Since the last newsletter, we seem to have been very much focused on sport on the Primary Campus with a number of school events as well as competitions held across the local area.  Specific details can be found else where in this newsletter but I would like to congratulate all the students who have taken part in these events and especially those who have had the opportunity to participate at a higher level in representative teams.  This year, we have had a number of primary students for whom this is the case and their commitment to their sport is admirable whilst also maintaining their academic focus.  Thank you also to the many families who have supported their children and the school. It was wonderful to see so many of you at the Athletics Carnival last week.

A chess competition at Assumption College, Warwick also featured in the calendar during the last two weeks.  Thanks to Ms Jones and Mrs Gordon who accompanied the students and well done to Orlando in Year 6 who walked away with third prize.

This week, the students from P - 5 have been involved in clay workshops as part of their Arts curriculum program.  We thank Mrs Wilshire for organising this and also the experts from Stanthorpe Pottery Club for their assistance as well as the volunteers who gave of their time over the two days. The finished products will be placed in the 3-6 nature play area in due course.

There has been time for learning in amongst the other activities and it has been particularly pleasing to note the progress that our younger students are making with their literacy skills following the introduction of the Diocesan Approach to Reading this year.  Similarly, there are stories in every class of students mastering skills due to their willingness to practise and persist.  One teacher admitted to being teary this week following such a display from a learner in their classroom.  I encourage parents to talk to their children about what they can do now that they couldn't do last week. or what they are better at having devoted time to it.  

Looking forward, the weeks ahead are equally busy and filled with exciting opportunities for the students. These include a netball competition, book week and of course the school play. Rehearsals are going well for this and we are excited to see the performances in a few weeks. Final preparations are also being made for the Yr 5 and Yr 6 camps in Week 9. 

Next week we begin our Prep 2025 enrolment interviews and any parents who have not yet submitted the online enrolments forms for their child are encouraged to do so as soon as possible.

Finally, I would like to welcome Jackson and Makayla and their families to our school community.  Both have joined use recently and have settled into the St Joseph's 'way' with the help of their class mates and teachers.  

With God's blessings

Sarah Yates
Assistant to the Principal Primary & Teaching & Learning