Principal's Message

Dear Parents,

The whole school theme for this week focuses on showing peace and love. At this time of Advent we reflect on the importance of always looking out for others in our community spreading peace and love to all through our actions and words. We are also celebrating all the accomplishments that have been achieved with agency, ensuring all members of our community are flourishing in their daily lives.

Last week we saw many examples of this at St Joseph’s with the Triathlon, Cafe, Joey’s Club and a most successful produce stall on Friday. I was most disappointed to miss the events due to being home with COVID but from what I heard the school was buzzing with so many exciting events happening with students leading them all with confidence and agency.

Congratulations to all students who participated in the 2023 Triathlon especially to Lily and Zac for completing the individual event. Thank you to Emily Reed and staff who supported the students.

Another great example of student engagement and agency was our Produce stall raising over $900. Thankyou to Dom Taylor and Lucy Kyracoui for their wonderful work in the area of sustainability and permaculture in our school. Our Care for creation student team led the stall selling produce, gifts and lots of delicious treats.

This week we commence our swimming program and it is wonderful to see Crib Point pool open once again. What a wonderful asset we have in our backyard! Swimming and water safety activities are essential particularly with where we live on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula with children learning fundamental swimming skills along with important water safety skills. Students will then travel to Point Leo in Week 10 for beach safety days ensuring we have a comprehensive swimming and water safety program for all of our students.

2022 end of year dates
Date
02/12/2022	End of year Mass 2pm in the school hall
06/12/2022	Official transition session and step up for 2023 will be held on Tuesday 6th December from 11.30 am - 1pm.
09/12/2022	End of year Celebration Assembly 12.30 pm including Spirit of St Joseph’s awards and the Prep Nativity Followed by the Colour run and sausage sizzle.
16/12/2022	The last day for students for the 2022 school year is Friday 16th December. We will farewell the graduating class in the afternoon from 1.30pm and students will be dismissed for the end of year at 3.15pm.

On the 6th December our official orientation day all students in the school will attend a session with their new teacher for 2023. This provides an opportunity for students to be prepared for the following school year.

On this day you will receive an envelope with all of the necessary information pertaining to the 2023 school year. This will also be sent home via Operoo.

You will also be invited to book in for an individual session with your child’s teacher at the commencement of the 2023 school year. This information will be provided in the information pack.

In 2023, there will be two distinct pathways of learning. An inspired and enabled pathway to enable and engage our students to learn and grow to their full potential reaching the highest possible results in Literacy and Numeracy. Additionally, there will be staff in the learning community to lead and assist in the Enrich and Flourish pathway to ensure every student has a positive impact through inquiry and action.

Inspired and enabled Pathway	Enrich and Flourish Pathway
To enable and engage our students to learn and grow to their full potential.	To live life to the full … having a positive impact through inquiry and action
Focus on Literacy and Numeracy Strong student teacher relationship Consistent positive behaviour and effective learning environment Differentiation for every student through enabling and extending Strong focus on data analysis Effective evidence based pedagogical practice	Inspiring Inquiry through year level theme Strong social emotional and wellbeing learning and support Strength based learning providing wide range of specialists and student engagement initiatives Providing opportunities to excite, inflame and inspire Connecting and collaborating within and outward in community

2023 commencement dates
Date
27/01/2023	School Staff resume- Staff professional learning Individual Interviews commence in afternoon
30/01/2023	Individual Conference with homeroom teacher
31/01/2023	Students commence classes
03/02/2023	Beginning of the Year School Mass Welcome BBQ 2pm Leaders ceremony and badge presentation

Finally, please promote our wonderful school to all in our community. We are still taking enrolments for 2023. Word of mouth is the most effective marketing tool so please invite any of your friends, family and community to come along for a tour of our school.

Yours in Partnership,

Gab