PRINCIPAL'S NEWS

Principal's Message...

It is with a very heavy heart that I begin this message to farewell Carmel.  I count my blessings at the good fortune bestowed upon me, to have taken on the position of principal with Carmel by my side. I cannot begin to express how much I have enjoyed working with Carmel over the past seven years, and how much I will miss her presence each and every day. 

Carmel has a long history here at St Joey’s. She has been the Administration Officer here at the school for 25 years, and prior to that was the Parish Secretary in the Parish House.  Her connection to this school and parish is unprecedented and her knowledge of all thing St Joseph’s is unmatched.  There is not a question, ever, that goes unanswered.  There is not an item, ever, that cannot be found.  There is not a document, historical or current, that she cannot put her finger on an instant.

I cannot begin to fathom the amount of families that Carmel has supported and befriended over the years.  In my 35 years working in education I have never encountered anyone like Carmel, who is so very much endeared by the whole school community, from our children and families, to our staff, to the parishioners, to building and cleaning contractors, and even to the fast-track people delivering parcels to the school!  She has an innate ability to befriend people, to put people at ease and to make EVERYONE feel welcome and valued. 

The support Carmel has provided to each and every student and staff member has been extraordinary and her inherent ability to care for the wellbeing of all those around her will be hugely missed.  

Personally, I thank her for her sage advice, her professionalism, her wonderful wonderful sense of humour, and most of all her friendship. I will be forever indebted to her for the wisdom she has shared and the counsel she has provided me over the last seven years.  I will miss her tremendously.

I congratulate Carmel on her retirement and I look forward to hearing of the life adventures she will undoubtedly pursue in the future.

A MESSAGE FROM CARMEL...

Farewell and Thank you

It is a very strange feeling that after 25 years of coming to school each day it is now coming to an end. I have thoroughly enjoyed my timeworking with this great community we call St Joseph’s.

I have worked for three principals and have enjoyed a gratifying work, friendship relationship with each one. I particularly would like to thank Mary for the past seven years – I thank her for the faith and trust she placed in me but more than anything the fun and laughter! It has been very special! To Fiona, who has only been with us for a couple of years, thank you for the friendship and banter we shared.

Thank you to the staff – although many have only been here a short time, they are young, enthusiastic and work diligently to provide the very best education for your children. This was never more evident than in 2020 when Mary outlined to staff her vision of what remote learning should look like at St Joseph’s: what they managed to produce in a short space of time was truly amazing!

To the families of St Joseph’s – thank you for never saying no to any request. Working with you over the years on fetes, BBQ’s, Election Day BBQ’s, working bees and a myriad of other events has been an absolute joy. Your hard work in raising money and creating community for this little school is truly inspirational.

Finally to the children, I will miss you all. Over the years I have seen hundreds of children pass through the school starting out as bright eyed, sometimes timid little Preps and leaving confident Year six students ready to face the next stage of their life. Without fail when they return to visit they recount so many happy memories of their time at St Joseph’s.

Thank you all for the memories

Carmel

STAFFING TERM 3

As mentioned in recent emails to families, we have finalised our staffing for term three.

Bridget Sim will be joining us working in the senior community, replacing Ashlyn Keane who commenced her parental leave last week.  Bridget comes to us from St Margaret's in Maribyrnong and will be working in the Senior Community this Thursday. 

Julia Koot will be replacing Bella in prep when Bella commences her leave at the end of week one next term.  Julia is currently working in prep with Bella, and will continue to work with her throughout week one next term.  Julia has previous experience in the field of early childhood education and has worked in this industry whilst completing her Bachelor's Degree.  

Kathryn Coventry will commence in term three as our new Administration Officer.  Kathryn has experience working in this field and is 'moving back to Northcote' after spending some time living in Cairns.

REPORTS

June reports will be sent home on Thursday.  Please take the time to celebrate your child's achievement with them and share their successes.  Parent teacher interviews will be held later in term 3.  If you have any questions or concerns about your child's mid-year report please contact your child's classroom teacher.

CODE CAMP

Code Camp will be operating again next term and we also really pleased to be offering a programme for our preps and grade one students... 

For Year Prep-1 students we have created a truly special program. In term 3 we are launching 'Curious Minds' by Code Camp, an 8-week program exploring how technology and science are shaping our world; from virtual reality to electric cars, cryptocurrency to super seaweed (carbon handprints and footprints), NFTs and more. Each week we're teaching our littlest students about a BIG IDEA via fun and engaging activities. Your K-1 kids will then be teaching you!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

I hope that everyone has a fabulous term break and that you all enjoy some 'down-time' over the next two weeks.

I look forward to seeing everyone at the commencement of term 3 on Monday July 11.