Principal's News
Staffing News
It's with great excitement that we can announce the appointment of Shayne Smith as permanent class teacher and Leader of Pedagogy at St Joseph's Warialda. Shayne and his wife Chloe, both experienced teachers at Catholic schools in Sydney, are relocating to Inverell in the New Year. Chloe will be working at Holy Trinity. I have held some Zoom meetings with Shayne and we are keen to build up our STEM resources, particularly with Lego Mindstorm and Spheros.
From Shayne ...
To the Community of St Joseph’s at Warialda,
My name is Shayne Smith and I am looking forward to being a part of St Joseph’s Warialda in 2022.
Career:
In my 6 years of being a teacher, I have had the privilege of being at St Patrick’s Sutherland, Sydney. I have taught for many years in Grade 4 and one year in grade 5. During this time I have taught STEM classes, encouraged students to play sport, accumulated knowledge of the NSW teaching syllabus and most importantly catering for the needs of students. I have a passion for students to achieve success and focus on their learning.
Interests:
When I’m not teaching my life looks very different. I’m either playing or coaching in a variety of sports (hockey and cricket). Growing up I played a variety of sports and enjoyed the company of friends and every so often the competitive nature of sport.
I have had the privilege to play for my country and state in cricket and hockey and continue to play these sports.
Favourite NRL team
West Tigers
Favourite AFL team
Swans
I’m looking forward to my placement in St Joseph’s Warialda next year.
More Staff News
We are also excited to announce the appointment of Kahlia Whalan as our Aboriginal Education Assistant. Kahlia will join us from this week, working Thursdays and Fridays. We are keen to begin transforming the grass patch near our tennis court into an outdoor aboriginal prayer space. We have already committed to Warialda's BE CREATIVE CHALLENGE. Our planned artwork will feature heavily in this new space.
New Facebook Page
The Catholic Schools Office has created a new Facebook page for us. The new site will allow more administrators allowing me to focus on promoting our school improvement journey and the faith life of the school, the class teachers to post the great things that are happening in our learning spaces and Lisa will be able to receive phone calls directly from our Facebook page, create events and accept RSVPs. We have other great ideas that will be rolled out during this term.
https://facebook.com/stjoeyswarialda
Our Library Space
Our renovated library space is just about completed. We only have a few minor touches like signage. The girls and boys approve of the new gym balls as sensory seats.
Don't forget that Library Lessons for Years 3 to 5 will take place every Tuesday as part of the morning Literacy Block. Kinder to Year 2 children will borrow on Mondays. We have a 10 minute uninterrupted reading time after lunch each day and all children can return and borrow books at this time as well as before school and when I am not on lunch duty.
Swimming Program
Our Swimming Program began with a great start last week. Mrs Brooks will be taking the children for lessons on Thursday, the 28th of October and Thursday the 4th, 11th and 18th of November. Lessons will take place from 11.00 to 12.40 pm. The children are reminded to wear the Sports Uniforms and apply their sunscreen before going to the pool.
Sound Scouts
I have screened most of the children and will ask for a few to resit one component to get an accurate result. I'll send home the hearing reports once I have screened all the students.
Wishing you all the best for the week ahead.
Joe Dimech
Principal
