Principal's Report

On the back of our awesome academic success in the 2023 NAPLAN assessments with 75% of our Year 3 children achieving in the top two proficiency levels for Reading and 100% achieving proficiency in Writing and for Year 5 every single student achieving proficiency in Writing and 93% achieving in the top two levels for Reading, it is my pleasure to commend the Year 6 students on their above-average achievement in the Diocesan Year 6 Religious Education Test. As an annual cross-diocesan measure of the catechetical knowledge of our children, Glen Innes achieved a commendable average of 29.3 out of 40 (73%) compared to the Diocesan average across 21 schools of 25.7 (64%). Two children achieved High Distinctions with scores of 38 and 35 out of 40. Well done Year 6 and Ms McMeniman for your hard work and preparation.

Congratulations to Kayden Elliott, a past student from 2019 who has been selected in the NSW Cross Country team to compete at the National Titles later this year. Kayden is a fine example of a St Joseph's graduate who trains and competes diligently in his chosen sport. He came 6th in the recent NSW PSSA Cross Country achieving a gold medal as a public school representative. He came 9th in the NSW Cross Country Championships and he won the North-West Cross Country trials at Coolah. Well done Kayden!

The 2023 Uniform Survey closed at the end of last term. The responses will now be considered by the School Advisory Council and recommendations will be forthcoming. Thank you to the 72 families who provided highly valued feedback. Our positive school-family partnership is nurtured in this space where all stakeholders know they can contribute to the authentic spirit of making our good school - great!

Similarly, as a key strategic goal that we have had for two years now, building a strong school-parish relationship really hits the ground hard this term. From a highly successful Grandparents Day liturgy on Wednesday whereby we had over 90 wonderful Grandparents and Parents in attendance, we move very quickly into two Whole School Masses in Weeks 4 and 5. Please be made feel very welcome to attend both the Mass to celebrate the Feast of St Mary MacKillop on Tuesday 8 August at 12 noon in the Undercroft and the Holy Day of Obligation - the Feast of the Assumption celebrated by Eucharist in St Patrick’s Church on Tuesday 15 August also at 12 noon. The parish community will also join us for both of these Eucharistic celebrations whereby the sense of prayerfulness and being part of the universal catholic church is nurtured and grown. See you there!

Until next time.

May God go with you.

Geoff McManus

Principal