PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Michael Gray, Principal
Dear Parents, Guardians, Students, Staff and our Wider School Community.
St. Joseph’s School Fair
This wonderful community day is fast approaching. Our Fair is a tangible way to support learning and help us realise our school values; those of community, identity, fun family life, sharing talents and commitment.
A key focus is also fundraising. Our funds raised make a commitment to our grounds, facilities and maintenance program. As we are all aware our school grounds are stunning, engaging, creative and in top condition. We would like to continue this into the future and have added two priorities. We need to add several new items to the playground equipment and to keep our school secure. Keeping us secure and safe will require us to replace our old and deteriorating school boundary fencing. The old fence has been in place for many years and it has passed its “useby” date. Working with our maintenance team and school advisory council we have researched a replacement project, designed an appropriate option and sought quotes. We are keen to complete this project early next term. The Fair funds will go a long way to supporting these types of programs.
Our students, staff, family and community are looking forward to the day. Flyers, rosters and activities are underway. Please consider how you can help. New foundation families are encouraged to enjoy the day and not feel obligated to help on the roster. Other families all help is genuinely appreciated. See you Sunday.
Senior/Middle School Sports Day
What a great day of competition, learning, engagement, effort, support and individuals meeting many personal challenges. A very special thanks to Andrew McCombe and Matthew MacMillian (Sports Co-ordinators), all teaching staff, school support staff, grounds crew and wonderful parent helpers for what was a friendly, fun and supportive learning experience for all. All events ran well; we did have an issue with the long jump event that will be considered in the review. We also have several shared winners of the age groups that will also be accounted for over the next week. A big congratulations to our winning Gold team.
St Joseph's Day Mass and Ash Wednesday
Our whole school gathered at St. Joseph’s Church as a school community to welcome in the new school year, commission our student leaders, consider the patron of our school, Joseph and his characteristics of working hard, faithfulness and commitment. At mass we also reflected on the purpose of Lent; a time of building self discipline, thinking of others and helping people. While these themes were many and varied, impressively students, staff, parish and families respected the location, the messages of social justice and the importance of faith in our lives. Our students were amazing in their demonstration of respect, prayerfulness and care for what they were doing and where they were. This is a direct reflection of the great organisation of Mark Hyland and the RE Team, parent support, pro-active teacher engagement with students and leadership; as well as a general culture of community (Parish), friendship (Buddy) and engagement (Singing).
School Advisory Council Meeting (SAC)
The SAC is made up of Chairperson John Graham, parents Peter Furphy, Greg McMeel, Sean Mueglitz and Mark Koch. Ex-officio is the Principal (Michael Gray) and Parish Priest (Fr. John Fitzgerald). Other members are Staff Representative (Maryanne Evans), School Development (Nick Murrell), Business Manager and SAC Secretary (Cathy Duynhoven) and Deputy Principal (Jim Guinan).
Our key items for last week were; School Governance, School Finances, School Improvement Plan, Community Conversations, new school fence and Child Safety in light of the Royal Commission and the Cardinal Pell charges.
With regards to Child Safety the School Advisory Council were strong and committed to a culture of exemplary safety, respectful relationships, openness to learning about human development, dialogue about the church and its relevance to a modern world. As an educating community we also especially acknowledge the need to support young people be aware of grooming behaviours; whether that be in people relationships or as we are all now learning in the internet environment.
Our commitment is strong, ongoing and to the highest standards required.