News from the Deputy Principal

End of Term Reflection and Celebration

As we come to the end of another busy and rewarding term, we take this opportunity to reflect on the many experiences that have strengthened our school community and enriched the learning journey of our students.

One of the highlights of the term was our Mother's Day celebration. It was wonderful to welcome mothers, grandmothers and special family members into our school. The joy and appreciation shown by our students made the occasion truly memorable, and we thank all those who joined us for this special event.

Throughout the term, our students have also participated in a number of significant faith and community experiences. Our Easter Season Mass provided a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the hope and joy of the Resurrection. Students participated reverently through prayer, song and reflection, demonstrating our shared commitment to living out Gospel values within our community.

During Reconciliation Week, students engaged in learning and discussions that deepened their understanding of Australia's history, culture and the importance of respectful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider community. Through classroom activities and whole-school initiatives, students explored the theme of reconciliation and reflected on how they can contribute to a more inclusive and united future.

Our Friendship Groups continued to be a valued part of school life, bringing students from different year levels together to build connections, develop leadership skills and strengthen our sense of belonging. These sessions provide wonderful opportunities for students to learn from one another and foster positive relationships across the school.

This term, students have also been actively engaged in their Positive Behaviours for Learning (PBL) focus. Through classroom lessons, discussions and practical applications, students have continued to demonstrate our school values and expectations. It has been pleasing to see students showing respect, responsibility and resilience in their everyday interactions and learning experiences.  There will be an opportunity for the students to celebrate their achievements early next term with a Talent Show.

For our senior students, transition opportunities have been an exciting part of the term. Visits and transition sessions to Mount Lilydale Mercy College and Upper Yarra Secondary College have provided valuable experiences as students begin preparing for the next stage of their educational journey. These sessions have helped students build confidence, become familiar with new environments and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead.  Our 5/6 students head to UYSC next Thursday to take part in another transition experience.

A particular highlight this term was the Inquiry Showcase presented by our Foundation, Year 1 and Year 2 students yesterday. Families and staff were delighted to see students confidently sharing their learning through a range of engaging science investigations and experiments. The showcase provided an opportunity for students to demonstrate their curiosity, critical thinking and growing understanding of scientific concepts. It was inspiring to witness the enthusiasm with which students explained their discoveries and reflected on their learning journeys. We congratulate our young learners on their efforts and thank our teachers and families for supporting this memorable celebration of learning.

This coming week, Nick, Bec and I are attending the PBL Conference in Brisbane. This is an opportunity for us to engage with schools from all around Australia and to hear from keynote speakers about best practice and multi-tiered systems of support. We are excited to bring back our learning to share with the staff upon our return.

As we conclude the term, Nick and I would like to thank our students for their enthusiasm and commitment to learning, our staff for their dedication and care, and our families for their ongoing support and partnership. We wish all families a safe, restful and enjoyable holiday break and look forward to welcoming everyone back for another exciting term.

SMART Watches and personal phones

A reminder for all students bringing phones to school: they are to be handed in at the office at the beginning of the day and collected in the afternoon, as per the Acceptable Use of ICT Agreement for years F-6, which was signed by all students and families at the beginning of the year.  Please find below the excerpt from the agreement and a link to the agreements for families.

Smartwatches should also be disabled if they have the ability to connect to the internet or communicate with family members.

As a student at St Joseph’s

My school also requires me to . . . 

• Disable smart watch (if I possess one) features while I am at school  
• Not call, text or email using a smart watch while at school or while engaged in school activities on or off-site.
• Not make use of my mobile phone (if I possess one) during the school day 

• Hand my phone in at the office at the beginning of each day

   

Parent Meetings

Thank you to the families who have been to the PSG meetings over the last week.  These have been wonderful to be part of, hearing about the great gains the students have made over the term.

Parent-Teacher Meetings will be held next Thursday, 25th June, from 12 pm (F-4) and 12:45 (5/6).  If you have already participated in a PSG meeting last Friday, Monday, or Tuesday, you may wish not to have a Parent-Teacher Meeting.  If this is the case and you have booked a Parent Teacher Meeting, please cancel the booking so other families can book times.

Please use the QR code below or the booking link to book a meeting time with your child's teacher.

If you cannot make time to meet with your child's teacher, please communicate with them to see if there is an alternate time to meet early next term.

https://www.schoolinterviews.com.au/code/4w5gf

Pupil Free Days

Students conclude school on Thursday, 25th June at 3 pm.  Friday 26th June is a Pupil-Free Day during which staff are engaged in Mathematics Professional Learning.  There will be no school or OSHC services on Friday.

The first day of Term 3 is also a Pupil Free Day, during which staff will be engaging in Religious Education Professional Learning. School for Term 3 will resume for students on Tuesday, 14th July.