St Joseph’s School Newsletter

Principal’s Message

2020 - What a year!

The phrase “what a year it has been...” has been shouted from every newspaper, TV advertisement and talk back show and it has been a difficult time for most, but our students have continued through it all to grow and learn in our school community. Our students and teachers have been amazing in the way they have embraced every change and persevered through every restriction to stay engaged with learning and growing in their knowledge, understanding, application and effort during 2020.  As we farewell our Year 6 students at the Graduation Mass this Friday, we are encouraged by their resilience throughout this challenging year and wish them every blessing for the future. 

Reporting

As we have changed over to the Compass portal, there has been a change to the reporting format commencing with Semester 2 reports.  Please read the information in the Learning Zone section of the newsletter for more information.  A hard copy of the report will be printed and sent home this Friday 11th December.  It will also be sent out to parents via Compass.  If you do not receive a copy, please contact the school on Monday.

Presentation Assembly

On Tuesday 15th December, we will reflect on the year just past and recognise the achievements of our students at a special morning assembly in the school hall.  It is a great opportunity to celebrate another fantastic year at St Joseph's School.  Parents will not be able to attend the assembly this year but we will post photos on our school facebook page.  

School Leaders 2021

Congratulations to all our Year 5 students who gave their leadership speeches last week.  As we expect all our Year 6 students to act as role models for the younger students, every student in Year 6 will receive a badge at the opening Mass of the year in 2021.  We ask that a parent/carer attend the opening Mass to pin the badge on their child.  The date of this Mass will be advised but will likely be in the first few weeks of Term 1.

 

It is my pleasure to announce the 2021 Captains:

  • School Captains - Mia Gardner and Lachlan Joosen
  • Vice Captains - Brooke Madden and Mason Visser
  • Sports Captains - MacKillop - Lily Stewart and Alex Dawson;
  • Sports Captains - Joseph - Claire Taylor and Malachy McKenzie

Esteem Kids - After School Care Approval

I am delighted to announce that we have received approval to have after school care for our students next year.  The provider is Esteem Kids (formerly known as Sherpa Kids) and it will be available only for students who are enrolled at St Joseph's school (no preschoolers).  The Esteem Kids program will be co-ordinated separately from the school, using our hall and facilities.  It is exciting to be able to offer this important service to our school families.  Please contact William Wong for more information (see contact details in the General Information section of the newsletter).

Stage 3 Excursion to Lake Keepit

The excursion last week was a great success with all the students enjoying the activities at Lake Keepit.  It was wonderful to hear from the teachers that the students had been well behaved and enthusiastic throughout the day.  Special thanks to Miss O'Shea, Mrs Bearman and Mr Flynn for accompanying the students on the day and to Mrs Chaffey for organising the event.

Staffing 2021 - Welcome Back & Fond Farewell

We warmly welcome back Mrs Marianne Holley to our staff next year.  Marianne has been a teacher at St Joseph's for many years and we welcome her back from her leave.  We also welcome a new teacher, Mrs Alyson Kellow who will be joining the Infants teaching team in K/1/2.  Mrs Kellow has many years experience as an early intervention teacher and we look forward to her joining our staff.  We bid a fond farewell to our Assistant Principal, Mr Peter Flynn who has accepted a position at St Edward's Primary School.  Pete has been an excellent addition to the Leadership Team and Stage 3 teaching team this year.  We wish him all the best for his new position as Assistant Principal at St Edward's.  Mr Greg O'Toole was seconded to St Edward's for 2020 and we welcome him back next year to St Joseph's. Information regarding the teaching staff and stage allocations is included in the General Information section.  More details will be communicated to parents in the first newsletter of the year.  

 

As this is our last newsletter for 2020, I wish all of you a very safe, joyful, holy Christmas season surrounded by family and friends.  I encourage everyone to take your children to one of the Christmas Masses at St Patrick's church.  There are a number of services available but it is important to book in advance (due to Covid restrictions).  Details about the Mass times are included in the RE section of the newsletter.  

 

All the best - I look forward to seeing you all in 2021 as we commence what we hope to be a much more 'normal' school year.

 

 

Have a wonderful week.

May God bless you,

Katie Hanes

Principal

 

St Joseph's School - a Faith Filled Community Where Learning Matters.