eNews Term 1, Week 1, 2024

From the Principal - Back to School

Dear parents, carers, teachers, and students,

Welcome back to you all! It has been lovely this week, touching base with the students and listening to the children's stories about the quality time they have spent with family and friends during the holidays.

I must acknowledge our staff for the fantastic start to the school year. It is a credit to them for the hard work carried out over the school holiday break to have settled and calm classrooms and yard play to begin the school year. This really sets the scene for a year of fun and learning for all of our students, and we can’t underestimate the positive impact on learning that a calm and kind environment brings.

Our dedicated staff are also embracing this year's school theme: "Opening Our Doors to Kindness." The doors to classrooms are looking bright and inviting. The theme is inspired by the rich symbolism of the Holy Door in the Catholic tradition, this theme reminds us that renewal begins with an inner desire for peace – peace with God, forgiveness towards our neighbours, and a commitment to healing past hurts and building a brighter future. We invite you, the entire school community, to join us on this journey of kindness.

Let us strive to ensure that everyone who enters our ‘doors’ (gates) experiences the true essence of our school motto: "In all Things Kindness." May this year be filled with acts of compassion, cooperation, respect, inclusion, and genuine care for one another in the community, reflecting the love and grace that guides our faith.

I, along with the entire staff, look forward to partnering with you in creating an engaging learning environment for your child/ren. This environment will not only nurture their passion for learning but also inspire them to continuously strive for personal growth. To achieve this, we have recently reviewed and updated the school's "Student Engagement Plan." This plan equips both staff and students with the tools and strategies to cope with challenges and resolve issues in a restorative and respectful manner.

Clear principles and expectations have been established within each classroom to create a safe and kind atmosphere that fosters empathy, cooperation, and positive behaviour. For situations where classroom and yard play expectations are not followed, and the learning for others is interrupted, we have a dedicated "safe" room where students will be supported by a member of the Leadership team until they are ready to reengage safely and return to their learning. These spaces serve as a platform for reflection, restoration, and positive behavioural development. If this process is unsuccessful, parents and carers will be called to come to the school to assist.

For your reference, I have attached an infographic that outlines this process in detail, including specific instances where parents and carers will be informed about their child's engagement at school. We strongly believe in open communication and will proactively keep you involved in your child's learning journey. Seesaw is our primary form of online communication from the school to families. Teachers will be sending out classroom introduction letters to families over the next two weeks.

This is a particularly special time for the children who are beginning school in Reception and those joining us from other schools and their families. I hope that during this transition into our school community, you feel warmly welcomed and trust that through our strong partnerships with families, you will feel connected with your children’s development as they begin their learning journey at St Joseph’s School.

Reminder – School Gate Opening Times

The school gates open at 8:30 am and close promptly at 8:50 am. They reopen again at 3:00 pm for dismissal. While we appreciate your enthusiasm for early drop-off, unsupervised students arriving before 8:30 am at the Florence Street entrance pose a safety concern. School staff and crossing monitors are not on duty until just before the official opening times. We kindly request that you remind your children to wait patiently and respectfully outside the closed gates until they open at 8:30 am. Additionally, please note that teachers are not required to be in their classrooms until 8:45 am.
Parking around the school can be challenging, and we encourage everyone to exercise patience and caution while driving and parking near Mannum, Florence, and McHenry Streets. Our shared priority must be safety for all students and staff.

Mrs Ros Oates
Principal

View File