A SMALL gathering of past and present staff and friends was held to honour two staff members of St Joseph's School, Tamworth recently.

Mrs Maureen McNeill, the school secretary, and year three class teacher Mrs Judy Ryan were celebrated for their 20 years of service to the school community.

Colleagues travelled from around the diocese to share this night with them.

A very special treat for Mrs McNeill was the presence of her son, Paul, who had travelled from West Wyalong for the event.

Many tales were shared of how our school had grown from just 41 students and had been in real danger of closing to a vibrant school of some 180 students in 2015.

The important part played by these women was highlighted along with their dedicated service to the school, the Parish of St Patrick's West Tamworth and wider community.

Congratulations and thank you to you both.

Congratulation

Each year selected students from schools across the Armidale Diocese are invited to attend a camp for Aboriginal students.

The St Joseph's School community congratulates Emily Finucane on her recent election to Wii Gay leader for 2016.

Emily has been chosen by her peers in the Diocese as displaying the qualities necessary to represent this group of children.

Her leadership qualities will be used as role model and mentor as well as spokesperson when necessary. We are indeed very proud of you Emily.

Premiers Reading Challenge

Certificates will be arriving soon for those children who completed the challenge this year and will then be distributed at our school assembly. Well done.

Creative Arts-Dance

Last week our primary students were very fortunate to have Aleeta Northey come and work with them on particular routines for each of these classes.

By the size of the grins on the faces of the children the workshops were a wonderful experience.

An exhibition of the results may come our way soon with a real surprise included.