Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome back to a new term of learning at St Joseph’s! We hope you enjoyed a wonderful break with your families, "making moments matter" by spending valuable time together.

We would like to sincerely thank our entire community for supporting our staff as we attended our annual conference at the end of last term. Centred on the theme, "Every footprint matters: Our footprints, our choices, our future!", we explored the daily impact we have on our world and the vital importance of our school culture.

Our mission is grounded in love, presence, and discernment, reminding us that "clarity is kindness"—both to ourselves and to others. As we move forward, we remain deeply focused on the traditions and Catholic Social Teachings that form our foundation:

Dignity: We respect the individuality and dignity of every person.
Flourishing: We work together to ensure everyone can shine in our care.
Solidarity: We always look out for the poor and vulnerable.
Stewardship: We are proud stewards of this amazing Earth.
Discipleship: We follow in the footsteps of Jesus in all that we do.

A Community of Belonging

As we head into Term 2, let’s ensure every member of our community feels a profound sense of belonging. We invite you to join us in supporting one another with patience, trust, and deep listening.

May we be a community that chooses to focus on the joy we see in our students every day. While we are always on a journey of improvement and open to feedback, let’s approach challenges with a solution-focused heart. I recently heard a speaker say, "Be a heart that sees!" When you walk through a door, look back to see if you can lend a hand to the person behind you.

Our St Joseph’s community is a special place because of you. Together, we ensure our culture and our "vibe" remain at the highest standard, always keeping our students at the centre of everything we do.

Empowering Our Students

As we prepare for our upcoming school review, we are celebrating our successes while reflecting on how we can continue to motivate our amazing kids. Research shows that for students to feel truly motivated, they need three things:

Competence: "I feel like I can master this." Knowing routines and expectations gives children a sense of security and control.
Relatedness: "I feel connected." Having trusted adults ensures students feel supported and safe.
Autonomy: "I have a voice." Providing a sense of agency within our shared structures and boundaries.

Looking Ahead

Term 2 is set to be an action-packed journey of learning! From the Sacrament of Eucharist and Mother’s Day celebrations to various sporting events, there is much to look forward to.

We also pause to commemorate Anzac Day this Saturday. We invite our community to join the Anzac Day parade, departing at 10:40 am from the Crib Point RSL. We remember those who fought gallantly for our country, and we extend our deepest gratitude to the Defence Force families within our own school who serve every day.

We thank Jarna Browne, Amanda Lucy and all parents who assisted with the sausage sizzle at Bunnings on Saturday. It was a wonderful fundraiser and we appreciate all of the effort that went into making the day successful.

Above all, please never forget how important you are in the lives of your beautiful children. We are honored to walk this path with you.

"Every footprint matters: Our footprints, our choices, our future."

Yours in partnership,

Gab

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