Principal's Message -Jeanette Wilkins

Dear Families, 

Welcome to Term 4. The first 2 weeks have absolutely flown. Many things to shine a light on this week. 

Last week’s Stage 3 five-day Camp at Lake Keepit was an incredible experience - not only for our students but for us as the staff who accompanied them. While the camp was designed to challenge and inspire our young people, it quickly became clear that the lessons we took home were just as powerful for us adults.

Over the week, our students reminded us what true resilience, teamwork, and kindness look like in action. They showed us how to adapt to whatever changes came our way - whether it was a shift in the schedule, unexpected weather, flies, or new challenges they hadn’t faced before. Each day, they got themselves ready and prepared, showing growing independence and responsibility.

We watched them push through moments of fatigue, uncertainty, or self-doubt, proving to themselves that they could keep going even when things felt tough. Many also demonstrated enormous courage — stepping outside their comfort zones to try activities and experiences they hadn’t done before, even when they weren’t sure of their abilities or felt nervous to begin. Watching students face fears and discover new strengths was one of the most inspiring parts of the week.

Mealtime routines became lessons in community care — they cleaned up after themselves, worked together to keep the dining area spotless, and made sure everyone had what they needed. Back in the cabins, students kept their rooms and clothes tidy, learning the value of personal organisation and respect for shared spaces.

Perhaps most importantly, our students demonstrated deep empathy and understanding. They looked out for one another, showing genuine care and compassion. They began to see that not everyone thinks, feels, or reacts the same way- and that’s something to be accepted and respected.

By the end of camp, we didn’t just see stronger, more confident students — we saw young people who had grown in character, maturity, and respect for themselves and others.

To our amazing campers: thank you for reminding us what it means to be adaptable, thoughtful, and resilient learners. You’ve made us proud.

We thank the staff of Lake Keepit, from our instructors the wonderful kind Ella and  our funny, caring and inspiring Stuart, to Darren our chef, Trish and Heath in the Office and Fiona our program organiser, thank you for your care and making our stay an incredible one. 

A special thank you to our terrific staff Mrs Michelle Stormon and Mr Tim Llewellyn(from St Mary's Casino) who accompanined the children. Their days started at 6am and they usually returned to rooms between 7.30- 8pm to begin the shower organisation and medications. Their days ended with the children around 10pm and obviously were on call throughout the night for any needs.

Throughout any school camp, the main focus of the staff attending is their duty of care for the safety and wellbeing of the children. That means that the staff are involved in all activies, whether it is on the water, archery, mud runs, pump track, swimming as well as night activities. If there is any concern for a child on any camp, the parents are immediately contacted as happened on this excursion with a hospital visit, allergic reactions or generally unwell.

We know parents love updates, and we are fortunate at St Joseph's that our staff make an effort to connect with parents at least once a day to share some of the fun and learning.

We thank you for your understanding that this communication can only happen when there is sufficient time available, as the students' care and safety are the first priority, and when Wi-Fi is accessible at the camp location.

Are you a parent, grandparent, carer or other adult living in a regional, rural area, or supporting a child aged 10–13 who has unmet mental health needs? Southern Cross University is offering a free online education program designed to help you better support the mental health needs of the children in your care.

The program includes flexible online learning and a weekly 90-minute group session led by experienced mental health clinicians. It has been co-designed by parents, carers, teachers, and children’s mental health experts.

Participants will also be contributing to valuable research that aims to strengthen community responses to children’s wellbeing. Those who complete the program and the survey at the end will receive a $50.00 voucher. 

To learn more or express interest, please email Professor John Hurley at john.hurley@scu.edu.au.

This Friday, October 31st, our school community will join the nation in celebrating World Teachers' Day!

While the international date falls on October 5th, Australia observes the day on the last Friday of the month to ensure students are at school to join the celebrations. This is a special opportunity to collectively acknowledge the incredible commitment, passion, and expertise our teachers bring to their classrooms every single day.

As you are aware our teachers do far more than just teach lessons; they inspire  curiosity, they guide student through learning and personal challenges, they nurturn creativity, critical thinking and social emotional development and they create a safe, inclusive and engaging environment for every child. 

This day is a chance to say thank you for their unwavering dedication and the profound, positive impact they have on the lives of our children and our future. I am so grateful them and extremely proud of them.  

Last week we welcomed our Junior Joeys back for Term 4.  They settled so well, it was if they hadn't been away.  Junior Joeys will continue for will continue for weeks 3, 4, 5 & 6.  A final Parent Meeting will  be held on Wednesday 19 November at 6pm. 

To help you prepare for the new social media age restrictions that take effect on 10 December, we will be sharing some resources with you over the coming Newsletters 

• To all our students for a great start to Term 4
• Our Junior Joeys for a great start to Term 4 
• Our Teachers 
• St 3 students for their courage, effort and care on their Lake Keepit Camp
• Stage 2 students for leading the way last week. 
• Our St Joseph's Community Forum for their efforts with the raffles.  You can still collect tickets to sell. 
• To our wonderful students and teachers for their efforts with their class Art Auction pieces

 Have a wonderful weekend. 

Principal