Dear Parents, Guardians and community members,

It is always wonderful to share good news stories. This week we celebrated the induction of our school leaders. St Joseph’s Feast Day was a special occasion where we came together to celebrate not only the Feast of St Joseph but also the achievements of our Year 6 students. It was heartwarming to have so many proud parents attend as their children accepted their leadership badges and took the Leadership Pledge.

 On the Monday our Year 6 students attended a Leadership Retreat where we looked at what qualities make a good leader? Our focus was on servant leadership, learning that just as Jesus came to serve and not be served, so should we. As role models, we want our student leaders to show the way by being respectful, safe, responsible, a good learner and of course fair and responsible. As student leaders they will be asked to think and act as a leader.                                                                                                                           

To have a growth mindset and to:

• Speak Up
• Step Up
• Have a go
• Think team work and
• Show the way

The challenge of leadership is to do all these things, in all different situations. Not just when things are going well but especially when things are difficult.

                                                                                                                          Our vision for student leadership at St Joseph’s is that it be broadly inclusive, participative and service focused. Everyone grows personally when given an opportunity and support to lead; we will ensure these opportunities are for all of our Year 6 students in their collective role as primary leaders. Our Year 6 leadership ministries will be around areas such as: college ambassadors representing St Joseph's at events and welcoming and hosting visitors; leading sports, cultural and environmental events and initiatives; assembly and prayer leadership; and a host of other community service opportunities.

St Joseph’s Feast Day Mass                                                                                                                  

Thanks to our new portable sound system, joyful singing filled St Joseph’s Church on Wednesday. We are very grateful to the Parents and Friends Association who have purchased the system for us. It will ensure so many of our school events are successful and enjoyable experiences.

Safeguarding Children Conference                                                                    

Last weekend as Student Protection Contacts Miss Knight and I, attended the Safeguarding Children Conference Hosted by Catholic Education Services Cairns. This conference was open for all to attend and was well received by so many people. One of the key messages from this conference was to continue to put each child at the forefront of all we do. It was highlighted as paramount importance to keep the wellbeing and safety of our children to prevent any incidences of abuse from occurring and supporting all those who have experienced traumatic events in their lives.

Leadership Professional Development       

This long weekend the St Joseph’s Leadership Team will be travelling to Sydney to attend in an engaging professional learning workshop related to Effective School Improvement with Author, Consultant and Educational Advisor, Lynn Sharratt. The training is named after her latest book, CLARITY: What Matters MOST in Learning, Teaching and Leading. Lynn works tirelessly, focusing her time and efforts on increasing each student's achievement by working alongside leaders and teachers.

Due to limited flight availability, we will be away from school Friday afternoon and returning early Tuesday morning. During this short period of absence Mrs Libby Lange will be Acting Principal and Mrs Stacey Edmonds and Ms Andrieka Knight will be undertaking Assistant Principal responsibilities. I thank them for their willingness to serve our school in this way and I know they can rely on the support of the St Joseph’s School community during this period.

 God Bless!

Megan