A Message from the Deputy Principal

The Things You Notice 

It’s been a whirlwind six days since starting at St Joseph the Worker Primary School, and already I’ve felt the warmth, generosity and spirit of this community. 

Here are just a few of the things I’ve noticed… 

Generosity, hope and passion – SLA students crafting keyrings, bracelets and baked goods to raise money for charity. A queue of over a hundred students, coins in hand, eager to give and support others. 

Joy and freedom – a conga line of Prep to Grade Two students, led by a teacher with impressive dance moves, snaking through the hall to Shakira. Pure delight in motion. 

Acceptance and kindness – a chorus of “Hello Sarah” wherever I go, helping me find my place in the school. 

Teamwork – a focused crew of teachers, LSOs and a student working together to evict two cheeky Indian Mynas from the Chick Inn, who were pestering beloved Emerald, Popcorn and Ash. 

Problem solving and innovation – SLA students working collaboratively to create simple kinetic machines with basic materials, sharing ideas, listening to one another and creatively working towards a common goal. 

And this is just the beginning. 

These moments don’t happen by chance. They are the fruit of years of thoughtful cultivation, care and commitment by staff, students and families. What I’ve seen so far is a living example of what happens when a community chooses to live its values, not just in words, but in action. 

My first week at St Joseph the Worker has reminded me that the small things matter and noticing them is important. That when we pay attention, we see the sacred in the everyday. 

I’m grateful to be here, and I look forward to making my own contribution to this story. 

Sarah Goulding

Deputy Principal