Principal's News   

Principal’s News

Dear Families,

As we come to the conclusion of our school term it is good for us to take a moment to stop and reflect and give thanks for all that has been. 

In his encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis asks us to: “look to the example of the Good Samaritan. Jesus’ parable summons us to rediscover our vocation as citizens of our respective nations and of the entire world, builders of a new social bond. This summons is ever new...” (FT#66)

Pope Francis emphasises that, in an unhealthy society that turns its back on suffering and that is “illiterate” in caring for the frail and vulnerable we are all called – just like the Good Samaritan – to become neighbours to others. He calls us to be co-responsible in creating a society that is able to include, integrate and lift up those who have fallen or are suffering. 

How often do we ask the question:  Who is my neighbour? How do we respond?

‘Who is my neighbour?’ Many ask this question hoping for a response that some people are not. Instead, this parable turns the question on its head. We are called to be a neighbour whenever we are needed and to recognise that neighbours can come from surprising places. Yet being a neighbour can cost us…So who is my neighbour? Surely not every person whose path crosses mine? Surely not every person in need that I encounter? Surely not the stranger or the enemy? Surely not…

Our neighbour can be anyone and should be everyone, no matter their background, culture, faith, no matter their standing in life…We are not passers-by. God puts people on our path for a reason…We are fully human when we are engaged with our brothers and sisters around us. We belong to one another and our responsibility is to care for those who are like us—vulnerable humans who want and need love…It is to be God’s image to others, not when it suits, but always; and in the parable of the Good Samaritan it is to be God’s image in circumstances that are most troublesome!

—Extracts from Margaret Ghosn (2020), ‘Samaritan Journey’

What a great question to ask ourselves and reflect on as a school community. Did I welcome everyone as a neighbour during Term 2? What was my impact when I opened my heart up to embrace difference and value diversity?  What was my impact when I showed forgiveness to someone who hurt me? 

As adults, we have a great responsibility to our children. They watch, observe, and model their behaviour based on what they see us doing. They see when we include or exclude, speak kindly, or unkindly, embrace diversity and difference or see difference as something we don’t welcome. 

Let us remember to always be people of inclusion, people who welcome our neighbour regardless of their background and people who support our children to grow and realise their full potential contributing in meaningful ways and making a difference in their world. 

Congratulations to the Martial Arts students who passed their grading this term.

Term 3 Staffing

Next week we say goodbye to Liam Gava as he heads off on his travel adventure and Laura Saladino as she prepares for the birth of her second child. 

Liam has been such a wonderful asset to the St Joseph’s team. He brings energy, kindness and a wonderful sense of humour. Liam has been instrumental in promoting health and fitness for our students. They have had great opportunities through our Athletics Carnival, Swimming Events, Interschool Sports and Specialist Sports Clinics. Liam you will be missed by the St Joseph’s community. We thank you for everything you have done through your role as Physical Education Teacher and we wish you safe travels as you embark on your exciting European travel adventure. 

We welcome Christie Birch back to her role as a Physical Education teacher. Christie is well known to the students, staff, and families as she returns to the role she had so ably led prior to the birth of her third child. Christie has already started preparing for Term 3 with new sports equipment filing our sports shed. It will be wonderful to have you back with us Christie. You bring great expertise and passion to the role. 

Our students have enjoyed wonderful cultural and language experiences with Laura in their Italian lessons. Laura is awaiting the arrival of her second child. Laura, we are so excited for you as you prepare for the latest addition to your beautiful family. We are grateful that this is not a final goodbye as Laura will be fortunately rejoining the St Joseph’s team in 2025. 

Unwell Children

As Winter starts to take hold we are experiencing a high rate of sickness in the community. We have been alerted about a condition called mesenteric adenitis. This immune response post a virus may trigger a lactose intolerance. If your child is experiencing stomach pains post virus it may be worth considering avoiding lactose for a period of time until symptoms subside. 

Thank you to the families who have kept their children at home while they are unwell. This has really helped to reduce the risk of infection across the community. 

Wishing everyone a fabulous holiday break where you get to rest and replenish after a fabulous Term 2. 

School breaks up for the holidays on Friday 28 June at 3.30pm.  

We look forward to welcoming everyone back for Term 3 on Monday 15 July at 8.30am. 

Cathy Mason

Acting Principal