It is so hard to believe that we are already at Week 6 of Term 3!

Thank you to the parents, grandparents, staff and students who have extended to me, a warm welcome. I retired from Catholic Education in June last year, after 40 years in various roles. It is such a joy to be able to help when Principals and teachers need to be away from school but also to be back in a school interacting with the students and staff.

My first impressions of the students at St Joseph’s are that; they are very engaged in their learning, they are kind and thoughtful to each other and are willing to assist the teachers wherever possible!

The staff are hardworking, life-long learners and focussed on the needs of the students. What a wonderful community!

Last week we were fortunate to have Melanie Cooper from Landcare and Kathleen McCue , a local artist, to assist the students create their art work for the Wild Art competition. Not only is it an opportunity for our budding artists to explore different mediums but they are also learning about endangered plant and animal species. This will help the next generation be aware of environmental issues and hopefully make decisions to ensure the future of our planet. I was very impressed with many of the mixed medium pieces the students have started. They will continue to work on them for the next few weeks.

Thank you to Julie Ferguson a member of the local NAIDOC committee for addressing the students today. She has asked each class to make an artwork that will be displayed in the community for the Grenfell NAIDOC Day event.

I am looking forward to celebrating with our fathers, grandfathers and significant men in the lives of our students at our Fathers’ Day celebration on Tuesday 29^th August. We will have breakfast at 8:30, a special presentation at 9:15 and then Mass at 9:30. If you are intending to come along could you please complete the RSVP on Compass as soon as possible, so we can cater for everyone.

Mrs Grant has reported that she and her husband are thoroughly enjoying their holiday and she is looking forward to returning to St Joseph’s on Monday 4th September.

God bless,

Katrina McGrath

Acting Principal