The first week of the term saw us welcome some new and returning students to the Primary Campus.  Sebastian joined Year 3, brothers Maece and Kaeden joined Year 1 and Prep respectively and Eliza became part of the Year 2 class. Autumn also joined 4/5PH. It is always lovely to welcome new families to our school and I know that new St Joey’s students have settled well into new routines and have made friends. Thank you to all those students who have made them feel welcome. 

There is much happening this week as we host a Prep 2023 Open Morning on Wednesday at 9:15am, field events competitions take place for 9 – 11 year-olds before the carnival takes place in Week 3, Helena Humble joins Year 6 to complete a six-week teaching prac block and all classes from P – 5 will be continuing to work on their entries for the Crisps Art Expo based on the theme of 150 years of Stanthorpe. Regarding the Prep Open Morning, if you are aware of any parents which Prep-age children, please encourage them to come along either on 20 July or 27 July to hear more about what we can offer children and families.  There is no obligation to complete enrolment forms prior to this and the session on 27 July will be a repeat of that on 20 July. 

Congratulations to the netballers who last week beat Greenlands in the Town v Country final and also to the soccer players who defeated Ballandeen in their competition on the last day of Term 2.  Thanks to Mrs O’Dea and Ms Day for coaching the students. 

There has been one change to the teaching team on Primary – at least for the next six weeks.  Dr Cuskelly has taken leave to present his music program across countries in Europe and Caroline Ryan will cover his classes for us.  We are delighted that Caroline is able to maintain the program that Dr Cuskelly delivers to the classes.  There may be some changes to the timetable for instrumental lessons to accommodate these class lessons but Caroline will advise parents and students of these. 

You may be aware that earlier this year we introduced a Primary Leadership Program for Year 6 students where they nominated to be part of a group within the school with special responsibility for certain aspects.  Last Friday the students were asked to reflect on their developing leadership skills and in discussion, offered some insightful and honest reflections as feedback for me and each other regarding the process.  We are in the process of assigning students to their chosen groups for Semester 2 and I am sure that they will take on board the feedback as they seek to make a difference in their roles. 

Finally, parents are advised that later this week details will be sent out regarding making bookings for parent teacher consultations in Weeks 4 – 6.  We welcome the opportunity to discuss aspects of the Semester 1 report with parents and students.   

With God's blessings

Sarah Yates
Assistant to the Principal Primary