At the halfway point to the term, I am pleased with the year so far. The students are applying themselves to their studies and living out our Mercy Values, and the staff are working hard to provide the students with the opportunities to be the best they can be.

P&F Committee

The Parents and Friends Committee plays a very important role in the conduct of the school. Through various activities, such as the Can Bar at the Stanthorpe Show, the canteen and BBQ at the Palgrove Bull Sale and the P&F Trivia Night, the committee raises funds to help support important programs and developments around the school. Their work, and the assistance that parents and friends of the school provide during these activities, helps to serve our community, a valued part of the life of a Mercy school like St Joseph’s School.

Another key role of the P&F Committee is to provide advice and feedback to me as Principal. Throughout my time as Principal of the school, the P&F Committee has helped formulate a number of plans and programs that have shaped the direction of the school.

I encouraged all parents and caregivers to get involved in the P&F Committee. Strong support from our parent body is essential for the success of the school.

Congratulations to the following parents who have been elected to the executive of the P&F Committee for 2021. I look forward to working with them as well as all other parents and caregivers throughout the year.

President: Dan O’Dea

Vice President: Alun Roberts

Secretary: Nicky Robinson

Treasurer: Erana Hikaiti

School Fees

School fees (invoices/statements) have started to be emailed out this week.  However if parents haven’t received their fees by the end of next week, please contact the school's Bursur, Mrs Megan Hines on 4681 5903. School fees provides income that is essential for the staffing, development of the Masterplan and payment of general expenses around the school.

In 2020 we received significant drought funding from the Federal Government to assist families in need with their fees. You may note a discount on your fees to reflect this generous assistance. The amount of the discounts applied to families will vary according to need and were allocated for the 2019 and 2020 school years.

It should be noted that, whilst we understand that the financial contribution that families have to pay will be significant for many, St Joseph’s School’s fees are quite fair when compared to other schools in our region and beyond. Our Primary fees are amongst the lowest and our Secondary fees are the lowest in the Diocese.

If any families need assistance interpreting their fee notice, please contact our Bursar, Megan Hines, or if you have any concerns about your ability to pay your fees, please contact myself to discuss the availability of concessions.

Long Service Leave

A reminder that I will be taking Long Service Leave for the last four weeks of this term (8 March to 1 April). In my absence, Deputy Principal, Mr Matthew Brown, will fill the role of Acting Principal and Assistant to the Principal Formation & Identity, Mrs Megan Mahoney, will deputise as necessary. In order to cover the leadership workload on Secondary and assist the School Leadership Team, Head of Curriculum & Careers Development Practitioner, Mrs Brooke Butson, will take on the role of Acting Assistant to the Principal.

I apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. However, I am confident that the school will be in good hands until I return for the start of Term 2.

God bless

Andrew Kendall
PRINCIPAL