News from the Principal
As we arrive at the mid-point of our school year let’s pause and reflect on all that has been achieved this term. From sporting events, Liturgies to celebrate and commemorate, opportunities for our community to come together and opportunities for our students to shine as individuals and groups in whatever endeavours they are passionate about. We say thank you to everyone for a wonderful term and congratulations to all our students who have achieved their personal goals this term.
A huge thank you to the dedicated staff at St Joey’s. You are all amazing people and have our students in your hearts each day as you continue to provide the care and attention to each student every day.
We welcome Sam Allen, who joins us as our new Groundskeeper. We welcome Sam to our staff and will see him around the grounds after the holiday break.
YEAR 3 REVIEW
This year our school was scheduled to undertake a Year 3 Peer Review. The Peer Review Process involves nominating a fellow principal from one of our Diocesan schools to visit and participate in conversations and view documentation linked to our School Effectiveness Framework.
We welcomed Mrs Jacqueline Jackson from St Michaels’, Gordonvale in Week 7 this term to look carefully at how we promote a culture of learning. Our focus was on how we strengthen partnerships with all our families and nurture future community opportunities that collaboratively support all students to engage in a safe and inclusive learning environment by prioritising wellbeing and engagement for students, staff and parents.
The process concluded with a follow up 2-day visit from our Director of School Effectiveness, Melissa Turner, to review the findings and recommend any improvement strategies in readiness for our Year 5 Review in 2026. Both Mrs Jackson and Mrs Turner had lots of positive feedback for our Leadership Team. We look forward to continuing to improve our practices as a school and participating in the external review by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) in 2026.
BISHOP ORDINATION
Representatives from all Diocesan Schools and Parishes have been invited to attend the Ordination of the Very Reverend Joe Caddy as the 8th Bishop of Cairns at the Cairns Cathedral at 6pm on the 15th August. We plan to live stream the ceremony in our Flexible Learning Space on the night for our school and parish community. We will provide more details as we get closer to the event next term.
PREP ENROLMENT INTERVIEWS
Interviews will be conducted in the first few weeks next term for those parents wanting to enrol their children in Prep for 2025. Please contact the front office if you haven’t already confirmed a timeslot. More information about attendance at Transitioning to Prep Days in Term 4 will be shared next term.
TUCKSHOP
At times we require extra help in the tuckshop for only for a few hours, especially on a Friday. If you are available to lend a hand, could you contact Kathy in the front office with times and days you may be able to assist. A reminder that there will be NO tuckshop on the first day back after the holidays.
OUTSIDE SCHOOL HOURS CARE
CELC staff visited Weipa last week to set up the OSHC service and go through the required approval processes. They brought with them equipment and resources for the service to operate compliantly with lots of engaging activities.
They have appointed a Nominated Supervisor but need to recruit more Educators to be assured that a consistent, quality service can be provided when they do open. Do you know anyone who can help?
The opening date has been pushed back to a Week 5, Term 3 dependant on staffing.
Any assistance you can give in promoting our Educator roles would be greatly appreciated. Please contact admin@ccelc.catholic.org.au if you would like to know more.
CELC are still confident that they can get to the stage of opening the Weipa service and appreciate your patience and understanding.
SCHOOL BOARD
Thank you to those who have agreed to be on the school board. Our first meeting will be in July when Fr Dariusz visits again. More information will be shared next term. A School Board has a decision-making role and is an advisory group to the Principal.
Wishing everyone a safe and fun holiday.
Kath Porter