Dear parents, carers and the wider school community,

This week brings to an end a school year of incredible highs and some significant challenges. What we can be most pleased about is how as a community we have supported each other and grown from all that 2021 has brought.

As we head into the coming week, with the birth of Christ into our lives, may the season of Christmas bring each of you, and the wonderful students at St Joseph’s, every joy and happiness.

The sun has arrived finally, so I wish you all a fabulous summer break and look forward to welcoming you all back to St Joseph’s in 2022.

Year 6 Graduation

Last Thursday, and again on Monday night, we had the opportunity to farewell our Year 6 leaders as they head to high school in 2022. The Graduation Mass was a lovely gathering, allowing for us to celebrate the year and to be thankful for the community that we have. We also announced the winner of the James Parkes Award for 2021 – Daniel McKinnon. Congratulations! In 2022, we will reintroduce the James Parkes Award early in the year and define the award for the community to promote it as a known and understood recognition of a student within our school.

End of Term

This Friday we will farewell our Year 6 students, but it will not be in the usual ‘tunnel’. Instead, all classes will come out onto the oval and be seated in their class groups, allowing us to recognise and farewell our Year 6s. I know that traditionally we have had all parents welcome, and often attending the school on the final day, but this year I ask that only the Year 6 parents and those of students leaving St Joseph’s, attend this informal send off at 2.45pm. Thank you for your understanding.

Staffing

We are continuing to finalise staffing for 2022, as some late changes have resulted in  positions becoming available. Mrs Jo Reed, who was due to join us next year from St John Vianney’s, has accepted a position elsewhere. Therefore, over the break we will appoint teachers for Year 4 and also Italian, and I will communicate progress as soon as possible. I thank you for understanding that change always occurs and that we are excited about all that 2022 will bring. We wish those staff who are leaving us at the end of this week, every success as they take on new challenges.

Classes 2022

The classes for 2022 have been finalised and today the students have been told their teacher for next year. Tomorrow afternoon, between 2.15- 3.00pm, the new classes will come together with their new teacher, if possible, to have time as a class. This can be an exciting time, but also an anxious time for children. How your children see you respond to the classes for next year, will give them a very important message. 

Christmas Eve Vigil

Fr Paul has kindly agreed to a children-focussed Christmas Eve vigil (6pm) Mass at St Joseph’s in O’Connor.

If you or your children are interested in participating in the liturgy, particularly the music, please contact Pip Cleary on 0429 864237 or Tiffany Fletcher. We hope to see many St Joseph’s families there to celebrate the birth of Christ.

Once again, thank you all for your continued support this year. Have a happy and holy Christmas.

Yours in Christ,

Cameron Tarrant

Cameron.tarrant@cg.catholic.edu.au