Hi all,

It's hard to believe it was about this time last year that our worlds were thrown into chaos as COVID-19 spread across the world. Less than a year later people are receiving vaccines that normally would have taken years to prepare. We are lucky that firstly, we live in South Australia and Australia, as we have been one of the least effected states and countries, and secondly, that we have very smart and dedicated people all over the world working countless hours, with governments spending countless amounts of money, on trying to find a vaccine.

By now you would have heard that I have been appointed as the Acting Principal for Term 2. I am grateful and really excited about the opportunity to lead our school and keep momentum as we move forward. Thank you to everyone for your kind words and support. I appreciate all the people who have congratulated me and wished me well as I embark on this new role. As a school, we have lots to look forward to in Term 2 including Mother's Day breakfast, sports carnivals, learning walks, incursions and excursions, plus key learning and fun for the children. I want to say a massive "Thank you" to Phil for all of the support and guidance he’s given me throughout my years at St Joseph’s. I appreciate the time he’s taken to mentor me and I believe he’s have prepared me well for my future in leadership by always including me in every aspect of the school’s progress. I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to learn from him and move the school in a really positive direction. Phil, I wish you all the best as you take up your new appointment. I am sure you will have a positive impact on the Lockley’s community. 

For the past few weeks, I have been spending some time with our senior students. Firstly, the Year 5 and 6 students joined Mr Bratt, Mrs Begg and myself down at Kingswood Oval for Clean Up Australia Day. All of the students embraced the opportunity to lend a helping hand and supported our local environment by cleaning up and putting rubbish in the bin. Secondly, I joined Mr Bratt with the Year 6s on their TOEP excursion to Woodhouse. We were very lucky and had beautiful weather while the students enjoyed the activities that were provided. The highlight of the day was seeing the students trying to scale across the river using 4 ropes about a metre a part. Most of them didn’t make it but they all had fun trying and didn’t complain about the wet clothing or the wet shoes for the remainder of the day.

Last week we held our annual St Joseph’s/Harmony Day. This was a wonderful event but wouldn’t happen without the great help and support of the dedicated and hardworking staff here at Kingswood. Massive thanks to the Year 3, 4 & 5 teachers, Christine Farrugia, Emma Begg and Basia Steciuk who helped set-up and co-ordinate the day. The students had so much fun. It was great to see the joy in the faces of the Year 3, 4 and 5 students as they ran their stalls - thank you so much to all the parents and caregivers who donated and helped contribute. Collectively, we raised in excess of $560 to donate to the MacKillop Orphanage in Peru. The students also had a great time learning a Bollywood dance and participating in learning about other countries and cultures from around the world with the other activities we held.

We are very lucky to live, work, learn and have fun in such a wonderful community and school. If I don’t see you beforehand, I hope you all gave an enjoyable Easter and school holiday break. I personally hope the time goes fast because I can’t wait for Term 2. 

Take care,

Jamie