Welcome back to the 2024 school year and first newsletter of the year. I trust all families had a safe and relaxing break.

In 2024 we welcome Miss Sophie Emerson to St Josephs Gloucester. Sophie will be teaching in 4/5/6 on a Monday, Tuesday and fortnighly Wednesdays. Welcome Sophie! 

Our new Kindergarten students have made a great start and are settling in really well. We trust their time at St. Joseph's will be one of wonderful learning, friendship and support. The Successful Foundations for learning, with a focus on building academic success and wellbeing, will be a part of the first five weeks of Kindergarten. Please see some more information on Successful Foundations included below in the newsletter. We also welcome Sienna Forbes to Year 6. We trust Sienna will and her family will feel very welcome at St. Joseph's.

Already we have held our Swimming Carnival and hosted the Regional Swimming Carnival with St. Joseph's Taree, St. Joseph's Bulahdelah, St. Joseph's Wingham and Holy Name Forster in attendance. Congratulations to all students who participated in our school carnival and to parents who helped on the day. Congratulations to Sienna Forbes, Lola Forbes-Collins, Eli Fenning and Remi Ashby who represented St. Joseph's Gloucester at the Regional Carnival. Special thanks to Mrs Clare for coordinating and staff for supporting on this day. 

We look forward to a positive and productive partnership with parents and carers this year. Together we can ensure a wonderful, safe and successful learning environment and achievements for our students!

Peace & Best Wishes

Amy Maslen

We had a fantastic day at our Swimming Carnival on Friday 2nd February. It was wonderful to see all children have a go in many of the events, encourage each other and do their best. Thanks to Mrs Clare and all staff for organisation of this event.

Congratulations to Eli Fenning, Remi Ashby, Lola-Forbes Collins and Sienna Forbes who represented our school at the Manning Regional Swimming Carnival in Gloucester on Thursday. Holy Name Forster, St. Joseph's Bulahdelah, St. Joseph's Wingham and St. Joseph's Taree' all came along with students representing their schools. We are currently awaiting the official results but are very proud of our students who participated in the PP5 (Small Schools) relay and who will represent St. Joseph's at the Diocesan Swimming Carnival at The Forum Aquatic Centre on Tuesday 27th February. Well done Eli, Remi, Lola and Sienna. 

Principal: Mrs Amy Maslen

Religious Education Coordinator: Mr Adam McCann

Pedagogical Mentor: Mr Adam McCann

Gifted Education Mentor: Mr Gary Pomplun

Administration: Mrs Lisa Moore/Mrs Jen Shultz 

Pastoral Care Worker: Ms Jenny Jensen

Learning Support Assistant: Mrs Jodie Whitby/Mrs Maddison Laurie

Aboriginal Education Worker: Mrs Maddison Laurie

Library Assistant/Counsellor Admin: Mrs Jennifer Shultz

Cleaner: Ms Mel Mitchell

Classroom Teacher: Mrs Kylie Clare (K/1)

Classroom Teacher: Mr Michael Gleeson (2/3)

Classroom Teacher: Miss Sophie Emerson/Adam McCann (4/5/6)

Librarian: Mrs Bettianne Webeck

Permanent Casual: Ms Krystal Shannon

School Counsellor/Clinical Pyschologist: Larissa Collins

Hello Parents/Carers,

If your child requires a travel pass for 2024 please complete link above.

If you have any concerns or assistance completing online form please contact front office.

Many Thanks

Lisa Moore

Library days will be on a Wednesday this year, with the exception of the first three weeks of Term which will be Tuesdays. Students will need to pack a Library bag on Library day. 

Sports days this year will be on a Thursday. On occasions this main change as we engage specialist sport staff, but we will endeavour to give as much notice as possible should the sport day change.

Strategic Improvement Plan

Each year our school has a key focus in areas we would like to improve. This year our focus will be on Catholic Identity. 

Our curriculum focus will be on literacy and in particular continue to focus on writing. Staff will attend professional development days with a focus on improving teaching and learning outcomes in literacy and writing in the classrooms. 

We will share information thorughout the year on our key focus areas and this may form part of our conversations, with consultation from parents in our Parent Engagement Group (PEG) meetings. 

As part of our next PEG meeting (26 Feb), you will be asked to provide feedback regarding schools’ family engagement forums. Leading the discussion will be a representative from the Federation of P & F Associations and the Diocese’s Family Engagement Officer.

Your feedback will inform the development of the FACE (Family and Community Engagement) model, which will the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle hopes will build on the strengths of both PEGS and P&F Associations that are currently operating amongst its system of schools. Our school recently transitioned to the PEG model, and I feel the move has helped to build family participation and engagement across all facets of our school community. As such, it would be wonderful to have as many parents and carers in attendance as possible, to ensure our views are well represented and can hopefully influence how family engagement can be maximised across all schools.

Our School Counsellor, Mrs Larissa Collins will be here each fortnight on a Tuesday. Alison is available to discuss social, emotional issues or support and regarding your child. A referral form is required for students to see our School Counsellor and can be accessed through the office. Please feel free to contact Larissa or make an appointment through the school office.

Hello Parents/Carers,

We require new Volunteers for Shared Table to continue 2024 school year. 

Can you spare an occassional Monday morning for 3 hours?

Please contact myself to discuss further.

Thankyou Lisa Moore