Guyra Central School broke up on Wednesday – and it has been a successful year, principal Michelle Nicholson said.
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Twelve students at Guyra Central School completed their Higher School Certificate this year.
Several students achieved Band 5 (second highest ranking) in Biology, Business Studies, Dance, English Advanced, Mathematics Extension 2, Modern History, Music, and Visual Arts.
The school performed better than the state average in Chemistry, Industrial Technology, PDHPE, and Metals and Engineering.
A number of students received early entry offers to university for next year.
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“Congratulations to all of our students for their achievements during 2019,” Guyra Central School principal Michelle Nicholson said.
"I am extremely proud to have the opportunity to lead this great learning team, and embrace the opportunity to be in a setting that is small enough to offer personalised learning opportunities and big enough to offer an impressive range of professionally led, well resourced, face-to-face subjects.
“We boast a very knowledgeable and creative team. We have the ultimate privilege to educate and interact with your whole family. I think this is perhaps our greatest strength. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our teaching team and support staff.”
Presentation evening
Guyra Central School also held its presentation evening at the Bill Wicks Gymnasium on Thursday, December 13.
Sara Walls and Alice Stanley received the 2018 University of New England Vice-Chancellor’s High Achievement Award for Academic Excellence, presented by UNE representative Paul Akon.
Sara also received the 2018 University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor’s High Achievement Award for Outstanding Performance in School Activities, and the Guyra Central School Special History Prize sponsored by Michael Evans.
Emily Knox received the Reuben F Scarf Award to recognise and honour consistent effort and desire to improve.
She and Hunter Davidson received the Cairns Cowan McNess Award for Outstanding Contribution to the School Community.
Emily and Kiralee McIlwain were presented with Armidale Regional Council Citizenship Awards by mayor Cr Simon Murray.
Hunter also received the Caltex Best All-Rounder Award, in recognition of his excellence in academic, leadership, sporting, and community service activities.
He and Colleen Pearson received the ADF Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award, presented by Lt Georgia Barden.
Zac Cannon was recognised for his Senior Excellence in Cultural Pursuits.
Braydon Cameron and Jaymie Donnelly received the UNE Spirit of Sport Award, which recognises students that display pride in representing their sport or school group.
Kelly Daly received the Ngamilmali Bulanyagai Award, and Lily Soraghan the TVET Recognition Award.
Fletcher Richardson and Oscar Atkin received the Premier Sporting Challenge, awarded for their outstanding commitment to fair play, achievement in their sporting discipline, and overall contribution to the school’s sports program.
Academic and sporting awards were presented by the Reverend Mark Evers; Mrs Jenny Smith; Mr Ron Vickress (RSL Sub Branch Guyra); Mr Jim Betts (Guyra Lions Club); Mrs Rita Williams (Guyra Show Society); Mr Rodney Merritt (Rotary Club of Guyra); Mrs Sonya Shipman (the HUB at Guyra); Mrs Deidre Youman (CWA Guyra); and Costa Exchange Tomato representative Tabitha Collins.
Other school news
The school has selected their new Deputy Principal. Timothy Lloyd, currently at Lithgow High School will take up the position at Guyra Central School next year. He will be accompanied by his wife Melinda, and three children.
Ms. Gillian Davis has been appointed as the new Principal at Emmaville Central School 2019.
“Gillian has worked tirelessly to ensure that all of our students have had a fair go,” Ms Nicholson said.
“Ms. Davis possess a disposition that all leaders aspire too. Her loyalty and commitment to this school has been mammoth and will be missed.”
The school has also forged many great partnerships during 2018, Ms Nicholson said.
Their newest is with the University of Sydney, and includes a STEM, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics program for Year 5-8 students next year. "It will stretch their brains, increase their appreciation for creative thought, and strengthen their confidence in pursuing design processes as a blueprint for life."
The school’s partnership with the COSTA group continues into 2019. Next year, junior students will take part in the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program.
The school has also partnered with many organisations and businesses during 2018 both within Guyra and from across NSW.
"To all of our businesses that provide support for our work experience students and school-based traineeships, we thank you," Ms Nicholson said.
"We could not run the school without the support from our Guyra Police and Ambulance service. We have built solid relationships with both of these essential services over the years, and it is important that their commitment to our kids is acknowledged. Our school would not grow and thrive as it has done during 2018, without the support of this amazing community."
