Boggabri Sacred Heart School’s presentation was a mixture of excitement, pride, reflection, optimism and a tinge of sadness.
The principal, Claire Ryan, welcomed everyone to the presentation saying: “Today is not just a celebration of the milestones we have achieved throughout 2025, but also a celebration of the collective effort, spirit, and support that have made those achievements possible.”
Mrs Ryan also expressed her gratitude for the support, encouragement and for the way the school community have welcomed herself and her family into the Sacred Heart community as she navigated the role of principal for the first time in her career and advised that she will be leaving Boggabri Sacred Heart School at the end of term and embarking on a journey around Australia with her family starting in 2026.
Highlights of the year included unforgettable excursions and sports events to places such as St Xavier’s School musical of ‘Mary Poppins’, the soccer gala day in Inverell, the Diocesan, Polding and State events for swimming, cross country and athletics, the trip to Armidale for Catholic Schools Week, their excursion to Nelson’s Honey Factory, visit to St Joseph’s School, Quirindi to celebrate the Deanery Mass, and a trip to Tamworth to connect with St Joseph’s Barraba which led to their excursion to Canberra with Year 3-6 children.
Other highlights throughout 2025 included the Rotary Small School Speaking Competition.
Connection with St Xavier’s School in Gunnedah for NAIDOC Week, the community service projects, such as packing the Samaritan boxes and Fun Hat Friday.
School fundraising opportunities included the Year 6 fundraisers, the Boggabri Show and Shine, and their very successful community ball.
The president’s report from the Parents, Teachers and Friends (PTF) was delivered by Aidan Rodstrom.
Mr Rodstrom highlighted the PTF’s activities throughout the year making special mention of the very successful Kaleidoscope Gala Ball, which was a huge success both financially and
socially.
Mr Rodstrom was very appreciative of the help from other executive members, Megan Guest and Kristy Moore as well as the canteen and uniform ladies, Sophie Rodstrom and Tina Swain.
Year six students conducted many fundraising events including raffles, Easter egg guessing competition, selling slushies and popcorn, bake stalls, a framed NRL 2007 signed West Tigers jersey donated by Binet Homes raised $870, while the items auctioned at the Kaleidoscope Ball raised a massive $1675.
The students decided that they would like the money to go towards the Ninja-style play equipment project and presented Mr Rodstrom with a cheque for $3000.
Robyn Traynor was presented with an award from the Armidale Catholic Schools in recognition of 30 years of dedicated service in Catholic Education in their Diocese.
Ms Traynor commenced work at Sacred Heart School in 1995 as an educational assistant and later became an administration officer, supporting the leadership team in their duties and serving as the face of the school in the front office.
The most anticipated announcement of the day was the announcement of school captain and sports captain for 2026.
Congratulations to school captain, Ellie Rodstrom and sports captain Lachlan Bates.
Ellie carries on the family tradition of school leadership with her mother, Sophie Rodstrom and grandmother Julie Gillham both being elected as school captains in their time as students at Boggabri Sacred Heart School.
