Principal Reflections
Welcome Back Families!
We hope you all had a restful and enjoyable break, filled with special moments and time to recharge. As we return to school for Term 4, we’re excited to continue the great work we have been doing throughout the year.
The upcoming term is filled with exciting opportunities, engaging activities, and meaningful experiences for our students. We look forward to working with them as they challenge themselves to be the best versions of themselves.
2024 ACEL NEEC Annual Awards
The 2024 ACEL NEEC Annual Awards are awarded each year by the New England branch of ACEL and the New England Education Cooperative. The Awards recognise outstanding educators and educational leaders in the New England and North West of New South Wales. These awards are open to all schools catholic, independent and public, and require rigorous evidence to support quite a number of criteria.
JA Sutherland Memorial Award
With an impressive 41 years of dedication to primary education, we are thrilled to announce that Mrs Deb Rafferty has been awarded the prestigious JA Sutherland Memorial Award for Significant Contribution to Education for 2024. This award recognises outstanding educators across the New England and North West regions. Mrs Rafferty has made a lasting impact on our school and the wider St Ed’s community and we are proud to celebrate Deb’s exceptional achievements.
Alan Kerr Memorial Award for Early Career Service to Education
We are proud to announce that Taylor Mavin has received this year’s prestigious Alan Kerr Memorial Award for Early Career Service to Education. With three years of teaching experience at St Edward’s, Taylor began her career in 2021 and has quickly distinguished herself through her passion, adaptability, and commitment to her students. Her dedication and impressive growth in these early years have earned recognition. This award recognises outstanding early career teachers in the New England Region of NSW and we couldn’t be prouder of Taylor for earning this well deserved honour!
The awards night is next Friday 25th October at the Armidale Golf Club. Deb and Taylor will be joined by Belinda and myself, as well as family and friends to celebrate this great occasion. On behalf of our staff, we would like to congratulate Deb and Taylor!
Upgrades at the Infants Campus
We are continuing to update facilities across our school. To add to the air conditioning, we are now upgrading the sound system in the hall and the Infants Campus has been upgraded to support greater accessibility. Thank you for your ongoing support during the construction works that were taking place last term.
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. 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
Thursday 30th and Friday 31st January - Staff Development Days
Monday 3rd February - Yr 1-6 students commence
Monday 10th February - Kindergarten students commence
Term 1 finishes Friday 11th April
Term 2
Monday 28th April to Friday 4th July
Term 3
Monday 21st July - Staff Development Day - Curriculum
Monday 21st July to Friday 26th September
Term 4
Monday 13th October - Staff Development Day - Curriculum
Monday 13th October to Thursday 18th December
The last day for students is Wednesday 17th December
Thursday 18th December - Staff Development Day
As always, we are here to support both you and your children in making this term successful and memorable. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need anything at all.
Let’s make this a fantastic term ahead!
Alison Hatton
(Principal)