Principal News

Week 6, Term 2

Dear Parents and Carers, 

I would like to thank you all for your understanding, as I spent time away in Broome last week, with 16 colleagues from our South Central Principal Network. It was truly one of the most incredible experiences and I felt so fortunate to spend time away with my Network in this capacity. 

The focus of the week was deepening our understanding of Catholic identity through the lens of culture, connection to Country and our shared responsibility in the journey of reconciliation. We visited the St John of God Heritage Centre to learn about the ministry of the Sisters of St John of God and their work with Aboriginal people in the Kimberley. Their story is a complex one, marked by compassion, courage and hardship, and it sits within a broader history that continues to call us to listen, to reflect, and to walk together toward truth and healing. This visit reminded me of the importance of acknowledging our shared past and how vital it is that we continue to seek understanding and reconciliation within our own school communities.

Our first big day of travelling took us across the red dirt plains to Derby, for the opportunity to visit Holy Rosary School, a small Catholic primary school with a big heart. One of the highlights of the day was hearing from Margaret McMahon, the school’s Deputy Principal and Religious Education Leader. Margaret shared so openly about the school’s history, the unique challenges they face and the way faith, culture and formation come together in this remote context. What made the visit truly special, though, was spending time with the children. They proudly took us on a tour of their school, sharing their stories, their learning, and their connection to Country with genuine warmth and confidence. We asked lots of questions, and they answered every one of them with such pride. It was a joy and an honour to be welcomed into this community. 

On our final full day, we travelled to Beagle Bay. We visited the Sacred Heart Church, often described as one of the most beautiful churches in Australia. Built entirely by hand by local Aboriginal people in the late 1800s, the church is famous for its mother-of-pearl altar. The church is situated on land owned by the Nyul Nyul people, who have lived in this remote coastal area for thousands of years. They know it as Ngariun Burr, meaning “surrounded by springs”. We joined the children from Sacred Heart School for Mass, and were moved by their voices as they sang a beautiful, Indigenous blessing for us.

We also had the opportunity to spend time in the school, which has only 60 students enrolled from 3 year old Kindergarten to Year 10. One of the most powerful parts of the visit was listening to Mena, a local Indigenous woman and survivor of the Stolen Generations. She bravely shared her story with us, and asked us to carry her message back to our own school communities. It was heartbreaking, humbling, and something I will never forget. Spending the day in Beagle Bay was a true privilege. To be welcomed so generously by the Nyul Nyul people and to deepen our understanding of connection to Country, belonging, and Catholic identity in this unique part of Australia, was both moving and transformative.

In addition to the amazing experiences we had, it was a wonderful opportunity to network with other Principals who work in the surrounding suburbs. It was also a very special experience to be reunited with my wonderful mentor Simon Collis, who was the Principal at St Joseph’s Elsternwick from 2010-2021. We have lots of shared happy memories from our time in Elsternwick. 

I sincerly thank Tom Hartney and Alannah Harrison for their leadership in my absence, and the wider leadership team for their support across the school. 

National Reconciliation Week 

Each year, National Sorry Day (May 26th) and National Reconciliation Week (May 27th - June 3rd) provide Australians with the opportunity to reflect on our shared history and acknowledge the deep injustices experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. These important national days also call each of us to take an active role in the ongoing journey of healing, truth-telling and reconciliation.

The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2025, Walking Together: With Truth, With Courage, reminds us that reconciliation is more than a word, it requires action. At St Joseph’s, this call to action has been embraced by students across all year levels, who have explored the theme with their classroom teachers. 

A significant moment in our week was when we welcomed Uncle Shane and Uncle Mick from the Bunurong Land Council to lead us in a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony. This sacred ritual plays a vital role in connecting us to Country. The Smoking Ceremony symbolises cleansing and renewal, it clears negative energy and prepares us as a school community for a better future, grounded in respect and reconciliation.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mrs Harrison and our Year 6 Leadership Group, Maya, Mila, Luca, Frankie, Liam, Lara Rose, Charlotte and Ethan, for their exceptional work in helping to organise this event. We are also grateful to the many family members who joined us on the day, it was a privilege to share in such a powerful and moving ceremony together.

Holt Interschool Soccer

Congratulations to the 53 students who attended the Interschool Soccer competition last Friday. We thank Mr Sandler, Miss Shanahan, Mr Jansson, Amanda Bowman and Rod Sutton (Year 6 Parent) for their fantastic coaching with our students. Click this link to read Mr Sandler's Sports Update. 

Beachside Interschool Cross Country 

Congratulations to the students who competed at the recent Beachside Cross Country event earlier this week - Tom B, Harvey H, Elsie W, Archie B, Rex S, Maia W, Remy H, Charlie F, Arlo S, Hector G, Arran H, Hamish P, Amir S, Poppy B, Pen A, Lara-Rose V-D! The competition was very tough and we congratulate the students for giving their all, despite the very adverse conditions. Most importantly, every single student crossed the finish line and cheered on their friends while spectating. Well done, St Joseph's!  

Mary Poppins JR Update

It is full steam ahead with Mary Poppins JR! With daily singing, dancing and acting lessons our students are as busy as can be, and embracing every opportunity. 

We sincerly thank the many, many parents who have contributed so far, and continue to do so, in the props/costume department. We remain ever so grateful for your investment in our show, and our students. A working bee for costumes will be held on Friday June 6th, 9-12pm at school. If you would like to help out, please contact Lisa Mclean (lmclean@sjelst.catholic.edu.au). 

New P&F Executive Team

We are absolutely thrilled to welcome our new Executives to the P&F! Thank you to Rosie (Perry, Prep LM) and Victoria (Luka, Prep LM and Maxim, 1MW) who will work with a small group of parents to form a collaborative ‘Exec Team’ to drive fundraising and student experiences for our St Joseph's community. We also welcome Steph (Millie, Prep PN, and Jack, 2HL) and Jess (Immy, Prep LM, and Lachie, 2HL), who will share the secretary role and contribute to the Exec Team. 

We sincerly thank Ben and Jen for their work over the past 2.5 years. Their contributions to our school community have been significant and we are thankful for your energy and efforts. We hope you enjoy P&F 'retirement'. 

Little Gems 

With Mrs Harrison on the count down until she finishes work and goes on maternity leave, she said goodbye to Moira on Tuesday. Moira is off overseas for the rest of Term 2 and will return to work in Term 3. 

Mrs Nugent has also gone on leave, heading overseas for the next few weeks. She wil return to work in Term 3. Mrs Cassie Gleeson will continue to work in the Numeracy Intervention team in Mrs Nugent's absence. 

Please make sure you read the Prep Fire Education newsletter item, it was a joy to welcome the local Fire Brigade to teach the Preppies about safety. 

 A reminder of our closure day on Friday June 6th, which backs onto the King's Birthday Public Holiday on Monday June 9th. OSHClub will be running all day on Friday 6th for those families who need. 

Wishing everyone a lovely weekend.

Claire Tobin

Principal