Principal's Report

Parent and Friends Association (P&F) and School Advisory Council (SAC)

 Like many schools during COVID times, it has been difficult for specific school groupsinvolving parentsto function (if at all) in the manner in which we so fortunately were accustomed to. It is now time to move forward to progress and prepare in readiness for when NSW Public Health Restrictions are lifted, allowing for parents, carers and friends permission to again be on the school grounds freely as the past has accommodated. During my time at St Joseph’s this term, I am aiming for the school to have these groups operational, or in the event of further pandemic setback, ready to launch when the health climate permits. 

This week, a letter will be made available via Compass outlining the way forward with this process. 

Athletics Carnival

As per NSW Health, our 2021 carnival is a COVID carnival with NO SPECTATORS. 

ESSENTIAL ((prearranged) adults helpers are the only approved persons to attend. A COVID marshall will be in place for our carnival ensuring we are meeting the necessary requirements and restrictions. We recognise the disappointment this may bring to our parent/carer  community, however, we are on an even playing field with the Olympians who have trained for five years to be at Tokyo representing Australia. Perspective is required. 

Carnival days are important days for every student at St Joseph's School. It is a day where you cheer for your team, encourage and congratulate each other, whether you came second or were a slower runner at the back of the race. It is character building, life lessons are learned and champions emerge. Resilience strengthened. Trying your best is what counts most. Thank you for your support regarding this school day framed by running, jumping, throwing and participation. 

Please support us by ensuring your child attends the carnival to enjoy the life experiences, in whatever shape it may be.  

Parent Teacher Interviews

Again, we have been required to amend the plan as a result of NSW Public Health Restrictions. The anticipated Student Led Conferences will now be either phone or zoom catch ups with parent/s.  This week each parent/carer will be sent a link to book your appointment online. It will be a matter of “the early bird catches the worm”. The later you leave your opportunity to book a conversation with your child’s teacher, the fewer time slots will be available.  

First World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly 25 July 2021

(Reference United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) https://www.usccb.org/resources/prayer-first-world-day-grandparents-and-elderly

In January 2021, Pope Francis announced the institution of World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, which will take place each year on the fourth Sunday in July, close to the feast of Sts Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus.

Recalling the upcoming feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple – when the elderly Simeon and Anna encountered the child Jesus and recognised Him as the Messiah – Pope Francis said, “the Holy Spirit even today stirs up thoughts and words of wisdom in the elderly.” The voice of the elderly “is precious,” he said, “because it sings the praises of God and preserves the roots of the peoples.”

The elderly, he continued, “remind us that old age is a gift and that grandparents are the link between the different generations, to pass on to the young the experience of life.”

The elderly must not be forgotten.

The Holy Father said he instituted the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly because “grandparents are often forgotten, and we forget this wealth of preserving roots and passing on” what the elderly have received.

He emphasised the importance of grandparents and grandchildren getting to know one another, because “as the prophet Joel says, grandparents seeing their grandchildren dream,” while “young people, drawing strength from their grandparents, will go forward and prophesy.” 

St Joseph’s School community sends its blessings and best wishes to the grandparents and elderly persons who have current or historic association with us.