FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Term 2 - Week 5

Welcome to Week 5 Term 2,

Catholic Schools Week

This week is Catholic Schools Week and I am very privileged to be writing this newsletter address as acting principal in John’s absence. As a school community we have much to celebrate. We have a great culture, fantastic students and committed staff who only have the best outcome in mind for all who they engage with on a daily basis. ‘RENEW with HOPE" is the theme of this year. It explores the Pope's announcement that 2025 will be the Jubilee Year and the Pope's invitation that during 2023 people of the Church throughout the world  prepare by becoming familiar with the Second Vatican Council and its major teachings. ‘RENEW with HOPE’ asks us to take time this year to listen, read, enter dialogue and pray as baptised believers (the “People of God”) on our call to holiness and our roles and responsibilities in the life and mission of the Church. ‘RENEW with HOPE’ invites each member of our community to give fresh life and renew our commitment in applying the truths of Christ to the world we live in. To celebrate Catholic Schools Week in our diocese Mr Dimech, Lyla Davidson, Eve Simpson, Patrick Johnson and I attended the Catholic Schools Week Mass today in Armidale.

Staff Development Day

On Monday, St Nicholas Staff gathered alongside fellow colleagues from St Edward’s and St Joseph's Primary schools in Tamworth to undertake professional development in the area of Mathematics. Tracey Hughes- Butters (Mathematics consultant) lead participants through the day which covered aspects of classroom strategies to promote mathematical thinking, the need to allow students to explain the 'why' behind their answer, selection of the right type of questioning to allow students to engage with the task and show depth of understanding and assessment moderation. The day was not only valuable in further developing knowledge and skills in the area of mathematics but was also a great opportunity for the staff of the three Tamworth schools to meet as colleagues to strengthen the system approach of learning and teaching. 

Miss Georgia Johnson

This week we acknowledged, thanked and farewelled Miss Georgia Johnson (Educational Assistant) from St Nicholas School. Georgia has worked with and supported many of our students and staff over the last couple of years and leaves our St Nicholas family with our well wishes and full support with the next step in her career journey.      

Kindergarten 2024 Interviews to commence next week 

Next week Katie Daley and I will conduct interviews for our prospective 2024 Kindergarten students. These interviews will run over 3 weeks. We are very much looking forward to showcasing our school and all it has to offer our current and prospective new families.

Have a great week!

Renee Dunst

Acting Principal