It is hard to believe that such a challenging year that brought so many new experiences such as remote learning and working, border closures, travel restrictions and so much uncertainty has come to an end. It has been such a blessing to be able to celebrate the end the year with our community coming together in a variety of ways (albeit different to normal) with our carols on Monday, Advent Celebrations, Year 6 Graduation Mass and Dinner and our Leadership Ceremony to be held tomorrow. We are so looking forward to a more settled year in 2021 and hope to open our doors more freely to our wonderful community, you have all been truly missed.

James Parkes Award

The James Parkes Award was established at the end of 2001. James Parkes was a student at St Joseph’s who had a love of World War History and participated in everything regardless of his ability or the challenges he faced. The award was set up by his parents as a thank you to the school community for the care and support James received from staff and students while at St Joseph’s. The James Parkes Award is awarded to a student who takes on challenges and participates fully as an active and respected member of our Christ-centred community.

Congratulations to our nominees for this year:

• Areesha G (Year 6)
• Cameron J (Year 6)
• Kayla N (Year 4)
• Alarna N (Year 6)
• Tom O’Keeffe (Year 6)

The winner of the James Parkes Award for 2020 was Cameron J

Return to School

The school year for 2021 will begin on Monday 1 February. The Front Office will be open on Thursday 28 and Friday 29 January. Opening times for the Uniform Shop are yet to be confirmed and will be communicated via SZapp early next year. 

This morning we gathered as a staff to bid farewell to our teachers who are leaving St Joseph's. We wish Annette and Rosie all the very best for their future endeavours and look forward to hearing news on baby Stratford's arrival in the early new year.

To all our departing families, I wish you all the very best for the next exciting adventures that lay ahead for 2021 and I look forward to welcoming our returning and new families on February 1 next year. Enjoy a very well deserved break over the coming weeks and most importantly, please stay safe over the holiday period.

I wish you all a joyous and Christ-filled Christmas.

Yours in Christ,