From Mrs Scott's Desk

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we approach the end of another remarkable school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on all that we have achieved together. 

It has been a year filled with growth, faith and community. I am incredibly proud of the commitment shown by our students, the unwavering support from our families and the tireless efforts of our whole staff and Parish Priest Fr Paddy. Our school community is so supportive, generous and caring. We have created yet another memorable year together and served to provide quality Catholic Education in the spirit of our school Motto ‘Christ our way’.

Keep an eye out on our facebook page for a slideshow of our amazing year.

Advent

Throughout December, our students have been learning what Christmas truly means and how we can prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus during this time of Advent. Advent is a time of expectation, as we anticipate the joyful celebration of Jesus’ birth. It is also a journey of hope, peace, joy and love, leading us to the manger in Bethlehem. Advent also serves as a time to reach out to those who are struggling and in need.

Christmas Giving Mass

Thank you to the parents and IGA Junee for your kind donations to the St Vincent De Paul Christmas Appeal. The hamper goods were offered to St Vinnie’s at our final whole school Giving Mass today and we know that some people’s Christmas will be brighter as a result of your generosity. 

Thank you to Mrs Salmon and Fr Paddy for a wonderful celebration of our last school mass for 2024 and Mr Pratt for leading the music.

Yr 6 Graduation Mass/Dinner

On Monday evening we farewelled and paid tribute to our 13 Year 6 graduates. It was a beautiful evening of reflection, prayer, laughter and sharing. It was very special for the Year 6 children to have their Kinder Buddies part of the Mass celebration and we would like to thank Fr Paddy, Mrs Salmon, Mrs Huard and Mr Pratt for their organisation and contribution to ensuring the evening was made very special.

On behalf of St Joseph's School Community I would like to wish our Yr 6 graduates all the very best as they move into the chapter of their lives and as I mentioned at the Graduation Dinner, please come back and visit us, know that you never have to walk alone and finally, you all have life membership to St Joseph’s. 

Farewell to Families and Staff

St Joseph's is farewelling four families this year and three staff members. We are very grateful to these families and staff for their contributions to St Joseph’s and wish them happiness and success as they move beyond our school.

Corbett Family

Martin Family

Riley Family

Leane Family

It is the end of an era for Mrs Bev Riley who has been a mother and grandmother of our Joey's School Community since the early 1970's. Starting with the education of her children: Mark, Meg, Brigid, Joseph & Matthew, and following with her grandchildren: Sam, Annabelle, Jack, Emily, Jessica, Thomas, Max, Nate, James, Cameron, Trey and Sienna. Thank you for the enormous generosity and support you have given to our school over the years and we hope to see some great-grand children attend in the future.

Mrs Simone Maloney ( AP / IDLT)

Mrs Joanne Virgona ( Yr 3 teacher)

Mrs Kathryn Cunningham ( Permanent Casual relief teacher Term 3 & 4)

Mrs Blanchard ( RFF teacher Stage 1)

Mrs Maloney has been appointed Principal of St Brendan’s Ganmain and it is bittersweet for us as we are very sad she is leaving St Joseph’s but we know she will be a wonderful principal for the St Brendan’s School Community. They will benefit, as we have, from Mrs Maloney’s caring, professional and positive ways. We have been blessed in so many ways as a school community to have had Mrs Maloney work her magic over the last two years and she will be missed greatly. Many blessings, Mrs Maloney.

Mrs Virgona will be leaving us on Monday and she has been appointed to Red Hill Primary School in Wagga teaching Year 2. Mrs Virgona’s compassion and nurturing will be missed by all. She has had a lovely year growing and nurturing our Yr 3 students. We would like to Thank Mrs Virgona for all her wonderful work in Year 3 and for her contributions to our school over this last year. We wish her all the best in her new school next year.

Mrs Cunningham was appointed to St Joseph's, St Michael’s Coolamon and St Brendan’s, Ganmain to be a full time casual relief teacher. She came to us from New Zealand and has fitted into our school community so beautifully, teaching and learning our NSW curriculum and nurturing all of the children along the way. Mrs Cunningham has accepted a position with Barker College in Newcastle where she and her husband will be closer to family.

Mrs Blanchard will finish up next week in her capacity as an RFF teacher in Stage 1. Some of you may know , Mrs Blanchard was working at St Joseph’s 4 years ago and it has been lovely having her back in our school teaching again. We appreciate her filling Mrs Halliburton’s maternity leave in Terms 3 & 4 and look forward to her returning next year in a casual teaching capacity.

Mrs Duck: 20 Years of Service

On Wednesday, our staff celebrated Mrs Duck’s 20 years of service and commitment to St Joseph’s. This is an incredible achievement and one I know you will all join with me in showing your appreciation. Mrs Duck has worked tirelessly to help all stakeholders in our school with everything from providing countless bandaids, comforting upset children to ensuring our financial commitments of our school are adhered to as well. We are so blessed that Mrs Duck has been the face of our school for the last 20 years and the lasting friendships and relationships she has built in her role. Thank you Mrs Duck for the love and dedication you have for our school.

School Fees

If you are still needing to finalise your school fees, please do so asap. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Duck or Mrs Scott.

Transition Day/Staff for 2025

On Tuesday the students from Kinder to Year 5 moved into their new classes for part of the day and had time with their new teacher/s for 2025. There was plenty of excitement and getting to know their new teacher and new classroom setting in preparation for 2025. 

Below is the information sent out to parents on Monday about who is teaching what at St Joey’s in 2025. We are still in the process of finalising a teacher to share Mrs Dowell’s Year 4 class and we will send out a notification to parents once the process is completed and a teacher employed.

Presentation Day Ceremony

This coming Monday, we will celebrate our 2024 Presentation Day starting at 9am in the school MPC. We encourage all families to attend and support your child/rens achievements for this year. A notification has gone home today to remind families that students need to be in full, clean, summer school uniform with a tie (if they have one. If not, we have spare ties). It is expected to reach a top of 42 degrees on Monday and students will be inside for the rest of the day keeping cool. Parents are welcome to take their children home after the Presentation Ceremony if they wish. Please ensure their class teacher knows they are leaving before they go home.

Please see calendar below for 2025 dates to start Term 1.

This newsletter serves as a final reflection on the blessings of this year and a look ahead to the exciting possibilities that await us. Let us continue to walk in faith and gratitude as we celebrate all that we have accomplished and prepare for the year to come.

Wishing you all a very happy and Holy Christmas. May the new year bring continued love, joy and good health to you all.

Have a great weekend everyone, enjoy the holiday break with your children and see you back for an amazing 2025!

God Bless

Angela Scott