1. Principal News Week 3 Term 1 2016

"This is an historic occasion", said Bishop Colin after the Commissioning Mass yesterday. Normally, the bishop commissions our teachers in a private ceremony at the Dean O'Reilly Lounge. We were blessed to share this reminder about our Christ centred vocation as teachers in Catholic schools with all of our students in the St Kevin's College Chapel. There were almost 700 students witnessing the commissioning of our teachers. Although it was a very warm afternoon, our students participated reverently. You can see more photos further on the blog.

Meet the Teacher / Family Learning Hui
Thanks to our staff and families who attended the hui last night. Here were some of the items on the agenda and some links : Reach model, strategic plan  Goals 2016 maths, writing , RE, and plans for board consultation at goal setting meetings, Home & School news, Maths focus - maths blog, Book Fair, Yr 8 video from Week 1 mass, Communication - emails, newsblogs,Teaching and Learning Site, Linewize video and update, Parent Portal, Sport registrations, Reminder about drop and drive (especially for new parents). If you wish to find out more about any on this, please come and talk to me or email me jjackson@stjoseph.school.nz.

Goal Setting Week 5
Online bookings will open on Monday for these important meetings. This is when children, parents and teachers come together to plan goals for the year. The meetings are 10 minutes long and take place in the school hall. We expect 100% turnout and as many of you know, I will be contacting you to ensure support for these meetings. This is the same week as our Book Fair and Book Character Dress up day. Mrs Souness will be available to discuss and register your children for winter sports during these meetings.

Phonebook Fundraiser
Our St Joseph's triennial major fundraiser is in full swing now. For those of you new to the school, this is a large print phonebook. The last one was printed in 2013. The board organise the advertising and printing and the Home and School organise the selling and distribution. This is a North Otago Community Directory. If you would like to advertise in it, please contact Paula in our office pbrien@stjoseph.school.nz. Are you available to help proofread the draft? Please let our office know. It is due to be printed in March. If you know of any corrections from last time, also let us know. Oamaru Print and Copy are our printers for 2016.

Board News
Mrs Bev Conlan is our new Board Chairperson. Bev is a Bishop's rep on our board. This means that she has the responsibility to ensure we focus on our Catholicity alongside Adrienne Wylie, Des Burke and Fr Wayne. Bev was the Principal of Duntroon School for many years and brings her educational expertise to the table. You can keep up with the latest board reports on our board blog at this link. We are looking forward to Reaching for the Stars as Lifelong Learners in the Catholic Faith with Bev and our board.