Principal's Page
Dear Families,
Today is the first day of Autumn. Although I am sure we still have many more warm days ahead of us, it is getting darker earlier at night and lighter later in the morning. Last week we began the Church's season of Lent. Lent is a time to have a change of heart and try to be the best version of ourselves. Students enjoyed the delicious pancakes made by some generous family members on Shrove Tuesday.
Working Bee
Thank you to the following families who worked hard at our working bee last Saturday with Jane and Julian Byrne: Bradler, Spitteri, Cromwell, Nash, Burton-Royce, Barlow, Heinnen and McGrath. So much was achieved. Your assistance was greatly appreciated. The FIRE Carrier Garden is nearly complete with seating, artwork and plants arriving shortly.
Bishop Tony Ireland
Tomorrow, and over the weekend, Bishop Tony Ireland will be visiting our parish and school. There will be a forum for all interested parents this coming Saturday at 11:00am in the parish hall.
Swimming
I was fortunate to attend the District Swimming event today. Congratulations to all the students who represented St Joseph's. Everyone tried their best and displayed great sportsmanship. Thank you to Jacqui Hayes for organising our Intensive Swimming Program, the Year 3 - 6 Swim Carnival and Swim Squad over the past four weeks. Thank you to the parents that volunteered and supported our swimming program.
Parents & Friends
If you would like to be more involved in this wonderful school community, come along to the meeting next Tuesday 7 March at 7:00pm in the staffroom. as we organise our 2023 P & F. The P & F coordinate social events for the school community, assist at school events and organise fundraising activities.
Free Dress Day Friday 3 March
All students are invited to wear free dress this Friday and bring in a block of chocolate for the Chocolate Throw Stall. We will be having one more free dress day before the fete and will be asking students to bring in a jar or lucky dip surprise. Please read all the Fete News later in the newsletter. Only just over three weeks to go!
Emergency Management Planning
Late last year I was notified that St Joseph's School has been added to the Bushfire At-Risk Register. This means that the school must close on days forecast as ‘Catastrophic’ in our district by the Bureau of Meteorology. Obviously we would notify families as soon as we are made aware. We take student safety seriously at St Joseph's. All staff have recently completed their Emergency Management training and the whole school community will be participating in practice drills each term. The first evacuation drill will be held next week.
Roblox
Roblox is the #1 game in primary schools in 2023. It is concerning that there is a lot of horror content, inappropriate language, weapons and sexual matter if not played in the restricted mode. As a parent you can make this game safer and minimise risk by setting up parental controls on Roblox:
https://www.informandempower.com.au/.../roblox-parental...
School Closure Day
There will be no school for students next Friday 10 March as staff continue to prepare for our School Review taking place later in the year. Enjoy the long, long weekend
Enjoy your week,
Monica