Principal's News

Well that's a wrap for Term One and how quickly has it gone!! I am amazed every day at the commitment of our wonderful staff, the flexibility and growth of our students and the support of our parents. What a fabulous community we have!

As the season Lent draws to a close and we prepare for Holy Week and the Easter Season, we reflect on the story of Jesus' death and resurrection.  For Christians worldwide this is the most important event on the church's calendar and the holiest of weeks when we recall and reflect on the events of the last week of Jesus' life and the beautiful message of hope and new beginning that the Easter season brings.

This week we farewell our beautiful Bridgette as she begins her maternity leave. We wish her all the very best as she takes this time to prepare for baby number two. Gen Stewart will replace Bridgette as the F/1 teacher on Thursday and Friday.

Ebony Anderson also shared some wonderful news for her family with the soon to arrive  bub number two at the end of next term. We are overjoyed at the news which Ebony shared in the form of a poem to the staff at the beginning of the year (yes we have known for quite some time) - here's the poem she shared......

I am having another baby

I cry at the thought of Maggie having a sibling

I wonder if it will be a boy or girl

I dream of the life my kids will have

I promise to enrol them here at St Joey's

I pretend I have lots of energy but I feel like I'm slowly dying of fatigue inside

I want to eat hot chips and lollies all day

I try not too though

I understand I'll go on maternity leave soon

I feel sad I won't see you girls (the teachers) each day though

I am.....having another baby

But don't panic...we still have her for another term!!

A huge thank you to the donations of the easter eggs and the selling of raffle tickets which raised over $400 for our school. 20 great prizes went home to very happy winners. Look out next term for the Mother's Day raffle.

Thank you to everyone for their involvement in the Learning Conversations and PSG's which took place over the past few weeks. These are such vital opportunities to make connections with the teachers of your child/ren and discuss all aspects of school life and set goals for the rest of the term/year. If you weren't able to make a time with the teacher please do so at your earliest convenience. One thing that I noticed over these meetings was how well each teacher knew their students - their strengths, challenges, likes and interests. It is such a good basis to build strong connections and relationships. 

Last week I had the opportunity to attend the Victorian Catholic Primary Principal's conference with many of the principals from the Goulburn Valley and Sandhurst schools. The theme of the conference was 'With Strength' - our faith, through Mary Mackillop - the challenges of today's society and our own inner conviction, a strength that enables us to lead as we do.

A huge thank you to St Luke's Shepparton for the invitation to join in their Cross Country on Monday. This is the second year we have done this and it is wonderful to continue building these connections with our neighbouring schools. Congratulations to Charlie Ewart who won the Foundation boys event, Ruby who came second in Year 2 and Sebastian for his third place in Year 4. Everyone put in a huge effort on the day. Well done!

I will be away for the first two weeks of next term as I will be travelling to Italy  to participate in a group pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi to learn more about St Francis of Assisi. I look forward to sharing my travels when I return. Maddy and Ebony will be holding down the fort in my absence. If you need anything please don't hesitate to contact them.

Please enjoy some photos from the past few weeks..

Have a wonderful Easter everyone.

Take care and stay safe

Maree :)