Principal's Report

Dear Parents, Carers and Community Members,

St Joseph’s School Community Shines in a Strong Start to 2025

As we settle into the school year, the sense of community, faith, and excellence that defines St Joseph’s, Glen Innes has been on full display. From our Opening School Mass and Welcome BBQ to the Swimming Carnival and local show, our students, staff, and families have demonstrated what makes our school so special.

At our Opening Mass, we reflected on our school motto—"Act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with God"—and the importance of leadership through service. Our student leaders were commissioned, stepping into their roles with humility, kindness, and a commitment to making a difference. Later that day, our Welcome BBQ brought families, staff, and parish members together, reinforcing the strong bonds that make our school a welcoming and supportive community.

The excitement continued with our Swimming Carnival, where students demonstrated determination, enthusiasm, and school spirit. Congratulations to all participants, particularly our age champions, record breakers, and Spirit of St Joey’s recipients. Events like these highlight the importance of resilience, participation, and celebrating each other’s achievements. The efforts and performances of our amazing swimmers were recognised at a special Sports Assembly which was held earlier this week on Wednesday afternoon. 

Our presence at the local show showcased the diverse talents of our students. From Junior Fine Arts exhibits to the Combined Choir performance at the Official Opening, our students proudly represented St Joseph’s. Across the three days, many students participated in events, competitions, and performances, demonstrating their willingness to step up, have a go, and strive for excellence.

Celebrating Excellence – Past and Present

At St Joseph’s, we believe every student is capable of achieving greatness, and our past students continue to inspire us. At the recent Glen Innes High School Dux Ceremony, we celebrated:

🏅 Alexandra Wright, second-highest ATAR (2024), now studying medicine.

🏅 Charlotte McHarg, third-highest ATAR, is now studying a Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy & Economics with the aspiration to work in International Relations.

🏅 Ryan Taylor, Band 6 in Mathematics Standard 2.

Outstanding Academic Results – My School data

Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our My School results, released in December 2024 (Mr McManus spoke about this at last year’s Presentation Day). The table below shows our school's 2024 NAPLAN results compared to those of students with a similar background. These achievements are a testament to the collective efforts of our students, staff, and families.

Looking Ahead

As we continue into Term 1, we encourage all students to embrace opportunities, challenge themselves, and strive for excellence in all areas—academically, physically, creatively, and spiritually.

None of this would be possible without the professionalism, dedication, and passion of our staff. Their commitment to rich and meaningful learning experiences ensures that our students are challenged to grow, excel, and discover their full potential. I extend my deepest gratitude to our entire team of skilled, helpful adults for their unwavering efforts in creating a vibrant, engaging, and nurturing learning environment.

Thank you for your ongoing support in making St Joseph’s a truly exceptional place to learn and grow.

May God bless you and your family.

Casey Chard

Principal