It was wonderful to welcome all our students back to school last week for the start of the academic year 2023.  After a week of planning, preparation and meetings on the part of teachers and school officers, it was lovely to hear the cacophony of noise on the first morning as the campus came back to life with greetings, laughter and stories of the holidays.

This year, we have 23 students who have joined St Joseph's in the primary classes, along with another 30 in Prep, and they were all introduced during our first assembly last Wednesday. Starting a new school - or indeed starting school for the first time - can cause some anxious moments but thanks to the warm welcome extended by the teachers and the existing students, nerves have not been too evident.  

Additionally, we have welcomed two new school officers to our team this year.  Amy Veitch has moved from the Gold Coast to be with us and will be working in Year 4 and Year 5 as well as some secondary classes.  Georgie Cannon has relocated to Stanthorpe from Allora and is mainly working in the early years' classrooms.  The ladies have already shown what great assets they are to the team on the Primary Campus.  

2023 will see continuing to focus on developing the skills the children need to be great learners today, tomorrow and the future.  Already there has been conversation in classrooms about the learning dispositions and their role in helping us each day.  I have also heard children talking about the learning pit and the need to challenge themselves.  I encourage parents to emphasis this focus by asking their children, 'what did you learn today?' rather than 'what did you do today?'.   The learnings could be academic or social, big or small - but they all deserve to be acknowledged and celebrated.

As we move through this school year, I very much encourage parents and caregivers to play an active role in the life of our school in whatever way you can.  It is through working together that so much can be achieved and we look forward to your ongoing support. Please feel free to contact us at any time should the need arise - or even just to say hello!

With God's blessings for a wonderful 2023.

Sarah Yates
Assistant to the Principal Primary