Principal's Panorama

As Term Three draws to a close for 2023, our attention is brought to the work of the final Term and our lead into 2024.  

The Leadership Team has been reviewing our AIP and we look forward to hosting three schools in Term Four, Week Five to present our own review but to also hear about the challenges and successes of our colleagues.  Knowing that as a system of schools we all own the responsibility for each other's work and it is by working together and supporting each other that we can ensure all students in the Armidale Diocese have the best access to education that we can provide, ensuring they are literate and numerate students with a hope filled future.

Naomi and I have been reviewing the 2024 sports calendar for the Diocese and seeing when we can fit in some of our sports carnivals for 2024.  A couple in Term One and some on a Thursday should see us through without too much trouble... bear with us in the changing space of calendars!

Clarity

Last week, we were blessed to be able to take a number of staff to the Clarity days with Lyn Sharratt in Moree and Tamworth.  As someone who was not present in 2017 when the Diocese  of Armidale commenced their work with Lyn, it was a wonderful opportunity to see how far they have come with attention on sustaining the work and seeing the 14 Parameters in both a primary and high school context all over the world, was mind blowing.   

I also reflect on our teaching practice here at St Mary of the Angels and see what great work we are doing and what needs tweaking to ensure we are meeting the needs that we can of every student.

It was encouraging to hear Lyn discuss the need for our students to have the tenacity and stamina to struggle, that so often the only thing holding ourselves back are the limits we place on ourselves by giving up.

The work around subsets of students, I found particularity interesting, not only breaking apart the data in relation to major subsets but also applying other filters such as, male students, literacy results and attendance rates; or female students, numeracy skills, age etc to see where best we can close gaps in learning.  I am looking forward to the Leadership Team, Ms. Holmes and I sharing this further with the remaining staff during Professional Learning.

Canberra Camp

I am thrilled to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for the incredible success of the Year 5/6 Camp to Canberra, which would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our staff and remarkable students.

First and foremost, I want to extend heartfelt thanks to Tiffany Ahumada. Your unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety, well-being, and enjoyment of our students during the entire journey was truly commendable. Your leadership, organisational skills, and ability to keep everyone engaged throughout the trip were nothing short of outstanding. The visit to Canberra's attractions was not just educational but also filled with memorable experiences that will leave a lasting impression on our students.

Next, I would like to thank Eleisha Outridge and Casey Lennon. Your passion for our students knows no bounds.  I think Casey might need new shoulders from carrying around the medical pack for the past week!  You both kept students engaged and happy throughout our time away and always with a smile on your face!

To our wonderful admin staff, Naomi and Flick, for the organisation of money, medications, permissions, first aid packs, insurance and name tags.. all of the behind the scenes, thank you! 

Last, but certainly not least, we must recognise the invaluable contribution of Todd Clark, our dedicated parent helper. 

Your tireless efforts in supporting both the students and educators throughout the camp ensured a seamless experience for everyone involved. Your willingness to step in wherever needed, whether it was organising activities or providing a helping hand during the trip, made a world of difference.  Please make sure you're free in 2025.

The attractions visited, including Parliament House, Government House, Royal Australian Mint, Questacon, Cockington Green, Australian Institute of Sport, National Art Gallery of Australia, Botanical Gardens, and CSIRO, Canberra Arboretum and Pod Garden, Canberra Zoo...just to name a few, provided a diverse and enriching experience for our students. Each of these places played a crucial role in broadening students' knowledge and understanding of our nation's history, science, and culture.

The memories created during this camp will undoubtedly stay with our Year 5/6 students for years to come, thanks to the dedication and hard work of the SMOTA Team.

Once again, a heartfelt thank you to all of the attending 'staff' for your exceptional contributions to the success of the Camp to Canberra. Your efforts have not only enriched the educational experience of our students but have also demonstrated the incredible sense of community and support that defines our school.

To our 5/6 students, thank you for taking the time to be present in each of your activities and embracing each other as family whilst we were away.  It has been a delight to see you in a different light and I pray that you all maintain these newly formed bonds when we return in Term Four. 

Exemption from Attendance at School including Family Holidays during School Terms.

Parent/Carers are reminded that attendance at school is vital to a child's learning experience.  That any child who is absent from school must be approved by the Principal, whether through medical, exceptional circumstances, etc.

A child may be exempt from attending school if the Principal is satisfied that conditions exist which make it necessary or desirable that a Certificate should be granted. A Certificate of Exemption may be given subject to conditions and limited to a period specified in the certificate. 

• It is the duty of the State to ensure that every child receives an education of the highest quality and it is the duty of parents to comply with the compulsory education requirements of the Education Act 1990.
• Certificates of Exemption must only be granted when it has been clearly demonstrated by the applicant that an exemption is in the student's best interests in the short and long term. Alternatives to exemption should have been fully explored.
• Note: Students travelling during school terms (eg family holidays) are not to be exempt. If the principal accepts the reason then leave is granted and the 'L' code should be used.
• In the case of students of compulsory school age who are enrolled in a school, applications for exemption from school attendance must be submitted in advance.
• Exemptions from school attendance cannot be granted retrospectively. 
• ALL applications for exemption from attendance at school must be made in writing to the Principal, well prior to the absence from school.  An oral request can be made to the school principal, seeking assistance on completing an application for exemption from school attendance.
• School work will not be provided by the classroom educator, if consultation between school and home has not been completed in a time frame well prior to the absence of the student.

Sensitive Contact

Parents and carers are reminded to contact staff via the guyadmin@arm.catholic.edu.au email address, as a school community, there will be times when there may be the need for sensitive information to be shared to a closed group of educators. If this is the case, please use guyprincipal@arm.catholic.edu.au as the contact email.  This ensures that there is traceability and continuity in the case of staff changes etc.

May you all have a safe, happy and relaxing holiday!  We look forward to seeing you all on the Monday 9th October when we return for Term Four!

Mrs Zoe Nugent

guyprincipal@arm.catholic.edu.au