PRINCIPAL'S NEWS

Staffing News

It is with a very sad heart that I inform the school community that Sophie Bonello has decided to take a break from teaching and is relocating to Berlin.  

Sophie joined us three years ago as a graduate teacher and has proven herself to be a wonderful asset to our staff.  She possesses a natural talent for teaching and has the ability to establish strong connections with both students and parents. Her unwavering commitment to the craft of teaching deserves recognition and appreciation.  Her presence at St Joseph’s will be greatly missed.

Sophie will be leaving us at the end of this term and I extend my most heartfelt wishes for her bright future ahead and success in her upcoming travels.

Commencing in term three, Abbey Arbon will be joining our staff and teaching Junior S. Abbey is a skilled and experienced teacher who has recently moved to Melbourne from South Australia.  

On July 21 (week two term three) Kirsti O'Brien will be leaving us as she begins her Parental Leave. I extend my best wishes to her and Lewis as they prepare for the arrival of their first child. It is an incredibly exciting time for them, and I wish them all the very best. 

Laura Irons will be joining our team at the beginning of term three. She will be taking over Middle K from Kirsti and will have a handover period where she will work with Kirsti in the classroom. Laura is also a skilled and experienced teacher who has previously worked at Antonine College. 

We are delighted to have appointed Abbey and Laura and look forward to welcoming them to the St Joseph's community.

Friday Market

This Friday, after school, we will hold our inaugural FRIDAY MARKET.  This is an initiative of the Student Representative Council (SRC) and will raise funds that will go towards new bubbler taps in our school-yard or a new set of portable soccer goals.

The upcoming Friday Market will be hosted by the senior students who will spend a day baking a variety of goods to sell after school. Additionally, we welcome donations of cakes, biscuits, and treats in any form from senior families (or anyone who would like to contribute).  

There will be a Friday Market held on the second last Friday of each term, and a particular level will be responsible for coordinating it. Next term, the Middles will be hosting the Market on Friday, September 8. They will be reaching out to the families of the Middle level to request donations.

As a part of our Friday Market, we will also be having a Sausage Sizzle ($2) and will have our pre-loved uniforms available for sale.

Thank you to Cameron Mayne for volunteering to coordinate the Sausage Sizzle - if you are available to assist with this please let me know!

I think this is a great initiative on behalf of the SRC and I wish the senior students the best of luck!

Eftpos payments will be available on the day.

The SRC is currently spearheading a Blanket Appeal for St. Vincent de Paul, aimed at providing support to those in need in our local community. We kindly request donations of clean or new blankets to help with the Vinnies Winter Blanket Appeal. Your contribution will go a long way in ensuring that those who require assistance during these cold days receive it.

School Closure Days

Our school closure days for the remainder of the year have been finalised.  The dates are as follows, and are on the School Calendar:

• Friday, August 18 - Focus on Indigenous Culture with particular links to indigenous spirituality
• Monday, October 23 - Focus on First Aid and Occupational Health and Safety
• Friday, December 01 - 2024 Planning Day

Congratulations St Joey's...

Regional Cross Country Championships

Today we have three students representing St Joseph's at the Regional Cross Country Championships.  Congratulations to Saskia Thomas, Stella Ryan and Sienna Iuele - this is a huge accomplishment, to be competing at such a high standard.  This competition is one level below the State Championships!!  Regardless of today's results, I applaud our three competitors and wish them all the best of luck.

Divisional Netball Championships

Last week our Senior students competed in the District Gala Sports Day.  Our netball team, under the coaching prowess of Miss Lauren, had a highly successful day and has qualified for the next level of competition.  We wish the following girls the very best:

Zia, Phuong, Mella, Sophia, Saskia, Charlie, Neve and Stella

FOOTY TIPPING

Be sure to check out who is in the TOP 10 of our FOOTY TIPPING ladder in the 'Footy Tipping' section of this newsletter.