Hello everyone, I hope you are well as we approach the last few days of school for 2019. I hope you have had a fantastic year this year, I know I have. There have been so many experiences that I know the children have enjoyed and I am really looking forward to celebrating all the success that has been had at our end year Mass on Tuesday night. This year we have also been blessed with the joy of a new baby into our family. My daughter, Isobel, is already developing a fun and happy personality and loves being with her big brother and sisters. This is definitely our last child so I am really trying to soak everything in and enjoy all of the things that come with witnessing a baby grow and develop. A little more sleep would be handy, buy hey, we can’t have everything!

To any family that is leaving St Joseph’s at the conclusion of 2019, I wish you and your children all the best as you start a new adventure. I know that starting high school is a very exciting and daunting time as students need to adapt to a different environment, forge connections and settle into a new school. This year I was involved with the Year 6 class as I started the year teaching them one day a week. I also travelled with them to Canberra and enjoyed seeing them mature and grow as they had to look after themselves and explore this important part of our nation. They have grown so much this year, and really developed as people and as learners. I wish all of them the best of luck for the next few years of their lives at school. I am sure I will hear about how great they have gone at high school in the near future.

On the complete other side of the scale, last week we welcomed our new Reception students and their families to our community. It was so lovely to meet everyone and see new faces filled with anticipation and awe as they eagerly await starting school. This is such a precious moment in their lives. Research has shown that the first 7 years of life are the most important as this is the time when children are coding their brains and everything is entering their sub-conscious. I am very proud of the unique way we navigate these precious beginnings of school life and know that we give these children the best start to school life and prepare them for a bright future full of the enjoyment of learning.

Recently we held our annual St Joseph’s Got Talent competition. It was great to see the amazing level of talent our school has. Some students spent a lot of time getting ready and preparing their acts. We held auditions during the week and everyone who wanted to, got an opportunity to perform their act in front of a live audience. On Wednesday of Week 8 we held the competition in our Multipurpose room. This was very entertaining and the school loved seeing the array of acts on show. I can’t wait to see what acts we get next year!

Two weeks ago, I was privileged to see our students who are involved in the Sacramental program, celebrate the first step in the journey with Reconciliation. This is a very special moment in these children’s lives as the begin being initiated into the church. As babies these children had their parents say on their behalf that they will raise them as Christians. Now the students get to do this for themselves. It was such a blessing to witness the students and their families start this process.

Thanks to everyone who came to our Carols & Picnic on the Green this year. It was great to see you there and hear about your busy lives and plans for the holidays. We have such a wonderful community here at St Joseph’s Kingswood. I always feel warm and welcomed by everyone and know that feeling resonates throughout the school community. I am very fortunate to be able to work here and share in, and be a part of, your child’s learning journey. The students who attend our school are so full of joy and wonder and it always lifts my spirits being around them and seeing them growing and having fun at school. 

I wish all of the families who are continuing with us a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope all our students have a great summer holiday period and come back to school ready to be successful in 2020. We will be heading up to Renmark after Christmas and then down the coast over the long weekend before school starts again next year. I hope you might get some down time and enjoy a break with your families too.

Take care,

Jamie