PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Matthew O'Brien, Principal
Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, Students and the wider St. Joseph’s Primary School Community,
Classroom Placements for 2023
Over the duration of this term, staff will be following a long process to organise class groups for 2023. The teachers take into account, childrens’ friendships, academic achievement, behaviour, social learning and special needs to create balanced harmonious class groupings.
Often parents have some information that can help inform this process for the best outcomes for everyone. For example you ask that your child not be placed with their cousin or close neighbour. If you feel that you have some information that can help inform this process please complete a “Green Form” from the office by next Friday, the 14th of October.
Another important part of this process is inviting children to list four “good working buddies” that they would like to be with the following year. We do our best to accommodate at least one of these buddies.
You might like to discuss appropriate “working buddies” with your child as teachers will begin this part of the process shortly.
Shade Sail Rotunda
A new rotunda has been completed near our basketball courts. This rotunda was largely financed by a grant that we secured through the State Government Shade Sail Fund. Experience has taught us that permanent structures are more suitable to Warrnambool’s climate than shade material. The concreting was completed over the weekend and grass will be planted to clean the surrounding area. Classes will be encouraged to use this area for outdoor learning in nice (still) weather and passive play e.g. chess will be available at playtimes.
Sports Update
Congratulations to the following children who participated in Regional Athletics in Ballarat on Friday.
Ethan Alexander, Sophie Brown, Eamon Cottee, Lucy Howland, Harley Kane, Aaron Lougheed, Daisy Martin, Cooper McCosh, Molly McNeil, Jay Moloney-Smith, Abbey O’Keefe, Patrick Ralston, Amelia Roache and Lottie Wilkinson.
Staffing Update
Mr Tom Beks has accepted a position at St John’s Dennington for 2023 and 2024. This is a wonderful opportunity for Tom to continue his professional development in a new setting. Since graduating from university 8 year ago, Tom has taught at St Joseph’s and been a compassionate and highly engaging teacher. Tom has been a leader at St Joseph’s in the area of Religious Education and most recently as the Year 4 Team Leader. Tom will be missed at St Joseph’s and will be a great asset to the children, parents and staff at St John’s. A fitting farewell will take place later in the year.