From the Principal
Dear parents,
Like all schools in the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn, St Joseph’s has been participating in the Catalyst initiative since 2021. All our teachers have been engaged in Catalyst professional learning over the last two years with adoption of a common curriculum and classroom approach, with teachers implementing High Impact Teaching Practices across the Archdiocese. Some of you may have come across articles in the national and international media about the success of this initiative. This has resulted in an increase in student participation in class, adoption of explicit instruction with programs such as Spelling Mastery, Initialit and the Connecting Maths Concepts, all successfully implemented at St Joseph’s.
We are delighted to report that at St Joseph’s and schools across the Archdiocese, schools are experiencing significant improvement in student performance as indicated by the NAPLAN results in 2023. Please see below how the schools across our Archdiocese performed in Literacy and Numeracy compared to the national average:
Catalyst professional learning for our teachers is ongoing and this week we welcomed Alice Smith from COGlearn. Alice observed the lessons and provided feedback to the teachers on what went well and how the learning could be further improved. Alice then gave a demonstration lesson for the teachers to observe. Their regular visits are essential in the change process and we are pleased to share that St Joseph’s is right on track with Catalyst!
Boorowa Touch Football and Netball Carnival
It was great to see this event back in full swing after the covid hiatus and schools were out in force enjoying the opportunity to come together and enjoy a day of fun and sport.
Thank you to the parents who accompanied the St Joseph’s contingent; without your support we would not be able to participate. And thank you to Mrs Chelsea Harveyson and Mrs Sally Metcalfe for taking the lead on the arrangements and organising and supporting the children on the day.
Meanwhile back at school…
The K/1 children and those from 2/3/4/5/6 who decided to spend the day at school enjoyed a visiting local attraction – The Grenfell Iris Gardens. Many of the children (and teachers) had no idea that we have such a beautiful attraction right on our doorstep!
Thank you Mr Martens for arranging this trip and thank you to the accompanying teachers.
Sacrament of Confirmation
Thank you to members of the St Joseph’s school and church community for your attendance at the Confirmation service during Mass on Sunday. It means a lot to the candidates and their families to have your support and participation.
Special thanks to Danielle McFarlane and Sister Mary for all their dedication towards preparation of the candidates. Danielle and Sr Mary delivered the preparation program and put all the arrangements in place for the Mass on Sunday. Finally, our sincere gratitude to Fr Allen!
Kindy Transition Days
We look forward to welcoming the new Kindy’s to the next Transition Days as follows:
Tuesday 31st Oct 9.05 -11.35
Tuesday 14h Nov 9.05 - 2.00pm Parents are invited at 1.15pm for Q and A
Journey with Jesus – Year 5
Also, on this coming Friday 27th October the Year 5 students will be attending a special retreat with other children from Western Region Schools for a day or reflection and faith formation. We wish the participants well!
My Body, My Life
Year 5 and 6 parents will by now have received a letter with regards to the My Body, My Life program. On Tuesday 14th November 2023 the Archdiocesan Healthy Relationships Team will be here at St Joseph’s working with the Year 5 and 6 students to run the My Body, My Life puberty and personal development program.
As a Catholic school, we are keen to ensure that parents and carers are fully engaged in this very important aspect of their child’s development. Research also shows that despite any awkwardness you and your child might feel, children prefer to hear this information first from their own parents or carers. To that end Yr 5 and 6 families are invited to view 60 minutes of online video content and participate in some activities together at home with your child prior to the 14th November.
In Conclusion…
Instead of the classes coming together for mini-sport each morning, commencing Monday 31st October, classes will plan for a ’brain break’ at a time that will complement the ‘flow’ of the learning. This may be an indoor or an outdoor activity.
Next week we look forward to welcoming Georgia Brenner who will be spending the next four weeks with us at school for her teaching practicum. Georgia is studying at Charles Sturt University, and she is looking forward to getting to know St Joseph’s and especially the K/1 class. Please do make Georgia feel welcome when you see her around the school.
Finally, I am pleased to share that my contract has been extended to the end of term 2 2024 when Mrs Hotham will return to the role of Principal at St Joseph’s. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead the school into the new year and until Mrs Hotham returns in term 3. Thank you all for your support and positive collaboration; it is a pleasure and a privilege to be part of the St Joseph’s Primary school community.
With best wishes,
Louise Grant
Acting Principal
