Dear Parents and Caregivers,

We are fast approaching the end of term one, and as I look back on the first term of 2021, I am proud of everything that has been achieved. 2021 has seen us enter into a COVID normal operation, and I am grateful to the staff, children and families for being so supportive of all COVID related protocols. I am also proud of the way we have been adaptable and flexible in undertaking the community celebrations and learning activities we normally do… COVID normal!

By now, you will have seen the community announcement of the appointment of Jamie Deverson to the Acting Principal position for term 2 of 2021. This is a very positive step for our school community. Jamie is a strong emerging system leader who is well known to you all. He understands the rhythms of our community very well, and is actively involved in the leadership of our learning vision. I look forward to hearing of the community’s support for Jamie and of the school continuing to flourish under his leadership. The process for replacing Jamie as Deputy is underway and will be finalised shortly. I look forward to informing you of that appointment.

I wish to congratulate Kelvin Warner who takes over as Chair of the School Board from Jon Fox. Jon’s contribution to the school Board over many years was immense and we thanks him sincerely for his long service. Kelvin has been a Board member for some time now, as well as being a parent in the school community for many years. He brings wisdom, experience and stability to the role.

The incumbent Board will begin its duties in term 2 with the responsibility to be a part of the consultative process- on behalf of the school community- for the substantive Principal position. Kelvin, as Board Chair, will also sit in the panel for the duration of the appointment process, to represent the hopes and dreams of the school community.

Last Friday we celebrated St Joseph’s Day, and Harmony Day. We began with Mass in the Multi-Purpose Room, led by Fr John. Following Mass, our year 3-5 students and teachers hosted fundraising stalls on the oval. After recess, we engaged in a rotation of activities, including meditation, a ‘country hunt’ and Bollywood dancing! At the conclusion of the rotations, the whole school gathered on the oval for a shared Bollywood dance! Much fun was had by all!

Holy Week is fast approaching, and as a Catholic School, this is a very important part of the celebration of our faith, and the cycle of the Liturgical year. The children will be engaged in prayer and learning during the week, and after we return from the Easter weekend break, we will be celebrating to Joy of the resurrection with mass on the last day of term.

Parent and teacher meetings are scheduled for the 29^th-31^st March this year, and I strongly encourage all families to make an appointment to meet their child’s teacher for feedback about their learning progress and engagement in school life. Bookings can be made via SZapp.

I am pleased to announce that Ms Adele D’Angelo will take over the teaching of 3-6 STEM classes on Mondays. Adele is well known to the staff and children as she has completed a significant number of relief days across all year levels. Please join me in welcoming Adele to the St Joseph’s staff. Mrs Mary Rose Coghlan will continue to teacher the R-2 STEM classes.

Ms Kirstie Wicks will be teaching full time in 4/5CW during term 2 while Mr graham Connor has some well-earned Long Service leave.

This will be my last newsletter communication with you all. I am feeling quite sad about my impending departure from the St Joseph’s Kingswood school community. Over the past 5 and a bit years I have made many friends, and very much appreciated the warm and welcoming way the community has embraced me during my time as Principal. Our children are all wonderful, and I will miss them dearly- they are a credit to you all! Our staff are amazing and I am truly grateful for their passion, professionalism and goodwill, every single day. There is much to celebrate about the progress we have all made together in my time here and as I look ahead now, I am very confident the school will continue to flourish and grow as the pre-eminent school in this area.

God Bless,

Phil