FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Term 1 - Week 7

Welcome to Week 7,

Term One is flying by and we are on the countdown to Easter. In our current world, one could be forgiven for thinking if they blink, a month will have passed. This is another reason why I am delighted with the rigor and sophistication of learning that is visible at St Nicholas School today. Our staff’s dedicated and professional approach leads to a sense of urgency around utilising the present moment, rather than hoping quality learning and teaching will take place tomorrow.

This week our Year 3 and 5 students have joined their peers from across the Nation in commencing NAPLAN (The National Assessment Program: Literacy and Numeracy). I look forward to analysing our results from this assessment as we:

• Celebrate success
• Measure effectiveness of current improvement initiatives
• Discover possible gaps in our teaching and learning
• Plan for future success

Congratulations Diana and Dylan Wallace

It is with a great deal of excitement that I announce Diana and Dylan Wallace are expecting their first child. On behalf of our school community I congratulate Diana and Dylan, and wish them every success.

In the coming weeks I look forward to announcing Diana’s replacement in Year 1. At a time when staffing is arguably the greatest complexity facing our sector, I am delighted to write that I am in the  final stages of appointing an excellent replacement. 

Sue Larkey

Sue Larkey is an internationally recognised expert in supporting children.

She combines practical experience with extensive research, currently undertaking a Doctorate in Education. Sue has authored many books on autism spectrum disorders and believes that armed with the tools of understanding and confidence, much can be achieved.

In 2023 St Nicholas School engaged the services of Sue Larkey, forging a strong partnership which we hope will only grow stronger in the coming years. In 2024 Sue’s partnership with St Nicholas School aligns with pillar one of our 2024 Annual Improvement Plan, ‘Christ Centred Inclusive Learning Communities’. 

In 2024 Sue will work with St Nicholas School staff to embed inclusive, evidence-based management strategies identifying strengths and positive characteristics, and ways we can adapt our school culture to be inclusive of all learners. Aligning with the Living Well Learning Well student support framework, Sue’s work will increase shared beliefs and understandings, students’ connection to school, recognition theory and participation and wellbeing.

Last week our leadership team met with Sue for the first time in 2024. Our session involved a whole school approach to supporting students, as well as specific support for identified students. 

Sue’s partnership with St Nicholas School is another wonderful example of our culture of creating high functioning teams. In this case our team members involve highly capable St Nicholas staff who clearly understand local needs and perspectives - working alongside a world renowned expert in her field.

CSNSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Conference

The Armidale Diocese will be proudly hosting the Catholic Schools NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander State Education Conference  from the 22nd - 24th October 2024 in Tamworth.  

The theme of the Conference is "Spirit on Country: Learning Together, then, now & always". The Conference anticipates over 500 educational delegates from across the State and abroad.

I am delighted to announce that during the Conference nine St Nicholas Year 6 Aboriginal students will perform traditional and contemporary Aboriginal dances and songs that carry deep meanings and stories from their culture. The passion and enthusiasm of the students will serve as a source of inspiration for the Conference delegates.

Our students will start their training at McCarthy Catholic College tomorrow, under the guidance of experienced cultural advisors and knowledge keepers.

Primary Open Morning

An enormous thank you to the parents of our Primary (Years 3-6) students who were able to attend our Open Learning opportunity last Friday. 98 parents signed in and were able to get a taste of learning at St Nicholas School, while also demonstrating to their children the importance they place on a quality education - thank you!

Tomorrow morning we open our learning spaces to our Infants (K-2) families. Along with our students and staff, I look forward to welcoming you from 8.15am - 8.45am. Thank you for your efforts which are incredibly appreciated by your child.

Details can be found by accessing this link.

Thank you also to Mr Tim Unwin who ran a Mathematical Information Session with interested Primary parents at 8.45am last Friday.

A reminder Tim will be running another session tomorrow morning at 8.45am in the Auditorium  for our Infants parents. The session will focus on the role Concrete, Pictorial and Abstract reasoning plays in Mathematics during our foundational years.

Colour Run

Next Friday evening the PT & F will host the annual Colour Run here at school. It is a great community building event so don't forget please use the link below to register. I'm told that some one in particular needs to be slimed again this year!

https://app.schoolfundraising.com.au/users/sign_in 

Have a great week

John Clery

PRINCIPAL