Principals' Message
Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome to Week 4! The year is certainly going quickly if the last two weeks are any indication and there is still so much to do as we continue to learn and grow together. It is great to see our students showing up with a positive 'can do' attitude each day as they embark on their learning for the rest of the year. We’re in for a vibrant and exciting few weeks, and we look forward to seeing you all at our upcoming events. Let’s embrace this busy time with enthusiasm and make the most of the wonderful opportunities it brings for our students and school community.
We are very proud of the wonderful learning and teaching taking place at St Joseph's and presented this last week at the Annual Improvement Plan Review Meetings at McCarthy Catholic College to members of the Armidale Catholic School Executive Team. Please see the 'Learning Zone' section of the newsletter for a comprehensive report.
Kindergarten Transition Program
Congratulations to our 2025 Kindergarten class who completed a very successful transition program last Tuesday. Thank you to all the families and friends who were able to join us for their Graduation Assembly where the children performed 'If I Were A Butterfly' in front of our school community. The assembly concluded with the students receiving a special certificate to mark their 'graduation' from the program as well as a wonderful St Joey's gift bag containing an array of helpful items to assist them in preparation for next year.
Starting 'big' school is such a special time for children and their parents. We find that our transition program is extremely successful as it provides a great opportunity for the children to become familiar to the school setting, the teachers and their peers. A huge thank you to Mrs Lockwood, Mrs Wadwell and Miss Bruce for facilitating the program for our newest students and their families. Please don't hesitate to contact the school office if you have any questions.
We look forward to welcoming the children to school in 2025 as they commence their education at St Joseph's Primary School.
NSW Catholic Schools Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Conference
On the 22 October to the 24 October we had the privilege of attending the NSW ATSI Education Conference with Miss Taggart. The conference was held at the TRECC in Tamworth and was hosted by the Armidale Diocese. The theme of the conference was Learning Together, Then, Now and Always. Prior to the conference we hosted several Diocesan Directors, Regina Menz (Armidale Diocesan Director) and members of the Armidale Catholic Schools on a learning walk and talk through our learning spaces during the Mathematics Block.
Over the course of the three-day event, diverse presentations, workshops, and immersive experiences enhance attendees’ professional knowledge and skills by exploring Aboriginal culture and its abundant resources that can uplift the educational, cultural, and economic well-being of Aboriginal communities.
Unified under the theme Spirit on Country—Learning Together Then, Now and Always, the conference featured an in-depth exploration of the practical effects of the NSW Curriculum Reform's explicit inclusion of Aboriginal histories and cultures across all subjects, a visit to Myall Creek, and keynote addresses from prominent Aboriginal figures.
Some of the featured speakers included award-winning author Dr. Anita Heiss, Professor of Communications at the University of Queensland and Ambassador for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation; Katherine Zerounian: Principal of Redfern Jarjum College; Nathan Towney, Vice-Chancellor of Indigenous Strategy and Leadership at the University of Newcastle; and Greg Inglis, former NRL star and founder of the Goanna Academy, Australia's first Indigenous-owned mental health education provider.
Our students were amazing in the the Diocesan Dance on the final day of the conference and in his address Monsignor Wilks summed up the feeling of the conference best - 'the cultural engagement and education of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students has gained unstoppable momentum over the last three days.'
Wishing all members of our school community a wonderful week!
Maree Holland & Greg O'Toole
Co-Principals
St Joseph's School - a Faith Filled Community Where Learning Matters