It’s hard to believe that we have reached the end of another school year. It is important that we take some quality time to reflect on the year that has been, celebrate achievements and offer gratitude for what we have and for what others have done for us.
We have long forgotten the disruptive start to 2023 as the learning and achievement of every student quickly became our focus, even though our staffing became stretched at times.
You just have to take a little time to wander around the school to see how well the students have progressed over a relatively short period of time. Our Preppies are confident and raring to go for Year One and of course our Year 6s most of who are slightly taller, a little anxious yet more than ready for the challenges of high school.
The end of each year brings a sense of excitement in the lead up to Christmas, but it is a time where we must sadly say goodbye to our Year 6 students. This week, there has been a number of things they have done for the very last time. Hopefully this was an opportunity to make many lasting memories of their time here at St Joseph’s.
Being the founding Prep class there are a number of students in our graduating class of 2022 who are the first student to have gone all the way through Primary school here at St Joseph’s. Whether our Year 6 students have been here for a short of long time, they have all been great ambassadors for our school, families and have been a credit to themselves in what they have achieved, especially in their final year.
As a school, this week we celebrated and reflected on their journey at three very special occasions. Firstly, at our Annual Awards Evening on Monday 21st November, at the Storm Shelter from 5:45pm. We celebrated the success our students have had over the year as they were presented various academic and special awards to those students in Years Prep to 6.
The next morning, families joined us for our End of year Mass on Tuesday morning 22nd November at 9am in our St Joseph’s Church. It also gave us the opportunity to say thankyou to the contribution of those families who finish their time here upon the Graduation of their youngest child.
On Thursday 24 th November, a Graduation Dinner was held in their honour. It was an opportunity to showcase their memories and many talents. This is always a very special occasion filled with mixed emotions. My sincere appreciation to the Year 6 teachers for not only their time and effort in preparing the Graduation Dinner but for their passion, dedication, and pastoral care of this wonderful group of kids.
Finally, on Friday our graduating Year 6 class hosted Assembly. Handing over the Senior School Leadership responsibilities to Year 5 before we then cheered them out through the traditional guard of honour and out through the school gate for the very last time.
I will take this opportunity to recognise the wonderful contribution our Year 6 cohort has made to St Joseph’s. I, along with their teachers, have only but admiration of their growth, achievements, and positive attitude towards school life. On behalf of the school community, I wish each and every one of our departing Year 6 students all the very best for your transition into secondary school.
Upon reading report card comments this week, it is most rewarding to read how children have improved and developed into more responsible learners. It is now time though, to have a well-deserved break. A rest from the day-to-day routines and the daily challenges of academic endeavour and handling the various ups and downs of school life is definitely needed.
Thank you as well to all our parents for your continued support of our school. The building and maintaining of positive relationships with the teachers make a big difference. We really do appreciate all the assistance and look forward to renewing the strong partnership in 2023.
I would also like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere appreciation once again to our teachers and support staff for the supreme effort you all put into making St Joseph’s a very special place. The ongoing success of the school can be contributed to the team approach and your willingness to do that little extra for the students under your care. Thank you.
I hope and pray that you will all have a safe, fun and loving Christmas with families and friends. May the New year will bring you joy and success. We look forward to welcoming new and returning students back in 2023!
God Bless,
Megan