PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Matthew O'Brien, Principal
Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, Students and the wider St. Joseph’s Primary School Community,
God of Love and Mercy,
We thank You for the life of Pope Francis.
We are grateful for his example of service, compassion, and leadership.
As we remember him, help us to live out his message of love in our own lives. Strengthen us as we continue his work of building a more just and loving world.
May his soul rest in peace, and may we carry his legacy forward.
We ask this through Jesus.
Amen.
Federal Election
As we approach the Federal Election on 3 May 2025, Catholic school communities have an important role in engaging with key issues that affect our sector. The National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) has developed a range of resources to support school leaders and families in understanding and advocating for Catholic education priorities.
These key priorities are:
- Ensure affordability and choice – every family should have the option of a Catholic education
- Address hardship, wellbeing, and disadvantage – every student deserves access to quality education and the right support, no matter their background
- Build and innovate for the future – investing in school infrastructure and support for early childhood education.
It is crucial that staff and parents understand where their local candidates stand on these key issues.
The major political parties, the Greens and Independent candidates have been asked to provide their commitment to the Catholic education priorities. Further to this, the NCEC has released a Federal Election Scorecard to highlight where political parties and key independent candidates stand on issues of importance for Catholic Schools.
I have also attached communication from Tom Sexton, Executive Director of DOBCEL with information specific to the Wannon Electorate.
St Joseph’s Equestrian Team
Bonnie and her pony Buddy competed at the Equestrian Victoria Interschool State Championships during the school holidays representing St Joseph’s.
Bonnie managed to twice qualify for the Inter School National Championships which will be held in Sydney this year in September.
She was 2nd overall in the Primary 80cm Show Jumping - making her reserve champion (national qualification). She placed 4th in the Primary 80cm Combined Training (national qualification). Impressively they placed 9th overall for all Primary aged riders on points - out of 130.
Bonnie will now go on to Nationals in Sydney to represent Team Victoria.
Great effort Bonnie (and Buddy).
Bonnie writes:
During the first week of the holidays, I went off to the Mornington Peninsula - Rosebud to compete at Petstock Interschool State Champs. There were many schools from all over Victoria. I competed in the combined training, dressage, and show jumping. And out of a very competitive field I made it into the national finals for two out of the three disciplines! Nationals are in September in NSW - Sydney. I am very excited to be on the Vic team! Watch out, NSW!
Building Works Over the Holidays
The interior corridors through the office and main passage were given a facelift through painting and the replacement of the old pinboards. There will be further painting during the next break and an upgrade of the carpets. A big thanks to Matt and Chris from Precise Painting who compromised their Easter break to get the job done before the children returned to school. Also to Matt Dalton from CarpetOz who added the final touch with the pinboards late into Thursday evening.
A big shout out to Cathy who coordinated the work and Sharyn and Andrew who coordinated the removal of furniture and artwork. Check out the results in the gallery.