Principal’s Message

Leadership Mass

Last Friday we celebrated our first school Mass of the year at St Patrick's church with students in Years 3-6 attending (due to Covid restrictions).  The Year 6 Captains and Leaders received their badges which were pinned on by a parent or family member.  They recited a prayer of dedication in which they accepted the responsibility of being Leaders of St Joseph's School.  Fr Anthony Koppman, our supportive Parish Priest presided over Mass.  Special thanks to Mrs Bearman for her organisation and Mrs Creigh for providing the beautiful music. Congratulations to all of our Year 6 students on their new roles as Captains and Leaders for 2021.

Parents and Friends Association and School Advisory Council

There are two parent bodies which provide opportunities for parents/carers to be involved in supporting the school - the Parents and Friends Association and the School Advisory Council.  There are important differences between these two parent bodies which are defined in their Constitutions:

The P & F Association recognises and values the role that parents/carers play in the education of their children and aims to strengthen the partnership between family, school, parish and the wider community for the benefit of the faith formation, development and learning of all the students at the school.  The P & F Association has an important role in the school by providing opportunities for social events and for fundraising for the school.   The Office Bearers/Executive Committee is responsible for the management of the Association and is comprised of the President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, together with ex-officio members (Principal and Parish Priest) and any other members elected at the AGM (held in Term 1 each year) depending on local need eg. fundraising.  Meetings are held twice a term, if possible.

The Catholic School Advisory Council has a different role to play within the school.  It provides the opportunity for members of the school and parish community to support the mission of Catholic education in the school.  Working with the Principal and the Parish Priest, the members of the Council provide guidance and support to the wider school community.  The Council operates within the policies and procedures determined by the Catholic Schools Office.  The Principal has responsibility for the day to day leadership and management of the school.  The members of the School Advisory Council are comprised of the Parish Priest, Principal, staff members, community members, co-opted members.  Co-opted members will be chosen to bring to the Advisory Council a special skill, service or experience.  With the approval of the Parish Priest and the Principal, parents/carers can be invited to join the Advisory Council.  The meetings are only attended by members of the Council and are held once a term.  The AGM is held in November each year. 

Last year, we were unable to have regular meetings so I'd really like to appeal to all parents/carers to consider attending P & F meetings to support your school.  Please don't feel that you will be given a 'job' at the AGM - it is purely voluntary but everyone is welcome to attend.   The P & F plays an important role in building community by organising social events and supporting the school through fundraising.  I encourage everyone to become involved in the P & F Association.  If you would like further information regarding becoming a member of the School Advisory Council, please contact me via the school office.  

Swimming Carnival

Special thanks to Mrs Lockwood for organising another great carnival.  The children participated well and enjoyed the day.  Thanks to the staff for assisting her and to McCarthy students for volunteering.  Congratulations to MacKillop House who won the highest point score on the day.

Parent Learning Walks

This term, parents/carers will be invited to attend 'Learning Walks' guided by me and a member of the Leadership Team during the English Block (9-11am).  This is a great opportunity for parents to come in for a guided 'walk and talk' where you can see first hand what the children are learning across K-6.  We have a strong focus on literacy so our morning session runs to a tight schedule of modelled and shared reading, guided reading and writing workshops.  You may have heard your child talk about the 'VCOP' wall and learning intentions/success criteria?  The Parent Learning Walks will offer you an opportunity to find out more about these and much more.  Please stay tuned for more information later this term.  

Parent Code of Conduct

Like staff and students, parents are asked to comply to the St Joseph's School Code of Conduct for Parents.  This policy outlines behaviour which are appropriate and those which are inappropriate.  We ask that parents abide by this policy as inappropriate behaviour towards staff or students will not be tolerated.  If you would like a copy of the Parent Code of Conduct, please contact the school office.

Enrolling Now

We have begun our enrolment period for 2022.  If you have a child who is ready for Kindergarten in 2022, please contact the school office for an enrolment form. 

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead.

May God bless you,

Katie Hanes

Principal

St Joseph's School - a Faith Filled Community Where Learning Matters.