Catholic Education Week

This week we are celebrating Catholic Education Week (CEW).  It is a week where we are invited to reflect and celebrate how lucky we are to be able to be in one of the 38 Catholic Schools in Tasmania. We are especially lucky to reflect on the work of those that have come before us. We remember the work of the sisters that began our school 125 years ago. We are thankful that we are present here and now, in this place, at this time.

The theme for CEW 2024 is ‘Joyful in Hope, Faithful in Prayer’ which embodies our commitment to upholding Catholic values while nurturing a spirit of optimism and resilience among our staff and students.

Recognising staff and supporters of Catholic Education Tasmania

Our 38 Catholic schools across Tasmania teach a life lived in the love of God and in the Christian service of others has purpose and meaning.

It is this service of others from staff, friends, and supporters of Catholic Education Tasmania that we recognise and celebrate during Catholic Education Week. There will be some awards that are presented to those within our community who have made a significant contribution to Catholic Education in a variety of different ways.

We celebrate those within our community, who have dedicated their careers to supporting students in Catholic Education across Australia.  

CECT Recognition Awards

• Mrs Anne Rybak | Exemplary Contribution to Catholic Education
• Mr Leon Hunniford | Exemplary Contribution to Catholic Education
• Miss Leigh Hart | Outstanding Service as an Employee within Catholic Education
• Miss Anne Marie-Walker | Outstanding Service as an Employee within Catholic Education
• Mrs Patricia Green | Outstanding Service as an Employee within Catholic Education

From the Catholic Education Tasmania Website:

Anne-Marie Walker

Outstanding Service as an Employee within Catholic Education

It has been an honour for Anne-Marie Walker to dedicate almost 40 years to the “lovely, welcoming, caring” St Joseph’s Catholic School Queenstown, a school that she has a long family connection with. Anne-Marie’s service was recognised when she was nominated for a Recognition Award for Outstanding Service as an Employee Within Catholic Education, as part of Catholic Education Week 2024.

A lifelong local resident, Anne-Marie and her siblings attended St Joseph’s Queenstown as children, and so too did her mother. After this Anne-Marie became a teacher’s aide for the school. “It is a lovely school with fantastic teachers, good parents and a lot of history. I have really loved my time here.”

The joy of working with students and seeing them growing in knowledge and confidence has been one of the best parts of her role. “There is a sense of fulfilment you have when you see them put in the effort and then something just clicks, or the satisfaction to see them enjoying their learning.”

Another love of Anne-Marie’s has been her involvement in the school library over the past 30 years, growing this important facility from a smaller number of resources to the abundant and dynamic space that it is today. “I love reading to the children and looking after the books. We are very lucky to have a lovely library, and have built up a very good collection. I would have loved a library like this when I was a child.”

Anne-Marie has seen many changes to the school and the local community over the past four decades. She was actually employed by Sister Margaret Grant (OLSH), the last Sister to be a Principal of the school before lay principals were introduced. It has been a wonderful surprise for Anne-Marie to receive this recognition award.

“I am very humbled, because I just love working there and coming to school everyday is just what I do. I am very thankful that they thought to nominate me.”

Congratulations on your outstanding service, Anne Marie! We are so thankful for your work in our school!

We are very lucky to be in a Catholic school. Throughout this term we have been asked to prepare a submission to the State Government Inquiry into bullying and discrimination in schools. During this process we asked the students how they feel about their school. These are some of their responses:

Student Voice

I like my school because …..

It has multiple learning opportunities for kids like me.

My school is very supportive and has a lot of energy.

 The best thing about my school is …..

We are like one big family (we all know each other(well))

We get to learn new things everyday and understand things better too.

The teachers at my school …

Are really nice, sometimes some can be strict but they understand what i struggle with and want i am really good at.

Care for me and check if I am ok.

I feel happy at St Joseph’s Catholic school because …

my friends are there to support me in what I do. My school provides my with a safe learning space and my classmates are really nice

 I feel safe at St Joseph’s Catholic school because …

the teachers are nice and the students too, everyone has personality that they like to shine out

Everyone knows everyone and if someones upset we always check in on them

The teachers

 In our school we are kind to each other because …

because we are a community

if we hurt someone on purpose its mean

we know that one we will get in trouble if we're not but i think we are because we all get along and have lots in common

because you should always treat someone how you want to be treated

We all are well known, We take care of each other, We listen to each other

We should be proud of our school as we continue to do the work that those that came before us set out to do. The work we do matters.  Thank you to all that contribute to our school community.

Baptism

Friday 2nd August, our school community was able to share the joy of witnessing the baptisms of three of our students. This is a beautiful ritual where the three children were welcomed as important players in God’s team. Congratulations to Remi Keogh, Keegan Smith and Mayson Brumby. May you continue to grow and flourish with grace and confidence.

School Run Olympics

Friday 2nd of August we ran a school based Olympics.  Students were provided with some physical and intellectual challenges that tested resilience, patience and skill.  We thank Mr Dylan Semmens and Ms Rebecca Bounds for organising a fun day for us all.

School Improvement Surveys

Towards the end of the term, Insight SRC is conducting a survey on behalf of St Joseph's Catholic School and Catholic Education Tasmania. It is designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of parents' perceptions of their children’s experience of school. 

The results will benefit everyone within the school by providing valuable information about the ways in which the school can use staff, student and parent input to plan programs and activities to improve your child's experience at school.

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 do not hesitate to contact me with any queries.

Uniform

A thank you to all families that have been embracing the uniform transition time. A few reminder to families that 

• Black shorts and or trousers must be plain with no sporting emblems/brands.
• Black trackpants not tights are the option if the weather is cold.
• Shoes should be predominantly black on all days.
• Socks should be plain in colour, either all black or all white.
• Students may choose sports or formal uniform.

 All needed items can be purchased through the uniform shop and on QKR. We encourage all students to label all of their uniform pieces in the case that they are misplaced.  If uniform is a challenge for you please let us know.

Upcoming Events

There are many weeks of events to highlight, promote and celebrate school priorities.  These include, Science Week, Book week and Catholic Education week.  

Catholic Education Week- Parents and Friends are invited to celebrate this week in our school by attending whole school prayers in the Church on Friday 16th August.  The community is then invited to join us for a celebration in our assembly hall immediately after to be a part of celebrating Miss Walker’s 40 year commitment to Catholic Education.

Book Week- students are invited to dress up as their favourite (or one of) characters to participate in a parade on Tuesday 20th August.  Parents are invited to watch the parade at 8.50am as part of our ‘Tuesday’ walk on the courts (weather permitting).  Costumes do not need to be elaborate but all students are encouraged to participate.

Fathers Day- Save the date- Friday 30th August ( 8.30-9.30) - Breakfast followed by activities.  More details to follow.

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