Principal’s News

Dear Families,

St Joseph’s was at its absolute finest last Friday when we gathered as a community to pay tribute to our Principal Mrs Michelle Moore. There were so many highlights on the day however one of the most precious was our children. We were just so proud of them in the way they conducted themselves and sang like angels. They understood the importance of the occasion and they wanted to do and be their very best for Michelle. After the morning I visited each of the classrooms and thanked the children for their participation. They were beaming and feeling very proud of themselves. Some of the Year 5 children summed it up when they said, “We were perfect today because Mrs Moore is the most perfect Principal ever and we just wanted her to know that!”

We also need to thank our staff. They have been phenomenal this year and continue to strive for the vision that Michelle set for them. The offers of help, the camaraderie, and the teamwork in preparing the Mass and the practicing of the children is a testament to how much they love their Principal Michelle and are grateful for her service to St Joseph’s.

Particular thanks need to go to Amanda Jackson who coordinated the whole Mass and captured the essence of the legacy of Michelle’s work over the past 7 years in her beautiful words on the day.

A shout out to our amazing parents. As Michelle so eloquently put in her speech, give the parents a task and they will run with it and achieve great things. The morning tea was solely run by our parents with support from our colleague Stacey. After I spoke briefly with Stacey, Jane, and Courtney they drew an amazing team of helpers together and created a spectacular morning tea. A special thank you to the following parents who are part of our St Joseph's community team:

Organizing Crew

Jane was our organizing chief for the morning tea, along with Courtney, Tennille, Kylie, Laura Kay, Liv Healy, Stef Brunetti, and Talia Hassett.

The Helpers (both set up on the night before, helping set up in the morning, serving and cleanup)

Narelle Thompson, Tennille Bare, Talia Hassett, Olivia Healy, Jane Pausewang,

Courtney Jendra, Sami Clark, Simone Dabbs, Amy Buick, Kylie Stanney, Annie Konieczny, Georgina Hollman, Guersinda ( Valentina’s grade 1L grandma) and Joanna Prasetio.

The Bakers

Kylie Stanney

Jess Purcell, Kass Koudelka, Joanna Prasetio, Daniela Cachart, Adriana Adamopoulos, Jess Dennis, Angie Toffoletto, Jacqueline Chan, Felicity OBrien, Rachel Wilson, Ilona Stegehuis, Courtney Jendra, Lucy McGrath-Campbell, Laura Kay, Connie Illarramendi,

Sami Clark, Amy Buick, Bryony Ross, Clea Livy, Hanna Rose, and Stef Brunnetti.

And all the people who offered to donate $$

Tennille Bare, Joy Stewart, Elma Casco, Carmela Ayliffe, Amy Warmerdam, Navina Joseph, Jane Pausewang, Radhika Peri, Clea Livy, Clare Caldwell, Alex Kastaniotis, Kate Lally, Simone Dabbs, Annie Konieczny, Amy Buick, Sarah Allen, Caz McBride, Olivia Poynton, Nick Alston, Jennifer Stewart, Claire Harris, Ana Calle, Melanie Lachal, Robert Bell, Kelly Downey, Stef Brunetti, Preema Dsouza, Olivia Healy, Jeni Sadler, Poppy Wiseman, Jue Liu, Leti Muljadi, Amanda George, Eunice Chan, Jess Dennis, Talia Hassett, Karen Howell, Teresa Tran, Mark Breeze, Angela Nicolai, Lucinda O'Dwyer and Yvonne Yu.

And Fleur for the amazing Flowers!!!

Finally to the star of the show herself Michelle Moore Principal extraordinaire we loved having you join us so that we could express our genuine love and gratitude to you. Thanks for being a passionate educator and changemaker. You have used your gifts and talents to shape the lives and life outcomes of every child, staff member, parent, and family member who has been fortunate enough to have met you and be able to call you their Principal.

“Education is the great engine of personal development. It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, that a son of a mine worker can become the head of the mine, that a child of farmworkers can become the president of a great nation. It is what we make out of what we have, not what we are given, that separates one person from another.”

Nelson Mandela

Remembrance Day

On Remembrance Day we paused for a minute’s silence to commemorate Australians who have served and died during war and peacekeeping operations. As a Catholic school we reflected and gave thanks to the men and women who have contributed to the safe, secure society that we enjoy in Australia today.

Remembrance Day serves as a reminder to value and respect all people in the spirit of faith, hope, and love.

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Congratulations to the following children who made their Sacrament of Reconciliation and the children who received a blessing this week: Franco, Will G, Pip, Xavier, Wolf, Benny, Bart, Tom, Valentina, Chelsea, Harry S, Harry W, Mathias, Evelyn, Fabien, Coco, Will B, Stella, Emilio, Lucas, Alessandra, Harry S, Matilda, Joanna & Milana.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a sacred opportunity to experience God’s love and forgiveness. Through this sacrament, we receive the grace to acknowledge our struggles, and commit to growing in faith. Reconciliation renews our relationship with God and empowers us to live with greater peace and purpose.

May we keep these children in our prayers as they continue to grow in their relationship with their loving and merciful God.

Exciting Events Ahead

With the rush through to Christmas, the staff at St Joseph’s are continuing to provide quality educational opportunities for the children in addition to the exceptional classroom learning that is ongoing.

The children have so much to look forward to with:

P-6 PE Gymnastics Program
Year 3/4 camp to Scienceworks
Year 5/6 Courage to Care Workshop
Year 6 Transition Program
Year 5 leadership speeches and 2025 captain elections
P-2 Science Excursion to Twisted
Year 3-6 Swimming Carnival

The 2024 school year is going to finish with a flourish of activity as we enjoy our final weeks together. May we continue to make the most of each moment and give thanks for our beautiful school.

Have a lovely weekend.

Cathy Mason

Acting principal

Futures Tennis