Principal's Report

We have recently returned from a wonderful 3-day excursion with our Stage 3 children at Coffs Coast Adventure Centre. The key outcomes we were looking for at the camp were teamwork, positive encouragement of others and trying new experiences. Our teachers - Ms McMeniman, Ms Condrick, Mrs Fletcher and I were very impressed with our kids who stepped out of their comfort zone and tried something new and unknown. From Ziplining down a 250 metre-long wire from a 20 metre-high platform to paddling canoes against the tide in a salty creek or crawling and climbing through muddy ponds under and over obstacles, the initial thought is to “bail out” and let fear win the day. Hence, the great life lesson learnt from this adventure experience is to not only follow our whole school mantra of “testing yourself at the next level” but to take every opportunity given to you and step past the fear of the unknown, give it a go and try new things. We were also very pleased to hear some wonderful affirmations of our children’s manners and respect from the staff at the campsite. As a school deeply committed to respectful behaviours and language, it was heartening to receive such positive comments from the camp leaders. Well done Stage 3!

At the end of 2023, a large number of families banded together and contributed to three incredibly valuable vouchers from local Glen Innes businesses that were presented as a collective gift to our incredible St Joseph's Teaching and Support Staff for Christmas 2023. It was explained to me at the time that rather than a myriad of lovely gifts being purchased separately by families for our individual staff, that the large vouchers could be used for staff social events as a collective way of thanking our staff. I can say on behalf of all of our staff we LOVED the vouchers and have used them happily and heartily at our staff social events during 2024. Consequently and very respectfully of families' wishes, I share this Xmas gift suggestion for any or all families who might want to band together in 2024 similar to last year rather than purchasing separate gifts. Thank you for your kind thoughts and affirmation of our staff for their work as a team of skilful helpful adults.

In that spirit, I congratulate and thank our staff on the occasion of World Teacher’s Day 2024 on Friday 25 October! We had a wonderful breakfast with yummy breakfast delights from Smeatons and delicious hot coffee from Mel at Floatin' Around - all using the vouchers gifted to staff from our wonderful families. Thank you teachers for your hard work in making our good school - GREAT!

Until next time.

May God go with you.

Geoff McManus

Principal