General News

Dhulu - Message Stick

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: Buluuydha - Night time

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 5 Word of the Week "BAMBOOZLE"

St. Vincent de Paul Christmas Hamper Appeal

We ask all students and families to donate non-perishable food items that can be put into a Christmas Hamper to help those families who are struggling. Special thanks to those families who have already donated items. Some suggestions are non-perishable basic items such as noodles, cereals, biscuits, muesli bars, tea, coffee, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, conditioner etc. In addition to these items, they are hoping for some items to help people in need celebrate Christmas, such as chocolates, lollies, soft drink, Christmas puddings etc. Please help us share the Christmas spirit of giving to those in need. Every item counts. Donations can be made to the class teachers or at either school office. Thank you for your support!

The closing date for hamper donations is Wednesday 11th December.

St Ed's Presentation Night - Tues 3rd December

SAVE THE DATE - Please note that our St Ed's End of Year Awards Presentation Night will be held on Tuesday 3rd December at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment & Conference Centre, commencing at 6.00pm sharp, doors open from 5.30pm. Family members are most welcome. Please join us for a memorable evening, celebrating our school achievements, grade performances and class awards.

Further information regarding this event will be communicated closer to the date.

Student Drink Bottles

With a spike in warmer temperatures it is important that all students arrive at school each day with a drink bottle to remain well hydrated. We ask parents to please check and ensure that your children have a water bottle in their school bag daily. Thank you for your continued support.

Pupil Free Day

Please note our final Pupil Free Day for this year is Friday 20th December.

Return Dates for Term 1 2025

Thursday 30th January - Staff Development Day

Friday 31st January - Staff Development Day

Monday 3rd February - Students in Years 1 - 6 return to school

Monday 3rd February - Friday 7th February - Best Start Assessments for Kindergarten students

Monday 10th February - Kindergarten students commence

Supervision of Students

A reminder that school commences at 8.45am and concludes at 3.000pm

Please note that supervision of students commences at 8:15am and families are kindly asked not to drop off children before this time.

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

With just over 2 weeks to go, 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

McCarthy Catholic College - Year 7 2025 Orientation

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.