Welcome back to Term 4! We’ve had a fantastic start to the term on the Primary Campus with students settling in quickly and engaging enthusiastically in their learning and activities. Swimming lessons have already commenced for students in Years 1 to 6, and it’s been wonderful to see their confidence and skills growing in the water. Music lessons have also resumed following Dr Cuskelly’s return from his travels, and this week the students have engaged for the first time this year with the Dance Fever program where they choreograph and perform dance routines.

Looking ahead, we have a number of exciting events on the horizon. These include:

• Book Fair
• Maths Team Challenge
• Interhouse Chess Competition
• Granite Belt Lecturette Competition
• Prep 2026 Practice Mornings
• The Prep Fairy Tale Ball
• Semper Una ('Always One') A special occasion to honour the contributions of our Year 6 students to the Primary Campus as they prepare to transition to the next stage of their schooling journey.
• Carols Under the Stars

Before all of that, we have our annual Awards Night presentation.  In recent weeks, teachers across Years 3 - 6 have deliberated over the nominations for each award.  It has not been easy to make decisions, with many worthy students across those year levels.  It is unfortunate that we cannot give awards to all students as I am sure that there will be some disappointed students across the campus on 24 October.  However, I hope that, despite their disappointment, they will have the sincerity to acknowledge the award winners and to reflect on what they might do differently in 2026.

Before closing, I would like to mention two things. The first is that we have had five new students join our school this term.  It has been wonderful to welcome them and to see how warmly they have been embraced by the children and staff across the campus.  We’re delighted to have them as part of our St Joseph’s family.

The second important thing to mention is the work that went into creating the St Joseph's hanging basket that was displayed at Garden Fest last weekend.  This has been a wonderful project undertaken over many weeks by four of our students under the watchful eyes of Miss C.  We were delighted to provide this opportunity for the students involved as well as to receive so many votes from the public.  Thank you to everyone who voted.

We’re looking forward to a joyful and productive term ahead, filled with learning, celebration, and community spirit.  

With God's blessings