Dear Parents/Guardians

Last week we held our first School Council meeting for the year. It was great to welcome some new members to the Council and elect a new Chair. Please reach out to any of our Council members if you would like to know more about their roles or topics discussed at these meetings.

Chair: Diarmuid Kelly

Members: Rachael Castricum, Julie King, De Witt Oosthuizen, Alex Keady, Ema Falez, Rachael Cavallin and Mark Butters

On Monday staff spent the morning working with a representative from La Trobe University on staff wellbeing. This is a 6 month project, supported by Catholic Education Sandhurst. This will no doubt have a positive impact on both staff and students.

Next week our Years 3 and 5 students will participate in NAPLAN. This is one form of assessment used to track student growth. We know these students will do their best.

Thanks to families who have returned paperwork for our 4/5/6 Outdoor Education Camp coming up in two weeks.

Renovation Project

A quick update on this project. We are still waiting on the Building Permit. Once this is received work will begin on our Drainage Project, followed by the internal renovations.

School Photos

These will take place on Monday 15th April, the first day of term two. We ask that all students wear full school uniforms. Jo will be sending information home regarding ordering photos when they arrive.

Staff Roles and Responsibilities 2024

Please see below for a list of staff roles for this year. Each week staff will share a snapshot of what this role is about and their focus in this role.

Lead Teacher: Mark Butters

Religious Education Leader: Trish Shaw

Learning Leader: Mardy Green

Pastoral Wellbeing Leader: Trish Shaw

Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader: Catherine Bijker

Learning Diversity Leader: Mardy Green

Student Wellbeing Support: Irene Sharp and Dee Morey

Numeracy Leader: Josh Carr

Sustainability Leader: Rebecca Spiteri

Social Outreach Leaders: Linda Murcutt and Irene Sharp

Indigenous Leader: Josh Carr

IT Leader: Michael Kearton

STEAM: Bridget Woodward

Physical Education: Michael Kearton

Performing Arts: Jane Sartori

Visual Arts: Jodie Cuskelly

Italian: Franco Cudini

My name is Catherine Bijker and I am the Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader at St. Joseph’s. This is a new position that is being rolled out in the Ovens and Murray region this year. My role can be described using the graphic below.

It is about strengthening the great programs that St. Joseph’s runs to support mental health and well-being in students, staff, and families, not a clinical role. This role will also upskill staff to recognise students that may need further support and to establish clear pathways for students who need referrals.

I will be working closely with the other members of the Wellbeing Team, Irene Sharp, Dee Morey, Trish Shaw, and Carly Avery. If you have any queries, please reach out.

Here I am “filling my bucket” on a recent hike up Mt Bogong”

Parent Representatives

Thanks to the following parents who will be present classroom representatives in 2024:

F/1: Robyn Atkinson and Catherine Bijker

2/3: Lindsay Jenkinson

4/5/6: Lucy Martin

Sacraments 2024

This year we will work with the Parish and families to prepare students to undertake the Sacrament of Reconciliation. If your child/ren is in Year Three or above and you would like them to participate, we ask that you contact the office to register interest.

Early next term there will be an information session, with the Sacrament to occur later in term two.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Information for Parents & Application Form

PENSION CARD, HEALTH CARE CARD, or VETERAN AFFAIRS PENSION GOLD CARD