Principal Reflections

From the Principals - Alison & Pete

Dear Parents and Carers,

2023 Annual Improvement Plan Review Meeting

St Edward's had the privilege in hosting members from the Catholic Schools Office and Leadership Teams from St Nicholas and St Xavier's on Tuesday this week. The CSO and each school were able to share the impact of their AIPs from this year, and discuss planning as we move into 2024. The group were then able to participate in a Learning Walk around our primary classrooms where we were able to showcase the quality teaching and learning that happens across our school.

Canberra Excursion

Last week our Year 6 travelled to Canberra for week long excursion. With two full coaches and some first time nervous travellers, we departed for a week of exploring and learning, where students got the opportunity to spend time with their friends and teachers and gain a little independence in a safe and supportive environment. Whilst in Canberra, students had the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia's history, culture, heritage and democracy.

These places included (yes, we did really fit all this into 3 days):

The Australian War Memorial
Parliament House
Old Parliament House
Australian Electoral Commission Education Centre
Australian Institute of Sport
National Capital Authority
National Film and Screen Archives
CSIRO Discovery Centre
Royal Australian Mint
National Art Gallery
National Arboretum
Questacon
National Museum of Australia
National Dinosaur Museum (Night Tour)
I Play and Laser Tag Centre
Mount Ainsley Lookout

We would like to thank all the students for their enthusiastic involvement and behaviour while we were in Canberra. We would also like to thank the staff and parents who accompanied the students; Mr Kay. Mr O'Neill, Mr Flynn, Mrs Clarke, Mrs Ward, Mrs Michell, Kelly McDonald and Jessica Purkiss. Supervising these excursions is an enormous job and special thanks goes to Mr O'Neill who coordinated the excursion.

Celebrating Emmy and Chloe Sullivan's birthday at Mount Ainslie Lookout

Sportex Centre at the Australian Institute of Sport

PACER Rebate for Canberra Excursion

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding of $67.50 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion. As a school we factored in this $67.50 and pitched in $32.50 to provide families with a $100 per student reduction on the total cost of the excursion.

WII GAAY 2023

Congratulations to Louis, Kiarnee and Ivy who attended the final Wii Gaay learning hub program for 2023 held at Lake Keepit Sport and Recreational Centre. The purpose of this program is to expand and further the learning opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students across the Armidale diocese. ‘Connected to Country’ was the guiding theme and the students and team had a busy week being a part of cultural, educational and recreational experiences. Thanks also to Mr Peachy who supported all students during the week.

Keep smiling,

Alison Hatton and Pete Flynn