Principal's Page
Dear Parents,
Schools are vibrant, dynamic places and there have been many opportunities for students and families to engage in different aspects of school life in just the first three weeks of term; Interrelate Family Life sessions, Parent Helpers Course, Learning Conferences, House Spirit Day, FIRE Carrier Program, Canteen, Prep 100 days, Bunnings BBQ, Parent Forums for marketing to name just a few. What a wonderful school we have here at St Joseph's and I feel so fortunate to be a part of such a vibrant school community and work alongside such dedicated staff.
FIRE Carrier Program
Sherry Balcombe, from Aboriginal Catholic Ministry, came to St Joseph's on Monday to commission our staff and student FIRE Carrier Leaders. The FIRE Carrier Program will promote respect, fairness and inclusion and promotes enculturation and reconciliation. The FIRE Carrier project Covenant is like a Reconciliation Action Plan. Our new leaders wrote and read the following statement at the commissioning ceremony: We hope that there will be more recognition and learning of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, histories and culture for all members of our school community including students from Prep to Year Six, staff and families. We feel fortunate to have such an old culture that is a part of our lives and we should acknowledge its importance and celebrate it.
Canteen
There was great excitement last Friday at the return of the canteen. We are trialling canteen every second Friday this term. Year Six students and Mel will be preparing the food products on Thursdays before selling them to the younger students, with help from parent volunteers. An Operoo reminder will be sent out to the community the night before with the available menu and prices.
Learning Conferences
Thank you to all who attended Parent/Teacher/Student Learning Conferences last Wednesday. They are an important part of the learning process. The partnership with parents and opportunities to engage in your child's learning are integral to success. Progress was discussed and goal sets. If you were unable to make it last Wednesday, please contact your child's teacher to make an appointment. If you have any concerns regarding your child's growth and progress, please contact their teacher.
Marketing Matters
Dr Stephen Holmes has been onsite for the last two days, viewing our school in action, meeting with students, staff and parents. Thank you to the community members who have met with him and shared their thoughts.
Prep 100 days
Congratulations to our prep students and teachers on being at school for 100 days. The students have a special day planned tomorrow to celebrate.
House Spirit Day
House Spirit Days are a part of our Student Wellbeing Program as it helps to build our community and assists students in strengthening relationships with one another. It is also a part of the Leadership Program for our Year Six students as they share presentations on their house patron and lead outside games and a collaborative artwork. This Friday 29th July is House Spirit Day. Students are asked to wear their house colours to school.
Bunnings Barbecue
Come down and visit parents and buy a sausage at Bunnings Rosebud on Saturday.
Special thanks to Liz Meyers and those who have volunteered their time for this fundraising event. Thank you also to Milchman Real Estate who are sponsoring this fundraising event and to Brumby's Sorrento for their support.
School Closure Day
The school will be closed on Friday 12 August for a professional learning day. Staff will be learning about the Inquiry process.
Staff News
Congratulations to Nick on his recent engagement to Dom. We wish them both every happiness.
Enjoy your week and stay warm,
Monica
moshannassy@sjsorrento.catholic.edu.au