PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Matthew O'Brien, Principal
Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, Students and the wider St. Joseph’s Primary School Community,
The Tree!
The magnificent art installation that now dominates our hall is an example of how great we can be when we work together.
Like all trees, this one started with a seed. That seed was an idea from one of our parents in the Primary School Association. Over the course of a few meetings the seed was planted and the idea began to grow. The PSA threw their support behind the project and Andrea Welsh enlisted the St Joseph’s Art Team of Cara Chisolm, Di Brown and Jo Barfus McCoy.
And from there the seed began to grow.
Every child in the school, all 620 of them, designed an individual piece of art to be etched onto their leaf.
Through many trials and designs the tree was finally drafted and fittingly for our school it is modelled on the majestic Moreton Bay Figs from the Botanic gardens. Andrew Suggett, local artist, was co-opted by the team to paint Warrnambool landmarks as features in the backdrop. Finally, the leaves were added to complete the picture.
At the assembly last week, I tried to convey to the children that this tree is only so wonderful because of the contribution of each of us. Each leaf, although good on their own become a masterpiece when put together.
So it is with a school, a family, a choir, a team or a class. Together we can be so much more.
Finally, it is important that we thank and acknowledge some of our community who have enabled this piece to come together. Andrea Welsh planted the seed, Adrian Benson and the PSA watered it (with financial support). It was our Art team, Cara, Di and Jo who tilled the soil and laboured and it was our children whose creativity has brought the tree to life.
My hope is that many years from now, these children (maybe with their children or grandchildren) will visit St Joseph's, find their leaf and be satisfied that they have contributed to a masterpiece.
School Advisory Council
New School Advisory Council Members and Parent School Association Chairperson
I am pleased to welcome Tracey Harris (Alexis-Year 4 and Ollie-Year 2), Claire Nailon (Greta-Year 5, Frank-Year 3 and Tom-Foundation), Jess McCarthy (Olivia-Foundation and Will-Year 2) and Andrea Welsh (Louie-Year 3) to the School Advisory Council for 2023. I thank these parents for volunteering to support our children by sharing their expertise through this group. They will join Mel Happ, our chair (Jessica -Year 4) and Joel Saywell (Oscar-Year 4) next year.
Leon Senchenko is our new PSA chairperson. Leon (and Jasmin) have Jackson in Year 1 and Nicholas in Foundation. I am very appreciative of Leon volunteering for this role and look forward to working with him in 2023 and beyond. At the recent parent break up Leon noted that his election was a little like the Seven Bradbury gold medal win. Then he smiled and observed that with Bradbury there were others in the race!
2022 Final Assembly
Everyone is invited to attend our final assembly next Thursday, beginning at 11:30am. At this event we will be entertained by our choir, join together in a Christmas liturgy, farewell staff and most importantly celebrate the contribution that our Year 6 children have made to our school. We will also present several awards including Pippa Rae School Spirit Award and the MacKillop Wellbeing Award.
Orientation Day
A reminder that everyone will be moving up to their 2023 classes next Tuesday 13th December. We will celebrate this day with a shared sausage sizzle lunch.
Choir Concert
I had the pleasure of attending the school choir’s morning recital last week. Thanks to all of the parents, grandparents and siblings who enjoyed the show. A special thanks to the parents who have brought their children to school each week at 8:00am for choir practice. The children are so lucky to have Cara Chisolm and Gary Price to lead them as they have such expertise but more importantly an enthusiasm for sharing their love of music.
