Principal's Message

Dear God

Thank you for all those who are sharing kindness in our community.

Help us to live in your goodness and kindness each day.

Remind us that our actions express who we are even more than our words.

Support us to see where kindness is needed and to
reach out in kindness to all we meet.

Let us be grateful for those who have shown us kindness.

Thank you, God, for inspiring
us to be kind through your love for the world.

Amen

Dear Parents

Next Monday we celebrate the Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop - Australia’s first saint. Mary MacKillop was a trail-blazer in her lifetime, leaving a culture of exemplary living for her followers to emulate. Mary paved the way for education of poor children and a variety of ministries which addressed the needs of 19th century Australia.

Her legacy continues today in countless ways. Education in its many facets is still a strong ministry for the Sisters of Saint Joseph. Mary’s work continues today with a myriad of ways of bringing healing and hope through spirituality, counselling, supervision and mentoring.

Mary MacKillop’s legacy encourages us to be people of justice and ecumenism. Mary inspires us to be courageous and hopeful and to have a deep faith in our God who provides. Mary MacKillop has shown us how to forgive and how to be compassionate; she teaches us about spirituality and is a saint for all of us today.

The life of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop demonstrates the deep commitment that was shown to her faith and the Church. Mary stood for others believing that her work was for the good of others; that those around her would live lives that were fulfilled and filled with prayer and the Holy Spirit. Mary is remembered by many quotes, and I leave this one with you this week to reflect upon as we journey through the week.

“If disappointed, don’t say hard things.

Only think a little, pray a little, and try to remember that God will bring about what is best in God’s own time.”

Mary MacKillop, 2 September 1873

A Worthy Cause

Last Friday, saw our school community dressed in pyjamas in support of the St Vincent De Paul Winter Appeal. It was a lovely way to finish our second week back at school for a most worthy cause.

Staffing Update

Some recent staffing appointments have taken place as follows:

Ms Josephine Richardson is a newly appointed teacher to Stage 1. Ms Jospehine Richardson replaces Mrs Danielle Mackay on Monday 15 August 2022.  Mrs Mackay will take Maternity leave until the end of the year. We wish Ms Josephine Richardson all the very best in her new role as classroom teacher for S1M.

Tell Them From Me Survey

In the coming week we will be inviting students, teachers and parents to provide feedback on their experience of our school using an online survey. The surveys are an important part of our whole school evaluation and planning process for next year.

We would like to invite you to complete the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) Partners in Learning survey. As we value the role of parents and carers within our school community we would greatly appreciate your feedback. The information you provide will be used to maintain our commitment to working together in partnership to further improve student learning and wellbeing at St Joseph's School, Wauchope.

The survey is anonymous and will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. You will be able to access the parent survey on your computer or mobile device as of next week. A link will be sent to all families through our Operoo platform. Please note that there is one survey per family.

Welcome new families

We recently welcomed two new students and their families to our St Joseph's School community. Both Gabrielle and Raahil will join the Stage 2 cohort.  We trust your time with us at St Joseph's will be fun-filled learning experience.

Covid/Colds & Flu

We appear to be faced with more uncertainty around the spread of COVID-19/Colds & Flu related symptoms in our school setting and the broader community at present. Please be assured that we have continued to maintain strict health and safety measures throughout the school to ensure that we keep our staff and students safe.

We ask for your ongoing support in testing your children if they develop any symptoms and to keep them home to prevent the possible further spread throughout our school community. We also understand that many families have work commitments and finding care for your child can be difficult. Sending your child to school even if they are unwell, compromises our school community and the health and safety of all who work at the school.

Feel free to collect RAT kits from the Office foyer if you are in short supply.

May you all keep warm and well as we now head into August full of hope and joy for Spring to return.

Peace be with you

Brendan Kiely