Last week at our Prep 2023 Open Morning, a parent of a current Prep student remarked that St Joseph's School should not be underestimated in what it can offer learners from Prep through to Year 12 from a classroom perspective with Visible Learning as well as other arenas such as sport, cultural opportunities, service to the community and social justice.  This parent also commented that it was a feeling that much more is possible and the community should 'watch this space'!

It was also humbling to hear the reflections from this parent and others who were present about how much their children have grown since starting school and the care and attention that had been showered on them by their teachers.  I have no doubt that, had I canvassed such opinion from parents of students in other year levels, such sentiments would have been echoed many times.  Our priority at St Joseph's is to see each child as the individual they are and to support them to be the person they can be in all facets of life. We do this with the support of families which we welcome and appreciate.  

The busyness of the campus has continued in recent weeks with the school athletics carnival, the opportunity for some to represent the school in touch football and netball in a Catholic Education Week competition and then the Birmingham Breakfast where we asked questions to two Australian athletes currently performing in the Commonwealth Games.  Alongside this has been the learning in classrooms, preparations for future assemblies and live virtual sessions presented by authors talking about their books and teaching some skills around illustrating.   At one point in the last week when we had a large number of students away, those who were left were able to spend some extended time on their Crisps Art Show entry.  This year, Mrs McLucas has developed a wonderful theme for the entries and I encourage families to visit the exhibition when it is opened in September. 

Currently we have a 4th year Masters' student working with the Year 6 class.  Ms Helena Humble is a former student of St Joseph's and is honing her skills with Ms Thompson and Year 6.

Finally, I would like to welcome Eden and her family to our school.  Eden has joined the Year 3 class and has been made to feel very welcome. 

With God's blessings

Sarah Yates
Assistant to the Principal Primary