Over the last week I have been engaging in watching a lot of television.  Through the love of sport there is an attraction to the paralympics.  Throughout the past week, the achievements from these remarkable athletes have inspired me.  The strength, commitment and dedication to their sports is truly inspiring.  The most impactful quality, however, is their unwavering resilience and the village that they have around them that help them reach their dreams. 

Resilience is the capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties.  There are many challenges we face each day that are difficult.  There are many activities that we engage in that we feel push us.  In the face of these adversities I wonder if we give up and walk away?  Or breathe and try again?  I wonder if we tell ourselves we can do this?  Or is this too hard for me and give up? 

Having people around us who believe in us, accept us and push us to be better and achieve our dreams is essential.  Having a team who help us to be resilient, who encourage us when we fall and teach how to get back up and try again when we fail.

Sometimes, learning is hard and feels impossible, sometimes life is hard!  Together we can be the village to support and grow young bodies and minds into dreaming big and achieving inspiring outcomes.

Staff changes

Mr Dylan Semmens will be taking a period of leave in Term 4 of 2024 therefore, the following changes are being made:  

Ms Thea Hoyle - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday

Ms Alice Karpiniec - Thursday, Friday

The staff employed are familiar with the students and the processes that are used at St Joseph's and in King Billy. We are confident they will make this transition as smooth as possible.

We will be looking at how we continue to support learning and all of our literacy programs so that learning can be delivered in the same way as it currently is. In addition, Ms Sarah Myers and Mrs Sharyn Schulze will support the students throughout the week.

School Improvement Surveys

This week you would have received the information that you need to participate in our school improvement survey.  We are really keen to get as many parents as possible to complete the survey.  Staff and students (years 3-6) are also voicing their opinions in a survey.  This information will then be used to set the strategic goals and directions that we need to invest our energies into to make our school the best it can be.  

While your participation is voluntary, it is important to remember that the success of this important project is dependent on the involvement of all parents. Please take the time to be involved in this survey.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any queries.

We have just completed  National Child Protection Week, and the theme was, “Every Conversation Matters”, this is a timely reminder of how powerful everyday chats with children can be – especially when it comes to their online lives.  

Our online world offers incredible opportunities but also has its share of risks we need to educate children about. Think of it like teaching a child to ride a bike. You wouldn’t send them off without practice or a helmet. The same goes for the online world – we need to ensure children are prepared and protected before they start navigating it on their own. 

Please see attached a helpful fact sheet that can help families talk at home.  Students in years 3-6 will participate in a webinar reminding them of how to be and stay safe online.

Term 4 Uniforms 

As we head into Summer uniform for Term 4, a reminder about the expectations.  Students can choose to wear the sports uniform or the traditional summer uniform. Both of these options rely on the students wearing black shoes (sneakers or leather) everyday. Prep students should continue to wear sports uniform only each day.

The school uniform shop provides a service for parents by stocking all items of the approved school uniform, except for shoes, at minimum possible prices. The shop also maintains a pool of good second-hand uniform clothing.

• Girls dress length should be knee length or within five centimetres of the knee.

• All members of the school staff are conscious of their role in implementing this policy by setting an example in their own neatness and appropriateness of dress and by ensuring that children are neatly attired when participating in any school activity.

With Kindness

Teresa

2024 TERM DATES

Term 1: 7th February - 11th April

Term 2: 29th April - 5th July

Term 3: 23rd July - 27th September

Term 4: 15th October - 17th December

2025 TERM DATES

Term 1: 7th February - 10th April

Term 2: 28th April - 4th July

Term 3: 22nd July - 26th September

Term 4: 14th October - 17th December