Dear Families and Friends,

There is quite a bit of buzz around the school with lots of new initiatives particularly involving student voice.

Student voice is more than just students 'having a say' and 'being heard'. To be successful, schools must value the perspectives and opinions of students and act on them in a way that genuinely shapes learning and decision-making at the school.

Reception Yard Project

Last term the receptions teachers and I were discussing the courtyard, I suggested to put a proposal forward. Our amazing reception teachers went straight to those who use the space to ask for ideas. I was sent and invite to meet with them to share what they thought! The 5 and 6 -year-olds had so many ideas! You may be noticing a few new resources arriving, some new plants donated and planted by Bunnings, or perhaps you are coming to the upcoming Working Bee on 16^th June, where we hope to bring the student ideas to reality.

SRC and Lego

Owen and Theo in year 6 suggested forming a Lego club. Owen and Theo put forward a proposal via email, with the help of Mrs Wicks. The idea has started to come to a reality through the support of the SRC who are holding the casual days with donations going towards purchasing Lego. I have suggested that the school match what has been raised!

As well as the JP play spaces, we have been reviewing the use of spaces due to the ongoing requests I have from students to make some changes. The topic always comes up in term 2, the beginning of the AFL and Netball seasons. Students who like AFL have wanted goal posts and netballers have been keen for new goals. So, they have been heard and they have arrived!! Special thanks to the P&F for their support with netball goals and Mr D! The process of decisions making has created healthy robust discussions around the use of spaces. I have held 2 meetings with the students and classes have also held meetings as requested and passed on their suggestions. We are still in discussions and trial period, prior to making final decisions for use of spaces. What I have noticed in the trial period is new games occurring, creative uses of spaces and lots of different activities in the yard. Soccer is popular and will always be prominent in the yard at St Joseph’s. Enabling students to see that their requests don’t go unheard and that their opinions can bring about change will enable them to grow as active citizens. I only wish we had more space to enable all the amazing ideas such as Volleyball and a swimming pool!

Eco-Warriors and Spirit Team

Both of these groups are actively working on projects. Spirit Team is preparing for our annual winter appeal and our Eco- Warriors have introduced Bob!! If you haven’t heard about Bob, just ask your children. A hint… he is yellow helps our environment.

Students at St Joseph’s are valued and taking action to make a difference. The benefits of Student Voice include:

The benefits of listening to and acting on student voice include:

• increasing student's engagement in learning
• encouraging collaboration between students and their teachers
• creating and maintaining a positive environment and culture
• building respectful relationships, connections and belonging
• developing personal and social capabilities.

As winter sets in, and we near the 1/2way make of the term you will notice a few faces missing as some staff take long Service Leave to travel and follow the sun. We wish Josh, Sasha and Belinda safe travels and welcome Kate Mueller (3/4P and Year 6), Lisa Schulz (year 3/4K ) and in a few weeks Xavier Roberts and Erin Kite (2M)

Finally, I’d like to thank the P&F for their ongoing commitment to building community and to raise funds to benefit our students. The Disco was again popular the extra dance session for our senior students and the pop-up bar for parents were popular. Unfortunately I was unable to attend Bogan Bingo, but after listening to a few stories, may be it was fortunate!! Well done P&F and thank you!!

In all things Charity,

Jodie Higgins

Principal