Principal's Report

Dear Parents, Carers and Community Members,

The past fortnight has once again highlighted the wonderful range of learning experiences and opportunities available to our students at St Joseph’s. Our students have extended their learning beyond the classroom through Stage 3’s excursion at the Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place in Armidale and Stage 1’s Geography fieldwork at Mother of Ducks Lagoon, Guyra, while students have also challenged themselves through ICAS assessments and a range of sporting opportunities, including whole-school netball clinics. We were also proud to have Year 6 students represent St Joseph’s at the Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Service, demonstrating respect and connection with our wider community.

Our strong partnerships with families have continued through Personalised Collaborative Planning meetings and yesterday’s Learning Fair (open classrooms), held as part of our Book Week celebrations. Along with our character parade, students have enjoyed workshops with visiting author Bec Nanayakkara. These experiences complement the high-quality learning and teaching that occurs in our classrooms every day and reflect our commitment to developing the whole young person. I extend my sincere thanks to our dedicated staff, whose professionalism, creativity and willingness to go above and beyond to make such a rich range of opportunities possible for our students.

Staffing Update

As communicated to Stage 1 families earlier this week, Mrs Kate McCormack will be relocating from Glen Innes at the end of Term 3 and will be unable to continue in a full-time capacity during Term 4. We are currently advertising for a teacher to join our Stage 1 team for the remainder of the year. We are incredibly grateful for Kate’s care, flexibility and significant contribution to St Joseph’s, particularly Stage 1 and wish her every happiness as she relocates and prepares to welcome her first child.

Mrs Cath Adams will also commence long service leave next week, with Mrs Emma Newberry replacing her for the remainder of the year. We thank Cath for her ongoing dedication and many contributions to St Joseph’s - finishing with a ‘bang’ by coordinating this week’s wonderful Book Week celebrations! We wish her all the very best for her upcoming travels and surgery.

Diocesan Annual Satisfaction Survey

This week, our annual satisfaction survey opens for parents, staff, and students across the Diocese. This vital feedback from our families, staff and students in Years 4-6 directly informs our school improvement strategies and shapes our 2027 Annual Improvement Plan. Responses are strictly confidential and individuals cannot be identified.

• Launch Date: Monday, 24 August 2026 (sent via email to registered parent addresses)
• Closing Date: Wednesday, 2 September 2026
• Direct Survey Link: If you do not receive an email, please complete the survey here: Parent Survey Link

Thank you for the many ways you contribute to the genuine spirit of St Joseph’s. I am exceptionally proud of our community where every young person is known, valued and encouraged to flourish.

May God bless you and your family.

Casey Chard