Dear Parents and Guardians,

Where have the days gone this year?  The final few weeks of the school year are approaching, and, in my experience, it is a crazy time not only in schools but in all aspects of our lives. End of year assessment & reporting, concerts, camps, Graduation, carnivals, staffing, budgets and planning for the impending holidays and Christmas, swamp us at a time when our energies may be low and many of us feel we are running on empty.

At the end of each term, especially Term 4, we are more likely to be sensitive, a little ‘thin skinned’ and emotional because we are run down and in need of that well-earned break, we shouldn’t be surprised. The same thing happens at this time every year. The important thing is how we all, parents, teachers and students respond to this challenge. Whilst our reserves may be running low, it is vital to remain focused and finish the year well.

Starry Starry Night

Classes have been working hard to prepare for our Christmas Nativity and are sounding great. We are excited to be able to practice on our new portable stage this week.

School Fees

It is most important that your prompt attention to ensure all outstanding school fee invoices are paid by the end of school term. This is an extremely busy time of year and chasing up overdue accounts draws precious time and effort away from other school initiatives and activities. The school too has many financial commitments to fulfill by the end of the year and over the school holidays. Your support in paying your fees and levies in full greatly assists the school to continue to provide and upgrade school and classroom resources.

Every attempt is made to make an education at St Joseph’s affordable. At this time of the year Catholic Education Tuition fees are reviewed and set by Catholic Education Cairns. 2020 fees and levies will be published this week and sent to all families.

Devices and Technology Access for 2020

We have recently reviewed our 1:1 device program for 2020. After much research and consultation with other schools we have decided to remove the 1:1 device levy and implement technology access levy to our resource levy. This way we can reduce individual device costs for families and have the latest up to date technology access available for all our students. In 2020, Preps will have access to ipads, all Year 1-3 will have 1:1 ipads and Year 4-6 will have 1:1 laptops.

God Bless,

Megan