Principal’s Address for the 2017 School Year Dear Parents and Carers of St Joseph’s, The school year has started very well. The student enrolment has increased from 375 to 399 enrolments. The third kindergarten class; K Red has settled into their new class learning space with great enthusiasm. KBlue and KGold visit K Red and vice a versa when required to collaborate. The new passive outdoor play area is shared by both Kinders. The Year 6 Buddies visit their Kinder friends both in the classrooms and in the playground. All students have commenced their library borrowing sessions this week. The feedback from the students and parents is overwhelmingly positive about the refurbished library. The Annual Improvement Plan for 2017 focus on the following key strategic goals: 1. Nurture and deepen students’ knowledge and understanding of the Catholic tradition through a focus on Church and Beliefs and religious vocabulary.

2. Depth experiences of learning which engage, challenge and empower students, particularly in the writing curriculum.

3. Further enhance the provision of support for students with diverse learning needs particularly in gifted and talented education.

4. Provide vibrant learning spaces that cater for growing enrolments and develop a master plan for future building works.

A snapshot of some strategies employed to work towards meeting the above goals include: 1.a The Religious Education Coordinator to visit classrooms for the purpose of modeling effective practices and provide staff with professional learning experiences. 2.a Continue student goal setting and tracking of progress on the writing continuum which was introduced last year. Provide staff workshops on effective practice in teaching writing skills across the school.

3.a Mr Brown and Mrs Luc completed a Gifted Education Course in 2016 and will provide a whole school professional learning course for teaching staff. Mr Brown will continue to provide learning opportunities that depth problem solving and critical thinking skills. Mr Love will provide small group learning support and challenge for students in the area of Mathematics three days a week. 4.a Construction of the new Kindergarten and library spaces and outdoor passive play area were completed during the January break. Mrs Luc and a team of teachers will visit recently completed schools to view architects’ and builders’ work in designing and constructing contemporary and future schooling learning spaces. A master plan will be developed for the proposed 2019 Construction Program of new learning spaces. The construction project will be delivered in stages as the school grows. Mrs Luc will keep everyone informed of progress as more information is shared with the school. In 2016, staff were involved in developing a Vision for Learning Statement. As new staff have been appointed to the school this year, we will revisit the information collected from staff and shape the Vision for Learning Statement and share with parents and students.

Fundraising this year will go towards the installation of a shade sail over part of the new outdoor passive play area. Funds will also be required to go towards the installation of new visual technology in classrooms. The class interactive whiteboards and projectors are nearing the end of their working life. We have purchased a television screen and Vivi in the library for staff meetings and class use when required. The Year 3 Blue classroom will shortly receive a whiteboard and short throw projector which teachers have selected as their visual technology following their visit to local schools to observe how the technology can be utilised. The technology in both these areas is to be trialled and critiqued for their efficiency and cost. The Fundraising Target is $20,000.00. Vesna Tomac, Family Educator has taken over the role to chair meetings and liaise with parent community about fundraising events as her time is more flexible to meet and undertake fundraising planning etc. The school received a donation of $3,000.00 from the Godolphin Organisation at the commencement of the year. We are grateful to Godolphin and to Mrs Milissa Widdup for acting on the school’s behalf in securing the donation. The school has budgeted to purchase furniture for the Years 4 and 6 classrooms. New furniture was purchased in Year 5 and trialled. The feedback received from students and teachers has been very positive.

The BYODD (Bring Your Own Device) program in Years 4 , 5 and 6 has had a smooth start. Thank you to parents for supporting this initiative.

The school has two main parent groups; Fundraising Group and Parent Advisory Group. The Parent Advisory Group is made up of six parent/carer members of the school community. The six member positions are open to parents to express their interest in 2017. If any parent would like to become a member of the Advisory Group they are asked to contact the school via email [email protected] or phone 9602 7254 or drop a note into the office. Mrs Luc will contact you directly to discuss further. The role of the Advisory Group is to liaise between parent community/grade parents and bring forward suggestions/ questions/other for discussion with Mrs Luc and or Mr Brown. This is an important opportunity for parents which enables strong communication between parent community and the school. Mrs Luc relies on the Advisory Group as a forum to listen to views and opinions as considered by parents. Meetings will be held each term at a time to be determined through consultation with parent members. Finally, parents are reminded the main form of communication between school and families is through the school newsletter. To keep informed about what is happening and of key messages you are asked to read the newsletter each fortnight. The newsletter is emailed directly to parents with a small number of printed copies available in the admin office. I look forward to an exciting and rewarding school year. I hope the students have many opportunities to develop a close relationship with their faith and God our Father. The Sacramental Programs, class liturgies, reconciliation, prayer assemblies, Mass and outreach initiatives contribute to moments where students and their families recognise God in our life each and every day. The relationships we build on trust and respect is our living example of the importance we place on faith and in following Jesus’ example. May God bless you and keep you safe. Regards Carol Luc Principal