Principals' Message
What a fantastic and busy start to 2022! We have been very impressed with how quickly the students have settled back into classroom routines and daily school life. We have also enjoyed visiting the classrooms over the past two weeks and hearing about everyone’s holiday stories and adventures.
It has also been a privilege to witness our Year 6 students embrace their leadership responsibilities to commence the year. They have approached the beginning of their senior year with a great deal of positivity and enthusiasm and have been outstanding role models in all facets of school life. Keep up the great work Year 6 as you enjoy the final year of your primary education at St Joseph's!
Annual Improvement Plan
The Annual Improvement Plan (AIP) is a core part of school business. It provides a sharp focus on school improvement priorities and provides clarity and purpose for all members of the school community as we work towards the goals set. The AIP will be reviewed and evaluated regularly throughout the year.
Our main goals for 2022 are:
- To embed the Living Well, Learning Well Framework aligned to our Catholic Principles and Values;
- To continue to embed a school-wide, self reflective culture focused on improving pedagogy;
- To continue to build strong, effective leadership and teaching teams.
We look forward to sharing our achievements with you throughout the year.
Leadership Mass
Our Leadership/Opening New School Year Mass has been postponed due to the current Covid restrictions. The new date is now Tuesday 1st March at 12pm. We are hoping by this time, restrictions will ease and we will be able to have the parents attend this special Mass. If restrictions are not relaxed the Mass will have to go ahead on 1st March with the students.
Parents and Friends Association and School Advisory Council
There are two parent bodies which provide opportunities for parents/carers to be involved in supporting the school - the Parents and Friends Association and the School Advisory Council.
Our first Parents and Friends Association Meeting will be held in the Primary Collaborative Space on Tuesday 22nd March at 5.30pm. Once again, we warmly welcome all parents and carers to come along and become involved in this important facet of school life, especially our new Kindergarten parents! We look forward to seeing you there.
Our School Advisory Council members will meet in the Staffroom on Wednesday 23rd March at 5.30pm.
Swimming Carnival
A very special thank you to Mrs Lockwood for organising another great swimming carnival. The children participated well and thoroughly enjoyed the day. Thanks to the staff for assisting her to ensure the day ran smoothly. Congratulations to MacKillop House who won the highest point score on the day. Please see the Sport Report in the newsletter for age champions, runners-up and students who have qualified for the Armidale Diocesan Swimming Carnival.
Parent Learning Walks
Once Covid restrictions ease, we are hoping to continue with our Parent Learning Walks again this year. Parents/carers will be invited to attend a 'Learning Walk' guided by a member of the Leadership Team during the English Block (9-11am). This is a great opportunity for parents to come in for a guided 'walk and talk' where you can see first hand what the children are learning across K-6. Please stay tuned for more information later this term.
Student, Parent & Teacher - 'Meet & Greet'
Unfortunately we are unable to hold the Term 1 Student/Parent/Teacher Meet & Greet sessions this year for Years 1-6. However, a paper copy of your child's initial learning goals for the year will be sent home on Monday 28th February. We value your involvement in your child's learning and encourage you to discuss your child's goals and complete the relevant sections of the form. The forms will be due back at school by Friday, 4th March.
Parent Code of Conduct
Like staff and students, parents are asked to comply to the St Joseph's School Code of Conduct for Parents. This policy outlines behaviour which is appropriate and those which are inappropriate. We ask that parents abide by this policy as inappropriate behaviour towards staff or students will not be tolerated. If you would like a copy of the Parent Code of Conduct, please contact the school office.
Enrolling Now
We have begun our enrolment period for 2023. If you have a child who is ready for Kindergarten in 2023, please contact the school office for an enrolment form.
May God bless you and your family,
Maree Holland & Greg O'Toole
Co-Principals
St Joseph's School - a Faith Filled Community Where Learning Matters.
