Last week we acknowledged Reconciliation Week, here at St  Joseph’s.  Reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians. Reconciliation is an ongoing journey that reminds us that while generations of Australians have fought hard for meaningful change, there is still more work required in this domain

In a just, equitable and reconciled Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children will have the same life chances and choices as non-Indigenous children, and the length and quality of a person’s life will not be determined by their racial background.

The students across Kinder – Year 6 engaged in a variety of activities throughout the week that helped to raise awareness of Indigenous events and history, in our country.  You might be interested in viewing the story, Sorry Day by Coral Vass and Dubb Leffler - NAIDOC Storytime: Listen Together (Ngarral Wakulda) - YouTube to familiarise yourself with what we read and discussed with the students last week.

Throughout the week they also had the opportunity to brainstorm what we can do as individuals and as a school community to embrace Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and help bring about reconciliation.

The end of the week culminated in an installation of ‘hands’ in Tookoolibah that were decorated with indigenous themes and colours, which served as a visual reminder of reaching out between all our cultures to love, care and support one another.

2025 Enrolments

We are coming to the end of our Kindergarten 2025 enrolment period and we are very excited about the next  group of children and their families who will be joining our Joey’s family. Nicole Charnock and I have met so many wonderful families and the children have been so well mannered and patient when we are speaking with their parents, that we have great hope for the next generation coming through our doors.

We are also, very impressed with this year’s Year 6 students.  The feedback we receive about our student led tours is very good, each year, however this year the feedback has been outstanding.  Our Year 6 students have been commendable in showing the families around the school, talking about our school and very confidently answering the many questions that are asked of them.  The parents have told us that they cannot believe how articulate, proud, and enthusiastic the students are.  One parent commented this week that when they asked what is the best thing about the school the answer was ‘the dedicated and exceptional teaching staff’ and when the parent countered with, ‘what is the worst’ they were told ‘when Dad doesn’t take me to The Hood on Friday afternoon for a milkshake’. 

I’d like to also thank the many parents that have spoken to friends and acquaintances about our school as what we have heard time and time again this year, is when asked why they are choosing St Joseph’s they are telling us that it is because of what their friends, neighbours, colleagues etc have been saying to them.  Thank you so much for sharing your pride and high opinions of us, as well.  Word of mouth is a very powerful thing. 

What a wonderful community we all make together!

Mural

After many months of delay due to inclement weather and various unfortunate events experienced by our mural artist, Jordan Lucky, we finally have ‘lift off’ or perhaps I should say ‘spray off’ !  The mural that the 2023 Year 6 class wished to leave as a legacy to our school has begun this week and we are so excited to see it come to life.  It is fabulous to hear the children wonder, predict and ask questions about what is going to be in the mural.  If you are in the playground for pick-up or drop-off please feel free to take a walk by the vegetable garden wall towards the Quad and see it for yourself. 

I wonder what you think will begin to emerge on those dull old grey Besser blocks?

Have a wonderful long weekend. Take care, stay warm, dry and safe,

Karen