies heavily on getting these small details right. When students master small, daily habits, they reduce their cognitive load, lower their stress levels, and build the discipline required for long-term learning and personal success.

I especially focused on ‘Our Learning Expectations,’ as shared in the image below. Simple habits, such as arriving to class on time, prevent students from missing crucial lesson introductions and learning intentions. Similarly, having all required equipment eliminates disruptions and allows students to engage the moment class begins.

Education is a stepping stone to a successful future, opening doors to a myriad of opportunities. It allows students to access a variety of career pathways, including higher education at university, TAFE, and other educational colleges both here and overseas, as well as apprenticeships, traineeships, and direct employment. Moreover, it prepares students for the challenges of adulthood by equipping them with critical thinking skills, a broad knowledge base, and essential life skills.

As the Principal of this great College, I ask parents and carers to support the school in ensuring that your child is prepared for school every day, so they can make the most of every opportunity to learn and become the best version of themselves.

Mr. Phillip Gibney

Principal 

The Fruit of The Spirit is Love