Dear St. Joseph’s School Community,

Principal Message and School Information

Today brings our last week of what we all know has been an amazing, challenging and ultimately a very rewarding school term. I trust we all stay safe over the break and have time to capture and continue on the elements of the lockdown that actually improved our life and learning.

In talking about the COVID-19 time with our students the overwhelming aspects of home learning they loved was; family time, access to the fridge! and the fact that they could self pace their learning in a very supportive home and school environment.

Parents also enjoyed connecting with their children and access to the home school learning plans. Having the plans directed, supported and challenged the home conversations. The experience can continue and our curriculum leaders will discuss this support moving forward.

Remember the school reports and learning folders are available this week. The reports are modified in line with advice and what was possible during the remote home learning and school supervision programs. This is outlined in a letter that will be with the folders. If a teacher needs to contact you they will or if you have an important clarification please coordinate with your child’s teacher; remembering throughout the term many conversations have been held.

The key take-away from a school perspective is to reflect on the work of the last term, accept where it ended by reviewing the folder, report and then importantly give feedback to your child about their effort, consistency and results. We will all learn from this and take it forward constructively next term.

I also share some quotes from our student leaders; it gives us a rich insight to the seriousness they take learning and leadership. I share this week for your reflection and consideration. This week we also distributed school badges to our Young Vinnies volunteers and a Year 6 badge to all Grade 6 students to remind them that while at school, they are all leaders in our community and as a memento of their time at our school. These badges are funded by our Parent School Association (PSA) which is valued and appreciated by everyone.

Finally, to celebrate the end of term, I invite students to wear casual clothes on Friday. This will be a simple fun day and recognition of their efforts this term. The school will finish as a normal last day of term at 2:30 pm Friday, including the bus students.

Stay well, stay safe, and thank you all; we are stronger together.

School Leaders Quotes 2020

• The harder I work, The smarter I get.
• I am Brave, I am Smart, and I won't give up.
• Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow.
• Have fun. Work hard.
• Individually we fall. United we stand!
• A family of learning.
• We can all lead the way, even you!
• A building with four walls and tomorrow inside
• Together we can do great things
• Kindness is free to give, priceless to receive.
• You can't achieve if you don't believe.
• Be kind. Have fun. Work hard. Learn lots.
• No matter how you feel, Get up, Dress up, Show up and Never Give Up!
• “Stronger Together.”
• We are like a flower, blooming together as one.
• We stand to strive and deliver.

Regards,
Michael Gray. Principal.