Principals' Message

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome back everyone to the final school term for 2023!  We hope you were able to enjoy quality time with your children and family members during the holiday break. It has been great to witness the smiles on the students' faces as they have enthusiastically and eagerly entered the school each day, rejuvenated for another action packed term. It is truly wonderful to see our school with such a buzz of excitement in the classroom and on the playground as the staff and students embark on the busyness of Term 4.

The final school term is always a busy and exciting time and there are always plenty of things to look forward to as the year draws to a close. This is especially true for our Year 6 students and their families as they conclude their primary education. We encourage you to make the most of the special moments that will occur over the next few weeks and to cherish the memories created during your time here at St Joseph's.    

Prayers 

We ask you to please keep Fr Anthony and his family in your prayers as they mourn the loss of Fr Anthony's father, Mr Frank Koppman. We pray that they will be comforted in the knowledge that they are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

We also pray for the Smith family following the tragic death of three of their children, and their grandfather, when the plane they were travelling in crashed just outside of Canberra on transit to Armidale. We also offer prayers to the school communities of St. Mary's, Armidale and St. Nicholas, Tamworth.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. 

May they rest in peace. Amen.   

New Director - Armidale Diocesan Catholic Schools

It was announced last Monday by Monsignor Wilkes, that Ms Regina Menz will be our new Director for the Armidale Diocese from January 2024. Regina is currently working in the Catholic Schools Office as a School Performance Leader. Previous to this role she was the Principal of O'Connor Catholic College in Armidale. This is excellent news for our diocese as the successful work of our current leader, Mr Chris Smyth will be continued and expanded upon by Regina. On behalf of our school community we would like to congratulate Regina on this important appointment.

Staffing News

It is our great pleasure, but also with sadness, that we inform you that Mrs Libby Lockwood will be relocating to Newcastle next year. Libby has successfully applied and accepted the position of Primary Coordinator at St Patrick’s Primary School, Wallsend commencing in 2024.

As you would agree, Libby is a diligent and passionate 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 and keen organiser of activities for our students.

We know that you will join us in thanking Libby for all she has done here at St Joseph’s as we wish her and her husband Joe all the best as they enter a new chapter of their lives in Newcastle next year.

Kindergarten Transition Program - 2023

Last week we continued our Kindergarten Transition Program and once again warmly welcomed the pre-schoolers and their families to St Joseph’s School. The children are attending full days this term which culminate with a Graduation Assembly next week. A great start to Kindergarten is an important part of the educational journey. We look forward to a long and happy association with with our newest school members and their families here at St Joseph’s Primary School. 

Maitland/Newcastle School Visit

Last Wednesday, 11th October we welcomed a group of Principals from the Maitland/Newcastle Diocese. We were honoured to be asked to host a Learning Walk and Talk by a previous System Performance Leader, Mr Jason Hanrahan. We were able to highlight the excellent learning and teaching happening across K-6 in our wonderful learning spaces. We are very proud of our school and appreciated the opportunity to showcase our school as a centre of excellence in learning and teaching. It is a fantastic acknowledgement for our enthusiastic teams of Teachers and Educational Assistants who consistently co-plan, co-teach and co-assess as part of their daily practice to support our students in achieving their best possible outcomes.  

Have a great week.

Maree Holland & Greg O'Toole

Co-Principals

St Joseph's School - a Faith Filled Community Where Learning Matters.