Principal's Report

As I promoted in the last newsletter, we are exceptionally privileged to have Bishop Michael Kennedy personally visit our parish and school across the first weekend in September (2nd to 4th). With such a vast Diocese to cover and an exceptionally busy workload, our Bishop does not get the opportunity to visit Glen Innes annually and as such we highly value our privileged opportunity to meet face-to-face next week. To make this opportunity more accessible, the parish is adopting a welcoming theme of “Come as you are!” to the light lunch with Bishop Michael Kennedy in the Parish Hall on Saturday 3 September from 12:30 pm. In other words, drop in between sporting or family commitments on Saturday, and have a cuppa, a bite to eat and a chat with the Bishop. No need to dress up or down! Just come along and be an active part of our wonderful parish of St Patrick’s! 

And of course, our Confirmation candidates will receive their final Sacrament of Initiation at the 6:00 pm Mass on Saturday 3 September. Please continue to keep these Year 5 and Year 6 candidates in your prayers.

Australian research has shown that “active partnership” between families and schools is proven to be one of the most positive contributions to the learning and well-being of our children. Consequently, the opportunities and pathways for that “active partnership” must be promoted and encouraged regularly in schools that want their kids to move from being good to great - like us! Most recently one of our governance opportunities was taken up by a group of St Joseph’s community members to join and participate in the School Advisory Council (SAC). On behalf of Father Gleeson and myself, I am pleased to publish to you the composition of this new iteration of the School Advisory Council after the 2022 AGM held on Tuesday night -

Ex-Officio - Father Richard Gleeson (Parish Priest) and Geoff McManus (Principal)

Chairperson - Matthew Pope

Secretary - Michelle Hancock

Parent/Community Members - Moira Munro, Nicole Watson

Staff Members - Frances Parsons, Jackie Barratt

As a group committed to offering considered advice to myself and Father Gleeson about the effective policies and active promotion of catholic education at St Joseph’s School, I trust that you join with me in thanking the new SAC members for their generosity and commitment to the role. I also offer public and humble thanks to the outgoing SAC members for their previous service and hard work notwithstanding a frustrating 2-year period of inactivity and external restrictions due to the COVID pandemic. Heartfelt and deep thanks to Sam Baker, Leanne McHarg, Kate Dance, Sal Floyd, Mark Pietsch and John Adams.

There is a lot going on during this term, so I encourage a careful read of the contents of this week’s newsletter and especially invite all of the Dad’s to our P&F FREE BBQ Breakfast next Wednesday 31 August in the Undercroft from 8am to 9am.

Stay warm and stay well!

May God go with you

Geoff McManus

Principal