PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
A Community of Hope and Opportunity
As we have reached the midpoint of our term, it is with great encouragement and gratitude that I reflect on what has been a great start to the year!
At the heart of our school is a simple but profound belief:
Every child is a gift, created in the image and likeness of God.
As we move through this term, I want to take a moment to share with you how we are bringing this belief to life through the Armidale Catholic Schools "Living Well, Learning Well".
Term 1 continues to offer many opportunities for students to discover how they can contribute to others & how they can grow in character and confidence.
Our Daily Language
In our classrooms and on the playground, you will hear our staff and students using three key anchors. These are the "Rules for Living" that guide every interaction:
- I am Safe: We act in ways that protect the physical and emotional wellbeing of ourselves and others.
- I am Valued, Respected, and Cared For: We practice "unconditional positive regard," ensuring every student knows they matter, regardless of the challenges they may face.
- I am a Learner: We arrive ready to engage, persist through difficulty, and respect the learning rights of those around us.
Research shows that wellbeing and learning are not separate entities; they are two sides of the same coin. The LWLW framework uses an ecological model, acknowledging that a child’s success is influenced by their home, school, and parish.
By fostering a calm, purposeful classroom climate, we reduce barriers that can block learning. We are not just teaching Religious Education, Mathematics, English and key curriculum areas; we are teaching resilience, social competence, and the "human flourishing" that comes from being part of a Christ-centred community.
Naplan - Year 3 & 5
Today families with students in Year 3 and 5 will receive a pack with information regarding Naplan. NAPLAN assesses the literacy and numeracy skills your child is already learning at school.
It is important to remember that NAPLAN about assessing learning progress.
The best approach for preparing your child for NAPLAN is to encourage your child to do the best they can on the day.
If you have any questions about NAPLAN, please be in contact.
Save the Date: St Joseph’s Feast Day Celebrations
We are thrilled to invite all our families to join us for a very special community event as we celebrate the Feast of St Joseph.
When: Thursday, 19 March
Where: St Patrick's Catholic Church at St Joseph's School
Schedule of Events:
- 10am: Special St Joseph’s Mass - Join us as we gather in prayer and gratitude.
- 11am: Morning Tea - Recess for students
11:30: Open Classrooms - Please be welcomed into our learning spaces.
Our students are eager to show you what they are learning.
- Games: Fun for all ages & organised by our student leaders.
- School BBQ: We will conclude our celebrations with a sausage sizzle.
Just as St Joseph welcomed Mary and Jesus, let us use this feast day to welcome you into our school.
Thank you for your continued partnership as we work together to ensure our students realise a hope-filled future.
Jacqui Wait
