Principal's Report

Dear Parents and Carers

Welcome back to Term 4, 2026! It is hard to believe we are in our final term for the year.

As we navigate this final term together, the partnership between school and home remains essential in providing the best learning guidance and support for our students as they prepare to move into their next year. This term holds particular significance for our Year 6 students, some of whom have grown together since Kindergarten, while others have joined along the way. This is a truly special time in their school journey, and we keep them all in our prayers as they approach this momentous transition.

In our Church liturgical calendar, October is the month of the Rosary. The Rosary is a special prayer in the Catholic tradition that helps us meditate on key moments in the lives of Jesus and Mary. It serves as a tool for spiritual support and prayer offering comfort, strength and peace, while deepening one's connection to God.

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Over the next 6 weeks our Year 3 students are preparing for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This is a very special part of their faith journey. This Sacrament is one of healing, to forgive sins and restore our relationship with God. Last night, the candidates and their parents came to an information session and I would like to thank Fr Paddy, Mrs Salmon and Mrs Makeham for conducting the session and for their ongoing guidance and instruction of the candidates. The students will participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Thursday evening 12th November. We continue to keep them all in our prayers.

Parish/School Mass

All of our families are all invited to our final School/Parish Mass this Sunday 18th October at 9.30am in the Catholic Church. This will also be a commitment mass for our Sacrament of Reconciliation candidates.

Resignation of Mrs Lucy Dowell

It is with mixed emotions that we announce Mrs Dowell has resigned from her teaching position at St Joseph’s. Mrs Dowell started at St Joseph’s in 2016 and we have been blessed to have had her on staff. Mrs Dowell has been a very caring and professional teacher who has built many relationships and memories during her time at St Joseph’s. Whilst we are sad to see her leave, we wish her all and her family all the very best as they build their new life in Wollongong.

Baby News

We are very excited to announce that Mrs Emily McKinney is expecting a baby in March next year. We wish her and her beautiful family all the very best as they prepare for the birth of their new family member. Mrs McKinney will work until the end of this year and she may return for casual work early in Term 1 next year before the baby is born. It has been an absolute privilege having Mrs McKinney join our staff and we look forward to meeting her new baby next year.

Centacare Programs

In weeks 3 & 4 this term Centacare will be coming into the school to educate our K- 5 students on Protective Behaviours as well as our Year 6 children with Transition to High School. There will be more information coming home to parents via Compass tomorrow about both programs and parents will need to let us know if they want their child/ren to opt out of either of these programs.

Major School Building & Yard Maintenance

As mentioned last term, over the holidays some major maintenance projects were completed at the school. The school Library building was repainted on the outside and new solar power panels were erected on the roof of the Crawley Centre. The old Solar power panels were also taken down from the Hall roof. This is now operational and we look forward to greater energy efficiency and reduced electricity bills.

Bark Donation

A very special thank you to Mr Michael Commins for his very generous donation of $9,000.00 to re-bark the garden in the kiss and drop area and school carpark over the holidays. Mr Commins approached me and asked if he could do this. We are very grateful  not only for his kind donation but for his willingness to assist our school. 

Mr Rick Pratt has been busy planting more trees and shrubs in the front garden amongst the new bark as well as the gardens around the school. We are so privileged to be surrounded by beautiful gardens and space in our school environment.

Social Media Changes

Families will be receiving very important information via Compass shortly regarding changes to Social Media. These changes have been made to ensure the safeguarding of staff, students and the school community. Please be sure to read the information and don't hesitate in coming to see me if you have any concerns.

Insight SRC Survey

Parents will receive specific information regarding a school wide survey which should be sent out in Week 4 this term. This survey will be sent out by an external company and will be used to provide valuable feedback to our school and system. I will communicate more in terms of a timeline and specific details once I know more.

Enjoy the rest of the week!

God bless

Angela Scott