Principal's Report

Dear Parents, Carers and Community Members,

Welcome back to Term Two at St Joseph’s! We are off to a wonderful start and are pleased to have welcomed a new student, who is already settling in well and being warmly embraced by peers. The children have quickly re-established their routines and expectations, and staff have been busy preparing a term filled with engaging, differentiated learning experiences to support every child’s growth and success.

Kindergarten Enrolments – 2026

Our enrolment process for Kindergarten 2026 is now well underway, and we’re already seeing strong interest for next year’s cohort. During our Little Joey’s School Readiness program this week, we were proud to welcome prospective families for a school tour, showcasing the vibrant learning environment and values that underpin life at St Joseph’s. Enrolment interviews will commence from Tuesday, 13 May. If you have a child starting school next year—or know someone who does—please collect an enrolment pack from the front office to begin the process.

Liturgy for Pope Francis

Last week, we gathered as a school community for a special prayer, led beautifully by some of our Year 6 students, to honour the humble and inspirational leadership of Pope Francis. His example as a servant leader, guided by mercy, compassion, and justice, reminds us to live more like Jesus. Pope Francis demonstrated an unwavering concern for the poor, for creation, and for global peace—his legacy continues to shape our world for the better. We prayed that his life and message gives each of us the courage and conviction to create a world where all can flourish.

ANZAC Day Commemoration

Thank you to the many students and families who represented St Joseph’s at our ANZAC Day services. We are always proud of our students, but this year’s level of participation truly reflected the spirit and pride of our school community. Our students’ respectful presence was noticed and appreciated by many. In addition, last week, staff and students took part in an ANZAC Day liturgy, thoughtfully led by our students, as we paused to reflect on the sacrifice of those who served and continue to serve.

Celebrating Student Achievement 

We are continually proud of the way our students embrace opportunities beyond the classroom, representing our school with pride, talent, and enthusiasm. A special congratulations to our Kindergarten and Stage 2 students for their beautiful singing and respectful participation in the Celtic Festival Opening Ceremony—a truly memorable event for our school and wider community. Thank you to Mrs Core and the team of skilled, helpful adults for preparing our students so well.  We also commend Sam Barratt and Jimmy Chard, who represented both St Joseph’s and the Armidale Catholic Schools (ACS) at the Polding Rugby League Trials in Bathurst last week. Their commitment, sportsmanship, and effort on and off the field were outstanding. Thank you to Katie McMeniman who also travelled to Bathurst as a Team Manager for the 12 Years Rugby League. 

Celebrating Staff Achievement

We are delighted to share that Mr Ron Webel has recently published his first children’s book, titled Best Day Ever. This heartwarming story follows Ronald Webel, a boy with a stutter and a heart full of doubts, who braces for a birthday he hopes will pass quickly. Best Day Ever is a touching tale full of humour, courage, and kindness, reminding us that every voice deserves to be heard—and every birthday is a little joy. We are grateful to Mr Webel for donating a signed copy to our school library, where students can enjoy and be inspired by his work. Congratulations, Mr Webel on this wonderful achievement!

Happy Mother’s Day

This morning we had the joy of celebrating our Mother’s Day Breakfast, which was beautifully attended by so many mothers, grandmothers, and special women in the lives of our students. It was a wonderful opportunity to come together in gratitude and celebration, and we thank everyone who joined us.

As we approach Mother’s Day this Sunday, we honour the selfless love, strength, and guidance of mothers and mother figures in our school community. We give thanks for all that you do, seen and unseen, and for the difference you make in the lives of your children each day. We pray that you feel celebrated, appreciated, and deeply loved—not just this Sunday, but always.

Wishing all our mothers and carers a very happy and blessed Mother’s Day.

May God bless you and your family.

Casey Chard

Principal