Principal’s Message

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome back to Week 3's Newsletter,

Last week, I was fortunate to attend the 2024 Catholic Schools NSW (CSNSW) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Conference. This Conference is held every three years, and this year, Armidale Catholic Schools was delighted to co-host it. It allows educators from various schools and dioceses to highlight and share innovations and programs in Aboriginal Education. I had the privilege of listening to several guest speakers at the conference who demonstrated passion, hope, spirituality, and vulnerability in sharing their personal and cultural experiences. 

Four of our students participated in the opening ceremony, where they spoke in the traditional Gamilaraay language on Country at the Myall Creek Memorial Site. Over 500 participants from across NSW attended the Conference and experienced this unique opportunity to connect with Country right in our Diocese. I am beyond proud of these students for their outstanding efforts. I wish to thank Miss Dorrington for the time she has taken to support our Sacred Heart students in preparation for their important role in the Conference. 

REAL TALK

This year, we have connected again with Real Talk to engage with our Year 3 & 4 and Year 5 & 6 students. Three presenters from the company will attend the school next Tuesday 5th November to complete a number of workshops with our students. Armidale Catholic Schools Office encourages all schools in our Diocese to engage with the workshops this company offers.

Please see the following notes that outline the content being covered during each session.

Year 3 & 4 students will cover content related to Getting Real in the Digital World.

Year 5 and 6 students will cover content related to Puberty. In one section, the children will be split into two groups—girls and boys—to cover specific content related to physical and emotional changes related to their gender.

If you have any concerns regarding the content, please contact the school before next Tuesday 5th November.

Real Talk recently launched 'Real Talk Parents', a site that includes quick reference guides, conversation starters, short videos, deep-dive seminars, printable resources, videos and curated links for parenting on the tough topics concerning relationships and eSafety. Click on the link below to view the site.

2025 START DATES

In 2025, Armidale Catholic Schools start and finish dates will be as follows:

Please note: In 2025, these dates will differ from those of NSW DET schools. Armidale Catholic Schools will start a day earlier at the beginning of the year and finish a day earlier at the end of the year.

TERM 1

Eastern schools

Thursday 30th and Friday 31st January - Staff Development Days (Pupil Free Days)

Monday 3rd February - A students commence

Friday 11th April - Term 1 finishes

TERM 2:

Monday 28th April to Friday 4th July

TERM 3:

Monday 21st July to Friday 26th September

Monday 21st July - System-wide Staff Development Day (Pupil Free Day)

TERM 4:

Monday 13th October to Thursday 18th December

Monday 13th October - System-wide Staff Development Day (Pupil Free Day)

Thursday18th December - System-wide Staff Development Day (Pupil Free Day)

We will notify you of our other Staff Development Days once they have been confirmed.

Wishing everyone a productive and rewarding Week 3!

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions or concerns.

Warm regards,

Claire Ryan

Principal