Principal's Report

As promised, the School Advisory Council met this week to discuss the responses from the 2023 Uniform Survey that was shared with parents at the end of last term. In summary, the majority of families who responded were quite happy with the current uniform options. For example, out of 72 respondents, 76% were satisfied with the current uniform requirements; 76% were satisfied or had no opinion about the girl’s uniform; and 92% were satisfied or had no opinion about the boy’s uniform. 

That said there were some issues identified that bear further investigation by the school.

• Investigate the option of shorts for the girl's summer uniform
• Investigate a more comfortable and stylish winter pants option for the girl’s winter uniform
• Investigate the possibility of a higher or full natural fibre content in the uniform options.

Affordability was another issue and one that all schools should be ever mindful of as the cost of living expenses impact family budgets. Please be assured that this investigation will be conducted in the spirit of affordability as well as allowing for any transition to new uniform items to be respectful of Year 5 and 6 students transitioning out of primary school and onto secondary school. Stay tuned!

The inaugural Public Speaking Cup finals will be held on Friday 8 September from 2 pm in the School Hall. At the initiative of Father Gleeson who purchased the Cup to encourage and grow the important life skill of public speaking, our children are eligible to compete under the following conditions and categories:

There are 4 categories - 

Kindergarten The Kerry Muir Medal

Stage 1 The Mary Corcoran Medal

Stage 2 The Teresa Creighton Medal

Stage 3 The St Joseph’s Public Speaking Cup (including a memorial medal as the Cup is perpetual)

The competition comprises two rounds. The first round is classroom-based with those who choose to compete preparing a speech at home and presenting it to the stage during class time. This may take a couple of days depending on the numbers. For Kindergarten, the children will learn a short poem of their own choice to recite (Eisteddfod style). The best THREE from each Stage will then move to the final on Friday 8 September where they will present the same speeches again to the whole school including parents, visitors and the official judges made up of usually the Principal, Father Gleeson and a special guest. 

All parents and the parish community are warmly invited.

As a school that lives and works in a beautiful country town, we strive to support local Glen Innes businesses and community organisations as often and as regularly as possible. Consequently, I offer a public ‘shout-out’ to the local Lions Club, the Super Strawberry and the Furry Cow for their ongoing support of our special awards and extra-special lunch items. While all of these organisations are in business to be profitable, they are exceptionally generous with their discounted service and high-quality food for our children. Please support these great local organisations as often as possible - they are truly COMMUNITY people!

Finally, we are looking forward to welcoming all of our Dads to Father’s BBQ Breakfast next Wednesday 30 August from 7:45 am in the Undercroft. At the initiative of our wonderful P&F Committee come along and meet up with the staff and the other Dads for a bacon and egg burger and a chat ahead of the Father's Day weekend next Sunday!

Until next time.

May God go with you.

Geoff McManus

Principal