Hello to the community of St Joseph’s and a sincere thank you for the warm welcome I have received to this beautiful town. Welcome back to the last term of 2023 and a very warm welcome to our new families who have joined us. This year has been a difficult one and I ask for your support so the staff and students can finish the year by getting through a very busy term and look forward to the end of year celebrations. We continue to keep Megan and her family in our prayers as she cares for her parents and know that her thoughts are with staff and students as they prepare for graduation.

7 years ago, I accepted a position as Principal of St Anthony’s School, Dimbulah, and moved to enjoy the experience of working in a small rural school. My husband and I decided to make a lifestyle change and move permanently from Cairns to the small town, 2 hours west of Cairns on the Atherton Tablelands. Our adult children had all left home, and we embraced the opportunity to relocate to a small off-grid farm in remote bushland outside the town.  We currently share our little farm with 4 very spoilt cattle dogs, 80 head of cattle, 2 horses, 10 pigs, 5 hens and a cheeky rooster.

This year I stepped away from schools to further my own knowledge with a career change and have been working in a new role for CES as consultant for educational coaching and governance. It has been rewarding but I do miss working in schools and the buzz of students and the excitement of seeing them grow in their learning. I am looking forward to the next 8 weeks, meeting you all over the term and learning more about you. Please feel free to drop in for a coffee and a chat if you have the time. Parents are very important in the education of their children, and I value your local knowledge, contributions to your children’s learning and partnerships in the decision making for the future.

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone”.

Neale Donald Walsh