Message from Liz
On Thursday I spent time in Shepparton with principals from catholic schools in the Sandhurst Diocese. We were addressed for the first time by the new Director of Catholic Education Sandhurst Limited (CESL), Kate Fogarty. She shared with us her vision for education in the Sandhurst Diocese.
She spoke about Catholic Education Sandhurst being an ecosystem, that we are all interconnected and dynamic. She challenged us to get comfortable with insecurity and to hold ourselves to high expectations. She presented academic data made as a commitment to work with us as we strive to improve growth for all children regardless of where they begin.
Kate used the word SOLIDARITY often during her address. She reminded us that we are in this together and that we should expect to join and participate in innovation and new learnings.
As I listened to Kate, I thought about us, St Joseph’s school community and how we are one and do most things together. I am excited to work with Kate and the CESL team. I suppose my mantra of ‘being better together’ fits perfectly with her vision.
I invite you to join us as we work together as an ecosystem, to connect and participate in the life of our school.
Disaster Relief Australia
On Wednesday 6th March, we will welcome volunteers from DRA to complete some tidying tasks outside. We are grateful for their interest in our school and helping prepare some spaces for our projects.
If you are at school on Wednesday, please say ‘hello’ and show your gratitude for their work for our children.
Campaspe Swimming
Congratulations Jessica and Chelsea who represented St Joseph’s at the Campaspe Swimming Carnival in Echuca on Thursday 22nd February.
Jessica will swim in Swan Hill on 12th March.
We wish her all the best for this event!
Auslan Conference
Eliza and Lauren attended the Catholic Education Sandhurst Auslan Conference on Monday 19th February. They have come back with lots of ways to expose all children to the use of Auslan to communicate. Keep an eye out for some of these activities as they are sent home.
Courage & Crowns
Thank you to the mothers and daughters that attended the Courage and Crowns workshop on Wednesday 21st February. The date for our second session with Megan has changed to Monday 18th March. We will offer pizza from 6.00pm, so we are ready to begin at 6.30pm.
Year of Projects!
Our inside spaces are finished and the children and staff are enjoying working and learning in wonderful spaces.
Now it is time to focus on the external spaces of our yard and how we utilise this space to meet the needs of all children.
We are in the process of engaging a Landscape Architect who will visit our school to understand our story and needs. She is keen to hear from children, parents and staff about how spaces are used, what games are played and the types of activities our community would like to offer our children.
This will give us a plan to move forward with when we fundraise.
Fundraising at St Joseph’s
March is a busy time for fundraising for our school.
The Elmore Summer Send Off Ball is on Saturday 9th March at the Elmore Events Centre. We are looking for volunteers to help in the areas of the kitchen and bar.
- An RSA is required to serve alcohol, however, they also need volunteers to help pack the drinks tubs.
The Elmore Tractor Pull on Saturday 16th March is a joint event between the Elmore Events Centre and St Joseph’s School. We provide volunteers to help trackside and in catering. There is also significant packing up and cleaning up on Sunday 17th March.
If you are available on any of these dates, we would be thrilled to work alongside you at either event.
The funds raised from these two events will contribute to the rebuilding of the area under the new shade sails. We are looking to create a space where children can learn and staff can relax. (similar to the image to the right)
We have so many exciting projects ahead of us and I look forward to sharing them with you.
Please remember that we are always available should you need some support.
Take care
