On Tuesday, members of the St Joseph’s Denman community attended the annual Called to Serve Mass at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Newcastle.

The event is the opening Mass of the year where all staff are commissioned in their role as teachers.

St Joseph’s Primary School Denman was awarded the Monsignor Coolahan Award for Community.

“We are very proud of this achievement,” principal Aaron Moon said.

“To be recognised within our school system for our positive and supportive community is both an honour and indeed very humbling.

“Congratulations to everyone at St Joseph’s Denman on the wonderful recognition of the great things happening within the school.

“We believe that a positive and supportive community is vital to the success of our school and its students.

“And, it must with pupil enrolments doubling over the past six years.”

St Joseph’s Denman has implemented many events and/or opportunities designed to upskill their parents to assist the students to learn.

It’s been done through targeted workshops for parents, both developing an understanding of the curriculum and supplying them with additional tools to assist at home.

“We love to have fun at St Joseph’s Denman,” Mr Moon said.

“We celebrate Mother’s and Father’s Day with enjoyable activities, which involve all members of our community.”

While a teacher at St Joseph’s Primary School Denman, Cassandra Piggott also received the Monsignor Coolahan Award for Excellence in the First Five Years of Teaching.

“As a teacher, she is attune to the needs of teaching to the whole child,” Mr Moon said.

“She is a motivator. 

“Cassandra has a skill to encourage all children within her class to exceed their own expectations.

“She has a talent to ensure all students have the ability to extend in each area, too.”