Dear parents, carers and the St Joseph’s community,

Welcome back to St Joseph’s for 2020. The beginning of the year has definitely been challenging for many, but in deciding where to start with the newsletter today, I have chosen a simple image that I believe focuses on the positive that comes from such tragedy and difficulty. Over recent weeks we have seen the incredible, in the face of adversity. Communities have rallied and already look ahead to rebuilding and celebrating the strength that comes from relying on others. Returning to school this week, for many, has been an important part of ‘getting on with it’. Therefore, let’s keep all in our thoughts and prayers over the coming weeks.

Dear God,

We have had time to rest,
And now we are full of energy.
We have had time to think,
And now we are full of ideas.
We have had time to stop,
And now it’s time to get going.
Be with us God we pray.

Amen

This week has been a wonderful start to the year. We have welcomed many new students and their families to the school and everyone is very settled. All the students I have spoken to have had stories to tell of their holidays and can already tell me of some of their goals for 2020. Please see linked here the letter of welcome sent home Monday which outlines the goals we have as a school for 2020. Welcome_Letter_2020.pdf

Foundation to Year 6 Parent Information Night and Welcome Nibbles

Next Thursday 13 February, we will have our Parent Information Night, followed by an opportunity to catch up as a community. With limited space due to the building works, please note the following details:

• 5.30pm – All parents invited to go into their child’s classroom to meet the teacher and to have a look around the room. Children are welcome to show their parents around their classroom. Parents to supervise their children.
• 6.00pm – All parents invited to the Hall for a whole-school information session. School-aged children will be supervised by YMCA staff on the oval/play equipment. Younger siblings can go to the Hall.
• 6.30pm – Community gathering under the trees near the oval. Nibbles provided by the P&F. Parents very welcome to bring along a picnic blanket or chairs and a picnic.

Please see the flyer attached, which will also be sent home tomorrow with the eldest.

The ELC will have their own information session in Week 3. Details to be confirmed.

Parent_Information_Night_and_Welcome_Nibbles_2020.pdf

This week, each family will receive a number of forms copied on green paper. These family details forms must be returned to school by Friday 21 February, even if there are no changes. Of most importance is the completion of the Permissions for Photos to be used in school publications section. If you indicate that you allow photographs of your child to be used for publications, this now includes use on our school Facebook page. Please note that in most instances, images used on Facebook are quite general rather than individual students and names are only included after permission is granted.

A reminder of our note system – GET IT BACK GREEN. Any note that is sent home and needs to be returned to school, will be copied on green paper making it easier to recognise that action is needed.

Building Works

Hopefully, by now you will all have seen or heard about the start of our building works. Stage 1 of the project is underway, with the clearing of the site for the construction of 4 new classrooms in the area between the Foundation classrooms and the ELC.