Principal's Report

Dear Parents, Carers and Community Members,

As we move further into Term 4, I want to take this opportunity to reaffirm our high expectations for all St Joseph’s students. This includes positive learning behaviours, respectful conduct and pride in wearing the school uniform. Term 4 can sometimes see a dip in these areas, so we ask families to continue partnering with us to uphold the strong standards that make our community exceptional. Our students have demonstrated these values while representing St Joseph’s at recent events such as the UNE Far Out Science Day, Touch Football Gala Day, Tenterfield Horse Sports and Water Awareness sessions.

PAT Testing

This fortnight, most classes completed PAT Reading and PAT Mathematics assessments. These tests help track academic growth over 12 months. Teachers use this information to identify strengths, address areas for improvement and adapt teaching accordingly. The results are also triangulated with other data to provide a clear picture of each student’s progress.

AI Writers Insight

Our Stage 3 teachers continue to lead the way in innovation through the AI Writers Insight Pilot Project, developed with the ACS Data and Literacy Team. This tool is housed within the ACS Data Ecosystem and has been trained to provide accurate, syllabus-aligned feedback using the NAPLAN writing scale. It highlights student strengths, gives examples from their work and identifies next steps for improvement, allowing teachers to focus on analysing feedback and refining instruction. This is a positive example of the use of AI, where teachers can focus on the feedback and planning next steps for learning and teaching, rather than spending the time marking the writing tasks. 

Staffing Update

Earlier this week, we announced the appointment of Miss Katie McMeniman as Acting Assistant Principal (AP) for 2026. Katie brings deep commitment and leadership to our community and we congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition. In 2026 Katie will fulfill both the AP and REC roles. 

Earlier today, Regina Menz, Director of Armidale Catholic Schools, announced that Mr Geoff McManus will conclude his tenure as Principal of St Joseph’s Primary School, Glen Innes at the end of the 2025 school year. Geoff has been offered and has accepted, the position of School Performance Leader in the Port Pirie Diocese, South Australia - a role he has been fulfilling in an acting capacity throughout 2025 and will continue in permanently. We extend our warm congratulations to Geoff on this new appointment and express our deep gratitude for his dedication, service and commitment to the mission of Catholic education within the Diocese of Armidale over the past ten years. Furthermore, we thank Geoff for his dedication and commitment to St Joseph’s School. 

Avila Leadership Program

At the time of writing, I am in Sydney participating in the Catholic Schools NSW Avila Leadership Program. This program is a valuable opportunity to continue developing my skills in leading Catholic education and strengthening my capacity to serve our St Joseph’s community. I thank Mr Rickie Withers for leading our school in my absence and the staff for their ongoing support of my leadership development. 

May God bless you and your family.

Casey Chard

Principal