Principal's Page
Dear Families,
In some ways it feels like the year has just begun but in other ways it feels like we have been back at school for weeks and weeks. I think it is the all the buzz and activity around the school. So much has happened: Beginning of School Year Mass, Year Five and Six Leadership positions announced, Year Six jackets arriving, professional learning day in Mathematics for staff, P-4 Intensive Swimming Program, Swim Squad, school tours and our Prep and New Family Welcome Dinner tonight.
Student Leaders
Congratulations to the following students on their leadership roles for 2023:
School Captains - Renee and Lachlan
Sustainability Leaders - James and James
Dolphin Research Ambassadors - Pia, Hudson, Elizabeth and Jack.
At St Joseph's all Year Six students are House Leaders.
School Advisory Council
Today the 2023 School Advisory Committee met for the first time. We welcome Tahnee Bell and Jessie Hower, who are joining us this year. The School Advisory Council provides a crucial point of connection between the wider school community and school leaders. While the School Advisory Council does not have governance responsibility or decision-making authority, it supports the school's Leadership Team. It is a forum for parents to ask questions, seek information and share opinions. The major projects this year include the Community Fete, a master plan for the school and the school's review. Our SAC members for 2023 are: Megan Barber, Fr John McGinty, Adriana Rios (Chairperson), Natalie De Morton, Assunta Galbraith, Tahnee Bell and Jessie Hower. Thank you to the members for their time and commitment this year. A report from each meeting will appear in the following newsletter for the school community to read.
Fete
We are five and a half weeks out from the fete and it is shaping up to be a fantastic day. Please check the Fete page in this newsletter. There will also be regular updates each week via Operoo. Thank you to the many parents who have been working hard to ensure the day is a success. In particular, thank you to Assunta and Tahnee who have taken on the important roles of Chairperson and Secretary/Treasurer. There will be some free dress days for students on days when donations are required.
Parents & Friends
If you are keen to be more involved in this fantastic school community, you may like to be a part of the Parents & Friends Association. The P&F organise social events for the community, assist at school events and fundraise for the school with the major event being the Oak's Day Ladies' Lunch. There will be a meeting next Tuesday 21 February at 7:00pm for any person who is interested. Please email me if you are unable to attend the meeting but would still like to be involved.
Working Bee
We have scheduled a working bee for Saturday 25 February at 9:00am. We are hoping to prepare the surface of the FIRE Carrier garden and complete some more painting. An Operoo will be sent out closer to the date.
Parish Forum
Bishop Tony Ireland will be visiting the school and parish on March 2, 4 and 5 March. All parishioners are warmly invited to attend a Parish Forum with Bishop Tony Ireland at 11am on Saturday 4 March in the hall. At this forum there will be an opportunity to speak to the Bishop about priorities, goals and challenges. I hope you are able to find time to get along to the forum.
Their Care Before and After School Care
Ebony from Their Care has dropped into our office a few times to introduce herself and let us know about the program she is facilitating. Ebony will be walking enrolled students to and from St Joseph's to the room Their Care is operating from which is at the back of Sorrento Primary School. Please read more about Ebony and the program later in the newsletter.
School Fees
Accounts for this year have been sent out. Families that pay by March 31 receive a small 2.5% discount on the Tuition and Capital Fees.
Enjoy your week,
Monica