From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

What a fortnight we have had at St Joseph's!  Between NAPLAN, incursions and excursions, Cyber Safety Training and Cross Country Runs there's hardly been time to take a breath.

Excursions and Incursions

The students from all levels have been fortunate to participate in a number of Incursions and Excursions over the last fortnight, with more to come in the next few weeks.  Click the links in the sidebar to view photos, recounts, etc from these events.

District Cross Country Run

Congratulations to all of the children who participated in the District Cross Country Run today at Wesburn.  I was very proud to see the effort children were putting into their performances.  Ethan Hodge (8th), Jaiden Lever (8th), Jade Pearson (5th), Audrey Murphy (8th) and  Archie Kerr (8th) finishing in the top ten and progressing to the next round.  Ash Bradley competed in the event yesterday at Healesville and has also progressed. 

Pupil Free Days for 2021

Each year schools take a number of pupil-free days for issues such as School Improvement, Professional Learning, Assessment and Reporting, etc.  Two were taken at the end of Term One for our annual Staff Conference where we focussed on Positive Behaviours for Learning (PBL) and the Intervention Framework (IF).

In Term Three we will be meeting with staff from four other rural schools to investigate best practices in the teaching of scripture.  This school closure day is being held in Yea on Monday 16 August.

Staff will be given a day on Monday 1 November for Assessment and Reporting in the lead up to the Semester Two Reports.

There was some talk among parents about this coming Tuesday 25 May being a pupil free day.  I can confirm that we will be at school that day.  All pupil free days are included in our Upcoming Dates link in our newsletter each week and also on our school calendar.

Parent/Teacher Interviews

The Mid-Year Parent Teacher Interviews are scheduled for Wednesday 23 June.  Students will be attending school that day. The interviews will run from 12:00pm until 8:00pm.  A link to the booking form will be sent to you in the coming days.  Please fill this in early to ensure you are able to secure a time that is suitable for you and your family.

School Crossing Supervision Issues

Yarra Ranges Council has been experiencing difficulties staffing their school pedestrian crossing in recent weeks.  This is of little relevance to our families as we do not have any children who walk home at the moment.  I am letting you know this in case you are considering letting your child(ren) walk to or home from school at this time.

School Advisory Board

On Wednesday 12 May The School Advisory Board met to discuss the changed Governance Structure for Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools, in line with the recent Royal Commission recommendations.

Please see below the summary of the changes:

• Fr Michel is no longer burdened with the onerous task of sole governor of St Joseph’s School - now governed by Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS)
• A new School Advisory Board is to be formed to assist with the task of governance
• A new Advisory Board Constitution will be applied consistently across all Catholic Primary Schools in the Archdiocese of Melbourne
• The board will include the Principal, Parish Priest, Satff member(s), Parents and a representative from the parish community
• 72 new MACS approved policies will be in place by July 12, 2021
• Principal Long Service Leave, Professional Learning Leave, Credit Card Expenses and Reimbursements are now approved by MACS

Once the School Advisory Board Constitution has been finalised, we will be running an information session for interested parents to attend. This will cover the role and purpose of the board and the process for applying for a position on the board.

Positive Behaviours for Learning (PBL)

As part of our school improvement processes, we have identified the need for greater consistency in behaviour expectations of our students and how we respond to behaviours of concern. After significant research, we have settled on an approach called Positive Behaviours for Learning.

To assist us with the implementation of this approach, we have engaged an on-site coach by the name of Roland Wanns. Roland worked with us during our Staff Conference at the end of Term One to lead us in developing shared vision and understandings.  Our work in this area will encourage students to exhibit pro-social behaviours and will provide clarity for both staff and students about expected behaviours at St Joseph's School.

I hope you and your family have an opportunity to enjoy this magnificent Autumn weather this weekend.

Kind regards,

Nicholas.

Nicholas Boyhan

Principal

St Joseph's School