Principal's News

Dear Families,

What an amazing first term everyone has experienced at St Joseph's this year. A huge congratulations to our wonderful Foundation students and their teachers (Miss Gab, Macey and Maddie) for the way they have settled into the routine of school life - it feels like you have been here much longer than 10 weeks.

EASTER RAFFLE:

Congratulations to all our easter egg raffle winners - there were so many!!!! 

Winners were: Bailey K  x2, Elaine Jesuro x 2, Julie Stefanos, Ollie Cole, Ayla Thompson, Eddie Smyth, Annabelle Groom, Annette Shaw, Nicole Jesuro, Eloise Hartland x 2, Emmerson Heathcote, Millee Pedder, Andrea Richards, Wayne Petty, Gilliland family, Lindsay and Carol, Roberts children, Iylah O, Andy, Ellen Fitzgibbon, Annabelle Shiels and Steve Findlay.

If at all possible could baskets be returned so they could be used for next year's raffle. Thanks.

A huge thanks to our families for the generous donations. Roughly $750 was collected from this one raffle - HUGE effort!!!!

Well done to all our students (and staff/parents) on surviving the week of swimming. It is a wonderful opportunity for students to develop their swimming abilities. watch out early next term for a quick survey on your thoughts of the timing/structure of swimming lessons. We value your input/feedback.

MACKILLOP HALL:

After two years of not having access to our hall we finally get it back next term. We wish Mackillop ELC students, staff and fsmilies all the best in their new building and we can't wait to visit and make connections with the students.

Uniting will use this for Before and After school care and the school will use this space as our library/learning area. 

ANZAC DAY:

As Anzac Day occurs during the students holidays we wish Lewis and Sebastian all the very best as they represent St Joseph's at the ceremony. Every year the students are asked to speak at the service. This year the boys are linking their learning from their novel War Horse to their speech - talking about the impact/importance of animals during wars. I can't wait to hear what they have to say. If your children are able to attend the service it would be wonderful to have them represent St Joseph's in their school uniform.

That night we are fortunate again to be running the raffle at the Valley Hotel from 6-8pm where all profits go straight back to the school. Last time we raised close to $500. Please contact myself or Lou Roberts if you are able to help sell tickets for those two hours.

CROSS COUNTRY:

Tuesday 29th April (first week back) students will participate in the school's Cross Country event. Students in Foundation will run 1km, 10 and under will run 2km and 11 upwards will run 3km. Students who turn 9 this year will then be eligible to participate in District Cross Country if successful.

Our event will take place at 2.20pm on the school grounds. All parents/families are welcome to attend and cheer their children on.

MOTHERS DAY:

We look forward to welcoming all mothers, grandmothers, mother figures to our annual Cuppa and Cupcake afternoon on Friday 9th May from 2-3.20pm. This will take place in Mackillop Hall.

We have gathered some wonderful donations again from local businesses to support our Mothers Day Raffle. Last year this was our major fundraiser, collecting $2500. Thanks to Lou Roberts for organising the  roster to sell tickets at IGA. If you are unable to fill your spot please swap with someone. tickets will go home first day back for families to sell as well.

WELCOME BACK STAFF:

Next term we welcome back some staff members (officially) who are returning from Maternity Leave.

Ebony Anderson returns in 3/4 on Mondays - sharing the class with Jacqui and also working Tuesday and Wednesday in leadership roles.

Maddy Blackwood returns in 1/2 on Monday and Wednesday - sharing the class with Gen.

Bridgette Haysom returns in a specialist role on a Thursday in Science and every second week on a Tuesday releasing teachers when/where needed.

We are so blessed to have amazing staff who just seem to slot in wherever they are needed and with bsolutley no fuss.

A huge thanks to Gen and Jacqui for taking on full time work this term to ensure our students received a consistent approach to their learning.

Have a wonderful break everyone. Enjoy your three weeks. Staff will be back from Tuesday 22nd April delving into three days of Professional Learning. We look forward to sharing this with you next term.

Remember Uniting are offering three days of holiday care on 22-24th April if you are needing them. Contact Uniting if you are interested. (see their page for contact details)

Enjoy a well deserved holiday.

Stay safe and take care,

Maree :)