May I start by extending a warm welcome to all students and families to the beginning of the 2020 school year. It promises to be a fantastic year on both the Primary and Secondary campus and I hope the students have returned rested and ready to engage in what shapes to be an exciting and challenging year.

In addressing the Secondary students at our first assembly of the year, I spoke about my hopes and expectations for the year ahead. Firstly, I touched on the importance of community and how at St Joseph's School, what sets us apart, is the way in which all our students, staff and families look after and support each other. I reinforced what a wonderful attribute this is, not only in school, but in life, and encouraged everyone to always look out for the people beside them. Secondly, I expressed the importance of commitment and hard work in academic studies, reminding students that the important part is to try their best in everything and strive to be the best they can be in their academic studies. Finally, I touched on the importance of positivity, of having a positive approach to all aspects of school life and to have a positive impact on the people around you. My hope is that these themes will hold strong through what promises to be a wonderful year ahead.

I would also like to welcome the new staff members on the Secondary campus and the positive and professional impact they will have on the educational environment at St Joseph's School, and I welcome back our continuing staff, excited by the energy and enthusiasm they have displayed in building upon the great work they achieved last year.

NEW STAFF

• Mr Craig Cook (Head of Middle School Wellbeing)
• Ms Anna Jones (Head of Enrichment and Data Improvement)
• Ms Catriona Davies (English/History)
• Mr Carmelo Citrigno (Maths/PE)
• Mr Allan Lahey (Agriculture/Science)
• Ms Dianne Tahauroa-Watson (who will commence Week 6 – Digital Tech/English/RE)
• Mrs Kim Ong (replacing Dianne for Weeks 1-5)

On the Secondary campus, staff and students will continue to consolidate some of the key pedagogical frameworks that underpin our educational philosophy. The Visible Learning journey remains a key focal point, with staff engaging across the year in impact coaching cycles designed to foster professional conversations, build collective efficacy and improve pedagogical practices in the classroom. The Reading Improvement Strategy (RIS) and the Data Improvement Plan (DIP) will continue, with staff keen to engage new ways to continue to improve. Ms Anna Jones, in her role as Head of Enrichment and Data Improvement, will be integral in supporting staff and students through these initiatives.

2020 also sees the Year 12 students build towards the new External Assessment structure that forms part of the new QCE system. The teachers and students are currently undertaking learning across Units 3 and 4, with summative, endorsed internal assessment being completed for the first time under the new Senior schooling framework.

Students in Years 7 - 11 have immersed quickly into the new units of work and I have been pleased with the feedback from staff about the positive engagement from students. These years are critical in developing student understanding and learning that will enable them to cope and succeed in the new Senior schooling structure, and the staff, I know, are enthusiastic and committed in working with every student to maximise their success in the schooling journey.

I am really excited by the year ahead and hope that you, as parents, have a wonderful year supporting your child through the next year of their St Joseph's journey. As I said right through last year, my door is always open. Please do not hesitate to contact me if there are any concerns or questions through the year. 

All the best for the year ahead,

Matthew Brown
Deputy Principal