Official Visit to St Joseph's Catholic School, Mount Isa

Principal, Miss Jo Lynch; Assistant Principal, Ms Nicky Henderson; staff and students. Good afternoon and thank you for your warm welcome today. I am very pleased to be with you at this special assembly.

I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we gather, the Kalkadoon people, and pay my respects to Elders, past, present and emerging.

Your school is a very special school, as I am sure you are all aware!

Your Principals, teachers and staff work very hard to ensure each one of you is supported in your learning and growth, and that you are all prepared to transition through the grades, whether that be moving up within the school or continuing your journey on to high school.

Although you are a very small school, I believe this fosters a close-knit community, and allows you all to support each other on a level not so easily achieved at larger schools. I know that “Community” is important to you, as it is a part of your school Vision, “Faith, Learning, Community”. All three components of your Vision are of course related, and together contribute to the high quality education you receive here at St Joseph’s.

Now, I heard that you have recently opened some impressive new buildings. Of course, for a quality education to be received, quality buildings are needed in which to learn. I am very much looking forward to embarking on a tour of your School and being impressed by these new buildings myself.

I am absolutely delighted that I get to be treated to a performance by your talented school choir and am keenly awaiting my opportunity to read to the Year 2 students, Government House’s new children’s book, “A Place For All Queenslanders”. This book demonstrates what you all already know, that community is of the utmost importance.

Once again, thank you for being such gracious hosts this morning. St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School is a wonderful place to be.

Thank you.