Principals Message

Dear Families, 

What a big way to finish Term 1, a belated St Joseph's Day celebration with St Josephs' Coraki, a transition to our new St Joseph's Primary School Community Forum, a handover day with our incoming acting Principal Mrs Felicity Wilde,  Being Brave presentation by Brainstorm Productions, our SRC Fun day and our most important  Holy Week Remembrance. 

Last Monday the students and staff from St Joseph's Coraki, journeyed to Woodburn to join with us to celebrate St Joseph.

The day started with a beautiful Liturgy praying to St Joseph and learning about his wonderful traits we can work to share with others. The students from both schools sang their hearts out and moved in unison to the concluding hymn, 'My Lighthouse'.

The day continued with various activities including the carpenter build, helping hands, an obstacle course and Fitness Kidz fun challenges. The day was capped off with Pie Day Friday lunch on a Monday.

We thank St Joseph's Coraki students and staff for being with us and for your friendship and fun throughout the day. A big thank you to St John's Woodlawn staff, Len Moran, Eliza Blunn and Seamus Reen for bringing the Ministry students and Indigenous Leaders to assist with our activities and join us for the day. 

Thank you to the parents who joined us on Monday night for the Parent Forum AGM. At the meeting there was by unanimous majority vote  and the following two motions were passed:

That by a majority vote the St Joseph's Parent Forum adopt the School Community Forum model for parent representation and that the School Community Forum Constitution be our governing document.

"That by a majority vote, the Parent Forum change its name to the St Joseph's School Primary Community Forum and this is updated with our financial institution, the Australian Taxation Office's ABN registration and the ACNC. 

Following these votes the executive positions were declared vacant the the new executive was voted in. 

Congratulations and thank you to the elected Executive members of the St Joseph's Primary School Community Forum:

Generl Business discussed "

• The possibility of a Community Fair in Weeks 4/5/6 Term 3 rides and food trucks, Art auction, cake stalls, teacher stalls, chocolate wheel, bonfire, fireworks  The St Josephs Primary School Community Forum will seek grants for the event.

• With grant money received by the school for the Green Team sustainable schools program. There has been a request made a possible working bee for vegetable gardens and other grounds work.  The St Joseph's Primary School Community Forum would organise a sausage sizzle.  Dates being considered include Sunday 25 May or Sunday 1 June.
  

• It was agreed that  St Joseph's Primary School Community Forum meeting time changed to the same time as Lego Club whilst there are parents on site. The new trial meeting time is 4 pm with the next meeting to be held on Monday 5 May.

• Questions were raised about second-hand uniforms being available at the school. The Principal advised that second-hand uniforms were available from the Office. ALL PARENTS ARE  ADVISED THAT ANY UNIFORMS, NO LONGER USED, CAN BE HANDED INTO THE SCHOOL OFFICE. 

• There were questions about the dates of Canteen for Term 2 and the possibility of parents being able to advise their availability for Term 2 via a Google form. 

• The meeting was advised of the Woodburn Winter Festival 28 June. St Joseph's Primary School Community Forum will be offered the opportunity of a stall to promote the school.

• Mother's Day Stall, breakfast and Mass. Friday 9th May, Week 2.
  Monday 5 May available members to wrap presents 2 pm before St Josephs Primary School Community Forum meeting.

Last Wednesday, we welcomed Mrs Felicity Wilde back to our school.  Felicity is currently the Assistant Principal of Learning and Teaching at St Mary's Primary School Casino.

For those who aren't aware Felicity was previously the Assistant Principal at St Joseph's Woodburn from 2016 to 2020. 

During her visit to St Joseph's Mrs Wilde spent time in the classrooms and on the playground with the children and staff and touched base on all facets of school life at  St Joseph's

Mrs Wilde has previously relieved in the  acting Principal position at St Joseph's Coraki and St Mary's Casino

We look forward to her leading St Joseph's Term 2 and wish her all the best. I know that the school community will welcome her with open arms. 

With Mrs Wilde at the helm, St Joseph's is in very capable hands.

The Student Representative Council hosted a fantastic fundraising Fun Day on Thursday to raise awareness about the challenges many children around the world face in accessing clean water. As part of the 'Walk for Water' initiative, students participated in activities that involved carrying cups of water while navigating various obstacles, simulating the difficult journeys some children undertake daily to collect water. Congratulations to all involved and thank you for your gold coin donations. 

ANZAC Day (25th April) this year falls on the Friday of the second week of the School Holidays. 

St Joseph's has always been extremely well represented and I hope that will be the case again this year. I ask that you give careful consideration to your child's participation in this very special celebration and I urge as many students as possible to represent St Joseph's in these community events.
Our School Leaders have been asked to speak and lay wreaths at both services.

Details are outlined below.
Dawn Service Evans Head: Line up at 5.15 am outside the library at Evans Head. The march begins at approximately 5.20 am. Full school uniform (minus hat) to be worn.

Woodburn March: Please meet our school group at 9.50 am at the old Post Office. The march begins at 10 am. Full school uniform and hat, please.

If you can volunteer for Canteen Duty in Term 2. Please complete the attached Google Form. A roster will be collated from the results. 

The following days have been set down as Staff Development Days for St Joseph's for 2025. We thank you for supporting us in our Professional Development/Learning
opportunities.

Students do not attend school on these days

TERM 2 

• for St Joseph's Day Celebrations with St Joseph's Coraki and Woodlawn
• for our Student Representative Council for being the voice of our students and for organising the 'Walk for Water' fun day to raise money for Caritas
• for our students' efforts with their 3 practices of Lent- Prayer, fasting and almsgiving
• To all who generously donated to Project Compassion and Walk for Water
• for our incredible Kindergarten for completing a whole term at Big School. 
• for our St Joseph's Primary School Community Forum and all they are working towards
• for our Holy Week Remembrance 
• for our students' wonderful efforts throughout the whole of Term 1
• for our parent community support of all we do
• for our amazing staff
• the holidays!
• 

Have a wonderful holiday break! I will see you in Term 3 

Regards

Jeanette Wilkins

 Principal