Dear Parents and Guardians,

It was wonderful to welcome our students back to school on Wednesday. All looked rested and happy, and l congratulate them for settling back into learning and their school routine so successfully. As per our usual start to each term, we start with a Swell Start to the term with a focus on our priority of Student Wellbeing and ensures a positive environment for learning.

This term, we would like to continue to foster a spirit of working together, recognising that when we do this, we can achieve remarkable things! Together, let us continue to nurture a culture of collaboration, respect, and excellence, ensuring that every child thrives and flourishes. I encourage you to regularly check our school communications platform ‘Audiri’ and mark your calendars for any upcoming significant events, especially those specifically scheduled for your children’s learning area.

Our learning showcases, assemblies, liturgies and Masses provide a wonderful opportunity for students to demonstrate their achievements and share their learning with you. As partners in your children’s education, your presence and participation in these events are invaluable. Your support not only enriches their educational experience but also strengthens the bonds within our school community.

Remembering Pope Francis

For twelve years, our Holy Father has led our Catholic community, with a shared and collaborative leadership, leading with a simple faith in the risen Jesus who is alive in his Church.

As successor of St Peter, Pope Francis has displayed a heart for the poor, praying unceasingly for peace, fraternity and dialogue. As the source of unity among the successors of the apostles, he has confirmed the local church in every place, including our Archdiocesan family in Melbourne.

Pope Francis has impacted directly on us as he has invited us, always through hope, to renew our relationship daily with Christ. Only from this simple trust will we flourish.

We pray also to the Holy Spirit to guide those tasked with the election of the new Bishop of Rome and pray to the Lord so that He blesses Pope Francis’ successor in the time ahead.

St Joseph the Worker Day

Next Thursday 1st May, staff, students and families are invited to gather at a 9.15 am mass to remember St Joseph the Worker, the patron saint of our school. Students will then return to class to learn about St Joseph through a variety of activities.

We remember that St Joseph the Worker is the patron of the universal church, who was given the noble task of caring and watching over Jesus. Joseph took responsibility for them and worked hard to care and support his family.

Building works

The building works on our basketball courts and running track is progressing well. At the current time we have a big mound of dirt on this area however, this will be moved in the coming weeks. It is a very exciting time for our community as we have waited a long time for this area to be rectified, and l am grateful to our students for their patience and understanding as we complete this important work.

Showcase of Learning and Open Classrooms

Please check our calendar for these important dates this term. We value having our parents and families visiting classrooms to see the learning in action and hear from our students about what is happening in the classroom. So please save the dates!

Anzac Day

Today our students gathered in the hall to mark Anzac Day. Special thanks to Cherrie for leading and organising this assembly. This was a wonderful opportunity to build students understanding of Anzac Day and the important reason we mark this every year.

Uniform

Our mild weather has continued this week, and it has been wonderful to enjoy some sunny days. However next week the weather is going to be cooler so moving forward, all students are expected to be in full Winter uniform at the beginning of Week 3, Monday, 5th May.

Just a reminder that students are expected to wear black school shoes (except on Sport days). This does not mean that black sneakers can be worn instead of school shoes.

Please remember that the only jewellery that is allowed to be worn at school is a religious necklace (crucifix, holy medal or scapular on a modest, simple chain) and this will be removed while undertaking physical activity. Also, only one earring per ear and all earrings must be studs. Earrings must be worn on the LOBE of the ear and no dangling earrings are allowed.

At St Joseph the Worker it is expected that parents provide their child/ren with the correct school uniform at all times and abide by our uniform policy.

Mother’s Day Celebrations

On Thursday 8th May we invite our mothers, grandmothers, aunties and significant others to enjoy a coffee and time in classes with their family from 8.30am - 10.00am. Further information will be shared closer to the event. We hope many of our wonderful mothers can join us to celebrate this special event.

Maintenance

There has been some work completed at our school during the holidays. Each year a playground audit is conducted as part of our Occupational Health and Safety compliance. This was completed in February and maintenance of our playground has been completed to ensure it is safe and compliant to regulations. Sanding and painting of the chairs in the junior playground has also been completed.

Morning Drop Off

A friendly reminder to all parents that our drive though in the morning is a ‘stop and drop’ zone. If you need to get out of the car to assist your child, please park in the parking areas. Parents often complain to me about the lack of consideration by a small number that affects many others. In the spirit of working together, l ask parents to ensure that they park if they need to support their child at the drop off.

School Fees

Thank you to all the parents who have paid their school fees in full. It is important that all fees and levies are paid on time to enable the school to meet our financial commitments. Please contact Marisa if you have any questions regarding your fees.

Photographs & Videos

A friendly reminder that under our child safety requirements, parents are only allowed to take photos of their own children. We kindly ask all members of our community to respect our legal obligations and ensure compliance with this.

I will be taking leave next week from Wednesday, 30th April to Tuesday, 6th May. If you have any questions or concerns in my absence, please do not hesitate to contact Cherrie Eaton or Jane Manton who will be leading the school in my absence.

We ask that St Joseph the Worker continues to bless our community.

Wishing everyone a happy long weekend.

Kind regards,

Maria Barnes

Principal

Before and After Care