Dear Parent and Caregivers

Welcome back to 2022. We have had an excellent start to the school year. Thank you to all the parents who collected the RAT kits before the start of school and I hope you are ‘enjoying’ the twice week testing! Thank you to the students for the cooperation during the lockdown and evacuation drills this week. They are an important part of keeping our young people safe. 

Year 7 have taken to high school with gusto. They are an enthusiastic and capable group. I am looking forward to seeing them develop over the coming years. 

Year 11 started with me so I am feeling very connected to them. Their potential is unlimited but we now need to see it backed up by hard work. 

Year 12 had their last first day of school. It carries a bitter sweetness as their time at Joeys is coming to an end and I hope they make the most of the opportunities that they have this year and enjoy every moment. 

Years 8, 9 and 10 are beginning a new phase of schooling and I hope to see their best efforts over the year. 

Our theme for the year is ‘belonging’. It is important for young people to belong. When you have a sense of 

belonging it is not just words but actions as well. You belong in a family, this means you back it up with actions.  Attending family gatherings, helping in the house being supportive of siblings and parents. It means you show respect to yourself and others. To belong at school it means you wear your uniform properly, follow directions and do you best in your learning. It is respect for self, others , learning and the environment our SOLE goals. 

When you belong in a friendship group it means you feel accepted for who you are. That you have things in common and are supportive of each other. But belonging at school means everyone has the right to have those feelings - so it is more - not putting others down but helping them out. You do not have to be Best Friends outside of school but friendly to everyone at school. 

With the COVID restrictions we will not be able to do all our activities this year but I encourage all students to participate where they can  - because it is your responsibility to contribute to the community that you are part of. 

Parents and caregivers need to feel that you belong and that your input and ideas are welcome and they are!

Just a reminder about parents supporting the uniform and grooming rules. We will be asking students to go home and attend to matters that do not fit the school rules. When you enrolled in the community as a family you greed to support the school uniform and grooming requirements.

I am looking forward to the year and please contact the relevant PALS if your son/daughter has an issue.

Ms Amanda Wilson
Principal