Dear Colleagues,

The beginning of every school year is an intense and wondrous time in which all staff, no matter their role, are called to work together, to ensure that our schools are places of welcome and inspiration.

Our schools are committed to establish and grow communities that challenge and nurture. An invitation is extended to all who join our communities of living faith, to be in communion with God and with one another.

Supported by our parents, carers and diocesan partners, our schools set the foundations for success. I offer my gratitude for your efforts to welcome and engage new members of your community, to provide settled learning environments and establish strong and supportive relationships.  

THANK YOU

- to staff for your generous efforts in preparation for parent engagement opportunities including Parent/Carer Information sessions

- to our RECs, Ministry Coordinators and Liturgy teams for coordinating opening school masses and commissioning ceremonies for student leaders

- to staff involved in school swimming carnivals or offsite camps

- for management of timetables, duty rosters and resources

- to kindergarten teachers and support staff for ensuring a very settled approach to the year for so many little ones who are transitioning to new environments

- to office and administration staff for managing the extraordinary number of requests, calls and administrative jobs needed at this time of year, including enrolment enquiries for 2026

- for those coordinating open days, school tours and welcome campaigns

- to grounds maintenance staff and general assistants for coordinating and managing the many requests from staff and ensuring our schools are well maintained

- to Learning Support Teams for your care and nurture of students with additional needs, for tirelessly working in preparation of Post enumeration audits, liaising with external providers and the many ways you work to temper anxiety and expectation

- to each and every one of you for being patient, flexible and positive, for enduring disruptions and delays, for ensuring a calm and settled environment, and for being the Face of Jesus for our school community. You are appreciated for the work you do, but more-so for the people you are and your contribution to our school ethos and cultures…THANK you!

St Joseph’s Catholic College Aberdeen – Diocesan Awards Assembly

St Joseph’s Catholic College Aberdeen held its awards assembly on Wednesday. I congratulate all our award recipients! May this be the beginning of many more achievements guided by faith and determination? 

St Joseph's Primary School and the Parish of Toronto

Well, done to St Joseph's Primary School and the Parish of Toronto, which recently commemorated 40 years since relocating to its current site at Kilaben Bay with a series of special events. The celebrations began with a Mass in December, marking the anniversary of the first Mass held at the new location.  

The festivities continued Wednesday evening with a liturgy, followed by activities including a memorabilia display, souvenirs, BBQ, ice creams, music, face painting, and some special musical performances.

With my best wishes,

Jacqui