Dear Parents and Carers,

Gratitude

Hugh van Cuylenburg, writer and co-founder of The Resilience Project, describes gratitude as the ability to pay attention to what we have and not what we haven’t got. Hugh is a wellbeing advocate who often talks about the copious amounts of research that has proven the positive impact that ‘practising gratitude’ can have on our wellbeing. This term, I’d like to challenge our community to practise this skill throughout the term. Whether it be asking ourselves or our children ‘what went well for me/you today?’ or expressing our gratitude for someone who has had an impact on our lives or simply sharing our appreciation for someone/something, I am hopeful that this will positively impact our individual lives as well as those around us.

Uniform

In the short space of time I’ve been at Adelong, it is very evident the sense of pride our students, staff and families have in our school. I too feel that sense of pride with the wonderful things that happen every day here at St Joseph’s. You may be wondering how that relates to uniforms? Well, I certainly believe that ‘presenting with pride’ not only reflects our readiness for the day but the pride we have in our little community. I understand winter is a difficult time with washing, drying and that families are busy, but if we could make an effort to ensure our students are in correct uniform (including ties and school hat/beanie), this would be appreciated.

Book Week

This term we will still participate in Book Week celebrations during Week 6. Our Book Week Parade will be on Wednesday 24th August. While we are still working out details about parent and preschool students attending, students will be allowed to dress up as their favourite book character for our parade. The Book Fair stall that was located at the office last year, will be open from Monday 22nd - Wednesday 24th August. The theme for this year’s Book Week is Dreaming With Eyes Open. The school has purchased some of the suggested books from the Children’s Book Council of Australia for students to read and learn about leading into Week 6.

CSPA - Parent Survey on Student Wellbeing and Learning

Catholic School Parents Australia (CSPA) are conducting a survey of Catholic School parents on student Wellbeing and Learning.  The survey results will be used to report to the Federal Government and Catholic Education.  The survey is open until 31 August 2022. I encourage parents and carers to participate in the survey using the CSPA 2022 Parent Survey Flyer (attached in this week’s newsletter) or on the CSPACG’s Facebook Page.

Enjoy the remainder of the week,

Ryan Forsyth

Acting Principal