FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome back everyone to Term 4. It has been wonderful to see everyone return to school after the holidays ready to tackle all that Term 4 has in store for us. Events and activities come thick and fast in Term 4 so in order to keep up to date with what is happening, please make sure you are checking your Events Tab on the Compass parent portal.   

My School Parent Survey 

A sincere thank you to all the parents who completed our My School survey last term. As key partners in your children's education, your voice matters deeply to us.

It was wonderful to hear what you love about our school community, and equally valuable to receive your constructive feedback on where we can do better. Please know that we take your input seriously. We use these insights directly to shape our strategic planning, ensuring we continue to deliver the very best learning, faith, and wellbeing outcomes for every student.

Empowering Learning: How We Use Generative AI Safely and Effectively at St Nicholas

As technology evolves, Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming an increasingly accessible tool for students. At St Nicholas Primary School, our primary goal is to foster critical thinking, creativity, and academic integrity. We believe that when used appropriately, AI can be a powerful learning companion.

To support our students, staff, and families, we have introduced our Student AI Guide. This framework clearly outlines how students can use AI safely, responsibly, and effectively in their education. This is a system wide approach based on the Framework for student use of Generative AI developed by Armidale Catholic Schools. 

The Golden Rule

"AI is a study helper, not a replacement for your brain! You are always responsible for doing your own thinking and handing in your own work."

We emphasise to students that while AI can assist in the learning process, they own the thinking. AI is never a shortcut to bypass learning, but rather a tool to enhance understanding and engagement.

Understanding the 3 Levels of AI Use

Our guide breaks down permitted AI use into three clear levels:

1. Level 1: Research & Brainstorming Helper (Allowed Freely)
   • What it means: Students can use AI as a starting point to spark ideas, brainstorm topic areas, simplify complex texts, or build step-by-step assignment plans.
   • Goal: To help students get unstuck and kickstart their own creative thinking.

1. Level 2: Planning & Study Tutor (Allowed Freely)
   • What it means: AI acts as a personal study tutor. Students can create custom flashcards, practice quizzes, or outlines to structure their own thoughts and improve understanding.
   • Goal: To build effective study habits while keeping full control over the content.

1. Level 3: Feedback & Practice (Requires Teacher Permission)
   • What it means: When touch points involve graded skills, students must ask their teacher first. This includes asking AI to review a draft, mark practice quizzes, or critique sample answers.
   • Goal: To receive immediate feedback to refine skills without replacing student effort.

Keeping Students Safe: Strict System Rules

To protect student privacy and ensure academic fairness, we have strict rules that are never allowed:

• No Copy-Pasting: Students must never copy AI-generated text directly into assignments and pass it off as their own.
• No Unauthorised Use on Graded Work: AI cannot be used on assessed tasks unless explicitly instructed by a teacher.
• Protecting Privacy: Students are instructed never to input real names, personal details, addresses, or photos into AI tools.
• No AI Images of Real People: Generating or editing images of real people is strictly forbidden.
• Zero Tolerance for Misuse: Using AI to generate offensive, harassing, or threatening content is prohibited under our cyberbullying policies.
• Honesty & Transparency: Students must always acknowledge and properly cite any AI tools used in their work.

Safety & Integrity Must-Dos

Before submitting work, students are encouraged to ask themselves:

• Fact-Check: Did I double-check AI-generated information against reliable sources? (AI can make mistakes!)
• Verbal Explanation: Can I explain my work out loud to my teacher?
• Transparency: Have I kept a record of my prompts or outlines to show my learning journey?

Partnering with Parents

We encourage you to talk with your child about how they use digital tools at home. Asking questions like "How did AI help you come up with that idea?" or "Can you explain what you learned in your own words?" reinforces the principle that their brain and efforts are what matter most.

If you have any questions about our AI guidelines or digital technology programs, please feel free to reach out to the school.

Tuition Fees 

As we approach the end of the 2026 school year,  I would like to thank all our families for their contribution through paying school fees. Timely payment of fees ensures that the school can continue to provide high-quality resources, programs, and support for all students. If you have already settled your account, we sincerely thank you. We kindly remind all families that school fees must be paid in full by the 21 November 2026 as outlined in your Statement of School Fees.  

Have a wonderful Week, 

Mr Peter Flynn.