Term 1 Week 10 - April 9th, 2025
From The Principals Desk
Dear Parents and Carers,
As Term 1 of 2025 comes to a close, we can reflect on what has been an interesting first term of the year. While the year started with a wonderful transition back into school we have faced some challenges along the way with TC Alfred interrupting classes, ongoing wet weather and more recently heavy absences from school with the early onset of the flu season.
While these things are just a part of life, they can certainly test the emotional resilience of a community. I am always so proud of the students in our school, but this term they have certainly impressed us by the way they have managed in restricted spaces days on end. As parents, you all know what cabin fever at home is like, you can imagine what it’s like with 160 children at the school! They have navigated it well, as have our ever patient and resilient staff.
The new slab on the playground is certainly a nice reward for the positive behaviours! Years of student voice and feedback finally realised!
Well done everyone on a great term amid the adversity and challenges set before us!
What a week we’re having to close out the term:
Open Day Tuesday - Year 6 Tour Guides
Another successful Open Day for new families to visit the school and be toured by our amazing Year 6 Tour Guides. Every year we receive such positive feedback from the families who are shown the school by our year 6 students. My approach is for the visitors to experience our school through the eyes and hearts of the students, they deliver it so well and it is so well received! Well done Year 6!
Stations of the Cross Tuesday - Stage 3
Congratulations to our Stage 3 students again for their presentation of the Stations of the Cross. An experience solemnly experienced by students, staff and family members. The students own portrayal. Excellent work!
Minyma Whole School Retreat Wednesday
What a wonderful day celebrating our mission! Thank you to the organising director of this important annual day in our calendar - Mrs Hughes! A huge thank you to all who made the day such a success - especially our Mt St Pat’s College Year 10 YM class! See the photos in today's newsletter.
SOLE Rewards Day and Easter Raffle Thursday
Tomorrow sees a most important day, not just that it’s the final day of term for students, but a day of recognition for the positive efforts of the students in relation to our rules of respecting self, others, learning and the environment. Well done students, you are all awesome, enjoy your SOLE Rewards day and best of luck in the Easter Raffle!
ANZAC DAY March - Friday 25th April
All students are invited to march with us in the ANZAC Day march on the final Friday of the holidays. Friday 25th April, assembling outside the Post Office in Full Day School Uniform at 10.15am.
Have a wonderful Easter and holiday away from the rigours of school.
First day back for students is Tuesday 29th April.
Peace and blessings,
Jason Clarke
Principal
Sharing the Gospel
MINYMA 2025 - Oh! What a day!
Stage 2 Liturgy – A Celebration of Lent and Easter
In Week 9, Stage 2 came together to co-create a meaningful liturgy, reflecting on the two units we explored this term: Lent and Easter. Students chose their own groups and worked collaboratively for just 25 minutes to prepare their part of the liturgy. Held in the assembly room, the celebration was attended by Mr Clarke, Mr D, Mrs Hughes, Mrs Walker, Mr J, Mrs Fraser and Miss Nance.
The liturgy featured beautifully crafted artworks made with Mrs Glasby, scripture readings we had studied in class, heartfelt student-written prayers, and a joyful song—complete with actions—that we had practised all term. We are incredibly proud of how Stage 2 united to create such a sacred and thoughtful experience, all within the space of one hour. Well done, everyone!
Stage 3 Leads Stations of the Cross Prayer Reflection
Yesterday, Stage 3 students reverently led our school community through a powerful reflection on the Stations of the Cross. In the lead-up to Easter, they guided us in prayer, using a cocreated script and visual displays that represented each station with care and meaning.
This prayerful journey helped us to reflect on Jesus’ final steps and the significance of His sacrifice. Through thoughtful readings, moments of silence, and reflective prayer, our students showed great leadership and reverence during this special Lenten tradition.
We thank Stage 3 for helping us prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter.
Thank you Bella for helping Mrs Hughes in the preparations for MINYMA.
GOD MOMENT
When Isla offered her service to run the Mini Vinnies meeting without Mrs Hughes and Mr M.
Wow, Isla, that’s leadership!
PROJECT COMPASSION FUNDRAISER
Thank you to everyone who supported our Crazy Outfit Day & Ice-cream & Sprinkles Day. We have raised an amazing $503.25 in total.
Easter Raffle Reminder!
Don’t forget — our St Joseph’s Mega Easter Raffle is just around the corner!
Raffle tickets are on sale now — more available- just ask at the office!
We’re still gratefully accepting donations of Easter eggs or chocolate treats to help fill our prize baskets.
Drawn Thursday 10th April.
All funds raised go toward supporting our school and students. Thank you for your generosity and support!
A Big Thank You to IGA!
St Joseph’s would like to say a huge heartfelt thank you to our wonderful friends at IGA for their incredibly generous donation of $250 worth of Easter eggs for our Mega Easter Raffle!
Thanks to IGA’s support, we’ll have even more exciting prizes to share with our school community. Donations like this help bring joy to our students and make our events truly special.
We’re so lucky to have such thoughtful local businesses supporting our school.
Thank you, IGA!
"S.O.L.E Superstar" Awards
Week 8 Term 1
Week 9 Term 1
Kinder News
-Next Top Grown Up-
In History this term, Kinder have been learning about the past, present and future. To celebrate their learning, Kinder, along with Year 6, were asked to travel all the way to the future and come to school dressed as what they want to be when they grow up! Together with Year 6, Kinder created hats and completed activities on the iPads using Seesaw! It was certainly a fun day by all and both Kindergarten and Year 6 are looking forward to joining forces again for a fun dress up day!
Curriculum News
Stage 3 Homework Showcase – A Celebration of Creativity and Learning
This week, Stage 3 students proudly presented their term-long homework projects—and what a showcase it was! The level of creativity, research skills, and the variety of presentation methods were truly impressive. From models and posters to digital presentations and interactive displays, students went above and beyond to share their learning.
One of the highlights was the opportunity for Stage 3 to present their work to Stage 2 students. It was wonderful to see the engagement, curiosity, and thoughtful questions exchanged between the groups. The showcase was a true celebration of learning, with students shining as confident communicators and creative thinkers.
Well done to all of our Stage 3 presenters—and a big shout-out to Stage 2 for being such respectful and enthusiastic audience members!
"Storm Boy" Homework Project
Sports News
POLDING SWIMMING RESULTS: Last week Carter Alexander competed at the Polding Swimming Championships in Sydney. He had all had a fantastic experience competing at this level with outstanding results:
Carter Alexander: 4th 10Yr 50m Freestyle, 4th Jnr 50m Backstroke, 4th Jnr 50m Breaststroke, 3rd Jnr 200IM, 3rd Jnr 50m Butterfly!!
Carter will be travelling back down to Sydney this week to compete in the NSW PSSA Swimming Championships! This is the highest level in NSW where every student in NSW comes to compete, including students from Public Schools, Private Schools, Independent Schools and Catholic Schools! Well done Carter, we are so proud of your achievements!
DIOCESAN SOCCER TRIALS: Tahan Heterick and Zoe Lindsay travelled to Grafton last Friday to attend the Diocesan Soccer trials. It was a huge day showcasing their skills against students as far south as Port Macquarie and all the way up to the QLD boarder! Such a great way to learn new skills and make new friendships!
DIOCESAN NRL TRIALS:
After many postponed dates due to wet grounds, the Rugby League Diocesan trials are finally taking place this Thursday! Good luck Ace Collecton! We hope you enjoy your experience!
SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY:
Our School Cross Country took place recently with threatening rain above us and muddy ground beneath us! Students dug deep to participate in these conditions and did it with great big smiles on their faces! I am so proud of the way every single person tried their best and supported each other in their efforts. Thank you to all the supporters, family and friends who were able to come along and cheer them along – it certainly helped!
Congratulations to the following Age Champions and Runner Up Age Champions:
Age Champions: | Runner Up Age Champions: | |
8/9Yr | Ali and Mia McMahon | Linkin MacDonald & Millie Anderson |
10Yr | Will Polson & Sierra Casagrande | Kobe Robinson & Scarlett Walker |
11Yr | Sam Stovold & Ruby Carter | Kaeden Jandura & Esther Cambridge |
12/13Yr | Misha Reed & Lyla McMahon | Nakoha Heterick & Imogen Rudman |
The top 6 will now progress on to Zone and represent our school as part of the St Joseph’s Cross Country running team! We wish the following students the best of luck for Thursday 8th May (week 2, Term 2):
8/9Yrs
Boys: Ali, Linkin MacDonald, Tate Bannister, Jacob Hoffman, Halen Jandura & Fynn Holliday.
Girls: Mia McMahon, Millie Anderson, Delilah Cleak, Jayli Walsh, Daisy Morphett & Lilly Dryhurst-Evans.
10Yrs:
Boys: Will Polson, Kobe Robinson, Carter Alexander, Eli Reed, Eli Rudman & Lorenzo Pahlow.
Girls: Sierra Casagrande, Scarlett Walker, Aria Dunning, Amelia Keevers, Amelia Bedser & Ayla Bourke.
11Yrs:
Boys: Sam Stovold, Kaeden Jandura, Ace Colleton, Xavier Workman, Sonny Moore & Levi Campbell.
Girls: Ruby Carter, Esther Cambridge, Peggy Wilkinson, Shelby Walsh, Tahan Heterick, Allira Smith & Pippa Bourke.
12Yrs:
Boys: Misha Reed, Nakoha Heterick, Asher Morphett, Jaxon Mann, Will Hoffman & Nate Linkins.
Girls: Lyla McMahon, Imogen Rudman, Indigo Cleak, Amira Folkers, Bonnie Lindsay & Lalyta Brockbank.
Congratulations to the Champion House: Leonard!!
General News
Handball courts are open!
On Monday, we got to finally use our brand new handball courts! The weather has turned it on for us to enjoy these for our last week of school.
The students have been patiently waiting and are all so excited to use them. Thank you to the incredible workmen who have created this new space for our kids.
Here you can see some before, during and after shots of the handball courts. Mr Clarke has been promising something and it's finally happened.
We are very lucky!
PBS Shield Results:
Term 1 - Week 8 Term 1 - Week 9
WINNER - PARKER WINNER - PARKER
Overall House winner for Term 1 - PARKER
House Captains Team Shirts!
We want to give a big, warm thank you to Julie—Imogen’s lovely grandmother—for her incredibly generous and thoughtful donation of our Sports Captain shirts.
Julie went above and beyond, not only purchasing the shirts but personally designing each one with the captain’s house, name, and year. They look absolutely fantastic and have made our Sports Leaders feel so proud and special.
It’s the little touches like this that make such a big difference in our school community.
Thank you, Julie, for your kindness, creativity, and support—we truly appreciate you!
Library News
Happy Holiday Reading!
Don't forget to record any books read on the PRC Student Experience Site. (See below.)
Why not go on our SORA eBook & audio book school digital library?
Our Town library has some awesome holiday activities available too.
Murwillumbah Town Library
Holiday fun!
Why not check it out!
Canteen News
Cancelling a canteen order
If you need to cancel a canteen order you can do this through Compass up to 8:15am on the day of canteen. Your refund will go to your Compass Wallet as a credit. You can then use the credit in your Compass Wallet any time to pay for a canteen order, school fees, or a school event. Access these funds through the payment method drop down menu
School Fees
Compass Help for Parents
Compass absence notes
Parents can let the school know of student absences in advance through the Compass app using the shortcuts icon at the bottom of their homepage.
Parish News
Thursday 10 April 8:15 am - Mass
Friday 11 April 9:30 am - Legion of Mary|Parish Meeting Centre
11:00 am - Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
12:00 pm - Mass
12:30 pm - Stations of the Cross (see note below)
Saturday 12 April 9:00 am - Rosary
5:30 pm - Rosary
6:00 pm - Vigil Mass
Sunday 13 April PALM SUNDAY 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
Health & Wellbeing
Parent News
Community Sports News
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