Term 1 Week 8 - March 19th, 2024
-
From The Principals Desk
-
St Joseph's Open Day
-
"You Can Do It!" Awards
-
Sharing the Gospel
-
Project Compassion
-
St Joseph's Day
-
Curriculum News
-
NAPLAN News
-
Sports News
-
Health & Wellbeing
-
Library News
-
St Joseph's Face Book Page
-
General News
-
Uniform News
-
Enrolment Changes
-
Compass
-
Parish News
-
Mt St Patrick College News
-
Community News
-
After School Care
-
Our Sponsors
From The Principals Desk
Dear Parents and Carers,
Happy St Joseph’s Day! A day to be grateful for the positive and thriving school community we have. We celebrate our patron saint’s feast day today. St Joseph, patron saint of the universal church is also our school patron saint.
‘Inspired by the contemplative heart of Joseph, may we be people who take time amid the hustle and bustle of life to listen deeply to our good God, to the needs and voices of our neighbour and world, and to respond as Joseph did with a generous heart. It means at times, taking a significant risk and stepping out into an unknown reality, trusting God who walked with Joseph in each situation.’ Sr Monica Cavanagh Congregational Leader, Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, 2024.
A huge thank you to Mrs Hughes for her impeccable organisation and preparation and to all of the students who were involved in the day! Thank you to all of our family members for joining us today for the liturgy. Unfortunately, due to the storm that drenched us at the conclusion of afternoon tea we had to cancel our tournament fun. But rest assured the students enjoyed their ice blocks and other fun activities throughout the afternoon. We will try to find another afternoon where we can experience Mrs Hughes' St Joseph themed tournament games.
NAPLAN 2024
Well done to our Year 3 and Year 5 students who participated in the NAPLAN assessments over the past two weeks. I congratulate them on their positive attitude toward completing the assessments. Knowing that they gave of their best is all we expect!
Sacrament of First Reconciliation
We keep in our prayers the candidates making their First Reconciliation on Wednesday night at Sacred Heart Church. Congratulations to Levi, Layla, Bella, Lorenzo, Pippa, Shelby, Peggy and Allira!
Year 6 MSPC Taster Day - Friday 22nd March
Our Year 6 class are heading over to Mt St Patrick College this Friday for a ‘taster’ day. It will be their first formal day to experience the high school context. They had a visit from Mr Dykes (Principal), and our former students Asha Pahlow and Arlo Wilkinson last week. Asha and Arlo explained a bit about their experience of Year 7 so far and answered questions from our students. We hope our Year six class has fun on Friday!
Attendance
Healthy sleep, exercise and diet can make a difference.
Healthy sleep, exercise, and diet play critical roles in a student's overall wellbeing, impacting not only their physical health but also their cognitive function, emotional regulation and ability to focus.
Encouraging healthy habits early on sets the foundation for a lifetime of wellbeing. Children who learn the importance of sleep, exercise and a balanced diet are more likely to carry these habits into adolescence and adulthood, impacting their overall attendance and success in school.
Enjoy your fortnight ahead!
Peace and blessings,
Jason Clarke
Principal
St Joseph's Open Day
"You Can Do It!" Awards
WEEK 6
Kinder
Luca Jandura for Resilience and Being Independent.
Aiden Bourke for Persistence and Working Tough.
Taj Arane for Confidence and “I Can Do It” Thinking.
Year 1
Delilah Cleak for Confidence and showing "I Can Be Independent."
Bronson Roe for Resilience and Bouncing Back.
Year 2
Mia McMahon for Confidence and showing "I Can Be Independent."
Jasper Baartz for Confidence and showing "I Can Be Independent."
Year 3
Koen Jandura for Confidence and "I Can Do It" Thinking.
Ayla Bourke for Persistence and Working Tough.
Year 4
Kaeden Jandura for Resilience, Giving Effort and "I Can Do It" Thinking.
Esther Cambridge for Persistence, Giving Effort and having a Growth Mindset.
Year 5
Imogen Rudman for displaying Confidence and "I Can Do It" Thinking.
Lyla McMahon for displaying Persistence and "I Can Do It" Thinking.
Year 6
Oscar Boss for displaying Persistence and “I Can Do It" Thinking.
Caleb Bourke for displaying Persistence and Working Tough.
WEEK 7
Kinder
Lexi Gale for Persistence and “I Can Do It” Thinking.
Skylar Colleton-Woodford for Confidence and “I Can Do It” Thinking.
Henry Glasby for Organisation and Planning My Time.
Year 1
Jayliah Walsh for Getting Along and Being Socially Responsible.
Darcy Ahern for Confidence and “I Can Do I” Thinking.
Year 2
Selene Owen for Confidence and Being Independent.
Millie Anderson for Confidence and Being Independent.
Year 3
Corey Bray for Persistence and Giving Effort.
Scarlett Walker for Confidence and “I Can Do It” Thinking.
Year 4
Sam Stovold for Persistence, Giving Effort and having a Growth Mindset.
William Owen for Confidence, Taking a Risk and “I Can Do It” Thinking.
Year 5
Lalyta Brockbank for Organisation and Setting Goals.
Micah Bedser for Organisation and Planning my Time.
Year 6
Holly Dorahy for Confidence, Taking Risks and “I Can Do It” Thinking.
Emily Pham for Persistence, Giving Effort and Working Tough.
Sharing the Gospel
GOD MOMENT
When Stage 1 showed great manners and respect for others while representing our school on their excursion.
Project Compassion
Stage 2 Keep it Simple Day:
On a recent ‘Keep it Simple Day’, Stage 2 students embarked on a journey that opened their eyes to the realities faced by many less fortunate individuals around the world. The goal was simple yet profound: to walk in the shoes of those who struggle daily with basic necessities such as access to clean water and adequate food.
The day began with a symbolic gesture as students walked kilometres to fetch water, simulating the arduous journey that millions undertake each day in search of this essential resource. Carrying buckets filled with water, they experienced firsthand the physical and emotional toll of not having easy access to something as fundamental as clean water.
Carrying these buckets the students participated in an obstacle course designed to mimic the challenges faced by communities without readily available water sources. The task was to complete the course while keeping their water intact - a task that proved both physically demanding and mentally taxing. Despite the difficulties, the students persevered, driven by their newfound understanding of the struggles endured by others.
Following these activities, the students gathered for lunch, where they experienced another aspect of scarcity: food. While their peers enjoyed a variety of treats from the school canteen, Stage 2 students were limited to just two pieces of bread. This simple meal served as a stark reminder of the disparities that exist in access to food and nourishment.
However, the day was not just about experiencing deprivation; it was also about taking action. Recognising the privilege they held in being able to purchase snacks from the canteen, many students chose to forego this luxury and instead donate the money to Project Compassion—a charity dedicated to building a better future for those in need.
Through their collective efforts, Stage 2 students raised awareness about global issues of poverty and inequality while also contributing to tangible solutions. By walking in the shoes of the less fortunate, they gained empathy, understanding, and a renewed commitment to making a difference in the world.
As we reflect on this meaningful day, let us carry forward the lessons learned and continue to support initiatives that strive to create a more equitable and compassionate world for all.
Stage 2’s Thoughts On Keep It Simple Day
Today I learned how it felt to do what the poor have to do every day. It was really, really hard and I only have to do it today. The poor have to do this forever. I also learned to have courage and never give up and how to walk in the shoes of others. I wanted to help them get what they need.
Amelia Bedser
I thought it was going to be easy but it was way harder than I thought. I was really challenged. I wouldn’t want to do this every day.
Carter
My thoughts about Keep It simple Day are to be happy for what we have because some people don't have much.
Tahan
I was challenged today when I watched the other classes have normal food and I couldn’t. I didn’t like that feeling.
Zander
I was challenged because the bucket made me have blisters and we only had two slices of bread. I normally have a yummy lunch box.
Xavier
I have learned that I'm lucky to have water and food. There are less fortunate people than us and they don't complain about it. I learned to use courage and not to complain about things. I also learned that a little bit of help can go a long way. when you walk in someone else's shoes you think differently about it. It makes you think about imagining if you were that person. I imagined I was that person. It helped me see how lots of people have less than us.
Ella
I thought it was a fun way to teach us how to be grateful.
Meadow
I liked Keep It Simple Day because it was fun and challenging to do things like the less fortunate. I was sad because I know they have to do this every day.
Koen
Keep it Simple Day
St Joseph's Day
What do you like about St Joseph's Primary School?
I like watching our students overcome challenges, grow in their sense of self and learning, and develop into confident young people as they move into high school.
Mr Davis
I like having so many friends. It’s a cool school to be at because I feel safe and the learning is really challenging, it keeps me motivated.
Will Hoffman
I like the friends I have here and the teachers are very kind.
Annabel Casey
St Joseph’s has a big playground and you get to play soccer with lots of friends.
Halen Jandura
The classrooms are really welcoming and the teachers help me when the learning is hard. They help you reach your goals. Ella Hunt
I love being an SRC and reading stuff in front of the school.
Hamish Walsh
I like that everyone is super welcoming and friendly. The teachers make learning lots of fun.
Bella Higgins
Working together as our captains is exciting. At assembly we see our community engage with the students out the front. The Gospel and SRC kids do a great job. Good job St Joseph’s!
Indi & Pearl
Feast of St Joseph Liturgy
Today we celebrated our Liturgy for the Feast of St Joseph. It was wonderful to see our families help us celebrate. thank you to all of the student helpers, you did such a beautiful job with your singing, reading, and actions during our Liturgy. Happy St Joseph's Day everyone!
Tournament Postponed
Unfortunately, the heavens opened and the rain came down so we had to cancel our St Joseph's Day Tournament. Don't worry though, we will notify you via Compass when our Tournament will be rescheduled.
Curriculum News
~Kinder's Wild Time with the Wild Rangers~
In Science this term, Kinder have been learning about the needs of living things. After sowing some sunflower seeds, we needed to find a way to pass the time while we wait for them to grow...and what a solution we found! Thank you Wild Rangers! We had the most amazing time.
Wild Rangers Visit
~YEAR 1 - TIME ZONE EXCURSION~
Last Monday Stage 1 visited Timezone as part of our Science unit on Forces. Before playing a variety of games, we took the time to look at the forces that were needed in order to play some games and make them work. Since our excursion we have come back and evaluated our favourite game and begun designing our own Arcade Games. The students are very engaged and enthusiastic about their learning and we can't wait to see what great games they create. Stay tuned as we share our games with you later in the term.
Time Zone Fun
NAPLAN News
NAPLAN 2024
Over the last week our school participated in NAPLAN Online for Year 3 and 5. Students completed the NAPLAN Writing, Reading, Conventions of Language and Numeracy tests on computers, excluding the Year 3 Writing test which will still be delivered using paper.
NAPLAN is just one aspect of our school’s assessment and reporting process. It does not replace ongoing assessments made by our teachers about student performance, but it can provide teachers additional information about a students’ educational progress.
Student achievement is shown against 4 levels of proficiency: Exceeding, Strong, Developing and Needs additional support. A NAPLAN individual student report will be sent to you later this year.
Sports News
SCHOOL RECORDS BROKEN!!
Congratulations to our new school record holders! Shelby Walsh, Caleb Bourke and Carter Alexander were presented with their certificates at last week’s assembly (full results were published in previous newsletter)
Shelby Walsh: 9Yr 50m Breaststroke
Caleb Bourke: 11Yr 50m Backstroke
Carter Alexander: 8Yr 50m Breaststroke, 8Yr 100m Freestyle, 8Yr 50m Freestyle, 8Yr 50m Butterfly.
Well done Shelby, Caleb and Carter!
DIOCESAN SWIMMING CERTIFICATES: were presented at our assembly (results were published in previous newsletter). Well done Layla Walsh, Max Bourke, Pippa Bourke, Caleb Bourke and Cater Alexander!
DIOCESAN WINTER SPORTS TRIALS: Certificates were presented at last week’s assembly with results printed in previous newsletter for the boys AFL (Max Bourke and Archie Anderson).
Eadie Workman and Violet Williams attended their trial one day after our last newsletter was published. Both girls had a great day at their trial, Eadie attended the Netball trials and found herself defending against extremely tall opposition! Violet attended the Hockey trials with fantastic results! Both trials were extremely tough with competition ranging from the QLD border to Port Macquarie! Both girls did extremely well showcasing their fantastic skills.
Congratulations to Violet Williams for being named in the Lismore Diocesan Hockey Team!! Violet will now head to Tamworth for the Polding Trials in term 2 –week one. Good luck Violet! Such a fantastic achievement to reach this level in your chosen sport!
AFL NSW AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL ALL SCHOOLS GIRLS 12YEARS AND UNDER TRIALS:
Pippa Bourke attended the NSW AFL All Schools trials at Woolgoolga recently. The entire state was divided into 6 locations with Woolgoolga being the closest trial for Pippa. This catchment area would be similar to Diocesan level however twice as difficult with Catholic Schools, Public Schools and Independent Schools all coming together at these trials!.
After a long, hot and very competitive day, Pippa was named in the Northern Coastal and Inland team!! The next level will see all six teams come together to compete against each other across a two day tournament / selection process to select the NSW team!! Congratulations Pippa! Fantastic to see you doing so well in AFL!
SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY: Next Thursday 28th March, our School Cross Country will be taking place out on our oval! We will be running this event first thing in the morning with Kinder as the first race at 9.10am, followed by the Year 1 race and then the Year 2 race. Kinder, Yr1 and Yr2 are scheduled first because they are then heading up to see Mr P for a gymnastics lesson (this is a make up session as we miss out on our Friday session - Good Friday). From there the 3km races will need to be started to avoid the longest races hitting the hottest part of the day. This will mean the 12Yrs (3km) will be marshalled, followed by the 11Yrs (3km), then the 10Yrs (2km) and finally the 8/9Yrs (2km).
Students in Year 2 may choose to run in the Year 2 race (which is a 500m loop of the council grass area) or if they are turning eight this year, they may wish to compete in the 8/9Yr race which is predominately Year 3 students (2km course). Students can not do both races. Students in Yr2 who chose to race in the 2km course are eligible to progress onto Zone if they finish in the top 6 of that age category (8/9Yrs).
Parents with students in Year 2 who would like their child to compete in the Yr3 race (8/9Yr – 2km race) are asked to email me at: samantha.daly@lism.catholic.edu.au to let me know that their child is choosing to race the 2km course and is capable of competing in this distance.
It is encouraged that most students in Year 2 will compete in the Yr 2 race and only choose the Yr3 – 2km race if they have been consistently training for the 2km distance.
We have been practicing both the 500m loop and the 2km course in PE lessons so students in Year 2 know which distance best suits them. Parents are welcome to attend and help cheer on our fantastic runners!
Please see the attached information for full details of the day.
SCHOOL RUNNING CLUB: We continue with our Friday morning running club this Friday with our lap running – last session before next Thursday’s School Cross Country!!
NEXT SATURDAY RUNNING CLUB CANCELLED – EASTER SATURDAY: Next Saturday the 30th March our Saturday running club will be cancelled as it falls on Easter Saturday. We will resume in a fortnight’s time on Saturday 13th April.
Health & Wellbeing
STUDENT WELLBEING OFFICER
I am Bronwyn Parry, I have joined the St Joseph’s community this year as the Student Wellbeing Officer. You will see me around the school in the mornings and during lunch running the garden club, and in the coming term I will be organising a working bee to get the gardens up and running!
I am also working towards our Eat Pray Love a Cuppa in the hopes of getting our school community together where we can connect, talk about upcoming events, and take little time to slow down and check in on our own wellbeing.
In term two I will begin running a program called Seasons for Growth to help students move through different stages of loss and grief.
I am so excited that I get to be a part of the St Joseph’s community and look forward to getting to know everyone!
Library News
Issue 2 of Book Club is out now!
Book Club orders for issue 2 are due back by Monday, 25th March (Week 9). Please send orders to the office or order online at scholastic.com.au/LOOP
St Joseph's Face Book Page
St Joseph now has a new Facebook page. Just scan the QR code below to follow us.
Please notify the school if you do not want your children's photo or information to be posted on our new Facebook social media page. During enrolment, parents/carers provide consent for us to do so (or not), but it is your right to change this at any time. Please inform us at your earliest convenience if you do not wish them to be involved in future posts.
General News
Uniform News
Thank you to all our families that have been donating your pre-loved school uniforms. I know many parents appreciate this service. We have quite a few shoes now available too!
ALL SECOND-HAND CLOTHING IS ONLY $4.00
Enrolment Changes
Dear Parents,
Our school is moving from paper-based enrolment applications to online enrolments using Compass. As an existing user of Compass, you will find a new tile in the Compass app called Family and Enrolments, found under the “More” icon in the Compass app or under the Cog icon in your preferred browser. The family and enrolments module went live on Monday, March 4th 2024 and as a parent, you can update your contact details at any time. We strongly encourage you to log in to confirm your details. If you update your details, they will update across all schools where you have a child enroled.
New student applications for 2025 can be completed from Monday, 4th March 2024. If you have already applied via our old system, rest assured we have your application; there is no need to reapply.
See our website (see Link below) for more details on how to enrol and where to get assistance if you need it.
Compass
To submit ABSENT NOTES, please reply to the SMS received on the morning of the absence by 3pm. Thank you.
Parish News
Wednesday 20 March 8:15 am - Mass
10:00 am - Catholic Men’s Group (note page 4)
6:00 pm - II Rite & First Reconciliation
Thursday 21 March 8:15 am - Mass
Friday 22 March 9:30 am - Legion of Mary|Parish Meeting Centre
12:00 pm - Mass
12:30 pm - Stations of the Cross
Saturday 23 March 9:00 am - Rosary
5:30 pm - Rosary
6:00 pm - Vigil Mass
Sunday 24 March 8:00 am - Sacred Park with Anglican Community process to the Sacred Heart Church
8:30 am - Rosary
9:00 am - Mass
10:15 am - Baptism
Mt St Patrick College News
Community News
After School Care
Our Sponsors
Would you like to see your business advertised here?
If so, please contact the office on 02 6672 1867