Principals' Message

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we approach the halfway point of this term we would like to acknowledge the staff and students for their efforts so far this term. Thus, this week we have our 'Meet and Greet' conferences taking place which will be a fantastic opportunity for our students to discuss and reflect on their learning goals for the academic year ahead with their teachers and parents.

At St Joseph's we have a positive, high regard for all students and we are committed to increasing learning, well-being, faith development and life-opportunity outcomes for them. As an African proverb highlights - 'it takes a village to raise a child'. Parents and carers know their children best. Our wonderful teachers are great at building relationships with their students and nurturing them to flourish. Collaborating together - both home and school - we are very well placed to have happy students acheiving positive learning and wellbeing outcomes.

Leadership Mass

It was wonderful to have our Year 6 families and many parishioners join us last Wednesday 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. They recited a prayer of dedication in which they accepted the responsibility of being Leaders of St Joseph's School in 2023. Thank you to Fr Anthony Koppman, our very supportive Parish Priest who welcomed us all back for the new school year and presided over the Mass.

Congratulations to our Year 6 students, it has been a privilege to witness them embrace their leadership responsibilities to commence the year. They have approached the beginning of their senior year with a great deal of positivity and have been great role models in all facets of school life. This was clearly evident at our opening school Mass last week. 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.

P & F Association

The P & F plays an important role in building community by organising social events and supporting the school through fundraising activities. We encourage everyone to become involved in the P & F Association. On Tuesday 14th February, the Annual General Meeting of the Parents and Friends Association was held. Thank you to the following parents who have undertaken roles on the Executive:

President: Cherie Bell
Vice-President: Alicia Howell
Secretary: Mel Crittenden
Treasurer: Rochelle Cashen

The P & F Association recognises and values the role that parents/carers play in the education of their children and aims to strengthen the partnership between family, school, parish and the wider community for the benefit of the faith formation, development and learning of all the students at the school. The P & F Association has an important role in the school by providing opportunities for social events and for fundraising for the school. The Office Bearers/Executive Committee is responsible for the management of the Association and is comprised of the President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, together with ex-officio members (Principal and Parish Priest) and any other members elected at the AGM (held in Term 1 each year).

Next P & F Meeting: 2nd May, 2023

School Advisory Council

The St Joseph's School Advisory Council members are:

Parish Priest: Fr Anthony Koppman
Chairperson: Marlene Tremain-Beveridge
Secretary: Rochelle Cashen
Principals: Maree Holland & Greg O'Toole
Staff Member: Dominica Bearman

The Catholic School Advisory Council has a different role to play within the school. It provides the opportunity for members of the school and parish community to support the mission of Catholic education in the school. Working with the Principal and the Parish Priest, the members of the Council provide guidance and support to the wider school community. The Council operates within the policies and procedures determined by the Catholic Schools Office. The Principal has responsibility for the day to day leadership and management of the school. The members of the School Advisory Council are comprised of the Parish Priest, Principal, staff members, community members, co-opted members. Co-opted members will be chosen to bring to the Advisory Council a special skill, service or experience. With the approval of the Parish Priest and the Principal, parents/carers can be invited to join the Advisory Council. The meetings are only attended by members of the Council and are held once a term. The AGM is held in November each year.

Enrolling Now

We have begun our enrolment period for 2024. If you have a child who is ready for Kindergarten in 2024, please contact the school office for an enrolment application form. Applications are due by the end of Term 1.

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.