Principal's Report 

As we come to the end of term, let’s be grateful for all that we have, particularly the people we have in our lives. This can sometimes be a friend, a family member, a neighbour, a teacher or the person who smiles at you as you walk by. 

Please don’t underestimate the power of a smile or a hello or even just calling someone by their name. All of these are signs of welcome, signs of connection, signs of compassion or signs of empathy. These acts of inclusion can be too easy to dismiss, but they are important in the lives of others, particularly during challenging times. 

I have been struck by the sense of welcome in our St Joseph’s community. I witness this when staff and students arrive into our community or as a visitor signs in at the office. May we always remember the generosity and embrace of kindliness.

Earlier this week I extended our welcome beyond our school gates and hosted a morning tea for key organisations who work with young people within our community. This was a great opportunity for me to introduce myself and to develop and strengthen collaborative and inclusive partnerships. We deeply value the support and input of our community members and I am grateful for those who took the time to come along.

This term has been energised by the various activities we have participated in, whether it be cross country, reading competitions, sport, examinations or assessments, house celebrations or the like, we have been immersed in the spirit of commitment and participation. This is led by our staff who have worked consistently to ensure our students have better experiences and less interruptions to the delivery of curriculum. This was certainly acknowledged by our recent review facilitated by ACER. The review findings will be shared over the course of the year as we work towards implementing the recommendations and formulating these in our next strategic plan.

I offer my congratulations to Brigidine Sisters Brigid Arthur and Angela Ryan who have been named in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.

Sr Brigid was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to social welfare, particularly asylum seekers and refugees, and to Catholic education. Sr Angela received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the Catholic Church of Australia.

This is well deserved recognition of extraordinary work by these two over many decades. Both are intelligent, hardworking and generous women who live out the Gospel with deep sincerity and grace. 

As we go in to the term break, I ask for blessings on our community and may we continue to be the light for those around us.

God Bless.

Anne Marie Cairns

Principal