The sun is shining! It feels like we missed spring this year hopefully the erratic weather has ended, and we can get into the outdoors, especially with December looming. In talking to families and children, I am aware several you endured time without power, for me it was only a couple of days. It is a reminder of how important the basics are – warm showers, coffee, and light.

School Concert! Oh, what a night!!!

No words can convey how wonderful the show was last week. The staff have been appreciative and proud with the number of heartfelt words you have given after the show. We are glad you enjoyed the concert as much as we and the students did.

I offered many thanks at both performances to all involved – students, parents, and staff. It certainly takes a team to put on such a wonderful event. However, I will offer special commendation to our one and only Ringmaster Steph Insanally and her wonderful assistant Mary-Rose Coghlan.  They have put a great deal of time, energy, and passion over the year (yes…all year!) Planning and preparing – it certainly was a show to remember – thank you!

I can’t help but congratulate the students! They certainly were exhausted after a very big day… I congratulate them on remembering all their places and for making it to the sage on cue. The smiles and looks on their faces were just delightful, and I hope it will be a moment they treasure (I bet you remember your school performance too – mine was “The grand old duke of York!”).

Staffing

With all schools, the conclusion of each year often brings with it some staff changes- whether it be a contract ending, awarding permanency, taking some well-deserved leave or some of the many other opportunities. We continue to finalise our 2023 staff, and look forward to sharing this with our community.

I am pleased to advise we will be seeing a bit more of Mr D, with him working an extra day at the school next year to cover some non-contact time as well as time to further enhance our Sports Program at St Joseph’s Kingswood.

The following staff are retiring: 

• Anne-Marie Stanton (Finance)
• Tania Shackleford (Teacher on leave)
• Graham Connor (Teacher on leave)

With a significant number of combined years (decades!) of teaching and service, we are very grateful to Anne-Marie, Tania and Graham for the positive impact each of them have had on our school. 

Alannah Prestwich (Signora) and Lidia Saccone are taking 12 months of leave to further upskill and take care of family respectively, we look forward to their return in 2024!

As their 12 month contracts conclude, we thank Louise Marshall and Stephanie McNeil for their dedication and fresh energy they have brought to St Joseph’s Kingswood this year.

We will farewell staff formally at the end of the year whole school Mass on Wednesday 14^th December, but please feel free to pass along your well wishes if you see them in the yard!

Class placements

I would like to thank those who have put in class placement requests. This option is now closed. As they are requests, they will carefully be considered. A reminder that we are unable to facilitate requests for a specific Teacher. Due to the large number of requests, I will make contact with parents ONLY if the request cannot be fulfilled and we believe it is necessary to inform you personally to support your child.

Children will spend time with their 2023 teacher and class, with letters going home to parents advising of your child’s class on Monday 12^th December. Class structures can change from year-to-year depending on many factors. In setting structures, it is desirable to create teaching teams that support clusters of year levels as it has such a significant impact on student success.

This time of year can be an anxious time for children, parents, and staff. We have carefully listened to families, and, as with all facets of parenting – views of what an ideal class structure is, vary greatly. It’s what makes us human and is to be celebrated, but I want to communicate that it is not a one size fits all solution. Some parents want stable groups; others want more change in groups. Some think a composite would benefit their child, others prefer flat year levels etc. We as a staff agonise over the decisions, and I emphasise that we do make every effort to find the best composition of class structures, sizes and students. I thank those who have expressed their confidence in the school making the best possible decision for all students.

KEEPING SAFE

We appreciate parent contributions of different materials from time-to-time when class teachers are engaging in a relevant topic (e.g. building a toy etc.). Please ensure you carefully read the below guide to ensure our student's safety.

Bring recycled materials for making

• ensure all boxes, containers have been checked for any dangerous items/ remnants – sharps, nuts etc
• Make sure items don’t have sharp edges – ie avoid cans
• Look to see if the item, images etc are appropriate for children (ie medicines, drugs etc)

Volunteers

I have noticed an increased number of excursions in the next few weeks. These are not possible without parental support, thank you to those who have put their hand-up to help make these experiences possible for our children. Please note below the best ways for volunteers to support staff on an excursion:

• Undertake the role as described by the teacher
• Always think about the safety and wellbeing of young people as per your RAN induction
• Be confidential – it is teacher responsibility to contact parents etc, unless directed by staff.
• Behaviour management is the responsibility of staff, unless it is for immediate safety purposes. Report incidents/concerns to staff only.
• Don’t use your personal phone to take/send photos of other children (even if a friend has asked)
• Be respectful and confidential not to disclose information you may have seen, heard etc Please report to staff only and the school will act accordingly.
• Keep yourself safe and let a staff member know if you need support
• Enjoy the excursion and supporting the students and staff.

We are grateful of the support our volunteers and families provide to our school activities and events.

We only have a few weeks to go, I look forward to seeing you at our various end of year events.

Enjoy Summer!

Kind regards,

Jodie

Jodie Higgins
Principal