I would like to officially welcome all students and families into the 2024 school year. With great pleasure, I extend a warm welcome to both new and returning families, as we work together to create a community where faith and learning are at its core. Our staff are very excited for the year ahead.

I am pleased to report that our students have made an impressive start to the school year. Their enthusiasm, dedication, and positive attitudes have not gone unnoticed. I would like to thank those students who have returned to school in the correct uniform and are embracing our ‘Ready to Learn’ structures.

I am particularly heartened to see first-hand the care, compassion, and support students have shown each other in what has been a challenging time for our school community with the passing of Mr Leigh Lemmon and Lochie Haining.

Yesterday, we gathered for a Memorial Service to pay our respects to Mr. Lemmon. The service was a beautiful moment of reflection and tribute, with fitting testimonials to honour his legacy. Beyond the formalities of the liturgy, a touching, and memorable aspect of the service was the launch of six bottle rockets on the Oval. It was a symbolic and very ‘Leigh’ way for our entire school community to come together in both remembrance and celebration. I extend our sincere apologies to our school neighbours if one or two of our rockets found their way into their backyard!

These moments of unity and commemoration highlight the strength of our community. In the face of adversity, our students care for one another, and the collective support shown during the Memorial Service truly exemplifies the values that define our school community.

This year, we have chosen a theme that encapsulates the essence of our school improvement agenda for 2024: "Effort, Engagement, Excellence." We believe that by instilling a strong work ethic, encouraging active participation, and striving for excellence in all endeavours, our students will not only succeed academically but also develop into well-rounded individuals equipped to face the challenges of the future.

I would like to congratulate our HSC High Achievers, who were recognised after our Opening Liturgy on Monday. My congratulations are extended to Daniella Avtarovski who was announced as our School Dux for 2023. These students have demonstrated that through effort and engagement, personal excellence is the result.

To our newest members of the St Joseph’s Community, the Year 7 students and their families, a heartfelt welcome! Starting secondary school is a significant milestone, and we are honoured to be part of this exciting journey with you. Our dedicated teachers and support staff are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment where each student can thrive and reach their full potential. 

I would also like to welcome our new staff for 2024:

• Megan Best - School Support Officer in MacKillop
• Caitlyn Daly - School Support Officer in HSIE (CEDoW Teaching Scholarship)
• Summer Moylan - School Support Officer - Admin Trainee
• Nicole Robinson - School Support Officer in Admin
• Adrian Virgorito - School Support Officer in IT
• Daniele Curcio - Science Teacher
• Bree Jedrzejczak - MacKillop Teacher
• Greg Miller - Leader of Numeracy
• Isabella Refalo - Science Teacher
• Brittany Sharkey - PDHPE Teacher

Throughout the year, we will be fostering a sense of community through various House events and initiatives. I urge students to make the most of these opportunities. You only get out of high school what you put in. Our school becomes richer for the efforts of every student who takes part in representing our school and engaging in what we offer. I also encourage you, as parents, to be actively involved in your child's education and keep positive your interactions with our staff. We believe a strong partnership between home and school is fundamental to a student's success.

As we move forward, let's continue to collaborate, communicate, and celebrate the achievements of our students. Thank you for entrusting us with the education and well-being of your children for another year. It is a responsibility that we take very seriously. Here's to a year filled with growth in faith, learning and community.

Year 7 2024 Parent Information and Welcome BBQ

We look forward to meeting our Year 7 parents/carers at the Year 7 Parent/Carer Information Night & Welcome BBQ on Tuesday 20 February starting at 6:00 pm.