Principals' Message
Dear Parents and Carers,
We are thrilled that the 2026 school year is well and truly underway, and what a positive beginning it has been! During our classroom visits over the past fortnight, we have been incredibly impressed by how confidently and quickly our students have settled into their routines. Classrooms have been alive with energy, curiosity and purposeful learning. It has been wonderful to witness the students' positive attitudes and readiness to embrace new challenges; they have set a strong tone for the year ahead! We are proud of the way our students have begun 2026, striving to do their best and supporting one another along the way.
Our sincere thanks go to our dedicated staff, whose thoughtful preparation and commitment have ensured that classrooms are warm, welcoming and engaging spaces. Their hard work has enabled a smooth and successful transition back to school following the holiday break.
A particularly special highlight this fortnight was Tuesday 3rd February, when 26 families celebrated a significant milestone as their children began their school journey in Kindergarten. Our newest students arrived looking very smart in their uniforms, wearing bright smiles and brimming with excitement. It was a joy to see their eagerness as they took their first steps into primary school life.
We extend a heartfelt welcome to all our new and returning students and families at St Joseph’s. We look forward to a year filled with growth, achievement and rich learning experiences.
Here’s to a wonderful year ahead!
Leadership Mass 2026
Last Thursday, we celebrated the start of our new school year as a Catholic Community with our Leadership Mass. It was wonderful to have our Year 6 families and many parishioners join us to celebrate our first school Mass of the year at St Patrick's Church. The Year 6 Captains and Leaders were inducted and received their badges which were pinned on by a parent or family member.
The Year 6 leaders recited a prayer of dedication, accepting responsibility for being leaders of St Joseph's School in 2026. It was particularly heartwarming to see their interactions with their Kindergarten buddies at Mass as they received a candle to signify the beginning of their educational journey at St Joseph's. Thank you to Fr Vic, our Parish Priest, who welcomed us all back for the new school year and presided over the Mass.
ACS Leadership Team Visit
Last Friday, we had the privilege of welcoming Regina Menz, Director of Armidale Catholic Schools, along with the Armidale Catholic Schools School Performance Leaders, to our school. During their visit, we had the opportunity to present our 2026 Annual Improvement Plan and share our priority areas for the year.
The ACS team also participated in learning walks and talks throughout the learning spaces and were highly impressed by our calm classrooms, the engagement of our students and the quality learning and teaching taking place. We were also fortunate to have Fr Vic join us for morning tea, where the staff had the chance to speak with the ACS team before their departure. It was a valuable and productive visit for everyone involved.
P&F BBQ
Wow! What a fantastic turn out. Many thanks to all families who attended the Kindergarten Information session and the P&F Welcome BBQ last Wednesday evening. These events were another example of the positive and supportive community we have here at St Joseph’s. Thank you to the P&F for their organisation and the staff for their attendance. Your involvement is truly appreciated and we look forward to many more fabulous events and a wonderful year ahead.
Years 1-6 'Meet & Greet'
Next week our 'Meet and Greet' will take place. The meetings provide a fantastic opportunity for students to discuss and reflect on their learning goals for the coming year with their teachers and parents.
Teachers are looking forward to the ‘Meet and Greet’ afternoons and thank you for your on-going support as they work to provide quality educational opportunities for your children.
May God bless you and your family.
Maree Holland & Greg O'Toole
Co-Principals
St Joseph's School - a Faith Filled Community Where Learning Matters