Dear parents and carers, 

Sometimes when looking for the right things to say, or an idea for a prayer, you stumble on something that just can be copied and pasted... this week's prayer hit the mark!

Our school year is now at a close and we have much to be thankful for and excited about as we look ahead to a restful, renewing and rewarding break over summer. We also have the joy of promise and fulfillment. Christmas is the beginning of something that we live out each day. Our faith gives us hope in the example and life of Jesus, born as a child on Christmas day, but alive in our actions and words. 

I wish every member of our St Joseph's community, a happy and Holy Christmas, with family and friends continuing to bring joy and promise for a wonderful year ahead. 

The only thing missing from my 'cut and paste' prayer this week is a thank you and prayer for our parents and carers. Thank you for all that you give to your children or grandchildren. We are blessed to have you as partners in all that we do.

Well done to our wonderful staff. It has been a frantic year to say the least. We have incredibly committed and passsionate teachers and support staff, each working to make a difference for the students. Enjoy a very well-deserved break!

Farewell to Melanie Stratford, Naomie Grech and Jessica Messenger. We look forward to hearing how much you miss St Joseph's as you begin your new chapters. 

Congratulations to our Year 6 Graduants. They have had an exciting week, receiving their certificates on Monday, followed by a wonderful celebration as a cohort on Monday night. Good luck as you move onto high school!

Farewell to those students and families who are leaving St Joseph's at the end of this year. We wish you all the best as you begin new journeys away from Canberra or at new schools. Thank you for your contributions to St Joseph's. 

Kids Biz

It has been great to meet and get to know Scott and Natasha from Kids Biz over the past weeks. Our new Program Coordinator, Charlotte is excited and ready to launch what promises to be an engaging and fun Holiday Program from 15 January.

At present bookings are still not available for the Holiday Program or for Before and After School Care in 2024, as we are awaiting final approval of licences. This is occuring this week. I expect to be able to send an alert via Compass early next week, indicating that bookings are open. 

Mass Times

The inner-north parishes of O’Connor, Watson, Campbell, and Dickson are continuing to review their current structure and the pastoral needs. We are blessed to have Fr Thonn here in our parish and are looking forward to planning ahead for 2024 with him as our parish priest. As part of the changes across the inner-north parishes, from Sunday 3 December, the Sunday Mass time will be 8.30am.

Christmas Mass Times

Christmas Eve - Sunday 24 December

            Vigil Mass – 6.00pm

            Carols – 8.30pm

            Christmas Mass – 9.00pm

Christmas Day – Monday 25 December

             Mass – 9.00am

Thank you again for a great year. I am glad to have (almost) reached the end and am looking forward to time with my family. Have a wonderful break and we are excited to welcome all the students back to St Jospeph's in 2024 on Wednesday 31 January.