Dear Parents and Carers,

As we enter the mid-way point of Term 3, I wish to commend staff and students on their continued enthusiasm and effort noted in their approach to learning and social interactions.  The continued vibe of happiness is testament to the strong school culture that exists here at St Joseph’s. Each time I am on duty around our school, it is wonderful to see the joy on the faces of our students in their play and interactions with their peers.  Parents, we don’t do this alone and know that your support, understanding and acknowledgment of our school approach to student and staff well-being is appreciated. Let’s keep this going for the remainder of the term everyone!

There is nothing more powerful for a child’s learning than a parent who is genuinely interested and invested in their progress. We call this ‘parent engagement’ in learning. Engaged parents partner positively with teachers to know their child’s goals and know how they can support their progress. When a child knows that you care and knows that you are aware of what they need, they come to understand how important learning is.

The way teachers teach has changed dramatically in the last 20 years. When we were at school, the teacher taught the curriculum. Teachers today, teach the child and meet them where they are in their individual journeys. Teachers do this most effectively when they partner with the people that know them best; you.

Parent/Teacher Interviews

During Week 9 (week beginning 5 September), parent/teacher interviews will take place at St Joseph's Parish School.  

These interviews provide an opportunity for teachers to communicate information to parents and/or carers on what their child knows, understands and can do at this point in time. This feedback may also include recommendations for future learning.

Additionally, reporting via parent/teacher interviews allows opportunities for parents and teachers to engage about the learning journey of the child and opportunities to report on the education of the whole child.  Attending an interview also indicates to your child that you are interested in their learning needs and what's happening to them at school.

Bookings for interviews will take place via the PTO and will be made live in the coming days.

School Photo Day this MONDAY!

School Photo Day on Monday. Please wear full school uniform and a big smile.

School Fees

In the absence of a school-based finance officer, Genelle Santos from CES, has been supporting us. Genelle will be visiting us later in the term and will be available to meet with any families who would like to discuss their fees etc. We will share dates for her visit once it has been finalised.  In the meantime, if you have any concerns or confusions with fee statements send out, please call the office and Genelle will give you a call.

Enrolment Intentions - Are your child/children’s circumstances changing in 2023?

To help us with the 2023 class structure and enrolment numbers, it would be appreciated if you would please let the office know if your child/ren are NOT returning in 2023. Thank you for your attention into this matter. 

Book Fair

Our annual Book Fair started on Wednesday 17^th August 2022. There are a large variety of books for sale at prices to suit everyone. This is a wonderful opportunity to buy some great books and help the library gain new resources as the school receives 30% of the total sales as our Commission.

Outside School Hours Care (OSHC)

In the Cairns Catholic Diocese, all childcare including Outside of School Hours Care is run by the Catholic Early Learning and Care not by schools themselves. I have been partitioning for our school to have Outside of school hours care and holiday at St Joseph’s. For this to become a reality we need to find out how many families in our school community who would used this service if it was available. Next week we will be sending out a very brief survey to collect this information.

Pizza Party!

Thanks you to all our families who filled out the School Satisfaction Survey. As promised, we will be holding a School Pizza Party next Wednesday before we have our Book/Science Week ‘Amazing Race’ around the School. We will be getting requests for topping preferences and pizza alternatives on Monday.

Every blessing to you all and thanks for reading.