What a wonderful start we have had to the 2024 school year! New students and staff have settled well and returning students have had smiling faces all week.  

We have been particularly impressed with the way in which students on both campuses have taken on board the messages about behaviour and the right for everyone at school to feel safe and be able to learn. Our classes have a sense of calmness about them which is making the teaching and learning so much more enjoyable. 

A big thank you to those parents who have ensured that their children have returned to school with appropriate haircuts and the correct uniform. A reminder that jewellery should only be a watch, one set of sleepers or stud earrings in the ear lobe, no nose rings at all, and a chain should only be worn if it has a crucifix or religious medal on it. 

This year, Ash Wednesday falls on Wednesday 14th February. This is beginning of the season of Lent and is when we begin our preparations for the death and resurrection of Jesus at Easter time. Students on both campuses will take part in Ash Wednesday Liturgies on Wednesday. 

Little Joeys 

Today marked the first of our stop and play sessions for 0-3 year olds, which we have called ‘Little Joeys.’ There was a huge turnout of little people and their carers for the session run by Mrs Morris. We are very excited to be able to offer this fun introduction to St Joseph’s School and we look forward to seeing the excited faces most Friday mornings.  

Right to disconnect 

The recently agreed upon Enterprise Agreement for teaching staff in Catholic Schools, ratified the right of teachers to disconnect outside of working hours. Teachers at St Joseph’s School will not be expected to respond to emails, Teams or phone messages outside of the following time period - 8:10am-3.45pm. You are very welcome to contact them outside of these times, but please be aware that your email/message may not be seen until the following day. While we appreciate this may be frustrating, teachers deserve the right to disconnect and spend time with their own families. 

Key dates 

Please make note of the key dates for this term. A full calendar can be found on the school website or the school App. Key whole school dates are contained in this section. Key campus dates are in the relevant campus section. 

• Ash Wednesday
  Wednesday 14 February 

• Interhouse Swimming Carnival (Years 4 – 12 only)
  Friday 23 February 

• de Vialar House Day – Gold coin donation & come dressed in yellow
  Tuesday 27 February 

• Labour Day Public Holiday
  Monday 4 March 

• NAPLAN (Years 3, 5,7 & 9 only)
  Wednesday 13 March – Friday 22 March 

• School Community Mass
  Saturday 16 March @ 5:30pm 

We are all looking forward to a wonderful year ahead. 

With God’s blessings, 

Andrea Woodgate
Principal 

Dates for your Diary

Week 3

Week 4