FROM THE PRINCIPAL

To the St Nicholas School Community

TERM 4 - WEEK 5

Throughout the week, our beautiful country has celebrated NAIDOC Week with the theme, ‘Always was, Always will be’. Always Was, Always Will Be recognises that First Nations people have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years.

At St Nicholas School we are proud of our Indigenous students. We are proud of creating an environment for these students to celebrate their culture. As principal of St Nicholas School I am particularly proud of how all our students are learning more and more everyday about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island culture. 

Thanks to Mr. French, this week, all our students have learned and celebrated our First Nations people. From a liturgy on Monday morning to students challenging the staff to a game of Oztag tomorrow afternoon, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture has been at the heart of our week. On behalf of our school community, thank you to Mr French for your efforts and passion.

Remembrance Day

Yesterday as a school community, nation, and planet we commemorated Remembrance Day. While COVID-19 changed the format, it didn't prevent us from stopping and reflecting on the sacrifices of our servicemen and women.

Locally, schools in the Tamworth region were represented by students from Calrossy Anglican School who laid a wreath of remembrance on behalf of all schools. Oxley High School presented the Commemorative Address and Tamworth South Public School presented the Prayer.

Kinder Sleepover

Plenty of you may have felt the excitement build last week as our youngest students prepared for the Kinder Sleepover. Their excitement was justified!

What an amazing experience for our Kindergarten children. The short video below certainly captures the joy felt by Kindergarten.

The Kindergarten sleepover is an example of the culture, dedication and work ethic of St Nicholas School staff. Providing this experience for our students certainly goes above and beyond staff responsibilities. Even with extra challenges presented by the pandemic, our staff were determined the Kinder Sleepover would proceed.

On behalf of our school community, as Principal and a parent of a Kindergarten student, I say an enormous thank you to Catrina O’Mullane, Belinda Tyrrell, Kate Chatfield and their band of helpers.

Principal for a day

I trust this is not my last day as Principal of St Nicholas School, as tomorrow I will be replaced by two extremely capable Year 6 students as they participate in another wonderful St Nicholas School leadership initiative, Principal for the Day. Please say a prayer they won’t decide to sack me! On a serious note, I am sure you will join with me in wishing Halley Buckman and Ella Scott a wonderful day.

As part of their responsibilities, Halley and Ella will write next week's Principal's address for the newsletter. During the report, they will share with you their experience and learnings.

School Advisory Council

The St Nicholas School Advisory Council Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 24th November at 6.00pm in the St Nicholas Primary School Staffroom. 

The Council is seeking new members. For more information please click on the Newsletter’s School Advisory Council tab. 

School Uniform

Last term I provided families with current research around school uniforms and as promised today I provide you with results of a student survey.

Next week I will provide you with staff results before surveying our parents on a potential move to increasing the days St Nicholas students wear their sports uniform.

John Clery

PRINCIPAL