Principal Reflections
Principals' Conference
The Armidale Catholic Schools Principals' Conference was held last week and provided all Principals across the Diocese with the opportunity to catch up with each other and engage in Professional Learning. Our new Director, Regina Menz, led this conference and shared the importance of systemness and the data that demonstrated the growing success across our schools. We were also provided with the opportunity to reflect on our style of leadership under the guidance of Principal Consultant, Catherine Jackson.
Being able to work off site with other Principals and engage in critical conversations around teaching and learning is always worthwhile and I would like to thank our wonderful St Edward's staff for their great work on site, that allows me to be part of these conferences. To finish I would like to share a quote that resonates with me and was shared by our director Regina Menz during the conference.
"Act, have faith, make efforts, have hope,
speak to God with all your heart,
then you are sure to be amazed."
(Angela Merici)
I am convinced that our success will be exciting, if we could all work toward achieving this.
Annual Implementation Plan
The Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) is a core part of our school business. It documents our focus on school improvement priorities and provides clarity and purpose for all members of our school community. The schools AIP is developed and monitored by our senior and middle leadership team and is reflected upon regularly in staff meetings throughout the year. Please see below the St Edward's School Improvement Plan for 2024.
School Advisory Council
Thank you to the members of our school community who were able to attend our School Advisory Council Meeting last week. It was a great initial meeting, that included an overview of the constitution that was facilitated by Cathy Ible from the CSO.
The St Edward's School Advisory Council members are:
- Parish Priest: Fr Roel Llave
- Chairperson: Andrew Pieper
- Minutes Secretary: Melissa Salvestrin
- Principal: Alison Hatton
- Staff Member: Peter Flynn
- Committee members: Ian Cupples, Luke Norman, Heidi Hardaker and Stephanie McCaffrey.
We are very excited to welcome our new School Advisory Council. This council has a very important role to support the mission of Catholic education at St Edward's School. Through collaboration with the Principal and the Parish Priest, the members of the Council provide guidance and support to the wider school community. The Council operates within the policies and procedures determined by the Catholic Schools Office. The Principal has responsibility for the day to day leadership and management of the school. The members of the School Advisory Council bring a special skill, service, voice or experience to the team. The meetings are only attended by members of the Council and are held once a term. Thank you again for your time and service to our school. I look forward to working with you throughout the year.
Young Leaders Day
On Monday 4th March I have the privilege of attending the National Young Leaders Day in Sydney with our Student Leadership Team. I look forward to working with our leaders around the significance of their role leading up to this event.
Jack Davis Visits St Ed's
Jack Davis visited all students in Year 5 & 6 today and shared his inspiring journey with us, including his international achievements, his highs and lows and what inspires him to follow his dreams every day. Jack attended St Edward's from Kinder and graduated Year 6 in 2014. Throughout his childhood Jack developed a passion for BMX riding and this has taken him to regional, state, national and international levels. Jack's story is a testament to the power of perseverance. Jack will soon return to Florida, where he is based for the next season of BMX.
Until next week,
Keep smiling,
Alison Hatton