PRINCIPAL'S NEWS

Miss Jaclyn is always busy keeping abreast of our socials and sharing the terrific things happening at our school. 

Click below to see how we celebrated Mother's Day on our socials...

SUPERMUMS: A MOTHER’S DAY MOVIE 

INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJfc2DQTEOS/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1F3ZHV98MP/ 

James St Traffic Conditions

As mentioned in the last newsletter, the council installed a speed hump in front of the school gates on James Street.  We are aware and concerned that since the construction, the 'Kiss and Go' parking limitations have been removed. Together with the School Advisory Council we are currently in discussions with the council regarding this change. The removal of the 'Kiss and Go' parking zone has placed added pressure on our school community at pickup and drop-off time, and is a valuable part of managing traffic flow safely and efficiently during these peak times.  Please be assured that this is a priority conversation for the School Advisory Council, and we are taking action.  We will keep you informed of our progress.

I have also been contacted by 'Intowork Aus', a neighbouring business that has reserved parking spaces at the old police station on James St.  They have expressed concern about parents using the marked Permit Zone bays, which are allocated exclusively for their staff. As these spaces are privately reserved and clearly labelled with their company name, they have respectfully requested that our school community refrain from using them for pick-up and drop-off.

Thank you for your understanding.

Mother's Day Celebrations

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Mother's Day celebrations.

We began our celebration of mothers (including mother figures, grandmothers, step-mothers, and a with aunts) wonderful dinner at Little Henri. A heartfelt thank you goes to Olivia Triandos and our incredible team of volunteer mums for their outstanding organisation. The restaurant was abuzz with energy, warmth and laughter, and I’m sure everyone who attended had a truly memorable evening.

We are especially grateful to the families who attended our special Mass in honour of all the mothers in our Parish, and to those who came along to share in our annual Mother’s Day Breakfast. Your presence helped make the day truly special.

A heartfelt thank you also goes to our incredible staff, who arrived at school bright and early to prepare a beautiful breakfast for our mothers and a special morning treat for all our students. This is just one more example of the dedication and generosity our staff consistently show in supporting our community, and we are truly grateful.  

I'd also like to make special mention of our wonderful children who served food.  Your manners were impeccable and your help was greatly appreciated!!  

In reflecting on Mother's Day, I acknowledge and celebrate Mothers and mothering. I make that distinction because I know that many people – aunts, step-parents, close family friends, dads – may sometimes fulfil the chief mothering role in families.  So... to all the Mothers who wake up early, pack lunches, tie shoelaces, wipe away tears, and offer endless hugs and encouragement — thank you for everything you do. Your unconditional love is the foundation upon which our children grow and thrive.

Indigenous Artist in Residence

This term we are lucky enough to have an Artist in Residence program on May 19-22 with Emma Stenhouse https://emmastenhouse.com.au

Emma is a contemporary Aboriginal artist who will guide the students through a series of art activities designed to further their understanding of shared storytelling, iconography and connection to land and place. 

The children will take part in activity sessions during their regular Art and Performing Arts lessons, as well as attend two plenary/information sessions to help them understand the purpose of the week. These sessions aim to explore the historical significance and cultural importance of Aboriginal Art, including the use of iconography and the meanings behind traditional symbols. Students will also learn about storytelling through dance and performance, and begin to develop ideas for a new school mural, considering both its content and the message it will convey.

During Emma's time with us, we will be designing a mural to display behind our soon-to-be native garden. (The wall opposite the bike racks.)  The children will experience making raffia bracelets, decorating totem poles (the design of which might be to paint an animal they love to represent themselves and their totem animal) and lino printing.

Emma’s visit takes place the week after Reconciliation Week, and to build on this theme, Louise and Jaclyn have collaborated with her to expand the program to include a Performing Arts element.  This may include:

YARN: THE POWER OF PEOPLE AND STORY

Jaclyn will work with Emma on some curriculum-aligned Performing Arts lessons around the history and power of storytelling. This may focus on the connection to land, sky and water, before posing the question 'What is our St Joseph’s story?’

Students will then work with Louise and Jaclyn to decorate large art pieces inspired by their learning, which we will then hang from the large gum tree in the front yard. This towering gum tree has stood for decades, and alongside the Native Hibiscus bushes at its base, it will make for a meaningful, authentic totem.

SOLID ROCK: THE SONG OF NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK 2025

Reconciliation Australia have selected Goana’s ‘Solid Rock’ as the official song for 2025.

“This song, Solid Rock released by Goanna in 1982 was a call to action to the broader Australian community to understand the truth of our history and the importance of land rights. It became a classic Australian anthem, as relevant today as it was on its release.” - Reconciliation Australia

The song will be introduced in Performing Arts lessons and students will discuss the lyrics and meaning.  We may then feature the song, be it in a live performance or recording.

WELCOME TO COUNTRY + SMOKING CEREMONY 

We are also hoping to organise a traditional smoking ceremony to acknowledge Reconciliation Week and provide students with a meaningful cultural experience.

Cross Country

Congratulations to the following children who have successfully qualified for the District Cross Country event to be held at Bundoora Park tomorrow.  

Best of luck to the following competitors!!

Congratulations Biagio!

Recently, Biagio was chosen to go to Singapore for a special soccer clinic run by Coerver Coaching - a global football coaching programme.  After competing in Singapore, Biagio then went to Canberra to be presented with his jersey.

Well done Biagio - we are very proud of you!!

Kelly Sports News

Due to a lack of numbers, Kelly Sports is no longer offering Sports sessions on Thursdays after school.  They are however, offering a Dance programme - 'Dancing Dynamos' on Fridays at lunchtime.