General News

Dhulu - Message Stick

CSNSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Conference - Spirit on Country: Learning Together, Then, Now & Always

We would like to acknowledge our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who participated in the CSNSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Conference last week. All of our dancers were amazing and we are so proud of you all for your connection to country, community and culture through this journey.

Dhirrabuu (Deadly) Learning in Cultural Immersion Groups

At St Edward's School we provide our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students with an opportunity to connect with country, culture and language through Cultural Immersion Groups supported by our AEAs. Below, we will be sharing images and a small blurb about activities that are completed in each grades group.

Grade	Lesson Activity
3	First Nation Idol Research Our Year 3 students will be spending their time researching an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Idol. The students will create and present a biography in the form of a poster.
4	Acknowledgment of Country in Gamilaraay Language This week our Year 4 students created their own Acknowledgment of Country and convened in a yarning circle to share what they wrote. To complete the lesson, our students started their journey with Mr Peachey to learn the Acknowledgment of Country in Gamilaraay Language.
5	Aboriginal Sacred Site of Australia Research Our Year 5 students will be spending their time researching an Aboriginal Sacred Site. The students will present their research in the form of a poster, slideshow or diorama. If your child has selected to create a diorama, we have asked for these to be done at home.
6	Women's and Men's business This term our Year 6 students will be breaking into 2 groups to complete Women's and Men's business activities and learn the traditional ways and reasons to why our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people gathered into women's and men's groups for certain cultural practices.

Gamilaraay Word of Week - Gunagala (The Sky) & Dhawun (Country):

Week 1: Moon - Gilay

Week 2: Star - Mirii

Week 3: Yaraay - Sun & Gundaa - Cloud

Week 4: Yuluwirri - Rainbow

Week 5:

Week 6:

Week 7:

Week 8:

Week 9:

Week 10:

AEA team

Brittany Cloake

Primary AEA

Jarrod Peachey

Primary AEA

Amanda Gwalter

Infants AEA

Sally-Anne Clarke

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Focus Teacher

Word of the Week

Students are encouraged to continually use the "Word of the Week" in context during class, this will gain them points and the student who has used the word of the week the most will be awarded a book at the end of this term.

We will publish our Word of the Week on Facebook and in the newsletter. Please support your child to use this word at home.

Term 4 Week 3 Word of the Week "FLUORESCENT"

Kinder 2025 Orientation Mornings

Last Friday we welcomed our Kindergarten students for 2025 as part of our transition program. We look forward to welcoming them again for their second and third Orientation mornings on:

Friday 1st November, 9.30-11.30am (Week 3)
Friday 8th November, 9.30-11.30am (Week 4)

Children are asked to bring a hat, drink bottle and something to eat for each orientation session. They can wear play clothes with closed in shoes. At each Orientation visit, we ask that parents enter via the back gate on Thompson Crescent and staff will be there ready to support your child to happily enter the kindy space.

Whilst the new Kinder students are enjoying time in the classroom, parents will have the opportunity to learn more about our school and the people who will be supporting them at school. See flyer below for more details.

These orientation sessions are an extremely important way for your child to prepare socially for the transition to school. We look forward to welcoming our new students and their families.

Late Arrivals

We cannot stress enough the importance of getting your children to school on time every day. There has been an increase of students arriving at school after the bell time of 8.45am. Students arriving at school late has an impact on the students themselves, the class and the teacher, not to mention the valuable learning time the students are missing if this is a regular occurrence. Please support us in ensuring your children arrive at school before 8.45am.

Change of Details

It is imperative that the school office be advised of any change of details such as change in family situation, address, workplace, email addresses, phone numbers – mobile and landline for home and work. Please email any changes to your personal details to setadmin@arm.catholic.edu.au, thank you.

Leaving or Relocating??

Planning for the 2025 school year is well underway. Over the coming weeks we will be placing students in classes for 2025. If your child is currently in K – Year 5 and you will NOT be returning to St Edward’s in 2025, please let the school know in writing as soon as possible.

School Fees

A reminder that all school fees are now OVERDUE. Thank you to those that have already paid or have set up a recurring payment plan. You can check your current owing balance via the Compass App > More > School Fees Compass Pay or BPAY are our preferred method of payment for School Fees. If you are unable to pay your school fee balance please email Hannah - setadmin@arm.catholic.edu.au

2025 Travel Passes

School Student Travel Information for Parents and Students

School Travel Passes

Applications are NOW OPEN for 2025 School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) travel. Students in the Opal network applying for an Opal card (including a Term Bus Pass) for the first time will receive their School Opal card at their nominated postal address from mid-January 2025. Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply or update their details as soon as possible. In the Opal network, students should travel with a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card. If outside Greater Sydney, parents should contact their local bus operator to discuss their travel needs. Students living in rural and regional areas will receive their travel pass from their nominated transport operator. It may be issued via their school or be sent directly to them at home. Note: some rural and regional operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.

Terms of Use

All students are required to comply with the Student code of conduct. The code of conduct aims to ensure the safety and well-being of school children and other passengers. It is important that parents ensure their child is aware of this, as failure to comply with the code of conduct can result in a suspension from travel.

Further information can be found at transportnsw.info/school-travel

Enquiries can be submitted at transportnsw.info/passes-concessions-feedback

St Ed's P & F - GOLF DAY - Sunday 1st December

It's time to swing into action and start organising your team for a fun afternoon of golf on Sunday 1st December at the Tamworth Golf Club. The P & F are also seeking support by way of sponsorship and donations of prizes and raffle items. Please refer to the flyers below for further information or alternatively contact Nigel Robertson via email or phone (see below).

Colour Fun Run - SAVE THE DATE - Friday 13th December

The new date for our School Colour Fun Run is Friday 13th December, so please lock it in your diaries!

Good news: registration and prizes remain open for the next 6 weeks, so there's still plenty of time to get involved. Thank you for your continued support of our school!

Esteem Kids

Before school care is available in the Infants Hall for both Primary and Infants students. It operates from 7:00am to 8:30am, Monday through Friday during term and breakfast is provided.

After school care is available in the Infants Hall for Infants students only from 3:00pm to 6:00pm Monday through Friday. PLEASE NOTE this year that after school care is now operating from the Primary Art Room for primary students only from 3:00pm to 6:00pm Monday through Friday. Afternoon tea is provided.

Families are encouraged to make enquiries or express interest by contacting William Wong on 0410 841 628 or email: info@esteemkidsgroup.com.au or visit the website at www.esteemkidsgroup.com.au

ABSENCES - Please remember to contact (telephone or text) Esteem Kids St Edward's directly if your child is going to be absent on 0481 373 883. Thank you.