Dear Families,

What an eventful start to term 3, and to a new school.  Even with the unusual start, it has been very positive and I am excited to be leading St Joseph’s Kingswood. In my first 2 weeks I have had the opportunity to welcome the new receptions, twice, and witness the staff step up as we went into lockdown - what a great team! Their collaboration, resilience, and commitment to ensuring students were able to continue learning at home was pleasing to witness. 

I have met a few parents and received some lovely welcome messages. Hopefully, in the coming weeks, we will have the opportunity to welcome parents back to school, I look forward to working in partnership with you. I am pleased that I have started as a new strategic plan is being imagined for the school in the coming years. I strongly encourage you to complete the survey HERE so the process captures as many voices as possible to develop a plan that is inclusive, relevant, and inspiring.

I was keeping an eye on some of the home learning on Seesaw. It was wonderful to see how engaged all the children were at home. A big pat on the backs to all the parents in supporting your children at home. From first-hand experience, it is not easy, especially when you are trying to do housework and possibly working from home as well. I am sure you worked out what you could manage and enjoyed some extra time with your children. 

I thought I’d take to opportunity to share a few points about myself. I have held principal positions in 4 schools prior to St Joseph’s and varied leadership positions including Deputy, Religious Education, student wellbeing, special education and literacy. I hope my experience brings a new set of eyes and I look forward to seeing the great things that are happening at St Joseph’s School. I have already heard about the strength of the PLC program and was fortunate to attend the Visible Learning day at the beginning of the term and hear first hand some of the great teaching strategies staff are implementing. 

On a personal note, I have 2 children, Jackson in year 3 and Jasmine in reception. This gives me first-hand experiences of what families are experiencing at home and they bring great joy to our home. My Husband, Ray is the principal of St Bernadette’s School, St Mary’s. We both come from the country and love the fact that we are part of a community through our schools. We are a sport-focused family, with the Olympics occupying way too much of our time in the last week! The Crows have been put to the side for a moment. 

I offer a special welcome to the new receptions Hartley B, Isabella C, James E, Evelyn H, Owen H, Lola K, Liam L, Yannikh M, Freddie M, Almos M, Savannah P, Chloe P, Lockie P, Tilly R, Victoria S, Maxwell T, Grace T, Isabel V and in year 4 Jacob B. We were so proud of this group who returned after lockdown without missing a beat. 

This term we also welcome Adele D’Angelo to our staff, replacing Emma Begg while she is undertaking the Acting APRIM Position at McAuley Community School for the remainder of the term. It has been announced today that Emma will continue her leave until the 5^th November, to undertake an Acting Deputy role at St Francis of Assisi, Newton. Fortunately, Adele is able to continue teaching the year 5 class in term 4 to enable continuity for St Joseph’s School and particularly the year 5 class.

While this wasn’t the start to Term 3 that we were expecting, I offer gratitude to every student, parent and staff member for the way all have handled the challenge of lockdown. I have received a wonderful welcome from staff, students, Kelvin Warner, Chair of the Board, and Fr Shanahan. I am especially grateful for the support and leadership of Jamie as I transitioned to St Joseph’s, especially over the past few weeks. Jamie has done a fine job at keeping the school running smoothly and is a great asset to the community. I look forward to finding out more about the school, to continue to build this thriving learning community.

Kindest Regards,

Jodie Higgins
Principal