Hi everyone, I hope you have had a great holiday period and Easter break. As you may know I have recently returned from Finland. I had an amazing time and enjoyed learning about the Finnish educational system. I am happy to report that there are more similarities than differences when it comes to what both countries do educationally. And most of the differences are cultural and would be hard to replicate here. I believe after seeing what happens in Finland, that we are very lucky to be working and learning here at St Joseph’s Kingswood. The hardest part would be to try and replicate what we do here throughout all schools in Australia, which is what they’ve been able to do in Finland. In Australia we have many overarching bodies of education including Catholic, Independent and state schools, whilst most schools in Finland are state schools. In Finland they just have one system. Besides this I had a great experience going to many different types of restaurants, going to a soccer and ice hockey game and meeting new people. It is a very beautiful place but very cold. When we were at the soccer game it was -3 and snowing. During most days it was about 1-2 degrees and warmed up to about 8 degrees on the last 2 days there. The students told me that during the winter it gets to -30!

As mentioned by Phil, I will be taking over as APRIM for the remainder of the year while Christine is on maternity leave. I am really looking forward to all of the wonderful things that have been planned and working with the Parish to bring about a holistic and fulfilling school life.

I hope all have a great term. I look forward to the many exciting things planned in the next few weeks.

Take care,

Jamie Deverson