Dear Parents/Carers

We are currently in the enrolment period for 2020. We have had a great response and I am very impressed with the feedback we are receiving from our new parents. It’s really lovely to chat with people for whom the “big school” experience is very new.

New families have been very inquisitive about the way our classrooms operate. Our three Open Day tours provided some insight but there is nothing better than a personal tour! As always, there is talk in the community about which school offers the best possible form of education and we are very lucky to have such good choices here in Gunnedah. I have been really impressed with the questions people are asking and comforted by the positive responses from the new parents after seeing our rooms in action.

Upon entering rooms parents are exposed to classrooms where students are very clear about what is expected of them. They see students working independently and engaged in the task. They also see two teachers working side by side, bouncing ideas off each other and spending quality time with those who need it.

I consider my role as principal as a privilege, as well as a huge responsibility. It is a role that is filled with challenges and deeply fulfilling rewards. As we continue to strive for student growth and improvement, I too strive to improve and enhance my skills.

My main job is to be an instructional leader. Much like a footy coach, I need to be where the action is, when the game is being played. A footy coach does not coach from his or her office, they are on the sideline close to the game. The classrooms are where the action is taking place.

So in order to attain this I will be in classrooms two, full, uninterrupted days each week focused solely on improving teaching and learning. I call these days my Coaching Days. On my Coaching Days I am in each classroom for an hour long session, where the work is happening and where I can make the greatest difference for your child. Coaching Days are dedicated to observing, listening to, and supporting all our students and teachers.

Now, I know there may be occasions when you want to reach me with a question or a concern about your child, or you have an idea you’d like to share. Please know I appreciate your input and I do want to hear from you. In order to generously service your needs, while insuring the highest quality learning opportunities for your child, I ask for your partnership with the following:

When you wish to speak with me directly, please call my secretary, Jeni Muller on 6742 1136.

Tell Jeni you’d like to connect with me by phone or face-to-face.

Jeni will offer you three possible meeting times with me on days when I am scheduled to be in my office.

Choose the day and time that works best for you and Jeni will get our meeting on my calendar. Then at the appointed time, I will call you or meet with you in my office and we will have uninterrupted quality time to talk.

If you need an answer to a quick question, most likely Jeni knows the answer and she can direct and guide you. Of course anything of a serious nature will be brought to my attention immediately and I will deal with the matter straight away.

We have had a large number of students participating in a variety of sports already this term. A large group went to Barraba for Cross Country and did us proud. On Friday a huge group will travel to Inverell for the Diocesan Gala Day. This is a day focussed on participation and teamwork and for some students their first opportunity to represent our school. Sport is a vital part of what we do at St Xavier’s and it’s great to see so many children grabbing opportunities as they arise.

Keep a lookout for our Catholic Schools Week feature in the local paper this week. It focusses on our cultural pursuits and highlights the opportunities available for students.

Regards

Jen Honner

Parent quotes

“ I’m so glad we moved to this school. I love it and my children are so happy.”

“ I like the idea of having two teachers invested in my child. That one can work with a small group while the other is observing is great.”

“ I can’t believe the rooms are so quiet. The kids seem to know exactly what they are meant to be doing.”

“ My eldest daughter came from a small class at another school. She says it is much quieter and she can concentrate much better here at St Xavier’s.”

New Staff Roles

Student Support Teacher- Earlier this year Mrs van Dorst announced her retirement. Julie will be leaving us towards the end of the term after a long, successful and rewarding career at St Xavier’s. Julie has been our Student Support Teacher for a long time and her wealth of knowledge around funding, learning difficulties and intervention is outstanding. We have appointed Mrs Katrina McCumstie to the role of Student Support Teacher. Katrina has a background in Special Education and is already working closely with Julie on the vast array of tasks involved in this role. Katrina will continue working in Yr 1 every Monday, Tuesday and second Wednesday.

Year One Teacher- Mrs Sarah-Jane Canham will be joining Katrina, Brittany and Caitlin in Yr 1 on the days Katrina is out of class working in her role as SST. Sarah-Jane is very excited to be joining the Yr 1 team.

Year Two- As Mrs Fletcher awaits the final weeks before the birth of her first baby she and Miss Murphy are working hard to touch base with parents and have everything in place in Yr 2 for when Sarah leaves. Mrs Katrina Duncan has kindly agreed to work in Yr 2 for the remainder of the year. She will commence before Sarah leaves so the three teachers will have a week together to make the transition very smooth.

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