FROM THE PRINCIPAL

To the St Nicholas School Community  

TERM 4 - WEEK 10

On Monday St Nicholas celebrated the year that was, albeit with tight Covid restrictions, we congratulated and farewelled our graduating class of 2021. It was a beautiful morning and a highlight of 2021.

I thank our parent community for their support around the limitation of visitors due to ongoing Covid restrictions. While it was wonderful (and a step in the right direction) to have our Year 6 parents onsite, it was still disappointing being unable to invite the whole school community.

With the following highlights video, I trust you can get a small taste of what was a wonderful morning.

https://youtu.be/UWlZ8Z387u4

On Monday we also formally acknowledged and farewelled Mrs Lisa McSweeney. Part of Lisa’s farewell was the presentation of a Diocesan Distinguished Service Award. The citation of the this award, articulates perfectly what Lisa McSweeney means to the St Nicholas School Community.

Mrs Lisa McSweeney has been an exceptionally valued member of the St Nicholas school and parish community for over 21 years. Lisa has always wholeheartedly combined her love of teaching and her vast experience, to inspire and encourage students, staff and parents to be the best version of themselves. She continues to be highly respected within the school community. Her strong morals, integrity and empathy permeate through everything she says and does….and whilst at St Nicholas she truly led by example.

Lisa has always taken the time to see the best in all whom she encounters, and she encourages others to do the same. She genuinely listens and ensures everyone is included in the conversation. Lisa’s honest, friendly and considerate nature are qualities that make her a natural leader. Despite her measured approach to professional situations and events, Lisa has always been counted on to bring her good humour, joy and spirit of fun to the St Nicholas family. 

During her time at St Nicholas, Lisa has undertaken numerous roles in education. From her early days as an outstanding classroom teacher, she then moved into leadership roles such as Religious Education Coordinator, Assistant Principal, Acting Principal and Co Principal of St Edward’s School South Tamworth. Within her leadership roles at St Nicholas she was integral in establishing a renewed and reinvigorated vision of collaboration. She was formidable in transitioning St Nicholas into the contemporary learning centre it has become today. Lisa was not only involved in developing a positive school culture of faith, learning and compassion, but she played a vital role in teaching us all to ‘go with the flow’ throughout the building process. This drive of positive energy and vision culminated in the wonderful facilities that we now have at St Nicholas School.

In 2013 Lisa received the Armidale Catholic Schools Office Spirit of Catholic Education Award for outstanding achievement and contribution to Catholic education in leadership. Furthermore, in 2016 Lisa was awarded The Bob and Margaret Frater International Scholarship. As a result of this, she attended a well renowned conference in Croatia, which enabled her to pursue her interest and build on her philosophy around creative and innovative practices in education.

The adapted quote “You only accept the standard you walk past”, borrowed from General David J. Hurley was often shared by Lisa. This notion supports the importance of having high expectations. These expectations, which form the everyday language of our school, were shaped by Lisa, and this legacy continues with our students constantly striving for “2 more marks”.

Lisa’s ongoing commitment to student and teacher wellbeing have seen her pursue a determined course of action. With Lisa’s leadership skills and her persistence in this area, staff in particular, were also able to access professional development and learning, therefore enhancing their own sense of self efficacy. Throughout 2021, as a fine example of appreciating that we are all life-long learners, she committed to further study, attaining her Masters of Education - Educational Wellbeing.

Lisa’s ongoing passion for the creative arts, music and culture led to the inception of the St Nicholas School Band. Lisa’s pioneering efforts now ensure that the students who enjoy music have an avenue to further develop and display their interest and talents. Teaching and mentoring students across Eisteddfods, the public speaking realm, Tournaments of the Minds and debating are also key areas where Lisa has made an impact.

Another major accomplishment saw Lisa as co-founder of Catholic Schools Celebrate, where diocesan staff and students, from Kindergarten to Year 12, have gathered together over many years to showcase their creativity and talents. With Lisa at the helm, this high quality, biannual event has not only opened up opportunities for thousands of students, but has enabled networking and friendships to develop between staff across numerous schools. She has worked tirelessly seeking funding for Catholic Schools Celebrate, all the while pursuing the notion that everyone deserves an opportunity to shine and showcase their talents in front of a large community based audience.

It is evident that in all she does and through her remarkable service, contributions and achievements, Lisa’s work has always been underpinned by her unwavering Catholic faith and it’s principles and values. She has made an enormous difference in the lives of so many and will always be regarded as a valued teacher, colleague, friend and outstanding leader of action.

The following note was received from Lisa today:

To the St Nicholas School Community

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for such a beautiful farewell on Monday Being with you all again (especially the students!) was such a joy and the love and effort put into my farewell assembly did not go unnoticed. St Nicholas will forever hold a special place in my heart and the memories will be with me forever.

God bless and much love.

Lisa McSweeney

Virtual Presentation Night

Due to restrictions, St Nicholas annual Presentation evening will take place this evening through a digital platform. I trust you will find the experience enjoyable. I thank students and staff for their efforts in putting this evening's celebrations together.

Links to all presentations items can be found via Youtube by searching 'St Nicholas Primary School, Tamworth'

2022 SCHOOL CAPTAINS

I would like to congratulate the following students on being appointed captains in 2022.

School Captains:                              Anna Barwick                 Angus Davidson

Vice Captains:                                   Lucy Mahony                  Mason Hill

Edmund Rice House Captains:    Charlotte Filla                 Cooper McAuley

Dominic House Captains:              Poppy Bensley                Max Daly

MacKillop House Captains:           Molly O'Mullane            Callum Anderson

Ozanam House Captains:               Ella Klasen                      Myles Manning

We have a wonderful group of young men and women to lead St Nicholas School in 2022.  

Finally, as this will be the final newsletter for 2021 I wish to once again thank our entire school community for your patience, support and understanding throughout 2021. 2021 has been a very challenging year, though having learnt a lot from these challenges we should look forward to another fantastic year in 2022.

I wish every family a happy, safe and holy Christmas.

John Clery

PRINCIPAL