Principals' Message
Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome to Week 6! The halfway point of the term is well and truly here and there is still plenty of wonderful learning opportunities to take place as the students and their teachers work towards the end of the year. We encourage everyone, especially our Year 6 students and their families to make the most of the next few weeks and cherish the special moments that will occur during this time.
Remembrance Day
On Saturday 11th November Mr O'Toole, Mrs Holland and our School Captains Sophia Quach and Kai Parker attended the Remembrance Day community service at the Tamworth Town Hall. This is a day when we pause and reflect on the sacrifice of all the servicemen and women who have fought to protect our freedom. Each year on this day at 11.00am, Australians observe a minute's silence in memory of those who made the supreme sacrifice for us in time of war and armed conflicts. We pray for the wisdom and strength to enable us to build a world of peace and friendship in their honour. Lest we forget!
Annual Improvement Plan Review
Last Wednesday, we had the privilege of hosting the Annual Improvement Plan Review Meetings here at St Joseph's. Along with St Michael's Manilla and St Joseph's Quirindi, we presented our review to Mr Chris Smyth - Director for Armidale Diocesan Catholic Schools and other members of the Mission and Learning Team from the Catholic Schools Office. This was a great opportunity to share the wonderful learning and teaching taking place in our school community.
As part of the review we hosted two learning walks through the school. The first group to observe the wonderful learning taking place within our classrooms was the leadership teams from St Michael's Manilla, St Joseph's Quirindi and the Catholic Schools Office. Later, during the Mathematics Block, the next group with representatives from McCarthy Catholic College Tamworth, O'Connor Catholic College Armidale and St Mary's Catholic College Gunnedah took part in the second learning walk.
After the learning walks, the leadership teams reflected on what they saw and provided words of affirmation for us. These included:
- I was very impressed with the depth of student learning and their ability to answer the 5 learning questions.
- The use of the contemporary learning spaces was inspiring.
- Motivated learners and calm learning spaces.
- The students were so clear about their learning and excited to plan extension projects.
- High engagement where students are happy to talk about their learning with pride.
Stage 3 Excursion
This Wednesday, our Stage 3 students will embark on their excursion to Lake Burrendong Sport and Recreation Camp. During their time away they will have the opportunity to experience the outdoors through a mix of exciting activities. Special thanks to Miss O’Shea, Mr Paterson and Mrs Lockwood for giving up their personal time to supervise the students for the three day camp. We look forward to hearing all about their travels upon their return.
Have a great week.
Maree Holland & Greg O'Toole
Co-Principals
St Joseph's School - a Faith Filled Community Where Learning Matters.