St Joseph’s Catholic School Narrandera has welcomed a number of new staff members to its school community this year.

Ms Nicole Beard is teaching Year 4 (Wednesday to Friday), Mrs Andrea Pitt is the Infants Teachers Assistant and Mrs Toni Campbell is teaching Year 3.

It was a busy start to the new term last week with Kinder students attending their Best Start Interviews with Mrs Graham in preparation for starting school on Monday. They will have rest days on each Wednesday in February.

The school’s Swimming Carnival was held yesterday at the Lake Talbot Water Park and the MIA Deanery Carnival is set for Thursday February 23 and will also be held in Narrandera.

The school’s Opening School Mass will be held tomorrow Friday February 10 where the new School Leaders will be presented with their badges. All families are welcome to attend.

St Joseph’s farewelled six staff members and St Mel’s Catholic Church parish priest at the end of the 2022 school year. They were Mrs Natasha Kschenka, Mrs Robyn Sullivan, Mrs Cath Richards, Miss Georgi Spina, Mrs Nikki Vidler and Father Byrnes.

Mrs Kschenka was described as a passionate and committed teacher who inspired students to do their best. Her enthusiasm showed in her daily work practice, student-focused activities, communication with parents and the time spent before and after school preparing.

Mrs Sullivan was a co-teacher for Year 3 with Mrs Nicole Jones for the past four years and was a long serving teacher at the school. Her sense of humour, quick wit, wise words of advice and cool, calm and collected manner will be greatly missed by staff and students.

Mrs Richards was also hailed as a wonderful colleague and friend by staff who said her a friendly smile and manner made everyone feel special.

Miss Spina made a valuable addition to the classroom last year by supporting staff and students whenever needed and Mrs Vidler, the school canteen manager for the last three and a half years, greeted students with a smile and will also be greatly missed.

Father Byrnes left for his new parish after joining the St Joseph’s community at the beginning of last year and guided students and staff spiritually.