Dear Parents and Carers,

Wow, it's hard to believe that the academic year is almost over, and we only have two weeks left! With the end-of-year events, gatherings, and activities planned for the students, it's going to be a very busy time here at school while we continue learning in the classroom. Students have been completing assessments in class, and teachers have been busily preparing reports that will be released to families at 4.00 pm on Thursday 7 December.

Staffing

I appreciate the patience that families have shown in regard to staffing for 2024. There are significant challenges this year in recruiting teachers. This is not just a localised challenge but one shared by all educational sectors in both rural and metropolitan areas. I will be sending updates on staffing and recruitment over these final weeks as they are all being finalised. Our next announcement will be tomorrow, as we will be announcing our new Assistant Principal and our Leader of Pedagogy. An announcement will be sent to families from Chris Smyth, director of our diocese. There will also be further updates regarding which staff member/s will be teaching which stage within the coming fortnight.

When you see posts on social media regarding teaching and support positions available at our school for 2024, please share them with your online contacts, as we are still trying to cast a wide net for additional staff.

I can announce that Miss Zoe Connomos will be joining our school community as a full-time teacher. Miss Conomos will be teaching our 2024 Kindergarten class. She is looking forward to working with our Transition students tomorrow.

Additionally, I would like to welcome Mrs Jessica Edmeades to our team of educators in 2024. Mrs Edmeades will be relocating to Wee Waa in the new year. We are looking forward to welcoming her and her family to St Joseph’s Wee Waa.

Unfortunately, there are some staff who will be departing the school at the end of the year. Anna Fullarton will not be renewing her contract for 2024. We appreciate Anna's dedication and hard work during her three-year tenure, and we hope to welcome her back to complete casual hours in the future. Additionally, Maddy Simmonds-Cutts, will not be renewing her contract at St. Joseph's Wee Waa in 2024. However, we would like to thank her for her service this year and wish her all the best in her new role as the Aboriginal Education Assistant at St. Francis Xavier's, Narrabri.

Finally, It was announced to students today that Meg Van Der Merwe is having a baby! We are so excited for her. Meg is currently working across all stages at different times of the week, with her main role based in Stage 3. Meg will be back in 2024 but will begin maternity leave at the end of term 1.

Crazy Colour Day

Last Friday, November 24, we had a fantastic Crazy Colour Day that was attended by many families. The event was a huge success, and the students, staff, and parents all had a great time.

I want to express my deep gratitude to the community for their incredible support during the fundraiser. Thanks to your amazing efforts, we were able to exceed our goal, raising just over $16,000.

A big congratulations to Ellie Maxwell, who was the top fundraiser and raised an amazing $1,315.00. Special mention also goes to Blaine and Kaley Edwards, who, along with Ellie, were the top three highest fundraisers.

Well done to Stage 1, who raised over $5,000, making them the highest fundraising class and winning a movie afternoon with hot chips. However, other classes also worked very hard and raised more than $3,000 each.

Finally, I would like to offer a special thank you to the St Joseph's P & F and volunteers for their hard work and organisation in planning successful events to support our school this year. Also, a big thank you to the Wee Waa Fire Brigade for coming along and adding to the fun.

Once again, thank you to all the students, families, and community members for your support. Whether it was through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, your generosity and kindness make our school and community so special.

Thank you to Penny Vella Photography for taking these amazing photos!

Future Leadership Speeches

This is a reminder to Year 5 parents that future student leadership speeches will take place tomorrow, Tuesday, 28 November, starting at 9:15 am. School Captain nominees will speak first, followed by online voting. Then we will split into colour houses for Sports Captain speeches and voting.

Please note that parents are invited to attend.

Kindergarten Transition Assembly

This is a reminder to Kindergarten Transition families that we will be holding a special graduation assembly starting at 2:35 pm tomorrow, Tuesday, 28 November.

All families are welcome to attend.

End of Year Awards Presentation

This is a reminder that our End of Year Awards Presentation will be held on Thursday, 7 December, at Wee Waa Bowling Club, starting at 6 pm. Students will be required to wear their full summer uniform.

School Closure Day

This is a reminder that the school will be closed on Friday, 8 December, due to a Staff Development Day to plan for the 2024 school year.

End of Year Mass

Please note that our End of Year Mass will be held on Monday, 11 December, at St Andrew’s Catholic Church, starting at 9:30 am.

This is a special time as our current Year 6 students will ‘pass on their light’ to the future leaders of our school during the Light of Leadership ceremony and receive their graduation certificates.

We look forward to celebrating with you all.

Have a great week.

Alistair Stewart

Principal

St Joseph's Primary School

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Issue 17 · 27 Nov 2023

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