As we approach the end of Semester 1, teachers are gathering final evidence/data before making their judgements for the end of semester reports.  This is not a process which is taken lightly but rather one that demands significant consideration of each child's progress towards the end of year achievement standard for each subject.  I trust that parents will take the opportunity to review the grades in the report - especially those associated with effort and application to the learning process - as well as give due consideration to the comments which will include targets for Semester 2.

In the last two weeks, we have continued to embrace learning in many contexts.  I would like to acknowledge Mary Findlay from the Stanthorpe Art Gallery who attended a recent assembly to educate the students on some of the key facts about endangered species in the area.  This was a prelude to the Crisps Art Show, which we are very keen to support each year.  Students in Prep and Year 6 have been working with two volunteers in recent weeks - Mrs Quirk in Prep and Mrs Francis in Year 6.  Again, I acknowledge their work with our students and the assistance they provide to the teachers.  Adela Caruso has also continued her program with Prep around developing and maintaining friendships.  This is a program which is funded by Bushkids and for that, we are very grateful. The Life Ed van has also visited us in the last two weeks and the learning facilitated by the trainer, Jane Jackson, will be consolidated and enhanced through classroom experiences on the same themes.    

Over the past fortnight, we have held our Prep 2024 Open Mornings.  We were delighted to welcome 22 families across the two days and look forward to seeing these children in the St Joseph's uniform come the end of January 2024.  If you are aware of any families who have not yet made a decision re school for next year, please let them know that we welcome visits to the primary campus and we are happy to conduct tours.  This is an important decision that families make and we want them to have all the information so that their decision is an informed one.  Thank you to two of our current mums who volunteered to share their family's experience with the parents of our prospective students.

Looking forward to the next two weeks, we are delighted to be able to participate in the upcoming Toowoomba Catholic Schools' Arts Festival.  This will involve some students from Year 4 and all from Year 5 and 6. Parents have been informed and are asked to review recent emails regarding permission.

I wish everyone a pleasant week.

With God's blessings

Sarah Yates
Assistant to the Principal Primary & Teaching & Learning