Dear families and community members,

The countdown is on, only 17 more sleeps until Christmas, and isn’t it wonderful that we are being filled with joy as we prepare for Christmas, to celebrate and give thanks for the birth of Jesus. Experiencing joy through carols, Kris Kringle (Secret Santa), shopping for gifts, being good for elves, seeing Father Christmas and of course summer - it truly is a wonderful time of the year.

Christmas is a time of joy, but it also brings a message of hope. It has been another tough year for everyone, I will certainly remember my first message being to close the school!! Hopefully I don’t have to do that again, and I hope that 2022 will be a time that we can be together more.

There is no time like now to be hope filled and make opportunities of joy! Here in South Australia, we have been very fortunate, unlike a many others interstate and overseas.  No matter what life brings us we can continue to bring joy through seizing opportunities to be people of hope – looking for positives in our lives and asking for help through prayer. 

I have been blessed to be leading this wonderful St Joseph’s school community for just 6 months. In this time, I have met many – still learning all those names! A bit of a holiday project! I would like to thank you for welcoming me, particularly the school Board, P&F and Staff who have taken time to share ‘the ins and outs of St Joseph’s School’. I am grateful for all those who have volunteered to support St Joseph’s and our students. Your individual contributions are valued and enable so many opportunities for your children. I am still learning but inspired, and hope filled by what I see and most importantly a by the community of parents, parishioners, children, and staff, that are so committed to continuing to make St Joseph’s a great place to learn, play and thrive.

Tomorrow night we farewell our graduating year 6 students who are ready to begin their next stage of education at high school. Today the in the liturgical reflection the senior students used a favourite quote of mine from Saint Mary Mackillop of the Cross:

“Find happiness in making others happy.”

As the year 6’s venture to their new schools, full of hope, excitement, and a few nerves I remind you to remember Mary Mackillop, a person who had challenges but kept smiling and great things happened. Each of you have grown to be leaders in your own right. I wish you all the best and hope that you are confident in who you are and know you are ready for the next step – with a smile to help you find happiness and in doing so making others happy too.

As we reminisce on the year passed and plan for the year ahead, we took a moment at the Thanksgiving Liturgy to announce the award winners and student leaders for 2022. Congratulations to the following students. We are so proud of all you have achieved in your schooling so far, and are looking forward to seeing you excel even further in the coming year. The current year 6 student award winners will be announced at tonight's Graduation Dinner. 

School Captains

Allegra Y
Joshua P

House Leaders

MacKillop Blue:
Liam M
Emily D

McCormack Red:
Miles L
Isla  B

Tenison Gold:
Charlie R
Asha  O

Eco Warriors

Kiara B
Andre P
Matthew  S
Vasi C

Spirit Leaders

Eden L
Noah P
Oliver  B
Georgia  H

Music Captains

Arabella W
Mia D

Pastoral Care Award

Joshua P
Benoit G
Elsie P
Cashmere L

Community Service Award

Oliver B
Thomas B

Academic Award

Allegra Y
Lila W
Liam M
Charlie  R
Sienna  S

I take this opportunity to give thanks to the staff members who are leaving us and wish them all the best in where life takes them next. Some have been with us a short time, Tania Montin, Kate Mueller, Judy Reinboth and Adele D'Angelo. We thank them for all they have given us and we may continue to see them around our community.

Others have been a part of our community for longer. 

Emma Begg - Emma has had a long-term connection with St Joseph’s as her children have also attended our school. Emma has contributed to the leadership team and successfully supported the implementation of a literacy intervention program and a phonic-based spelling and reading program. Emma has been a hard-working dedicated teacher and her knowledge and experience will be missed. 

Josh Bratt - Josh has made a significant impact on the lives of students of St Joseph’s with his deep commitment to support their wellbeing. Josh has nurtured deep relationships with all he has met and his quick wit and playful nature will be missed. We wish you well as you take up your new role at St Brigid’s Catholic School, Evanston.

Kathy Hoile - Thank you Kathy for all of your hard work and dedication to support the students of St Joseph’s over many years. Your intimate knowledge of the community will be missed. We wish you all the best as you enter the next chapter of your life. 

We also farewell a number of families who have been here for a long time, with the year 6’s moving off, but others who are moving for varied reasons. We wish you every blessing as you move to new communities and hope that you leave with some fond memories in your time at St Joseph’s School

I was disappointed not to be with the community at our Thanksgiving Liturgy to personally farewell. I have been rather unwell and in the current times, need to stay home! I would personally like to thank everyone for their support and welcome, I have really enjoyed leading the community and am excited about what the future holds. Over the holiday period, I hope you find joy and happiness by making others happy in this season of giving. Wishing you a Happy Christmas a safe and enjoyable break and I look forward to welcoming you back in 2022.

Kindest regards,

Jodie Higgins
Principal