Principal's News
Dear Families,
It is with great joy that I welcome you to Term 2. We have had a seamless start to the term thanks to the wonderful staff, students, and parents who have given me a warm welcome. From the moment I stood at the front gate, I knew that I was very privileged to be joining such a special community.
As you know first impressions tell you a lot about a school and my first impressions of St Joseph’s fill my heart with gratitude. I can see that the staff are dedicated to ensuring the best outcomes for the students entrusted to their care.
They are passionate about creating conditions where every child flourishes and realises their full potential. I can see that the students love coming to school. Not only are they smiling as they arrive at the beginning of the day, this continues throughout the day and they are still smiling at the end of the day!
If students are happy and feel safe and connected to their school it sets them up for learning success. I can see that our families love their children and trust the staff at St Joseph’s with their most precious children. My first impression is that St Joseph's families and staff work in partnership fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion for all our children who are known and loved by all.
How lucky am I to have joined the beautiful St Joseph’s community for Term 2?
Last Sunday was Good Shepherd Sunday and Vocation Sunday. This is because, in the Gospel of the day, Jesus speaks of himself as the Shepherd who is prepared to lay down his life for his sheep.
As the Acting Principal of St Joseph’s, I will follow the example of Jesus and lead as a shepherd from both the front where I will lead with the vision and mission of our school, from the middle where I will lead with a listening ear and an empathetic and compassionate heart and from the back where I will gather and hold all those in our community who need extra encouragement and support to fully realise their potential and connectedness to our community.
“I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me…My sheep hear my voice…” (John 10:14, 27)
Open Days and 2025 School Enrolments
We welcomed 15 families to our school open day. A special thanks to our student leaders, parents, and staff who facilitated our school tours and proudly spoke of our fabulous school. There were some very excited prospective parents and children who couldn’t wait to submit their enrolment form so that they could be part of our vibrant school community.
Just a reminder to current families who have a child starting Prep in 2025 to please submit your enrolment form as we are starting to offer places to new families.
ANZAC Day
As we commemorate ANZAC Day, we honor the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of the brave men and women who served and continue to serve our nation. ANZAC Day is a time to reflect on the profound significance of their contributions, both on the battlefield and on the home front.
Today, we pay tribute to the ANZAC spirit – a spirit forged in the face of adversity, characterised by mateship, courage, and selflessness. It is a spirit that has shaped our nation's identity and continues to inspire generations.
As we pause to remember the sacrifices made by those who served, let us also reflect on the values they upheld – values of freedom, democracy, and equality. Let us strive to uphold these values in our own lives and work towards creating a world where peace and justice prevail.
On this ANZAC Day, let us honor the past by building a brighter future. Lest we forget.
We will commemorate ANZAC day at our school assembly on Friday 26 April.
Champion Of Our School
Congratulations to Callum W
On the 14-15 March - Callum represented St Joseph's as a member of Team Vic at the School Sports Australia Aquathlon Championships in Rockingham, WA. The race format was a 1km run, 200m ocean swim, and 1km run. He placed first in Victoria and 8th in Australia in the U11/12 boys age group. He also came home with a silver medal in the mixed relay event, which was an incredible achievement for his team!
On 19 April - Callum represented St Joseph's at the School Sports Victoria State Swimming Championships at MSAC. He defended his title and placed first in the U11 boys 50m freestyle event, with a personal best time of 30.90 sec!
He loved that the whole was watching the live stream in the hall and said a big thank you to Mr Cleary, his classmates and friends, and the wider school community for supporting him and cheering him on!
The stage is now set for Callum to compete in Queensland at the National Finals. Congratulations Callum on this wonderful achievement. We will all be cheering for team Callum!
Year 5/6 Interschool Netball and Football
Well done to our 5/6 students who have begun their interschool netball and football competitions. This event will take place most Friday afternoons during Term 2 where the students compete against other schools. I was fortunate to attend netball last Friday. The children were an absolute credit to themselves, their families, and St Joseph’s. They competed with a fair and competitive spirit. The staff at Sacred Heart, Sandringham commented on our sporting abilities, and fair-mindedness and how well the children encouraged each other and played as a team. Go St Joseph’s!
Have a great weekend,
Cathy