As the term comes to an end, I would like to thank all students, staff and families for a very good start to the year.

The restructure of the School Leadership Team has been very successful, and I thank Matthew Brown, Megan Mahoney and Sarah Yates for the outstanding work they are doing across the whole school. Their leadership and support for all students, staff and families has been instrumental to creating positive change in the school.

I would also like to commend the work of our staff who are committed to providing high-quality teaching and learning as well as strong pastoral care of our students. In particular, I would like to acknowledge our new staff who have settled in very well and brought great energy and enthusiasm to the school.

NAPLAN Online

This year all students (Years 3, 5, 7 & 9) will sit their NAPLAN tests online, that is, on a laptop. The only exception will be the Year 3 Writing Test which will be hand written. NAPLAN Online is being introduced across Australia and will provide better assessment, more precise results and faster turnaround of information.

Over the last week the school has participated in a number of Coordinated NAPLAN Online Practice Tests. Staff have also undergone training in preparation for the change to the new system. These practice sessions, the staff training and further classroom preparation with the students will ensure that the school is ready for the successful completion of the actual tests.

We appreciate some students may become anxious about NAPLAN testing, so plans are also in place to ensure students are mentally prepared for the tests.

Please note that the testing period for NAPLAN Online is different to what is used for the written NAPLAN tests. For NAPLAN Online schools are allocated a testing window – May 14-24 – in which they can conduct the tests. St Joseph’s will be doing our tests from May 14 to May 17. This will allow us to get all testing done, provide time for catch up tests and allow us to free up time for our school athletics carnival and other school activities. Matthew Brown and Sarah Yates will provide specific details in due course.

More information about NAPLAN Online can be found here:

P&F Trivia Night

Last week the P&F ran a very successful Trivia Night. I am very grateful to have so many wonderful parents who readily given their time to support the school and students. The Trivia Night was certainly a fun night and a great way to get the whole Stanthorpe community together. Thanks to Jodie Cosmo, Dan O’Dea and the committee members.

I would also like to commend all who have given their support to young David Romeo and his family. David’s peers are looking forward to catching up with him and presenting him with some gifts to keep him busy and have some fun while he goes through his treatment.

Finally, I would like to remind all families that Easter is a special time in our Christian calendar. Over Easter we remember and reflect on the sacrifice that Our Lord Jesus Christ made for all of us. Importantly, I implore all students to remember and practise the Gospel Values Jesus taught us. It is the successful practise of these vales in our daily lives that define us people.

Have a safe and restful Easter break.

God bless,

Andrew Kendall
PRINCIPAL