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
Week 5: Gilay / Moon & Mirii / Star
Week 6: Yaraay / Sun & Gundaa / Cloud
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 6 Word of the Week "ASTONISHED"
Kinder 2026 Orientation Mornings
This Friday 21st November from 9.30-11.30am, we again welcome our Kindergarten students for 2026 for their third and final Orientation morning.
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.
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!
The closing date for hamper donations is Friday 5th December.
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. It is an expectation that all students from Kinder to Year 6 attend. Family members are all invited to attend and there is plenty of seating available. 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.
Important Dates/Upcoming Events...
Sunday 23rd November - Kinder & Yrs 3 & 6 Family Mass, 9.00am MHOC Church
Monday 24th - Friday 28th November - Year 6 Canberra Excursion
Sunday 30th November - St Ed's Golf Day from 12 noon, Tamworth Golf Club
Tuesday 2nd December - Collection of Mango Orders from Primary Hall 2.00-6.00pm
Thursday 4th December - INFANTS students Disco, 6.00-7.00pm Primary Hall
Saturday 6th December - P & F End of Year Parent Get Together - 6.00pm Longyard Hotel
Tuesday 9th December - Presentation Night at TRECC, students and families to arrive at 5.30pm for a 6.00pm START
Thursday 11th December - PRIMARY students Disco - 6.00-7.30pm Primary Hall
Friday 12th December - Whole School K-6 End of Year Mass, 10.00am MHOC Church
Saturday 13th December - P & F Gingerbread House Making Evening, 6.00pm St Ed's Primary Hall
Monday 15th December - Moving Up Day (Kinder - Yr 5 students) - 9.00-11.00am
Tuesday 16th December - Year 6 Graduation Mass, 10.00am
Tuesday 16th December - Year 6 Farewell Dinner at West Leagues Club, 6.00pm
Wednesday 17th December - Year 6 students at Kootingal Pool
Wednesday 17th December - Term 4 concludes (for all students)
Thursday 18th December - Pupil Free Day
2026 School Dates
Please note the following 2026 dates in your calendars:
Term 1
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
Thursday 2nd April - Term 1 concludes
Term 2
Monday 20th April - Term 2 commences
Friday 3rd July - Term 2 concludes
Term 3
Monday 20th July - Staff Development Day
Tuesday 21st July - Students return
Friday 25th September - Term 3 concludes
Term 4
Monday 12th October - Staff Development Day
Tuesday 13th October - Students return
Wednesday 16th December - Last day for students
Thursday 17th December - Staff Development Day
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
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.
P&F Mango Delivery
Great news! We have confirmed our mango delivery will be in week 8. The expected delivery date is Tuesday 2nd December.
- Expected Delivery: Tuesday 2nd December
- Pick up location: Primary Campus Hall
- Pick up times: 2.00 - 6.00pm
- Action: Please watch for updates on Compass in case of any changes to the time or date.
Thank you for your support!
St Ed's Annual Golf Day - Sunday 30th November
Our annual golf day is fast approaching 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!
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
It is vital that all student absences are explained on the Compass platform. Please note the following important guidelines:
Time limit: You must explain all absences on Compass within 7 calendar days of the absence occurring.
Outcome: Once the 7-day period has passed, you will no longer be able to make any changes, and the unexplained absence will be reflected in your child’s end-of-semester school report.
Action: If your child is absent, please log on to Compass and explain the absence on the day it occurs, if possible.
Reminders: Please be aware of the automated reminder messages sent out via Compass:
A text message is sent on the day of absence at 10:00am.
A second reminder for any outstanding unexplained absences for the week is emailed every Friday at 11:00am.
Your prompt attention to this is greatly appreciated as it helps us maintain accurate attendance records.
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.
Children's Book Orders
Discover 'Imagine That Max', the brilliant new children's book by Tamworth local author Lynette Grimes. This timeless story about the magic of imagination was recently shared by Lynette during a special visit to St Edward's Infants Campus.
A perfect Christmas gift and a timeless treasure for any bookshelf. Order your copy today via the link or QR code.
https://lmg-book-nook.square.site/
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
