Term 4 Week 10- December 12th, 2023

From The Principals Desk

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we end another wonderfully successful year of learning and growing together, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and pride for what we have accomplished together here at St Joseph’s School, South Murwillumbah. 

First and foremost, I want to express my deepest appreciation to you, our devoted parents, carers and family members. Your support and commitment to your children's learning are the cornerstones of our coupled success in the education of your children.

I would like to express our sincerest gratitude to all who have generously volunteered your time in support of the school throughout the year including, but not limited to; assisting with learning in the classroom, the canteen, Parent Forum committee, social and fundraising events, attending parent teacher meetings etc Many aspects of School Community life could not take place without your support - thank you!

To our exceptional staff, your dedication to nurturing the minds and hearts of our students is truly commendable. The impact you have made on their lives goes beyond the classroom, shaping them into compassionate, resilient individuals ready to face the challenges of the world. The way you work together with each other, particularly in your stage teams, is so passionate, data driven and 100% focussed on ongoing student improvement. You truly do tremendous work - thank you! 

Now, turning our attention to the real stars of the show—the students. Your enthusiasm, curiosity, and boundless energy have been a source of inspiration for all of us. I enjoy nothing more than the cheerful greetings I receive as I encounter each of you around the school. This year, we've witnessed not only academic achievements but also the growth of character, kindness, and a sense of responsibility within each and every one of you. Your engagement to learning is outstanding and true testament to your I Can Do It attitude! Congratulations on a wonderfully successful year!

As we bid farewell to our graduating class, let us remember that the values instilled in you within these walls will serve as a compass for your future endeavours. Your journey has just begun, and we have every confidence that you will carry the torch of knowledge, compassion, and faith forward with grace.

We also bid farewell to a few of our valued staff members; Mr Nihill, Mrs Sidorko, Mrs Boyle and Mr Evans. May we acknowledge your significant contributions to our students and school. We wish you well, with every blessing, in your endeavours beyond St Joseph’s.

As we look ahead to a well-deserved break, let us take a moment to reflect on the blessings we've received, the challenges we've overcome, and the memories we've created together. May the spirit of joy and gratitude accompany each of you throughout the holiday season.

Thank you, St Joseph’s School community, for your tireless efforts, support of each other, and your commitment to the mission of Catholic education. May you all have a wonderful rejuvenating break and blessed Christmas. I eagerly anticipate the continued success and growth that the future holds for each and every one of us in 2024.

Student Academic Reports are available to you through the Compass App today!

Peace and blessings,

Jason Clarke

Principal

Sharing the Gospel

The Spirit of Christmas is Alive at St Joseph's!

The festive spirit of Christmas is alive at St. Joseph's during the season of Advent. Advent provides a time for contemplation on the arrival of Jesus Christ, with each week dedicated to themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. It's a time for spiritual reflection, heightened mindfulness, and an opportunity to discover or reconnect to the significance of Christmas.

The Christmas celebrations at St. Joseph's commenced with Mr. Spurlock's choirs setting the festive tone with delightful Christmas Carols, showcasing the band's dedication and progress. The festivities unfolded with a heartwarming Nativity, initiated by well-prepared Year 5 students who used their movements to prepare our hearts and minds for the story of Jesus' birth. The Kinder students then charmed us with their enchanting portrayal of the Nativity story. It was a truly delightful way to unite in the joy of Christmas. Thank you Mrs Traise & Mrs Sharp for preparing the children to shine like angels we know they are.

In the midst of all celebrations, the reminder remains clear: Jesus is the reason for the season.

Christmas Carols with Mr Spurlock

Kinder Nativity 

Thanksgiving Mass

On Wednesday of Week 8, we celebrated our last Mass of the year, our Thanksgiving Mass, which was wonderfully co-created and led by our Year 5 Students. 

This is a time when we give thanks for all that has been given to us by God. As followers of Jesus we have so very much to be thankful for:

~We are thankful for his love and his mercy.                                                                                             ~Thankful for our families and each other.
~Thankful for our teachers and staff.
~Thankful for our school.
~Thankful for the season of Advent and the upcoming birth of Jesus.
~Thankful to Year 5, Mr Jeffree and Fr Peter for a wonderful Mass celebration.

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During our Thanksgiving Mass, our Altar Servers were presented with a gift from Fr Peter and the Parish for their wonderful service throughout the year. Thank you to Annabel Casey, Bonnie Lindsay, Nate Linkins and Sienna Alexander (absent).

School Leaders 2024

SCHOOL CAPTAINS 2024

Indi Asanuma and Pearl Wilkinson

STUDENT DISCIPLES 2024

Zilli Hatton, Caleb Bourke, Pearl Wilkinson, Archie Anderson, Max Bourke, Ava Bray, Emily Pham, Blake Stuart, Declan Behan, Bella Higgins, Lani Smith, Ava Hunt, Holly Dorahy, Indi Asanuma, Eadie Workman, Sienna Alexander, Layla Walsh, Ivy Hunt, Kobi Buckroyd, Amelia Alley and Brock Sasse.

SPORTS CAPTAINS 2024

MACKILLOP HOUSE CAPTAINS (GREEN)

Ava Hunt and Max Bourke

PARKER HOUSE CAPTAINS (RED)

Layla Walsh and Brock Sasse

LEONARD HOUSE CAPTAINS (GOLD)

Ava Bray and Kobi Buckroyd

Class Awards 2023

Champion Sporting House:

LEONARD

YEAR 6 2023

Academic Excellence: Nya Fox-Duong

Most Improved: Kody Smith

Christian Values: Arielle Boutsis

Most Consistent: Asha Pahlow

Service Award: Taiis Brockbank and Arlo Wilkinson

School Citizenship: Francesca Todd

School Spirit & Leadership: Oskar Buckroyd

Reconciliation Award: Amy Pham

Sportsperson of the Year (Jeb Hunter Memorial Medal):   Zac Stuart          

YEAR 5 2023

Outstanding Class Achievement:   Ivy Hunt

Most Improved: Zoe Wharton

Christian Values: Bella Higgins

Most Consistent: Kobi Buckroyd

YEAR 4 2023

Outstanding Class Achievement: Levi Campbell

Most Improved: Indigo Cleak

Christian Values: William Hoffman

Most Consistent: Bonnie Lindsay

YEAR 3 2023

Outstanding Class Achievement: Shelby Walsh

Most Improved: Allira Smith

Christian Values: Tahan Heterick

Most Consistent: Ella Hunt

YEAR 2 2024

Outstanding Class Achievement: William Polson

Most Improved: Alex Kelly

Christian Values: Milania Jandura

Most Consistent: Eli Folkers

YEAR 1 2023

Outstanding Class Achievement: Mila Kendall

Most Improved: Poppy Cudmore

Christian Values: Revie Cambridge

Most Consistent: Tate Bannister

KINDERGARTEN 2023

Outstanding Class Achievement: Joseph Hunt

Most Improved: Jayliah Walsh

Christian Values: Arlo Carter

Most Consistent: Clara Polson

Congratulations to our Year 6 Graduates!

The Year 6 Graduation Mass held on Tuesday evening was a significant moment of 2023, symbolising not only the student's seven years of Primary school but also the commencement of their exciting new journeys ahead. Together, they contributed to a significant chapter in their school experience, marking a co-created celebration of their growth, shared values, and the bonds that define them in their Graduation Mass. Thank you Mrs Sidorko and the Stage 3 team for guiding our Year 6 class of 2023 so well throughout the year.

Good luck Year 6, may you continue to remember that you are not alone and that your compass will always find the true north. 

Farewells

Farewell to our much loved staff members who are moving on for now to other ventures. We thank you for all you have done for us here at St Joseph's Primary School, and wish you all the best in your new endeavors! 

Mrs Berenice Sidorko - Year 6 Teacher

Mrs Chanel Boyle - Year 2 Teacher

Mr Ray Nihill - Stage 2 Teacher

Mr Charles Evans - Teacher Aide

We will miss you all so much!

Mr Nihill's Farewell

Farewell Mr Nihill! We will miss you!

Stage 3 Luncheon

Colour Run

A fantastic day was had last Friday at our Colour Fun Run! Thank you to our amazing parents for helping out on the field soaking the students and a special thank you to our Parent Forum for the yummy burgers, sausage sizzle and Zooper Doopers!

Canteen News

As the 2023 school year comes to a close, we would like to extend a sincere thank you to all of our canteen volunteers for your generous time this year.

An extra special thank you goes out to our wonderful canteen coordinator, Nikki Mann, for allowing the canteen to run so smoothly and effectively this year. Your generous time and efforts are greatly appreciated and we thank you for all you do!

Curriculum News

Sports News

A great day was had by all at our recent Swimming Carnival! Well done to all participants who competed on the day and thank you to all Staff and Parent helpers for their assistance allowing the day to run so effectively!

Well done to Leonard House who took out the title of Champion House on the day!

Congratulations to the following Age Champions and Runners Up -

8 Year Girls Age Champion: Amelia Bedser
8 Year Girls Runner Up: Ayla Bourke

8 Year Boys Age Champion: Carter Alexander
8 Year Boys Runner Up: Lorenzo Pahlow

9 Year Girls Age Champion: Shelby Walsh and Pippa Bourke (Tied)
9 Year Girls Runner Up: Ella Hunt

9 Year Boys Age Champion: Xavier Workman
9 Year Boys Runner Up: Levi Campbell

10 Year Girls Age Champion: Bonnie Lindsay
10 Year Girls Runner Up: Lalyta Brockbank

10 Year Boys Age Champion: Jaxon Mann
10 Year Boys Runner Up: Nakoha Heterick

11 Year Girls Age Champion: Layla Walsh and Ava Hunt
11 Year Girls Runner Up: Ivy Hunt and Eadie Workman

11 Year Boys Age Champion: Caleb Bourke
11 Year Boys Runner Up: Max Bourke

Senior Girls Age Champion: Asha Pahlow
Senior Girls Runner Up: Franki Todd

Senior Boys Age Champion: Zac Stuart
Senior Boys Runner Up: Fynn Bloomfield

School Bus Travel 2024

General News

LOST PROPERTY

There is a growing collection of containers, drink bottles and lunch boxes outside of the assembly room. If you recognise any familiar items pictured below, please ask your child to collect them as soon as possible and as always make sure all items are clearly labelled with your child's name.

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