Message from the Principal

2021 - What a Year!

Our annual Presentation Day ceremonies last Thursday 2 December were a fitting way to conclude the 2021 school year. There was a great joy across the community that some parents were able to attend either the Secondary or Junior celebrations of achievements. (How we have missed parents being on site during the second half of this year.) 

Unusually, we had Year 12s sitting their final HSC examinations on the same day. Congratulations to all prize-winners but also to every student who achieved during the year. As shared in the ceremonies, everyone has their own super-powers and should be celebrated for their unique contribution to school and our community.

On the Friday night Year 12 families finally celebrated with staff and students to make the end of their extraordinary journey over the past two years. This impressive group has done it tough and were commended for their contribution to Calrossy and great resourcefulness in the face of challenge. So committed was one family to attending that they canoed out of their property, caught a helicopter to Narrabri and hired a car just to attend the Valedictory Dinner.

The combination of events in our final week served to remind us that despite the challenges of COVID, the uncertainty that has surrounded our society and the discomfort of many of the measures mandated by authorities, our school community has stood tall and excelled under trying circumstances. One of our school values is resilience and it has made me a very proud Principal to note the manner in which the children have ‘bounced’ forward through many obstacles to maintain a strong sense of hope and joy.

Whilst it would be easy to bemoan the challenges and disappointments, I want to look ahead, knowing that what the community has endured will only make us stronger. At times we have had to draw on strength we did not know we possessed.

On behalf of Calrossy I wish to thank parents, staff, our P & F, the School Board and all those who supported our students this year. The success of 2021 has been much as the result of the partnerships that exist in the school and our strength as a community. I give thanks to God for everyone who enables best outcomes for our students.

Staff News

On Friday we fittingly farewelled the following staff:

• Geoff Nielsen and Maree Kells – both retiring after almost 20 years in our school
• Stephen Lawson – to McCarthy CC as a Leader of Pedagogy
• Rob and Rachel Marchetto – to Adelaide to take up leadership and teaching positions at St Peter’s and St Ignatius respectively
• James Vimpany – Head of Christian Studies at Nowra Anglican School
• Erika Sorby – to Newcastle to teach History at Merewether HS
• Sarah Pezzuto (Secondary PA) – retiring after 15 years.

Earlier this term we farewelled Melanie Archbold (Junior School PA) – moving to Nursing after 17 years with the school.

We were reminded of the power of great teaching, the importance of relationships that exist between staff and students and the teamwork that produces confident and successful learners.

We acknowledged Mrs Dianne Cameron (Head of Senior Secondary) and Mr Hugh Howey (Head of Christian Ministry) for their ‘sterling’ work over many years. Both step back to general classroom teaching in 2022 and remain as valued members of staff.

Ms Isabella Clift takes Maternity Leave for 2021 and we wish her every joy in the birth of her first child. Mr Laurence Tockuss will be on Leave in 2022 as he recuperates.

Mrs Catriona White has stepped down as Head Librarian but fortunately stays with us in a teaching role and Archives. Mrs Zoe Morris has been appointed as the new leader of our P – 12 Library team.

We have appointed a new school Director of Sport in Mr David Hampstead and I am pleased to announce a new position – Junior School PDHPE Specialist Teacher - in Mrs Irem Mooney. I look forward to the contribution both these staff members play in supporting positive sporting experiences at Calrossy.

I am pleased with the teacher recruitment process for next year, partly due to growth in Secondary numbers for 2022, and look forward to introducing our new staff to the community in the new year.

Congratulations

Tahlia Barwick (Year 11) last week received the honour of being selected as Tamworth Regional Council’s Youth Volunteer of the Year for her work on NSW Regional Youth Council, her advocacy for rural mental health and Project Paper Hearts.

Abbie Peet (Year 7) received the Junior Sports Star of the Year at the recent council award ceremony, for our outstanding achievements in Para Athletics, including being the holder of 3 national Under 15 records. 

Christmas

At the Presentation Day ceremonies I alluded to Jesus being like a sort of superhero. The Christmas season reminds us of the birth of a Saviour, who came to give us life to the fullest, enabling us to enjoy relationship with our Heavenly Father and reminding us of God’s great love for humankind.  

There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.” Luke 2: 9 – 14

Enjoy a happy and safe Christmas. I trust that it will be a time of joy, peace, special time with family and friends and one in which you may enjoy rest and renewal. Every blessing for a wonderful and safe new year.

Join the Calrossy Community as we celebrate the spirit of Christmas with our annual Christmas Carols Service, which you can view here.

Anyone in the Calrossy community is welcome to join the North Tamworth Anglican Church Carol Service on Christmas Eve, 7 pm in the Hall on the William Cowper Campus.

David Smith