Hello to Families and all in the St Joseph's School Community,

I felt very proud to part of such an uplifting celebration at our Opening School Mass last Friday. The students fulfilled their roles with meaning and enthusiasm. The celebration’s theme of BELONGING was palpable as students and many parents, family members and parishioners joined us for the occasion. A pleasant morning tea was shared afterwards, with special thanks to Mrs Fitzpatrick for her amazing St Joe’s cookies! We are also  thrilled to welcome to our school community, Mr Mason Heenan (LSO), joining us in the Junior Room three mornings a week and Mrs Rachael Smyth, who will work in the Junior Room each Friday. Congratulations and welcome go also to the Watts Family, on the arrival of the newest member of our extended school community!

 A huge congratulations to all staff and students for their effort and positive attitude throughout our Swimming Program – WOW! It has been amazing to see the growth in confidence and skill development over the two-week program. Staff and students alike, have reaped the rewards of the hard work, achieving things for the first time, improving, being allowed to work at their own pace and become their best selves. Special thanks to Mrs Lanyon, who trained as a swim instructor last year, for organising and running the program this year – super job! Of course, the Swimming Program culminates in the St Joseph’s Swimming Carnival tomorrow at the Charlton Pool from 12-2:30pm. See details below.

Parents and Carers will be asked to sign a couple of important documents as the year commences. One of these, is a Code of Conduct (which has been updated) and the other is an ICT User Agreement. At St Joseph’s we are committed to providing a safe environment, in both our physical and digital environments. The Code of Conduct is now signed once for your child’s enrolment period and the ICT User Agreement is signed annually. Thank you in anticipation of you reading, signing and returning these documents.

I shared with you last year that DOBCEL (Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Limited) is enthusiastically developing a strategy for improvement and excellence in all Catholic Schools in the Diocese. Over the next few newsletters, I will share some further details with you all. Today’s simple snippet is below!

On behalf of the school community I extend our heartfelt condolences to Wyatt and his family on the sudden loss of Brittany's father. Please continue to hold Wyatt and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
Warm regards in faith & learning,
Enjoy the weekend,
Mary