As we begin this celebration of Arts Week at St Josephs, I call to mind Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart and their families. Also, all Victorian Police members particularly those in our community. I also offer this prayer for Milla Killeen and her family and the school community of Christian College Geelong following the tragic bus crash last week. 

Prayer for the artist within

Bless the creator in us, O God of creation

And by our gifts let us make the world

A more joyful and beautiful realm

Teach us to see more clearly

The truth around us

And through your inspiration

Let us call forth wonder and awe

in our own living

In our hope and vision

remind us that life is precious

Bless us who create, O God of Creation

Pour your creative spirit upon us

That our hearts may sing and our works be fulfilling.

Amen

 Arts Week

There is a real buzz around the school this week as we celebrate our biannual Arts Week.  Putting the week together is a real team effort by the staff but it would not go ahead without the drive, vision, energy and leadership of our Arts Team. So a big thanks to Kath McMeel, Cara Chisholm, Michelle McIntyre-Hand and Caitlin Symons who have devoted countless hours to the preparation and organisation of the activities which is highlighted by the “Illuminate Night Walk” on Wednesday.

First Eucharist

Congratulations on First Eucharist

We extend our warmest congratulations to the children who celebrated their First Eucharist on the weekend — a very special step in their faith journey. We also thank and acknowledge the families, teachers, and parish community who have supported and guided them with love and faith. May this milestone be a source of lasting joy and spiritual growth for each child and their family.

Also a big thanks to our school choir who led the singing on Sunday evening.

School Review

“BEST REPORT EVER!”

Last week we hosted the external review panel of Pauline Fisher (external reviewer), Lee Schlooz (DOBCEL) and Janet Cain (Principal, St Colman’s Mortlake). The panel interviewed students, parents, teachers, leaders, and non teaching staff to understand our school, our context, strengths and challenges. We received very positive feedback from the panel in all aspects of our school. In fact Pauline said and I quote “This is the best self reflection report that I have ever read”. Quite a compliment.  As a part of the process we have drafted priorities, strategies and success indicators to continue to our school for our students.

The draft priorities (to be ratified by the Director) are:

Priority 1: Enhance religious learning and strengthen Catholic identity by fostering student-centered learning and voice, enabling authentic dialogue between the Catholic tradition and students’ lived realities.

Priority 2: Students will experience greater opportunity for student voice, higher levels of engagement, improved wellbeing and academic outcomes.

Priority 3: To nurture a safe, inclusive, and compassionate learning environment that supports the wellbeing of all staff and students, informed by Catholic Social Teaching.

Staffing Update

Laura Dunn begins her maternity leave at the conclusion of this term and we welcome Ella Grundy into C3 and the Foundation team.

Mark Gercovich is taking long service leave for Term 4 and we welcome Breanna Saddington who will be full time in F7. 

Jayne Gercovich is also taking leave for Term 4 with Monica O'Brien now full time in E2.

Camps

Good luck to the Year 5 team as they head to the goldfields of Ballarat for their camp. Also to the Year 6 team who head away to Melbourne for their camp.  Enjoy!

Book Week Dress Up

Thanks to everyone (parents and children) who gave such politely written, well meaning feedback on this year’s book week dress up. I have received many emails and hand written notes (see below) consequently I have scheduled this conversation for Wednesdays Leadership Team Meeting where we will reschedule the dress up for a suitable time in Term 4.

Matthew O'Brien, Principal