A Message from the Deputy Principal
Dear Parents and Guardians,
The School of St Jude
Last week, students from Prep through to Year 6 had the opportunity to hear from Gemma Sisia, founder of the School of St Jude in Tanzania, (a free private school that provides quality education) and Faith, a graduate of the School. St Joseph the Worker has proudly supported St Jude’s for many years, including sponsoring Vivian, who is now in Year 8. Our very first sponsored student, Alex, has not only completed school but has also graduated from university with a degree in shipping and port logistics management, an extraordinary milestone that speaks to the impact of this partnership.
Gemma shared the school’s remarkable beginnings: a simple $10 donation from a friend that sparked the vision for a school named after St Jude, the patron saint of hopeless cases, as surely opening a school with a mere $10 was a hopeless case. From just three students in 2002, the School of St Jude has grown to three campuses and more than 1,800 students, offering high‑quality education to some of the brightest young people in Tanzania. Entry is based on academic potential and financial need, and only one child per family may attend, ensuring the opportunity reaches as many households as possible.
Graduates of St Jude’s go on to become doctors, engineers and other professionals, breaking the cycle of poverty in a single generation. Many now earn incomes that would make their own children ineligible to attend, a testament to just how transformative the school is. As Gemma said, the ripple effect reaches far beyond what she could ever witness, entire families and communities are lifted through education.
We are proud that St Joseph the Worker plays a small part in this story. Our last Snail Trail fundraiser in 2024 raised an impressive $1654 enough to cover half a year of Vivian’s tuition. I’m eager to see what this year’s fundraising efforts will achieve.
During question time, our students were thoughtful and curious. One asked Gemma, “What do you feel when you look back at all you’ve achieved?” Gemma spoke with humility about her pride in seeing young people flourish and her gratitude for the many supporters who believe in this mission. Another younger voice inquired, “Why do we have to give our money away?” - a beautifully honest question that opened the door to a conversation about generosity, social justice, and the ways we can make the world better for others.
It was a powerful reminder for our students of the values we strive to show every day at St Joseph the Worker: kindness, service, and making a positive difference, whether in our playground or across the globe.
Smoking Ceremony
On Wednesday 4th March, we will hold our annual Smoking Ceremony, conducted by Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Elder Perry Wandin, who will also lead a Welcome to Country. This is an important moment in our school year, an opportunity to acknowledge and honour the Traditional Owners of the land, and to help our students understand the significance of culture, connection and Country.
This year, each class has written their own Acknowledgement of Country, which is read daily and forms an important part of our commitment to reconciliation and respect.
Community members are invited to attend the Smoking Ceremony which will commence at 2.20pm. We ask that you do not take photos at this event.
NAPLAN – Years 3 and 5
In Week 7, students in Years 3 and 5 will commence NAPLAN assessments. These include three online tests (Reading, Numeracy and Conventions of Language) and one Writing assessment (handwritten for Year 3 and typed for Year 5). In recent years NAPLAN has adopted tailored testing that adapts to each student’s responses by offering them more or less difficult questions as needed.
Students do not need to study for NAPLAN. They are well prepared by their regular school program, and teachers will assist them to become familiar with the format. Our hope is that students approach the tests with a positive mindset: confident, calm, and ready to try their best. A few nerves are completely normal, but please help your child keep NAPLAN in perspective, it is just one small part of their school year, completed by thousands of children across Australia.
More information on NAPLAN can be found via this link.
Student of the Week
This year, teachers will email parents when their child is receiving a Student of the Week award at assembly. Emails will be sent by the Tuesday prior to assembly, so please keep an eye on your inbox. Award recipients will also be acknowledged in the following newsletter.
Warm regards,
Sarah Goulding
Deputy Principal