Principal's Message

Welcome to all students and families as we launch into the 2026 school year. It was wonderful to welcome our new Kindergarten students to their first week of school last Monday. While some were tired by Friday afternoon, there were many smiling faces, right throughout the week.

2026

We are currently in the process of finalising alignment of staffing and student enrolments, as new students arrive and the whereabouts of departing students is determined. It is likely that one or two adjustments to our staffing structures will occur this week. Once these are completed, I will publish a staff list in our next newsletter and on the school website.

As always, we have a big year ahead of us. A few events and activities we can look forward to include:

Thalgarrah Environmental Education Centre visits for all classes
swimming, athletics and cross country carnivals
K-2 athletics and cross country carnivals
commencement of electives - Term 1
the return of the Bike Bus - Term 1
parent/teacher interviews - Terms 1 and 3
the launch of our school Facebook page, following the redevelopment of our website late last year
a fundraising quiz night (just for the adults) - early Term 2
our Creative Arts Showcase - Term 3 or 4
Stage 2 Thalgarrah overnight camp - Term 4
Stage 3 major excursion to Canberra - Term 3

In addition, our focus on providing opportunities for high potential and gifted students continues, with:

UNE Discovery science day
teams entered in the Da Vinci Decathlon competition
teams entered in the KidzLit Quiz
teams entered in the Premiere's Debating Challenge
students entered in the Multicultural Perspectives Public Speaking Competition
the development of a HPGE mathematics/science day in collaboration with the Armidale Community of Schools
Year 6 leadership development days
Pulse Alive (dance and choral extravaganza) - Term 1
Sydney Festival of Choral Music (Opera House Choir) - Term 3
New England Sings - Term 4
free of charge membership of students to the school orchestra program
and many teams entered in Primary Schools Sports Association competitions.

Please check the School Bytes calendar regularly as events are added throughout the year.

Our School Excellence Plan

This year marks the commencement of a new four-year planning cycle in our school's ongoing pursuit of excellence in learning, teaching and leading. The three key focus areas for our new plan are:

Explicit teaching
Student wellbeing and connection
Continually developing our staff as leaders, and maintaining and growing a positive culture of collaboration

These areas have been developed following analysis of wellbeing and academic data, community feedback, research evidence, and review of feedback received from the External Validation of our school last year. I warmly welcome anyone interested in our new School Excellence Plan to attend the upcoming P&C AGM, at which I will unpack the plan and happily answer any questions.

Parent/student/teacher interviews

As noted above, interviews will occur in Terms 1 and 3 this year. Term 1 interviews will be scheduled on the week commencing Monday 23 February. Parents/carers will receive a link to the booking portal soon.

Families are reminded that discussions can occur with your child's teacher at any time, by arranging a meeting via the office or directly with your teacher.

Afternoon pickup on Erskine St

If collecting your child or children from the supervised collection point on Erskine St, please place a clearly visible sign with your child's last name in your car so that staff can send your child to you. Many parents find the passenger visor a convenient place to locate this sign. Having this in place allows us to speed the collection process, making your collection easier and easing congestion as other cars queue.

Also, please be aware of the limited space in which vehicles can legally stop for drop off and collection, paying particular attention to the signage between the school entry and traffic lights.

Selective High School and Opportunity Classes

Applications for OC and SHS entry in 2027 close on 20 February 2026. Late applications will not be accepted. Parents can apply at the selective high schools and opportunity classes website.

Cam Pryce

Principal