Dear Families and Friends,

Grandparents and Special Friends

It was heartening to witness the deep connections between children and Grandparents and special people when we celebrated Grandparents and Special Friends Day last week. We had such a wonderful turn out with the sun shining and children smiling. It was a beautiful opportunity to share our school and our learning.

As a school community we recognise the contribution grandparents make to families, communities and to children. Being a grandparent for some is the best ‘job’ ever as they do school pickup, attend playgroup, listen to reading, collect sick children and much more – teachers, students and parents are grateful for all they do and all the love and joy they cultivate. Grandparents and special friends we say ‘thank you’ for your care and support and for sharing your knowledge, experience, traditions and love with our children.

I noticed when listening to the reflections from children at our morning assembly, what matters to them is the stories, memories, and experiences created through spending time together, whether in person, on the phone, or via video call. It is simply being together.

I have included a couple of poems shared by our senior students:

'My Grandparents are all so amazingly kind, caring and loving. I can always count on them to talk to and give me a good laugh. I always love spending time with them, and I could never ask for anyone better. So, I wrote this poem for them, but really it goes out to anyone special in anyone’s life.'

They lift me up when I am down

 and are so fun to be around

They are supportive

They are positive

They are the best in the town

 To me they are the greatest present

And of course, they are my grandparents

Ada Cother

Brightening my day

Lifting me up in every way

The woman who is always kind to plants and birds

Never makes me feel unheard 

She is the best

I am so grateful, I am blessed

I love you Grandma

You are the most awesome by far

Annabel King

Scholastic Book Fair

The students and I are very grateful for the wonderful books that were donated to our Library through the Scholastic Book Fair. In 3 days $6134.29 was spent on books equating to $1828 of Scholastic Rewards points for even more books for our library! We are very grateful for your generosity. Special thanks to staff Eva, Emma, and special parent helper on the day, Bec Clark for set-up, sales and assistance.

World Teachers’ Day and Staff Reflection Day

Albeit a bit overshadowed by grandparents, we took a moment on Friday to show gratitude to our excellent teachers and we look forward to caring for our teachers this Friday.

Teachers, like children and parents are all different. Each year your child has the opportunity for a new encounter with a class teacher or specialist teacher. No matter what the connection, there is always something for children and teachers to gain. Teachers don’t give up, especially primary teachers, as we know it’s a 12-month journey not just a part of a day. I know this because I hear teachers standing up for students in their class, I see the devastation when teachers find out it is one of their students has stepped out of line or the absolute pride when one is rewarded. Just like parents and grandparents, they care deeply, for each and every child.

As we know at St Joseph’s School, we need to be in ‘The Pit’ to learn and to grow. I hope you can reflect and see how much your child has grown with their teacher/s this year, through the fun times, the challenges and the many learning opportunities.

This Friday the staff engaged in a staff reflection day with Mahdavi Nawana Parker taking us through our first session. Many of you may not be aware, but along with her wellbeing for children, Madhavi specialises in coaching professionals, including educators, on stress management, happiness and wellbeing. She has written book ‘Educator Wellbeing; Practical solutions to Reset, Recharge and Recover’, Routledge, London (2020). Madhavi, through her work with children and parents is well aware of the challenging but rewarding role of an educator. I, along with Christine who crafted our day, hope this was an opportunity to support our teachers, to say thank you, and for them to gain skills to sustain their wellbeing.

You would be aware there is a teacher shortage, and current teachers are walking away from the role. As a parent, I have firsthand experience of this occurring this week for one of my children.  I hope you take the opportunity as the year comes to a close to show gratitude to our educators and reflect how our choices can impact their work. Thank you to the many parents who show gratitude, each day (thanks for my jar of gratitude this week from a parent)! A special thank you to teachers for your strength, your passion, and your dedication to your students.

"Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire." - William Butler Yeats

Congratulations!

Finally, I wanted to pass on congratulations to our newly weds this term. Serena Razon (Joeys and Playgroup) and Farbod Mohammadi and Paula Thomson (Reception Thomson) and Brett McKerlie. We wish them all the best as they build a life together.

Finally, remember, In all things Charity

Jodie Higgins