Parent Engagement

De Witt Oosthuizen

About Me:

Hi St Joe's community.

I am De Witt Oosthuizen, Dad to twins, Maggie and Jack, in Grade 3. Together with my partner and their mum, Lindsay, we moved to Beechworth 5 years ago. The move was a pure lifestyle choice and how lucky did we get! Both Lindsay and I work in Wangaratta at the hospital. I was born and bred in South Africa where I finished my schooling, medical degree and internship after which I took a working detour via the UK for 2 years before calling Australia home in 2005 (how time flies!). I started work in Melbourne but was lucky enough to have a job working in Emergency Medicine that made it possible for me to travel all over Australia and I somehow managed to work in every state and territory other than the ACT before settling in the North East.

Why I am on the School Advisory Council (SAC):

I have always been interested in being part of and involved in the school community (something I fondly remember my parents did during my school days in a small community back in South Africa). I responded to the invite at the beginning of last year to attend the open meeting of the School Advisory Council. Fortunately for me the 'interview process' wasn't too rigorous and being the only observer/parent attending, initiation was limited to witnessing all the members' signatures before joining myself. Jokes aside - it is a great opportunity for me to not only be involved in the school, community and my kid's lives but also provide my services and give back what I can to the school and community.

What I love about St. Joseph's:

What I love about St. Joe's is the small, tight-knit, supportive community. The fact most parents and kids know each other or of each other. The personal, open interaction and relationships between teachers, kids, and parents and the high educational standards. but what I like most is that my kids are happy at St. Joe's. They love going to school, seeing their friends and learning new things. That is all a parent can ask for and that makes me happy!

BOOK CLUB

The cut-off date for Issue 3 is: Friday 3rd May

Little Joey's

Little Joey's is pausing until further notice. We look forward to being back up and running once the building works free up space.