Dear Parents and Caregivers
I can’t believe that we are in the penultimate week of term and that the Easter holidays are upon us. This is the final newsletter for Term 1. I’d like to thank everyone on behalf of the staff team for your support and commitment to our school during this term. It is the people who make up our community - be they student, staff, parent, extended family member, parishioner, board or P&F member, and our shared commitment to each and every child that create this unique and special school.
Holy Week
Yesterday was Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week. With the commemoration of the Lord's entry into Jerusalem we begin our journey to the cross and resurrection. Each year when we celebrate these mysteries, new aspects of these days impress themselves upon us. At the end of it we celebrate the three most important days in the Church’s year - the Easter Triduum. During those three days - Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Eve - we will not just be remembering the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus, we will also be sharing in their life-giving power. At every Eucharist we take part in the death and resurrection of Jesus made present in the sacrifice of the Mass. These three days are like an extended Mass, giving us time not just to remember but also to be immersed. We are not called to explain but to adore and be saved. 'Lord by your cross and resurrection you have set us free. You are the saviour of the world.'
2021 Student Leadership Team
Congratulations to our 2021 Student Leadership Team. The students were very excited to receive their Leadership badges on St Joseph's Feast Day. See photos below in this newsletter.
School Board
Our newly formed 2021 School Board met recently for its first meeting where we voted in a new Chairperson. Previous Chairperson, Megan Nehmy was farewelled at our AGM earlier this year, after serving her tenure as Chairperson. I would like to congratulate Brett Thompson on being elected as Chairperson for the School Board. Megan has kindly accepted an invitation to stay on the School Board until our William St build is complete.
Fr Quyen Vu, Provincial of the Society of Jesus in Australia
Last Saturday I had the pleasure of attending the welcome celebration for Fr Quyen Vu, new Provincial of the Society of Jesus in Australia. On behalf of the St Joseph’s Memorial Community, we congratulate Fr Quyen Vu on his election into this position. We wish him all the best as he undertakes his new role.
Term 2 – Winter Uniform
In Term Two the children will return to school in their winter uniform. Now is a good time to make sure that everything regarding your child’s uniform is in readiness for the return to school after the holiday. A copy of the St Joseph’s Uniform Policy is available here to assist parents in ensuring that the children are dressed correctly. Families are asked to show their support for the standards set at the school by fully supporting this policy. Should your child tell you that something contrary to the policy is permitted, please check with us! This will avoid ‘incorrect uniform’ notifications being sent home. Please note that Year 6 students are permitted to wear their leadership jumpers at all times upon receiving it, should they so wish. Click here to access the JS Xpress Uniform Shop. The Uniform Shop information is available here.
Year 4 and Year 5 Camp
On Monday morning it was fantastic to see William Street abuzz with many excited students waiting in anticipation for the camp bus to arrive. Tonight I will visit our Year 4 and 5 students at their camp - I have heard they are all having a wonderful time.
Dads and Caregivers Bowls Night
Congratulations to Nick McCabe and Brett Thompson who won the prestigious Dads and Caregivers Bowls night last Thursday night. Thank you to Robert Bria for organising this enjoyable gathering.
Easter Long Weekend
For those travelling over the long weekend, I wish you the safest of travels.
God Bless
Brady Stallard