Principal’s News

aysDear Parents and Carers,

Winter has really arrived with gloomy skies, strong winds and lots of rain.  I hope you are doing well, keeping safe, warm and dry.

New Flag Poles

Standard One of our Child Safe Standards requires St Joseph's School to "establish a culturally safe environment in which the diverse and unique identities and experiences of Aboriginal children and young people are respected and valued."  This culture is well established at St Joseph's and we are constantly doing all we can to further enhance this culture.

Our latest initiative is the installation of three new flag poles to fly the Australian Flag, Aboriginal Flag and Torres Strait Islander Flag.  When he returns from Canberra, our local federal member, Aaron Violi has offered to present us with three new flags. He will be attending one of our upcoming assemblies and parents will be most welcome to attend.  We will let you know the date when this is confirmed with Aaron.

Pupil Free Days

Due to the three enforced bushfire risk school closures in Term One, all of our scheduled school closures were moved into Terms Two, Three and Four.  This Tuesday the staff will be enjoying a Time-in-Lieu Day; an entitlement they have under the current Enterprise Bargaining Agreement.  This day is given in lieu of the extra hours the teachers are asked by me to attend work outside of their 38 hour week.

There is a second School Closure Day scheduled for Friday 26 June, the last day of Term Two.  On this day, the staff will be engaged in a full day of professional learning in the area of Mathematics.  This day is being planned and presented by Lisa Bourke, supported by members of the leadership Team and staff from Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS).

MACSeye OSHC on School Closure Days

Families are able to access care for their children on School Closure Days.  This is provided by MACSeye and is held in the SPA Centre.  Parents wishing to have their children cared for on these days need to ensure they are registered with MACSeye and ensure they pre-book for the day ahead of time.

Communication on School Closure Days 

I will be at school this coming Tuesday as I have some meetings and matters to attend to.  If you need to contact the school urgently, please call me on my mobile 0425 736 305.  If I am unable to answer due to being in a meeting, please leave a message on my mobile.  Messages left on the school voicemail will be checked on Wednesday when school returns.