Last week was a big week, farewelling the year 6 students, staff and inducting our new leaders for 2023.

The year 6 graduation was a beautiful send off, there were lots of tears from children, but especially parents as watch with pride and a sense of accomplishment as their children graduated. It was truly a joy to watch them dance collectively, joyously and with such connection with each other. I take this opportunity to congratulate our Class of 2022, you made us all proud. Go forth and go well, as Sr Irene McCormack said: ‘We must make the world a better place, one person at a time.’

 ‘We have much to be thankful for’, Mary MacKillop

All students at St Joseph's Kingswood are fortunate to have many wonderful opportunities. I am proud of, the gratitude shown by all in our community. It is easy to go along doing what we want, learning the instrument we have dreamed of, playing our favourite sport, enjoying loads of wonderful resources and well as attending so many events, excursions and camps. This is important for our learning and is fun. What is harder at times is stopping to think of other’s and showing gratitude to others, being kind, helping others.

It takes the input of all in our community to enable the St Joseph’s Kingswood to be great.

I take this opportunity to thank a few groups and individuals.

The School Board, particularly Chairperson Kelvin Warner who leaves our community this year. Kelvin provided a supportive welcome; guidance held a great deal of history which I am grateful of over the past 18 months. I thank all the board and finance members for their commitment to our strategic plan, making choices for continued improvement and particularly their advice and guidance. I look forward to presenting our New Strategic Plan with them at the AGM. 

The Parents and Friends, ably led by Lucy Sach – what a wonderful year they have had, coming out of the challenge of COVID and reinvigorating our community. I am grateful for the fundraising contribution they have made. The Picnic, Quiz Night and many gatherings have been greatly appreciated.

Friends of Music have continued their activity and fundraising, I thank Lauren Vilanova and her team. We are looking forward to some new resources and opportunities in 2023.

I particularly thank our staff. I am fortunate to have such a dynamic team who are dedicated to education and supporting the students and the school vision. I am so proud of the commitment to Visible Learning, and as such have reaped the reward of being an educator in a Certified Visible Learning School. I take this opportunity to thank them, as it is a whole school approach and every educator contributed.

I particularly acknowledge the support of the leadership team, Emma Fowler, Christine Farrugia and Josh Bennett, for supporting me and St Joseph’s Kingswood.

Being part of a Catholic community, is the core of who we are. The parish, led by Fr John and supported by the Emmaus Chair Stephen Shinnick are a constant support and guidance for our staff and community. I look forward to continuing to work with you in 2023 and the years ahead. 

As you can see it takes a team to have such a great school.

I’d now like to show our thanks to the staff leaving us.

Some have been here for a short times, others for a long time - but everyone has an impact.

Alannah Prestwich - our delightful Italian teacher who always makes learning fun.  We wish you best as you spend a year doing some new learning yourself.

Lidia Saccone - taking a year to be closer to her family. Thank Lidia for her commitment to all children and for working so hard to give every child a great beginning.

Leaving us this year - we have known both Mrs McNeil and Ms Marshall for only a short time, they are both such outstanding educators and have really connected well with the community.

Stephanie McNeil - Thank you for being a constant support to the students, supporting our winning netball team.

Louise Marshall - Thank you for bringing you wisdom and expertise to the 3/4 team

Graham Connor - 2007 - 15 years

Anne-Marie Stanton - 2005 - 17 years -  20 years in CESA

Tania Shackleford - Jan 1989 - 33 years CESA - 30 years in Kingswood

2022 school year has come to a close with lots of mixed emotions with students and families moving on to new schools, new classrooms and new teachers. On Wednesday afternoon a parent approached me, observing her daughter and a group of friends hugging and in tears because they were going to miss each other over the holidays. The parent made comment about this being what you want as a parent. Children sad to go on holidays as they are going to miss being at school! Another younger child came and gave me a big hug – arms and legs! Exclaiming she doesn’t want holidays – its moments like these that make the tough times worth it and reminds me why I work in schools with families and children.

I take this opportunity to wish you all a joy-filled Christmas and safe holiday. Treasure the moments and ‘Find happiness in making others happy’, as Mary MacKillop suggested.

Wishing you a blessed Christmas and Happy New Year! I look forward to welcoming you back in 2023.

Jodie

"In all things Charity"