Our theme for 2023 is Walking Together. This week I have chosen an image depicting the scripture passage, Road to Emmaus (Lk 24:13-34). In this interaction between 2 disciples and Jesus, it is quite some time before the disciples recognise Jesus, as they are very caught up in the dramatic events of Jesus’ death and the news that His body could not be found in the tomb. It is only once He has left them that they realise they had been journeying with Him.

As we begin a new school year, we too are on a journey with Jesus. Sometimes as a faith community, we also want to see proof and clear signs of Jesus’ presence in our lives but can miss the moments when He truly is with us. During the past week I have encouraged the staff and students to be here now, to be present in the moment and experience the joy and care of Jesus, in the people with whom we are spending time. I believe that within our St Joseph’s community, this is one way we journey with Jesus.

Parent / Teacher Meet and Greet and P&F Welcome BBQ

We are looking forward to seeing all parents tomorrow afternoon for an opportunity to meet with teachers in the classrooms and to discuss the year ahead. As it is an open classroom time between 5.30 – 6.15pm, teachers are not presenting information formally, but more casually introducing themselves to parents and answering any questions.

At 6.20pm under the trees near Foundation and Year 1/2, I will give a brief welcome and provide some information for the year ahead.

Following the Meet and Greet, all parents and children are invited to join the P&F Welcome BBQ under the trees.

Language Program

As the school community will be aware, we currently have not been able to appoint a Language teacher for 2023. At the end of 2021, we began advertising for an Italian teacher and have continued to do so throughout all of 2022. During this time there have been many options investigated and a couple of potential teachers supported in taking on the role.

I have been working closely with Catholic Education, as well as reaching out to other schools and community organisations in an effort to find a qualified teacher to take on the Language Program. It is a requirement for the school to provide a Language Program that aligns with the Australian Curriculum, and is taught, assessed and reported on as part of the Semester Reports. It is not simply about exposing the students to a language and cultural experience.

Over the coming weeks I will continue to work with the School Board and Catholic Education in an effort to ensure St Joseph’s provides a Language Program that meets our needs and adds to our students’ experience of school. I will keep the community informed of any developments.

St Joseph’s Parish

Following the announcement in the later part of 2022 that Fr Paul would be leaving St Joseph’s Parish to study overseas, in December the Archbishop announced that the parish may be entrusted to a new order in the Diocese, the Blessed Sacrament Fathers. At the Parish Pastoral Council meeting this week, archdiocesan Chancellor Patrick McArdle provided some background to the announcement and outlined the challenges that are yet to be resolved. A timeline for the appointment of a parish priest, or a definitive plan for the parish in the interim, is still be settled upon. Further information will be provided in the coming weeks and will be shared with the community.

However, I am pleased to confirm that the Sacramental Program for 2023 will still go ahead and dates are currently being finalised. These will be published as soon as possible. It was also reassuring to have the Chancellor state that while 2023 will be a year of uncertainty for our parish, there will be no impact on the school community and certainly not on the day to day operation of the school.

Farewell Fr Paul

Unfortunately, we are farewelling Fr Paul from our community. Fr Paul will celebrate mass for the final time with the school community this Friday 10 February at 12.30pm. All parents and friends are invited to attend this mass, which is also our Opening School Mass for 2023.

Fr Paul’s final mass in the parish will be Sunday 19 February at 9.00am. Again, all within our parish community are invited to attend this mass. There is a farewell lunch following the mass. Please contact the parish to RSVP.

While there are some challenges currently, I am very confident that 2023 will again be a wonderful year at St Joseph’s. I am excited about the priorities for the year and enacting the 2023 – 2025 Strategic Plan.

Upcoming Events

• Thursday 9 February 5.30pm - Parent Meet and Greet + P&F Welcome BBQ
• Friday 10 February 12.30pm – Opening School Mass
• Wednesday 15 February 6.00pm – School Board Meeting
• Wednesday 22 February – Ash Wednesday
• Wednesday 22 – Friday 24 February – Year 6 Camp

Yours in Christ,