From the Principal

Jubilee Year Pilgrimage Walk – Sunday, 2 March

Next Sunday, 2 March, the Bishop has invited us to join on the Foreshore of Newcastle to launch the Jubilee Year by participating in a Pilgrimage walk to the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Hamilton. 

Details of the event are: 

      8:00 am Pilgrim Prayer at Nobby’s (Foreshore Park)

      8:15 am Pilgrimage along the Harbourfront (Honeysuckle)

      10:00 am Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral 

      11:00 am Festival in the Cathedral Precinct with a Launch of Project Compassion 2025

The Pilgrimage Walk is more than a physical journey; it is a spiritual path towards faith renewal, personal transformation, and a deeper connection with God and others in our community. Whether undertaken for penance, prayer, or thanksgiving, it is a powerful and sacred tradition in the Catholic faith, and I would encourage you to join us next weekend.

Student Leadership

This week, the students have voted for their Student Representative Council (SRC) and other leadership positions in the school. This is an integral part of our school community as it empowers students to have a voice and make a difference. By fostering leadership opportunities, the school can cultivate confident, ethical and capable young leaders who can contribute positively to our school. 

I want to congratulate our new leaders for 2025 and thank them in advance for their work within our school community. 

Father Victor will bless the leadership badges at our St Joseph’s Feast Day Mass on Wednesday, 19 March. Parents and families of our 2025 student leaders will be invited to attend the badging ceremony that afternoon after school. More information will be provided closer to the date.

Meet the Teacher Night

Thank you to all the families who attended our “Meet the Teacher Night.” The Year 7 students had a great day despite the venue having to be changed at the last minute and the weather being somewhat damp during the day. However, you would never know it! By 5pm the sun was shining, and everyone was enjoying a sausage sizzle and the opportunity to chat with teachers and other families. 

A huge thank you to Mr Lilley, who stepped back into the Year 7 Leader of Wellbeing and Engagement role as if he had never been away, and to the teachers who supported him with the running of the day and the BBQ after school. 

Family and school engagement plays a vital role in shaping well-rounded, confident, and successful students. A strong partnership between home and school creates a supportive environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Schools and families must work together to ensure that students receive the guidance, encouragement, and resources they need to reach their full potential. I would encourage all families to make the most of any opportunities to participate in all events we hold here at school, particularly the Student/Parent/Teacher Conferences. 

Veronica Rolfe

Principal