Dear Parents and Carers,

Last week our Year 5 students led our school in the celebration of the Feast Day of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop. Mary Mackillop is an integral part of our history as a St Joseph’s School.

The Sisters of St Joseph write this about Mary’s legacy.

“Mary MacKillop was a trail-blazer in her lifetime, leaving a culture of exemplary living for her followers to emulate. Mary paved the way for education of poor children and a variety of ministries which addressed the needs of 19th century Australia.

Her legacy continues today in countless ways. Education in its many facets is still a strong ministry for the Sisters of Saint Joseph.”

Every classroom in our school has a print with one of Mary’s famous sayings “Never see a need without doing something about it.”  At St Joseph’s we spend every day talking about how we can help others in need, but it is so much more than that. It is about standing up for what is right, being courageous when we need to and always demonstrating inclusion and respect for others.

This week we join the National week of Action for Bullying No Way. Each morning our Year 6 leaders will be introducing a daily focus to the school during our morning prayer time. The aim for us as a school is to continue to build a positive culture of belonging in our schools which is an important protective factor against bullying.

Our focus areas this week include Challenging Stereotypes, Promoting Empathy, Embracing Diversity, Fostering Positive Relationships and Providing Support.

There is often a bit of confusion about the difference between a one-off incident and bullying, and it can be quite tricky for children to understand.

The National definition of bullying for Australian schools is:

School Crossing Update

I am very pleased to advise that we have progressed to the next stage of assessment in the quest for a school crossing supervisor. 

We passed the threshold for the required numbers for the program and our application will now move to the review stages for risk and finance. 

Thank you for your support in keeping our children safe and continuing to use the crossing.

Procedures for Investigating Complaints at Schools

It is not uncommon for children to have accidents or to get into the odd argument or fight. Such incidents can lead to high emotions both at home and at school. We ask children and parents to apply the following guidelines:

For Children

1. Tell a teacher when you are injured, upset, or feeling insecure.
2. If the teacher is busy, go to the school office and tell another teacher or tell your classroom teacher when you go to class.
3. Tell the truth, even if you may be at fault.

For Parents

1. Complaints and grievances should be raised at the earliest possible time. Classroom based complaints and grievances should be raised with the student’s class teacher. All other complaints and grievances should be directed to the principal and/or their delegate.
2. If the classroom-based complaint and grievance is not resolved by the teacher, direct the complaint/grievance to the principal and/or delegate.
3. If a complaint or grievance is not resolved by the principal after all efforts have been made to do so, or the complaint or grievance is about the principal, the parent/carer should refer the concern to the Catholic Schools Office (phone 49791200).
4. If a complaint or grievance remains unresolved, the parent/carer or Catholic Schools Office may refer the matter for review. A formal avenue of appeal is available in accordance with the Diocesan Pastoral Care Policy. All such appeals should be made to the Director of Schools in writing and in a timely manner.
5. If, ultimately, the parent/carer is not happy with the way their complaint or grievance has been dealt with by the school or the Catholic Schools Office, they may wish to go to an external agency or legal advocate for advice and assistance.

Notes

There may be several investigations proceeding that you are unaware of, all of which require care and thorough attention. Simply because a result is not immediately forthcoming does not mean that the issue is not being dealt with.

 Investigations do not happen in a vacuum. Schools are busy places, and your patience is appreciated. Decisions about discipline that are made in haste can be the wrong decisions.

 The way we deal with issues in school teaches children skills about how to make better choices in real life. It is about choice and consequences, not damning children. You may wish to express your indignation, but all children make mistakes. It could be your child tomorrow. Copies of our Pastoral Care and Discipline Policy are available on our website or on request from the office. The Catholic Schools Office Complaints Resolution for Parents and Carers Procedure can be found on the Catholic Schools Office website.

Parent Teacher Meetings and Student Led Conferences

Bookings will open this Friday on Compass for our Semester 2 Parent Teacher Meetings. One of our school focuses has been to increase parent and student engagement in learning. Therefore from 2025 our meetings will move to Student Led Conferences. This term our Stage 3 students will be leading their meetings with their parents and teacher. A separate note will go home with more information to those students in Year 5 and 6.

If you are interested in finding out more about how our parent teacher meetings will change next year, please come along to the PEG meeting on the 26^th of August.

Bookings will open on Friday the 16^th on Compass. If you require any help to book in, please contact the office.

Premiers Reading Challenge Closing

Those children who are participating in the Premier’s Reading Challenge are reminded that the challenge closes next Friday the 23^rd of August.  If you have any questions, please contact Mrs Hunt or Ms Monkley

Please join me in a prayer to Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop written by Sister Sandra Hopkins rsj.

Woman of vision, with an unwavering spirit. Pioneer educator of disadvantaged isolated and bush children. Comforter of prisoners and the unwanted. Extraordinary friend to all faiths and none. Fearless advocate who lifted the vulnerable to greater things. Shining example of complete belief in the providence of God. Pray for us to be fair and courageous, and walk beside us as we face our daily journey.

Amen

God Bless

Mel Hunt