Term 4 Final Newsletter 2024
Principal's Message
As we reflect on this year and celebrate the accomplishments of all of our students, it is only fitting that we pause to recognise the people who have been steadfast in their support and guidance—our dedicated parents and staff at St. Joseph’s.
To our parents, thank you for trusting us to nurture and educate your children. Your unwavering support, encouragement, and partnership have been invaluable. From cheering them on at events to helping with homework and fostering a love of learning at home, you are their first and most important teachers.
To our incredible staff, I extend my heartfelt gratitude. Your dedication to your roles is nothing short of inspiring. At St. Joseph’s, we are blessed to have educators who go above and beyond—not only teaching curriculum but nurturing character, faith, and resilience in every student.
The opportunities you create for our students are truly remarkable. From academic challenges to extracurricular activities, faith-based experiences, and moments of personal growth, you ensure that every child at St. Joseph’s has a chance to thrive and shine. You have profoundly impacted their lives, and we see it reflected in their confidence, skills, and sense of purpose.
Together, as parents and staff, we have built a community where every child is valued and supported. St. Joseph’s is more than a school; it’s a family. And for that, I am deeply grateful.
Year 6, this is your moment—a time to honor your achievements, your growth, and the relationships you’ve built along the way. Each of you has played a unique part in making our school a place of learning, laughter, and connection.
Our school motto, Always Faithful, Always Proud, has guided you throughout your time here. You have shown faithfulness in your commitment to your studies, your friendships, and our school community. You’ve been dependable classmates, loyal friends, and respectful leaders.
Being always proud isn’t about perfection, it’s about embracing who you are, giving your best, and standing tall in your accomplishments. As I look at you today, I see a group of young people who have every reason to be proud. You’ve met challenges with determination, represented our school with dignity, and upheld the values we hold dear.
Respect has been the cornerstone of your time here. You've demonstrated respect for your peers, your teachers, and yourselves. It’s this respect that will serve as a compass as you step into the wider world. Remember, respect is not just something we show; it’s something within us, it impacts the way we interact with others and distinguishes our character.
As you leave St Joseph's to begin the next chapter of your lives, I encourage you to hold on to these values. Stay faithful to your dreams and aspirations, remain proud of who you are, and continue to show respect to all those you meet.
To all our students, thank you for the energy, enthusiasm, and heart you’ve brought to our school this year. and we are so proud of each and every one of you and can't wait to see what wonderful opportunities 2025 brings.
Merry Christmas to you all, may you celebrate the Holy Season with love and gratitude in your hearts
God Bless
Tracey Loughhead
Christmas Season
Dear St Joseph's Community
I want to extend a massive thank you to everyone that supported our Christmas Appeals again this year. The clients at Fred's Place have loved seeing us each week when we drop baked goodies down, and were overwhelmed with the Christmas bags last week. Our families that we have been able to support with presents have picked them up with tears in their eyes, with one mother even sharing that you have 'saved Christmas for them'. We are all truly humbled by everyone's generosity and ability to give hope this Christmas so thank you from the bottom of my heart. It has genuinely brought home the true meaning of Christmas - that of living the message of our saviour through love of all. Please enjoy the time with your families with the peace that our Lord brings.
Thank you also to all of the students that participated in our Nativity Play on our last day of school and to Mr Friel for once again leading each class with their carols. We are truly blessed to have such an abundance of generous people willing to share their gifts.
Please see below a flyer calling for participants in the Parish Nativity Play, as well as alternative Mass times.
I wish you all a happy and holy Christmas, and a joyous holiday with each other.
God bless,
Ryan O'Connor
Important Dates
Mathematic Assessment Interviews (MAI) for years 1 - 6 Mon 3rd to Wed 5th February 2025. Please book a timeslot on the Compass App.
Best Start Interviews for new kindergarten 2025 students Mon 3rd to Fri 7th February 2025. Please book a timeslot via the Compass App.
NAPLAN for students in Years 3 and 5 will be held from 12th-24th March, 2025.
Years 1 to 6 classes return Thursday 6th February 2025.
Kindergarten classes commence Monday 10th February 2025.
The Canteen will be open Monday & Wednesdays in 2025 commencing Friday the 7th February 2025.
Second hand uniforms will be available from the canteen on Wednesday 5th of February from 9am until 2.pm.
Year 6 Sponsors
We would like to express our gratitude to Ben Gonzalez and South Tweed Sports Club for sponsoring and hosting the Year 6 Graduation Dinner. A special thanks to the businesses below for their sponsorship of the Year 6 Student Year Book.
