The academic year 2020 has come to an end and it is an appropriate time to reflect on all that has been achieved. Shortly all parents will receive their child’s semester report which provides a summary of their achievement this semester and some suggestions for areas which would benefit from further consolidation in 2021. Whilst the grades achieved for each subject will be of interest to parents, it is also important to focus on the academic growth that each student has made throughout the year. 

This week we hosted the district final of the Granite Belt Lecturette Competition where nominated students from schools in the area present a three-minute talk on a topic of their choice in front of an audience as well as adjudicators from Stanthorpe Toastmasters.  Each year the competition improves in terms of the content of the speeches and the confidence of the students.  This year, five of our Year 6 students were involved in the final. Well done to Eden Shatte, Magnolia Mills, Ashley Juriss, Stella Rabic and Lillian Kendall who all represented the school so well. Congratulations to Stella and Lillian who were awarded first and second places respectively.

We have also farewelled the Year 6 cohort of 2020 this week with a special 'Semper Una' celebration as part of the end of school year Mass.  The theme this year centred around a compass, reflecting a year when these students sought to navigate their way through their learning, embracing new tools and thinking to plot their course to success. Working in the 'hub', this group of learners has benefitted greatly from the research about what constitutes effective learning and are well equipped to take on the challenges of Year 7.  They are confident to share their opinions with justifications, resilient enough to know that mistakes are inevitable and should be welcomed, resourceful to select the tools they need at the right time and humble enough to know that we all need help to achieve our goals in life.  It has been a pleasure to work closely with these students during this year and we will watch their journey as it continues into the future.

On behalf of all the staff on the Primary Campus, I would like to thank the parents and families for their continued support throughout the year. I would also like to recognise the dedication of the staff and thank them for their commitment to providing the highest level of care, support and education for the children. Mrs Stone and Mrs Barker are leaving us at the end of this term - Mrs Stone will be moving to Warwick Christian College and Mrs Barker will be looking to start her teaching career having completed her degree.  We wish them both well in their future endeavours. Finally, a big ‘thank you’ to the children themselves who continue to surprise us every day and make our role as educators so fulfilling. For those students who are leaving St Joseph’s, we wish you well and hope that you continue to thrive in your new environment.

I wish everyone a restful and safe holiday and trust that we will all have the opportunity to reflect on the real meaning of Christmas and the role that Jesus plays in our lives.

May we all rejoice in the miracle, the gift and the promise of Christmas.

Sarah Yates
Assistant to the Principal Primary