Principals' Message
Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome to Week 10! It is hard to believe that we are already at the end of another incredibly rewarding school year. We are so grateful for our wonderful students. It is a privilege to work with students who are so enthusiastic about their learning.
As this is the last newsletter for the year we would like to thank all families for their wonderful support during the year. Parents, grandparents and others offer such invaluable assistance in so many ways to our school community.
Thank you to our wonderful staff for their ongoing efforts and support throughout the year. They work tirelessly to ensure that the children at our school get the best possible education as well as being offered opportunities to shine in so many areas. This group of people go above and beyond and your children are lucky to be in the care of this special team.
Congratulations to our 2024 Leaders
Recently our Year 5 students gave their leadership speeches and they are to be commended for their efforts. While all Year 6 students are considered leaders of the school and are expected to be positive role models for the school community, some of the positions hold special responsibilities such as representing the school at events such as Anzac Day and Remembrance Day.
Congratulations to the following students who are our Captains for 2024:
School Captains - Lilah Newell and Jarvis Dobson
Vice Captains - Grace Beveridge and Darcy Wood
MacKillop House Sports Captains - Ruby Sipple and Sean Pineda
Joseph House Sports Captains - Sophie Fahey and Boston Vince
Farewell
We bid a fond farewell to Mrs Dominica Bearman, Mrs Libby Lockwood and Mr Perkins who will be leaving St Joseph's at the end of the year.
Dominica is a diligent and dedicated educator who has contributed greatly to the St Joseph’s School community during her ten years not only in the classroom but also in her educational leadership roles of Religious Education Coordinator and Assistant Principal. Dominica has been a great colleague who has had the opportunity to support numerous students and their families on their learning journey at our school. Her positivity and enthusiasm for teaching is obvious in her kind manner that she consistently displays towards her students.
Libby is a passionate and well organised educator who has contributed greatly to the St Joseph’s School community during her ten years not only in the classroom but also as an exceptional sports coordinator. Libby has been a valuable mentor and a rich source of support to many teachers, in particular Early Career Teachers and students guiding them in their vocation and on their educational journey. She truly cares about each child’s wellbeing and gets excited when they reach their academic and personal goals.
Michael has had a long association with St Joseph's of over twenty years. During this time he has been the Assistant Principal and taught a variety of classes in his numerous teaching roles. Michael is a dedicated teacher who builds a strong rapport with his students. He strives to find creative ways to make learning fun for his students and always goes above and beyond for them, which highlights his care and concern for their learning and wellbeing.
On behalf of the staff and school community, we thank Dominica, Libby and Michael for their hard work and dedication to the students and families at St Joseph's and wish them all the best for the future.
Staffing 2024
Recruitment has begun for an AP/REC to join our team after the recent appointment of Mrs Dominica Bearman to Principal of St Joseph's Barraba. Once the position is filled, we will inform the school community.
Co-Principals - Maree Holland and Greg O'Toole
AP/REC - to be confirmed
Kinder - Phoebe George & teacher density (Mon - Wed) to be confirmed
Stage 1 - Judy Ryan, Aly Kellow & Amanda Young
Stage 2 - Ellie Sampson & Melissa Buckland
Stage 3 - Luke Paterson, Jo Wallace (Mon, Tues & Wed) & Phoebe O'Shea (Thurs, Fri)
Library - Marianne Holley
RFF - Mel Crittenden & Grace Parker
Education Assistants - Taylor Bruce, Mel Honnery, Amy Lobban, Sumudu De Silva, Lisa Vile & Kim Wadwell
AEA - Kim Taggart
Admin - Kylie Dewhurst & Jodie Westhorpe
Canteen Supervisor - Amy Lobban
Maintenance - Mick Macrae & Chris Cartan
Cleaner - Jenny Ayres & Shanleys Cleaning Services
St Vincent de Paul Christmas Hamper
Many thanks for your generous contributions to the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Hamper Appeal. An incredible amount of goods have been donated which will be welcomed and appreciated by people in need this Christmas. Donations are being accepted until tomorrow, Tuesday 12th December.
We wish all our staff, students and their families a happy and holy Christmas with family and friends and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.
May God bless you and your family.
Maree Holland & Greg O'Toole
Co-Principals
St Joseph's School - a Faith Filled Community Where Learning Matters.