In 2018 we continued our commitment to providing a safe and caring environment at St Joseph’s Primary School Portland ensuring the special charism of St Mary MacKillop permeates the development of the whole person in each child. At the heart of a good school is ensuring the highest quality teaching and learning for all is taking place in the daily routine.

Teaching staff includes Simone Taylor, Jessica Menchin, Robyn Nicholson and Anne Hayman, teacher assistants Robyn Scouller and Dianne Pattison who all worked tirelessly to develop a love of learning and a willingness to achieve in all students. Always on hand were administration staff, Nikki Field and Judi Knight.

The Intensive Water Safety Program culminated in successes in regional, Diocesan and state level carnivals. Catholic Schools Week activities and St Joseph’s Day celebrations in March saw the school community enjoy activities like the Grandparents Mass and morning tea, open classrooms and the St Joseph’s Walkathon. Twenty-first century learning tabloids were experienced where all classes had learning time in new areas. 

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After the council workshop, ‘Litter, Litter, Everywhere!’ the Year 3/4  class and Miss Menchin became involved in recycling. As the year progressed the severe drought in Baradine became a concern for the whole school and Mrs Taylor lead fundraising activities resulting in a trip to Foodworks where the children bought supplies to send to the Baradine CWA, who distributed these to farming families. Miss Menchin also focused recycling efforts on farmers’ needs. Money was  sent via Julia  Baird, one of our Diocesan teachers, originally from Baradine.

Individuals and teams travelled to Lithgow, Bathurst, Orange, Mudgee and Dubbo to enjoy friendly competition in athletics, cricket, netball and touch football.

Book Fair, International Day, Christmas Story Art made for a busy 2018 and gave students a variety of experiences. The year will finish with a talent show, disco and a whole school picnic at Portland Pool.