We have reached the half way point of term two already! Our students are working hard and getting used to the colder, wetter weather!

Over the past 2 weeks, students in years 3 and 5 have been engaging with NAPLAN. The testing period finished on Friday 24th May, and the wait for results now begins! With this year’s test being administered online, we hope to have our results sooner. I am extremely proud of the confident way our young people undertook the tests, and I sincerely thank their teachers and families for supporting them through the test window. There has been significant commentary around the difficulties faced with the new online system, however at St. Joseph’s Kingswood we experienced minimal disruptions throughout the two week window, and I am confident each child had the opportunity to give their best.

Last week I contacted many of our Volunteers to express my thanks for their ongoing contribution to our school community, as part of National Volunteers Week. At St. Joseph’s Kingswood we are blessed with wonderful community support and engagement. Research clearly shows that when parents are actively engaged in the life of their children’s school, the children’s learning is enhanced. My sincere thanks to all families for everything we do in partnership to bring about a positive learning experience for your children.

We were fortunate to host Dr Neil McGoran, Director of Catholic Education SA. School Captains, Sam de Sousa and Sophia Edwards, along with Ambassadors Alannah Harriss and Edward Welch proudly represented St Joseph's Kingswood, taking Neil for a tour of the school, with time spent in each of the classrooms observing the maginificent lesson time our staff and students engage in. After the tour, Neil joined our staff for lunch before meeting with the school's Leadership Team. I am delighted with the success of the visit and feedback received. 

Friday 7th June is a Pupil Free Day. The teaching and support staff will all be engaged in a day of professional learning which is designed to enhance our skills and understandings around Restorative Practice in the development of personal responsibility of our children. This day fits within our broader protocols around behaviour management, as well as underpinning all of the tenets of the Catholic Faith.

I acknowledge and understand- from current personal experience- that pupil free days can be disruptive to family life, and I appreciate and value your ongoing understanding of our need to provide teachers and support staff with opportunities for professional learning. A reminder to all families that our OSHC service is available on this day, and that they are going on an excursion to Mitcham to the Movies! Please consider booking as soon as you can. There will be 2 further Pupil Free Days in term 3, on July 22 and August 12. OSHC will be available on both days.

Last week was the celebration of Reconciliation Week in Australia. The theme this year is: Grounded in Truth- walk together with courage.“

Reconciliation is ultimately about relationships and like all effective relationships the one between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians must be grounded in truth. There can be no trust without an honest, open conversation about our history. During the week, children engaged with their classes in conversation and action around Reconciliation Week.

Have a great week everyone,

God bless,

Phil