I wish to acknowledge  the children of our school, the people who are doing most of the learning, and are the reason we are all here at St Joseph’s. Thank you for the way you co-operate, work hard, think deeply, critically and creatively, and take responsibility for your learning, your behaviour and choices. I like the way you have lots of fun and show respect by the way you listen to and care for each other. I have been so impressed with your generosity in the way you give your time, attitude, spirit, help, love, kindness and smiles, of course. You make St Joseph’s the special place it is.

I also wish to acknowledge  and thank your children’s teachers and all the support staff who dedicate much time and energy to ensure our children  have the best time possible at school. Their dedication to their profession, to the teaching and learning not only in the academic field but in attitude, values and so on – all skills for living a fruitful life. I would like to make special mention of Tina Hormann who is leaving St Joseph’s at the end of the year, going to Ponsonby Intermediate as Head of Art. Thank you to her for sharing her gifts and talents with us and for the way she nurtured the children in their learning and behaviour.

Thank you to the parents and families. Thank you for supporting the children in their learning, faith development and behaviour and attitudes. Your help and support  in so many different ways is incredible and makes our job more manageable.

Each year, we farewell some families of children who are ending their association with our school.  Thank you for entrusting your children to us. Thank you each and everyone for the contributions you have made  to our school.  You are also part of our school taonga-the gifts you are and the gifts you have shared.

Thank you to Kathryn Speed and all the PTFA Team. It’s thanks to you that so much more can happen at our school.  The ways in which you support us are exceptional and you are so valued by our staff and children.  You are so generous.

Thank you to Shane Coleman and the Board of Trustees. Their support and dedication to our school means that we can continue to grow and develop in many exciting and innovative ways.  Their support of and trust in me has made my job so much more manageable and enjoyable and I thank them.

Thank you to Fathers Phil and Carlos, our priests, and to the Parish Team..we have really appreciated your interest, support and active involvement.

Finally, let us try to keep our lives centred in God. Let us all open our eyes when we look at ourselves and each other, recognising our own and others’ gifts and talents, giving generously and believing we can achieve and do well.

I hope you continue to believe in God and believe in yourselves. Keep reflecting on how you live your lives and remember to continue living life to the full, making the most of every moment, sharing that joy with others and treating them with kindness and respect.

May God continue to journey with you and remember that God is very near, right by your side!

A happy and Holy Christmas to all and best wishes for a peace-filled New Year!

Phil