Principals Message

Dear parents and carers,

This time of the year brings with it many emotions. Some students and staff are saying goodbye to St Xavier’s and students are ready to meet their teachers for 2023 knowing they will miss their current teachers. In the words of our dear Sharon John, to Kinder, “This train is going to Year One and you better be on it, choo choo!”

Change can be an anxious time for some of us and you might find at this time of the year your children are a bit teary, tired and not themselves. Throw in the excitement of Christmas and anything could happen! When change is constant, what seemed like a good plan yesterday may not seem like a good one tomorrow.

I like to use the metaphor of the dance floor and the balcony in my role as a leader. On the dance floor one finds themselves focused on the music, your partner and your impression is that everyone is having an awesome time.

On the balcony one may observe that there are some people not dancing at all and there appears to be a departure of people from the dance floor when the music speeds up or gets louder. These are observations you could not make when on the dance floor.

At this time of the year I find myself on the balcony observing and making sure I am supporting people when they need it. Everyone has a lot on and this can be a tricky time.

Next week at our Assembly we will farewell students leaving St Xavier’s, included in this group are our Year 6 students. They have been a wonderful group throughout their time at St Xavier’s. It has been a good experience watching them grow and change and mature into such independent young adults. Tonight they will get to celebrate with each other and make a few more St Xavier’s memories. Thank you to the families who leave St Xavier’s this year. Whatever you have done to support us, we appreciate it.

We have a number of staff leaving and they will be missed more than they know. We wish them so much love and joy for the future and thank them for their work at SXG;

Sam Crane - Sam came to Gunnedah to play footy for the Red Devils. Little did he know he actually came to Gunnedah to work at St Xavier’s! Sam fitted in straight away and we have come to value and care for him a lot. We wish him the very best as he continues his travels around Australia.
Bellinda Pyke - Bellinda has had a great year working in Yr 2 and currently is experiencing how other grades operate. She has been passionate about finding what works best for each child. We wish her the very best for the future.
Jess Strohfeldt - Jess has been such a breath of fresh air every week when she comes to teach Geography. Her nature is such a gentle, kind one and we love her sense of humour. Jess, Chris and the boys are about to start the next exciting chapter of their life together and we will miss them and we wish them the very best.
Brittany Reynolds - The original Chicken Diva, Britt has had a lasting impact on the staff and students of SXG. Her professionalism and knowledge of her students is exceptional. She brings joy to every situation and we wish her the very best for the future.
Sharon John - The legacy Sharon leaves behind is rich. She has been a mentor to staff, a leader and a friend to all. Her professional approach to what children need to know and how they are going to learn it is an example to all. Sharon is also very funny! She fills the room with personality and has the respect of the entire St Xavier’s community. She and Phil are about to embrace big changes and we wish them all the best for the future.

Tomorrow we will announce the teachers and education assistants for each grade for 2023. We will also announce the student leadership team for 2023. Until next time please take care, stay safe and enjoy a happy, holy Christmas with your loved ones.

Thanks for all the support we receive in creating strong teams that look after your precious children.

Kind regards,

Jen