Dear Parents and Caregivers,

As I write this newsletter, it has given me an opportunity to reflect on our school and the wonderful people that make up our school community. We have a fantastic array of people that are friendly, resilient, and hope-filled.

Term 2 has been hectic. It has been a term that has included so many learning opportunities, and experiences, and we are only halfway through. This term seems to be flying by!

On a personal note, I have been observing how our community has come together to assist one another during a difficult time. There have been so many families in our district that have been impacted by COVID-19 and periods of isolation. It truly showed me that we have a strong sense of community within our school when I was hearing of families supporting others by dropping off goods and checking in with families that have been isolated.

I had a sense of foreboding and anxiety about having to isolate myself if I contracted Covid. I was worried about my health and my family and how we would cope when isolated. Then early last week, I and other members of my family contracted Covid and we isolated together for 7 days. I was blown away by the way that people are very supportive and took time out to check in on us via messages and phone calls. I am very proud of our staff, as they all jumped in to help cover my duties, as well as Sara’s within the school. This made a huge difference to our family.

As we are continuing to live with COVID in our community I must urge you all to continue to look out for your family, friends, neighbours and acquaintances around town. A friendly message checking in on people while they are isolating sounds simple, but is greatly appreciated.

At school, our staff have been working hard to help cover extra duties, roles and responsibilities. Especially if a member of our team is isolated or away for other reasons. During these times, it has been very pleasing to see the teaching and learning of our students continue.

There is a lot to celebrate within our school, and it was wonderful to see so many families present at our Catholic Schools Week liturgy and open morning last Wednesday. There were so many excited students, and they loved having you observe them while they were learning.

Finally, I would like to thank all families for their understanding during the protected industrial action that took place today. We are looking forward to seeing all students back at school on Monday.

NAPLAN

Congratulations to our Year 3 and 5 students who completed their NAPLAN Assessment last week. Well done!

Catholic Schools Week

On Wednesday, 25 May, we celebrated Catholic Schools Week with Open Classrooms, a Special Liturgy and Assembly, and a Shared Morning Tea. A big thank you to all that supported us on the day.

Please see REC News for further information.

School Photo Day

This is just a reminder that we will be holding School Photos next Wednesday, 1 June.

Please ensure that your child is dressed in their full summer uniform and that to be included in the whole school photo, they should arrive no later than 8:50 am.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school office.

Pupil Free Days

This is just a reminder that the school with be closed on Friday 10 and Monday 13 June due to Staff Professional Development and the Queen’s Birthday Holiday.

Athletics Carnival & Volunteers

As previously mentioned via Compass and the Newsletter, we will be holding our annual Athletics Carnival at Cook Oval on Tuesday 26 July.

As always, an event like this cannot be run successfully without the assistance of helpers. If you can volunteer to help out on the day as a timekeeper or with High Jump, Long Jump, Shot Put, Discus etc. (which would be greatly appreciated!), please complete the following form via bit.ly/3sZLGvS

Have a great weekend.

God Bless,

Alistair Stewart

Principal

St Joseph's Primary School

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Issue 7 · 27 May 2022

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