FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Term 2 - Week 9

Farewell Robyn Burke

Next week we will farewell Mrs Robyn Burke, acknowledge her amazing service and celebrate a thoroughly deserved retirement. As outlined in a letter distributed to our School community, parents are being asked to write a few words of thanks which will be shared with Robyn.

If possible, please steal a couple of minutes from your busy lives to acknowledge a wonderful lady.

Strike

The Independent Education Union has notified St Nicholas staff of their intention to strike on Thursday 31st June. While striking causes disruption to students and families, I ask for patience and understanding.

Every child deserves to have a teacher of high capacity leading their learning and wellbeing. Staff shortages have already hit crisis point. Yet with a baby boom generation of teachers at retirement age, increased enrolments, a reduction of people entering the profession and record numbers of teachers leaving this occupation in their first 5 years, things are going to get much worse.

I thank St Nicholas parents for valuing their child’s education. Today I request your understanding and patience by supporting our staff's right to strike. The current enterprise agreement negotiations are critical to the level of teaching and learning your child will receive in the future.

Work Experience

At a time when the education sector is crying out for quality teachers, we were delighted to welcome five work experience students to St Nicholas this week. 

Welcome Will Fahey, Jess Jarratt, Fergus O’Callaghan, Eliza Shaw and Chloe Taylor. I trust you have enjoyed your week and thank you for considering this wonderful profession as a career. If St Nicholas can support you in any way, please reach out.

Tamworth Eisteddfod

St Nicholas continues to shine at the Tamworth Eisteddfod. Today our kindergarten students performed two poems, The ABC by Spike Milligan and I’m an Orchestra by Laura Mucha. For more please click on the general news tab.

Congratulations Helen Rowsell

Yesterday I announced the appointment of Helen Rowsell to the position of Subject Matter Expert: MaST Project Team for the Diocesan System of Schools. Helen will lead the diocese in the learning and teaching of numeracy.

While sad to see Helen leave St Nicholas, I am delighted the skills of this outstanding educator have been recognised with a promotion. 

Congratulation Jada Taylor

Former St Nicholas student Jada Taylor has been selected in the Under 19 NSW State of Origin Rugby League team and will be playing fullback against Queensland this evening at 5.45pm (televised on Fox & Free to air channel 85). 

Congratulations Jada! It is always wonderful to hear of past students chasing their dreams and experiencing success.

Have a great week.

John Clery

PRINCIPAL