Principals' Message
From our Principals - Alison & Lisa
LEADERSHIP DAYS
On Monday Mrs Alison Hatton accompanied our School Leaders at The Halogen Leadership Day in Sydney. Students from across NSW came together to hear prominent Australians speak about leadership and the responsibilities that come with the title. It was an inspirational day! From messages of resilience, to the importance of goal setting, Erin Molan, Rove McManus, Bianca Chatfield and John Coutis, inspired the next generation of leaders to look at how they can be better leaders in their everyday lives. A big thank you to all the parents and students who attended.
Our Year 6 leaders were also involved in a fun day at school with the aim to develop teamwork and goal setting, therefore building lifelong skills of leadership. Throughout the day they were encouraged to work in groups to enhance their skills of cooperation, listening, problem solving and communication. Guest speakers, Dr Fiona Moore, Tom Lahrs and Luke Eddie, highlighted their thoughts on leadership and how it has benefited them in their own lives. A huge thank you to Miss Tucker, Miss Gambrill, Mrs Clarke and Mr O'Toole for organising the day, as well as Mrs Ashford and Mr Hatton for the wonderful BBQ lunch.
NAPLAN
The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is held in May each year for Year 3 and Year 5 students. NAPLAN tests assess student knowledge and skills in Writing, Reading, Conventions of Language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and Numeracy. The results of the tests provide information for students, parents, teachers and principals and can be used to improve student achievement. Please take the time to read the linked information brochure for parents and carers.
FAMILY MASS
A big thank you to the families who attended last Sunday's Kindergarten, Year 3 & Year 6 Family Mass. These Family Masses are a chance for our families to meet in the focal point of our Parish, the Church. It is a wonderful opportunity for us all to stop and take a break to pray together as a school community. Again we thank you all for your continued support of these important days for our school community and Parish.
PARENTS AND FRIENDS ASSOCIATION
Last Tuesday night was the first Parents and Friends Association meeting for the new year 2020 and it was wonderful to see so many of our parents come together to plan and discuss community building projects for the year. We thank all of our wonderful parents who tirelessly give of their time in supporting our school in many different ways that work to strengthen the overall community that is St Edward's School. We acknowledge and thank our committee who have accepted a role in the 2020 St Edward's Parents and Friends Association:
President: Ferne Wilson
Vice President: Nikki Bridge
Secretary: Mr Adam Ryan
Treasurer: Karissa Burrows
Our next meeting is on Tuesday 5th May at 6.30pm.
SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING
Please note our first School Advisory Council meeting for 2020 will be held next Monday 9th March at 5.00pm in the Primary Campus Staffroom. Diocesan Support Officer Catherine Ible will be present at this meeting to clarify the role of the Advisory Council in schools. Looking forward to seeing you there.
COMPASS PARENT PORTAL LAUNCH
Please mark Thursday 19th March in your diary as this is the night we will be inviting parents and carers to come along and become informed on how to access the Parent Portal of Compass. More details to come! We appreciate that some parents may already be using the Compass Parent Portal if you have a child at McCarthy Catholic College, however we would appreciate if you wait for the correct processes to be put in place before attempting to use it with our St Edward's site.
KINDERGARTEN PARENT WORKSHOP
Need some hints on how to help your child with learning to read at home. Please come to our Kinder Parent Workshop on Tuesday 17th March. More details in the General News section of this newsletter.
PUPIL FREE DAYS
Our Staff Development Days (Pupil Free Days) have been confirmed and are outlined in the 'Upcoming Dates' of our newsletter.
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
As you would be well aware, the Coronavirus is still a very prominent topic in the media and we continue to receive updates from Catholic Schools NSW.
NSW Health has information available on its website.
Factsheet: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/alerts/Pages/coronavirus.aspx
FAQs: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/alerts/Pages/coronavirus-faqs.aspx
Have a wonderful week everyone!
Alison Hatton & Lisa McSweeney