Principal's Report 

Welcome back to Term 2 and all that it brings. 

We started the term with our Anzac Day ceremony and it was such a moving experience. References to war and suffering, but with considered reflection on those men and women who have experienced war first, in the past and currently. The acknowledgement of our alumni and their loss due to war was poignant and memorable. May we continue to pray for peace and actively work and commit to it.

Our Information night was well attended with over 200 families in the Oak Centre ready to hear all about our St Joseph’s community. The students were full of energy and excitement as were we. I am looking forward to meeting more families in the coming weeks as we embark on our enrolment conversations.

The shift to a multi campus College presents opportunity for growth, improvement and development and we are going to make the most of it by introducing some changes to the leadership structure in the College. This will involve the creation of new roles focused on student achievement, wellbeing and learning, professional learning programs for staff and a future-focused team of leaders determined to improve and champion St Joseph’s College. In the coming weeks we will advertise various roles for 2023. Exciting times ahead for us!

There has been much in the media about the teacher shortages and the ongoing impact of COVID on students and teachers. I am impressed by the way we have approached this challenge and assure parents and guardians that we have implemented some short term and long term measures to reduce any negative impact on the quality of our education program. Our staff have been prepared to make adjustments and this is testament to their commitment and dedication to our students. Consequently, some additional staff have been employed and some classroom teachers have been swapped in to other classes. Given this, it is important to note that we are fairing well compared to some other schools where the impact has resulted in significant change to programs and delivery. I commend staff on their flexibility and adaptability.

I am looking forward to the coming weeks and take this opportunity to wish all mums in our community a very happy Mother’s Day and acknowledge those in our community who may find this day challenging for a range of reasons; may you find comfort and love in knowing that our faith community of St Joseph’s is thinking of you. 

God Bless.

Anne Marie Cairns

Principal