Newsletter Week 6 Term 2

Dear Families and friends of St Joseph’s.

It is hard to believe that we only have a few weeks before the end of the Semester.

Last Monday our school community joined in the celebration to commemorate 200 years of Catholic education in Australia. It was part of a national event with schools across the country celebrating at the same time to mark the bicentennial.

Michelle Gear and myself were proud to represent the St Joseph’s School community at the 200 Year Mass held at the Cathedral. This was a significant event and at the end of the Mass we were called on by the Bishop to accept a commemorative prayer card for each student which will be given out at our whole school Mass on Monday 6^th June. With gratitude for the endeavours of Catholic education in the past, with confidence in our Catholic Kindergartens, schools and universities today, and with faith in their continuing contribution in the future, we celebrate 200 years of Catholic education in this Great South Land.

Often, I am asked what the Catholic School difference is. Being distinctively a Catholic school boils down to how we treat people and each other. If we are truly distinctive then all students, staff and parents feel a sense that they belong, are valued and are successful. The mission of Catholic Education is that “Being created in the image and likeness of God” which accords everyone an equal and inherent dignity. We believe in an innate original goodness and a universally shared dignity. This belief shapes a hope-filled and life-giving outlook on life for self, others and the created world. 

Our School community is committed to providing a culturally safe environment where all children belong and an experience respect, justice, equity, and dignity. At our Reconciliation Liturgy last Friday, we gathered to unite our hearts with First Nations communities as we recognised and reflected on the wrongs that have been done in the past and take actions towards healing for the future.

Reconciliation is a journey for all Australians – as individuals, families, communities, organisations and importantly as a nation. The theme for this year’s Reconciliation week is “More than words, Reconciliation takes action”. Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all of us so we can move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community and First Nations peoples.

One way we are ‘taking action’ for reconciliation, is that we have potted some Dessert Roses to keep here at the school. The flower of this plant has been chosen by the Stolen Generation elders as a symbol of strength and resilience. The colour symbolises healing. It is our hope that we will make a reconciliation garden here at school ready in time for next years Reconciliation week. We will care for these plants in pots until we can plant them in our reconciliation garden.

Year of St Joseph Mass

On Monday, 6^th June, you are invited to join us for our ‘Year of St Joseph Mass’ followed by morning tea. At this Mass we will be inducting our student leaders and giving out the Spirit of St Joseph’s Awards.

2022 Enrolments

It is that time of the year again when I begin the process of planning for 2022 enrolments, class structures, budgets and resources.  As you know our enrolments play a significant part in helping us stay focused and achieve our strategic priorities. While we have committed to a range of marketing strategies for our school, in truth, the word of mouth of current families is our best form of advertising and it is almost universally positive.

Continual Academic Success and Wellbeing

As I look over student academic results this Semester, it is pleasing to see that our strong commitment to ensuring quality learning and teaching, continues to lead to our students growth and academic success. Our staff deserve recognition for this. They are committed and talented professionals who are motivated to do their best for the benefit of our learners. This applies not only to the teachers doing the vital work in the classrooms but the countless other staff who provide a range of support and service to our community. I am repeatedly inspired by their efforts.

Prep Enrolments

We are currently in the process of booking interviews for new Prep enrolments for 2022. Please note that if you have a sibling of a current St Joseph’s student you will also need to complete an enrolment for your child for Prep for 2022. As we are anticipating that there will continue to be strong demand for placements within our Prep for 2022, it is important that enrolments are received by the school as soon as possible. If you have children ready for Prep, please enroll online or give the school office a call and arrange an enrolment package. If you have friends looking around for a school for next year, let them know that St Joseph’s is welcoming and ready to hear from them. 

National Sorry Day & National Reconciliation Week

At our Reconciliation Liturgy last Friday, we gathered to unite our hearts with First Nations communities as we recognised and reflected on the wrongs that have been done in the past and take actions towards healing for the future. Reconciliation is a journey for all Australians – as individuals, families, communities, organisations and importantly as a nation.

During Reconciliation week remember that 26^th May, May 27 and June 3 are important dates in Australia’s history. 

The 26^th May is National Sorry Day. On this day we remember and commemorate that during the 20^th Century, large numbers of Aboriginal people were removed from their families by the government and put into institutions, missions and foster homes. Because of this many people lost contact with their heritage, their country and their identity. They have become know as the Stolen Generation. We recognise how this history continues to affect so many First Nation families. The day is an opportunity for all Australians to remember past mistakes and build stronger bridges for a richer, stronger future together.

Reconciliation Week goes from 27^th May to 3rd June. May 27th marks the anniversary of the 1967 referendum when Australians voted to remove clauses in the Australian Constitution that discriminated against First Nations peoples. June 3 marks the historic 1992 Mabo decision in which the High Court of Australia recognised native title—the recognition that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights over their lands.

The theme for this year’s Reconciliation week is “More than words, Reconciliation takes action”.

Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all of us so we can move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community and First Nations peoples. 

As part of taking action for reconciliation we have potted some Dessert Roses to keep here at the school. The flower of this plant has been chosen by the Stolen Generation elders as a symbol of strength and resilience. The colour symbolises healing. It is our hope that we will make a reconciliation garden here at school ready in time for next years Reconciliation week.

We will care for these plants in pots until we can plant them in our reconciliation garden this time next year.

Please help our Tuckshop