Finding out a little more about the history of St Joseph’s School this week, I learned the staggering fact that upon arrival to Glen Innes in 1884, the first community of the Sisters of St Joseph opened the doors for schooling seven days after their arrival. Catholic Education has been a strong part of the Glen Innes community for 137 years.

Next week, although a short week, is our final week of school. A final brief newsletter will be published sharing award winners and Principal’s message.

P&F THANKS

Thank you to the P&F who hosted a long awaited disco! Following our COVID barriers, the strong turn out of staff and students danced like they had never danced before and enjoyed the sausage sizzle, drinks and tempting treats.

YEAR 6

Our students are experiencing a jam packed calendar of events. Commencing last week, there has been a range of activities of which they have been the centre of, because they deserve to be, and, as part of their preparation for secondary education.

Thursday evening, Year 6 and the remainder of the school, enjoyed the disco. Friday, the group travelled to Inverell for ten pin bowling, sightseeing and water park activities at Copeton Dam, returning to Glen Innes for some barefoot bowls. Monday’s special experience was a retreat focused around “Travelling On''; where students reflected on their life journey so far and where the future will take them. Combined with this was a luncheon, followed by a school guard of honour and the traditional gingerbread person, given to each student by their Kindergarten buddy. Tuesday, the Year 6 students hosted a morning assembly and offered us a flash dance experience. Clever crew! This was followed by their final Mass as members of St Joseph’s Catholic Community. Wednesday and Thursday are designated as further transition experiences for Glen Innes High School. Friday is the finish line for them as they take a special place in our school presentation day.

END OF YEAR SCHOOL MASS

Today, as a school community we celebrated our last school Mass together, acknowledging our Year 6 students and giving thanks for our collective experiences around faith and learning in 2021.

SEMESTER 2 REPORTS

Semester 2 reports will be available on the parent Compass portal by close of business Wednesday 8 December. Should you wish to meet with your child’s teacher, please contact the school office to arrange this.

2021/ 2022 SCHOOL DATES :

15 December (Wednesday) 2021: school concludes for all students

2 February (Wednesday) 2022: All students K-6 return to school at the usual time.

Families of a 2022 Kindergarten student will receive a special letter on Wednesday with further details.

2022 STAGE TEACHING TEAMS

As previously shared on Compass, please find attached our Stage Teaching Teams for 2022.

EARLY STAGE 1:

Linda McShane

RFF teacher release once a fortnight: Rickie Withers

STAGE 1:

Gillian Hogan

Kirsty Kent

RFF teacher release once a fortnight: Rickie Withers and Pauline Gannon

STAGE 2:

Casey Chard (coordinator)

Libby Little

Frances Parsons (coordinator release role)

RFF teacher release once a fortnight: Rickie Withers and Frances Parsons

STAGE 3:

Katie McMeniman (coordinator)

Kirsty Maltby Miller

Jackie Barratt (coordinator release role)

RFF teacher release once a fortnight: Rickie Withers and Jackie Barratt

SCHOOL FEES 2022

Accounts for fees will be distributed over three terms in 2022 as opposed to the current four term process.

In 2022 school fees will increase by 1.7% (Wage Price Index). This is supported by our Parish Priest.

Library News

Messages from our Acting Librarian - Mrs Smith

Friendly Reminder: