General Information

Curriculum News - Curriculum Reform

NSW Curriculum Reform – What’s Changing in Our Classrooms?

Over the past two years, families may have heard about the NSW Curriculum Reform. This is the most significant update to the NSW curriculum in many years and has been carefully designed to ensure students develop strong knowledge, understanding and skills through a clear, sequenced and evidence-informed approach to learning.

We have already implemented the new English and Mathematics syllabuses. These updated syllabuses place a strong emphasis on explicit teaching, ensuring that essential knowledge and skills are taught systematically so that every child has the opportunity to build confidence and experience success. Students are encouraged to master important concepts before moving on to more complex learning, creating strong foundations for future learning.

Religion: Armidale Catholic Schools is in the process of updating the Religion syllabus.  Stage 3 (Years 5 and 6) is trialling the programs, and the other stages will continue in 2027. 

The next stage of Curriculum Reform is known as CHPS, which will be implemented across NSW primary schools from 2027. CHPS represents four important Key Learning Areas:

• Creative Arts
• HSIE (Human Society and Its Environment)
• (PDHPE)  Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
• Science and Technology

Although these subjects are familiar to students, the updated syllabuses have been carefully redesigned to provide clearer learning progressions, stronger links between year levels, and greater consistency across all NSW schools. Teachers have already begun engaging in professional learning and planning to ensure we are well prepared for this transition. 

Creative Arts continues to nurture creativity, imagination and self-expression through Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Arts, while also helping students think critically, solve problems and communicate their ideas in a variety of ways.

HSIE brings together learning about Australia's history, geography, civics and citizenship. Students develop an understanding of Australia's democratic system, learn about the importance of active citizenship, explore the diversity of cultures that make up our nation, and deepen their understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia and the continuing significance of their histories, cultures and connections to Country.

PDHPE continues to promote students' physical, social and emotional wellbeing. Alongside physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices, students develop important skills in respectful relationships, resilience, safety, decision-making and personal wellbeing.

Science and Technology encourages curiosity and investigation as students explore the natural and designed world. Through scientific inquiry, problem solving and digital technologies, students develop the knowledge and skills needed to understand an increasingly technological world.

We are excited about the opportunities these new syllabuses provide and look forward to this journey with our students and families in 2027.

Communication - Newsletter & Compass

Stay informed about the latest happenings at school. It is crucial to stay updated by reading the newsletter, every second week.  

It is essential that all families subscribe to the COMPASS portal.  A reminder after downloading the Compass App, please search Armidale, then choose St Mary's School. 

This site regularly provides information to families. Each family is provided with a login. If you have misplaced your login details or are experiencing difficulties logging in, please contact the School Office staff for assistance. 

Family Information in Compass

Parents please go into Compass and check your details - address, phone and email details are correct. If any information is incorrect please email smaadmin@arm.catholic.edu.au with the correct details.

School Hours & Supervision

Playground supervision commences at 8:20 am.

School starts: 8:50 am

1st Break: 10:50 am – 11:30am

2nd Break: 1:30pm – 2:10pm 

School finishes: 3.10 pm (All students must be collected before 3:30pm)

Students are dismissed from class at 3.10pm and assemble in the playground for pick up,  buses or After School Care. (Pick up 3:10 Rusden Street, Top Gate Dangar Street 3:10)

SCHOOL OFFICE HOURS

The school office hours are 8:20am to 4.00pm

Attendance 

Parents must notify the school when your child is absent from school. This can be done by entering an Attendance Note into Compass or by emailing (smaadmin@arm.catholic.edu.au) or phoning the school office (6772 4441).   If a student's absence is not recorded by 10 am, a SMS reminder will be sent out. 

Please Note:  When entering an Attendance Note in Compass, a valid reason must be given.  Explanations of "my child will be away" or "my child is not at school today" is not a valid reason for absence.  

Punctuality is highly valued. At the beginning of each day, teachers establish the day's routine and provide important reminders. We kindly request that families prioritise arriving on time. If students arrive after the bell, they must be signed in at the Front Office to ensure accurate attendance records.

Students Arriving Late or Leaving School Early

PLEASE NOTE that all students arriving late, or being collected early for an appointment, must be signed in or out by a parent /guardian at the Front Office.

Contacting Your Child's Teacher

Teachers welcome contact from parents, if you need to talk with staff please either contact the class teacher by phoning the school – 67772 4441 or email the school at smaadmin@arm.catholic.edu.au.

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