Dear Parents, Caregivers and Families,

While Term 2 is now well underway, it was once again great to see our students return to school after the Easter break. Faces were full of smiles and many students ran into school to see their friends and teachers. How lucky am I to work in such a rewarding environment. It was also great to see the turn out from both our Macleay Valley Catholic schools at the ANZAC Day march in town on a wet ANZAC Day.

Over the break, we upgraded our hall sound system and external bell and speaker system, and while we are waiting on new microphones to arrive, we are happy to have tidied up this corner of the hall, making its use a lot more user friendly for all staff. I will hope to upgrade our stage lights from next year's budget, ready for next year's Joey’s Presents.

We have much to celebrate in the upcoming weeks, which began with our Mother’s Day Mass last week. The students have plenty of representative opportunities this term within both sporting and academic fields, all of which will see this term fly by.

Our Kindergarten 2026 numbers are looking very healthy, with enrolments interviews occurring throughout this term.

Finally, I remind all families about our uniform expectations. As the weather gets colder and wetter, we usually see a few non uniform items beginning to creep in such as jumpers, jackets, scarfs and beanies. I ask that these items are not worn to school. St Joseph’s has several colder weather uniform items for your children to wear to stay warm and dry.

All student’s not wearing the correct uniform must have a note explaining why and when the issue will be rectified. Uniform infringement notes will be sent home if incorrect uniform continues to be worn.

Prohibited Weapons in School (A message from the DLCS)

Our school is committed to maintaining a safe, happy and supportive environment for every child. Every now and then, it’s helpful to revisit what can and can’t be brought to school. While some items might seem like harmless toys or everyday tools, they may in fact be considered dangerous or prohibited. We want to help families avoid any unintentional mistakes or avoidable situations.

A prohibited weapon includes but is not limited to knives or blades, toy guns, gel blasters, slingshots, darts or anything else that can be used as a weapon to intimidate or cause serious injury or harm.

We encourage all parents and carers to have open and ongoing conversations with your child about safety, respect, and care for others. As members of our Catholic school community, we are called to protect and nurture one another, both spiritually and physically. Your support in reinforcing these values at home helps us maintain a secure and faith-filled environment for all members of our school community.

As always, I thank you for your support in regards to your child’s ongoing learning and growth.

Guy Campbell
Driving Excellence in the Macleay

Students from Kindergarten to Year 6 proudly represented our school at the ANZAC Day March on 25th April. Together, we laid a wreath on behalf of the school in commemoration of those who have served and sacrificed.

A heartfelt thank you to all the staff, families and students who joined us for this meaningful occasion.

Now in its 26th year, National Walk Safely to School Day (WSTSD) is an annual campaign and event encouraging all primary school children, their parents, and carers to walk safely and regularly to school. 

Walking to school is a great way to incorporate physical activity into a daily routine to support healthy development. Encouraging kids to be active daily establishes good habits that can stay with them throughout their lives. 

This term, our school is participating in the Tell Them From Me^® (TTFM^®) student survey. This survey provides valuable feedback on students' perspectives from years 4 and up about school life, their engagement, and the ways teachers interact with them.

The surveys are rigorously validated and developed by The Learning Bar, an organisation specialising in educational research and survey administration. These surveys gather crucial data that help enhance student learning experiences and overall school environment.

Key Points:

• The survey is confidential, and school staff will not be able to identify individual students from their responses.
• Participating students will receive a unique username and password to ensure confidentiality.
• The survey is online, takes 15 to 20 minutes, and will be conducted during school hours.
• Participation in the survey is voluntary. If your child feels uncomfortable with any question, they can skip it or stop the survey at any time.
• Teachers will remind students that they can talk to their teacher or guidance counsellor if they feel distressed or worried about the survey.
• The survey measures topics such as emotional and social well-being, physical health, and behaviours and attitudes that are predictors of student success.
• It also allows students to provide their thoughts and feedback through open-ended questions.

If you do not want your child/children to participate in the survey, please complete the attached opt – out form and return it to the school by Monday 19th May 2025.