FROM THE PRINCIPAL

To the St Nicholas School Community

TERM 4 - WEEK 7

Welcome to another week in the life of St Nicholas School

First Reconciliation and First Eucharist

70 of our students last night joined the Parish community to make their first Reconciliation, the Sacrament of Penance. Over the coming weekend, these same children will receive the Eucharist for the first time.

These Sacraments are a special time in our lives. They are an opportunity to bring us closer to our faith community and to our God. I thank the Year 3 teachers, Mrs Dunst, parents, and all involved in preparing our children so thoroughly.

Staffing for 2021

With a focus on finishing 2020 with the priority it deserves, an eye must also be on planning for 2021. Quality planning will ensure we are setting the school community up for a successful 2021.

On Monday interviews were conducted for 2021 teaching staff at St Nicholas School. I thank the panel for their support in the appointment of two quality educators who will add value to our school community. Congratulations:

Mrs Helen Rowsell: Helen joins us from Oxley Vale Public School and brings with her a wealth of experience and quality expertise. Helen is highly qualified with a Master of Teaching (Primary), which she acquired at the University of New England.

I am sure you will join me in welcoming Helen to St Nicholas.

I hope to announce the other exciting appointment next week.

On top of these two appointments I am also delighted to announce the permanent appointment to St Nicholas School:

• Mrs Kate Chatfiled
• Miss Bree Constable
• Mrs Amanda Scott
• Mrs Louise Sedon

All these ladies have impressed in their time at St Nicholas. Their move from temporary contracts, to permanent employees at St Nicholas is wonderful news for our school community. 

Recruitment for St Nicholas second Assistant Principal for 2021 is ongoing. I am working closely with the Catholic Schools Office to ensure the best possible candidate is successful and can be announced sooner rather than later.

School Advisory Council

On Tuesday night the St Nicholas School Advisory Council held our Annual General Meeting. The meeting was also an opportunity to thank and farewell Brendan George and Kirrilee Ringland for their time on the Advisory Council and support of our school. On behalf of the school community, I once again thank both Brendan and Kirrilee for their dedication to our school.

Please see the below St Nicholas 2021 School Advisory Council. I welcome both David and Elise, while congratulating Michael on his appointment as Chairman.

End of Year Events

The pace continues to build as our children count down the days until Wednesday 16th December. While there is great excitement and plenty of learning opportunities, high expectations will continue until our students remove their uniforms on the last day. Time will also be taken to celebrate and participate in annual events:

2021 Student Leaders

Tomorrow our Year 5 students will have the opportunity to speak about being a suitable leadership candidate. The speeches follow opportunities to learn more about the qualities of a leader.

After a confidential ballot, our 2021 School leaders will be announced at the conclusion of St Nicholas End of Year Mass, Friday 4th December.

End of Year Mass

Next Friday 4th December St Nicholas School will celebrate our End of Year Mass. It is with great disappointment I confirm COVID-19 restrictions will prevent parents from attending. I recognise this is particularly difficult news for the families of our graduating Year 6 students.

In an effort to support our families, St Nicholas School has engaged the professional services of Folmac TV, to Livestream our Mass. While acknowledging this does not replace physical attendance, it is my hope parents understand we are trying to do all we can, while following mandated restrictions.

Details of how to access the Livestream will be distributed next week via Facebook, Compass, and a News Flash. 

Virtual Display

COVID-19 will not stop our students from being creative in the area of song, dance, drama and singing. No doubt you have been bombarded at home with stories of what has been undertaken in the past few weeks.

How to access this Virtual Display will be distributed on Thursday 10th of December.

Please allocate some time to sit down with your family and enjoy the talents of our students and staff.

School Uniform

Of those who responded to the survey, seventy-five percent of parents voted for a change in the number of days Sports Uniform is worn. 

With the backing of contemporary research and the support of the student, staff and parent sectors, St Nicholas will increase the Sports Uniform to three days a week in 2021.

Students wearing their sports uniform for three days a week support contemporary learning environments, while also encouraging our children to be active. Wearing our traditional uniform two days a week balances the need for our school to honor our traditions and teach our children the importance of formal attire, still being important and relevant in 2020.

Have a great weekend.

John Clery

PRINCIPAL