Principal's Page

Dear Families,
As we start Term Two, I hope the holidays and Easter provided you with the opportunity to create memories, pause and recharge.
This afternoon the school community gathered to celebrate Easter.
The Easter message is one of resurrection and new beginnings, and offers us all a timely reminder of the hope we carry in our lives each day. It’s the spirit of hope that guides us as we support our young people to grow, learn and flourish. There’s much to look forward to this term and beyond.
Uniform
Students are asked to wear the winter school uniform in Terms Two and Three. The winter school uniform consists of:
Long navy pants or shorts
Tunic
Blue shirt
Tights or navy socks
Jumper
Black school shoes
There will be a couple of weeks of transition as we attempt to predict Melbourne's weather! Please don't mix the uniforms and wear either summer or winter.
Welcome
We extend a warm welcome to Levi in Year Four and his family. We hope they enjoy a positive and rewarding educational experience at St Joseph's.
Sustainable Scarecrow Competition
Congratulations to Jane Byrne and her Sustainability Student Leaders and lunchtime Art Club participants on the second prize for their sustainable scarecrow at the Melbourne International and Flower and Garden Show last term.
St Joseph's Award
The St Joseph's Award was presented to Van and Charlie at our last whole school assembly for consistently displaying our school values and behaviour expectations.
Sorrento Writer's Festival
Students will enjoy the Schools Program tomorrow and Thursday this week with over thirteen authors visiting. There is a family afternoon from 3:30 -5:00pm with authors such as with Alison Lester, Andrea Rowe, Tony Armstrong, Kate Mildenhall, Thomas Mayo and more amazing authors attending. A celebration of words, art, storytelling and creativity, this special event is for all kids and families who love stories and adventure – come along and be part of the magic. Please open the attachment below for more details.
ANZAC Day
It is a public holiday this coming Friday for ANZAC Day. It is a day of solemn reflection and gratitude to all who have served in Australia's military. Our School Captains will be walking in the march before the 12:00pm commemorative service at the cenotaph. All members of the school community are invited to meet at 11:20 outside the newsagency and walk behind the St Joseph's banner. Could all students please wear their school uniform.
School Photos
School photos will be taken next Monday on Monday 28th April. Please scan the QR code below for more details.
Fun Food Fridays
The Student Wellbeing Action Team have organised three Fridays this term to supply hot food for student lunches. The dates and food available are:
Friday 9 May- Hot dogs $3:00
Friday 23 May - Pies and sausage rolls $1:00
Friday 20 June - Pizza. $2:00
Parents will be asked to have their orders in the Wednesday before. More details will be sent in an Operoo next week. The fortnightly canteen run by the Year Six students will continue.
Mothers' Day Stall and Breakfast
Mothers, grandmothers and special females in our students' lives will be celebrated at our annual Mother's Day Breakfast on May 9th. Please note this date in your calendars. The Mother's Day stall will be held on Thursday 8th May. More details are to follow.
Respectful Relationships
St Joseph's was recently announced as a Partner School in the Respectful Relationships Initiative and was awarded a $4000 grant to further implement the Respectful Relationships Program.
Everyone in our community deserves to be respected, valued and treated equally. We know that changes in attitudes and behaviours can be achieved when positive attitudes, behaviours and equality are embedded in education settings. Respectful Relationships is about embedding a culture of respect and equality across our entire community, from our classrooms to staffrooms, sporting fields and social events. This approach leads to positive impacts on student’s academic outcomes, their mental health, classroom behaviour, and relationships between teachers and students.
Together, we can lead the way in saying yes to respect and equality, and create genuine and lasting change so that every child has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
The Passing of Pope Francis
I was saddened to hear of the death of Pope Francis last night. He was a beacon of hope and compassion, whose teachings and actions profoundly impacted individuals, families and communities around the world. His deep commitment to social justice and the environment, reminds us of the importance of caring for the poor, vulnerable and our common home, earth. May his life continue to inspire us to live with kindness, courage and faith.
Loving God,
Today we remember with sorrow and gratitude your servant Pope Francis, who returned to You after a life poured out in love and service.
Even in his final days, he brought hope to the world—blessing us on Easter Sunday, speaking words of peace, freedom, and compassion.
We thank You for his courage, humility, and tireless work for justice, unity, and care for the poor.May his example guide our hearts, and may his spirit of mercy live on in our words and actions.
Welcome him into the light of Your presence, and comfort Your Church as we journey forward in faith.
Through Christ our Lord,
Amen.
The next fortnight @ St Joseph's
Wed 23 Summer Lightning Premiership 5/6
Sorrento Writers Festival
Thurs 24 Sorrento Writers Festival
Fri 25 ANZAC Day
Mon 28 School photos
Assembly
Tues 29 Running Club
Fri 2 Canteen
Have an enjoyable week and let me know if I can assist in you in any way.
Monica