Principals Message

Dear Families,

It is only week 2 in Term 4  but already we are being kept very busy and looking forward with much excitement to the events over the next few weeks.

It is certainly turning out to be a term of review. Last week, we had our whole School Review and this week Mrs Felicity Wilde had her appraisal. The process involved a review of her 5 years as Assistant Principal at St Joseph's.  Feedback was provided through staff surveys and input via phone from the Schools Consultant and some of our parents in relation to commendations and recommendations for Felicity.  

It was an overwhelmingly positive appraisal. The feedback acknowledged that she is an outstanding and passionate educational leader and Assistant Principal who is truly valued and respected.  Congratulations Mrs Wilde! We are so blessed to have you! 

The Junior Joeys 2020 Orientation Program begins next Wednesday 28 October 2020 from 9.15 am until 11 am,  and continues for 4 consecutive Wednesday mornings. The last session will be held on 18 November 2020. 

During the 4 visits preschoolers will become familiar with the following:

•  School boundaries
•  School and class routines
•  Outside play skills
•  Play as part of the curriculum
•  Working as part of the class
•  School values and classroom expectations
•  Class teachers and class learning environment, including outdoor learning areas.

With the current COVID-19 guidelines in place, we ask that parents sign their child in outside the Library each Wednesday morning. The children will clean their hands with sanitiser and then be taught our COVID safety strategies as the day progresses.

We are so excited to finally be able to welcome our Kindergarten 2021 students to our beautiful school. 

Australia will celebrate and thank the teaching profession on World Teachers’ Day - Friday 30 October. 

Teachers (with support from parents and carers) have ensured education continues across the country this year, despite major challenges.

It’s reinforced the significant role teachers play in the lives of children and students, their families and communities.

Next  Friday 30 October, please take some time to say a mighty big thank you to our wonderful St Joseph's teachers.

It was with big congratulations but a heavy heart that I announced to staff this week that Mrs Felicity Wilde will be leaving us at the end of the year to take up her new role as Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching at St Mary's Primary School, Casino. 

Felicity has been with us for 5 years and during that time she has had an enormous impact on every facet of St Joseph's.

Whether it was learning and teaching, digital technologies, caring for our students, staff and families, mentoring, behaviour management, administration,  leadership or just being an amazing wing-woman to me, she has gone above and beyond in every instance. We have been incredibly blessed and privileged to have her as our Assistant Principal. We will miss her but truly wish her all the very best in her new role.  

• Our Mini Vinnies Leaders, Lacie and Breanna for starting our day every morning by reminding us of the wonderful ways we can make a difference with MJR messages. 
• Our Assistant Principal, Mrs Wilde for her outstanding Appraisal.
• Junior Joeys are coming next week.
• Bookweek, Rocktober  Socktober and Naidoc Week are happening over the next 3 weeks
• We are going swimming! 

• Staff and students exhibiting even mild COVID-19 symptoms are to be sent home and required to produce proof of a negative COVID-19 test before returning to school. 
• Non-essential adults are not be permitted to enter the school grounds. We ask that no parents enter the school past the front office. All inquiries to the front office, please. 
• Pick up and drop off will continue out the front of the school. 
• Canteen for lunches only is continued to be offered if we are able to get parent volunteers to assist.  
• It is paramount in these times, in particular,  that any child who is unwell is kept at home. We appreciate your understanding and consideration for the safety of the other students and the staff.
• Our bubblers will still not to be used and therefore the children require a water bottle.
• Our stringent hygiene practices for our new normal continue with: the washing of hands regularly; sanitiser after eating, no food or drinks to be shared; coughing and sneezing into elbows, tissues discarded immediately, cleaning of the desks between lunch and recess breaks and extra cleaning of the school by our cleaners.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Regards