Term 1 Week 8 2024

Principals Message

Dear Parents and Carers

As we embark upon the solemn journey of Holy Week, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the significance of this sacred time in the Christian calendar.

Holy Week is a time of profound reflection, introspection, and spiritual renewal for millions around the world. It is a time when we walk alongside Jesus Christ in his final days, from his triumphant entry into Jerusalem to his ultimate sacrifice on the cross and, finally, to his glorious resurrection.

In the midst of our busy lives, Holy Week offers us a precious opportunity to pause, to step back from the distractions of the world, and to focus our hearts and minds on the profound mysteries of our faith. It is a time to contemplate the depth of God's love for us, as demonstrated through the sacrifice of his Son, and to recommit ourselves to lives of love, service, and discipleship.

As we journey through Holy Week together, let us remember the lessons of humility, sacrifice, and redemption that it teaches us. Let us strive to emulate the example of Jesus Christ in our own lives, reaching out in compassion to those in need, standing up for justice and righteousness, and embodying the values of kindness, forgiveness, and mercy.

In the midst of the challenges and uncertainties of the world around us, may the hope and promise of Easter fill our hearts with joy and renewal. May we emerge from this Holy Week with a deeper appreciation for the blessings of our faith, a renewed sense of purpose in our lives, and a stronger commitment to following in the footsteps of our Savior.

Wishing you all a blessed Holy Week filled with peace, reflection, and spiritual growth.

Yours in Christ,

Tracey 

Assistant Principal Learning & Teaching

Dear parents,

What a shame the rain came when it did and we couldn't hold our Harmony Day disco last night! Never mind though,  the Disco will go ahead on Wednesday 10th April from 5 - 7 pm. So we hope to see you all there.

The parents from the School Community Group have worked tirelessly to get this disco happening and they would love to see you all there to make it a major success.

PARENT TEACHER MEETINGS

The term is coming to an end and the children have been completing many end of term assessments. The teachers can't wait to share your children's progress with you at the parent-teacher interviews that are happening next week and the week after (26/3/24 through to 4/4/24). There are a few families who still haven't booked your interviews yet so please go onto compass and click on 'Conferences' and select from the available times. It is really important that all parents meet with your child's teacher so they can update you on your child's progress and give you tips to help them at home.

YEAR 6 CANBERRA TRIP

We are now finalising the numbers for Canberra. A reminder that the first installment will be due in the next few weeks. This will be the payment for the airfares which is not refundable.  The parents in year 6 who have nominated their child to attend, will receive their first installment soon via compass.

PICK UP AND DROP OFF

Just a reminder to all parents to make sure you all come down Frances St from the top of the hill when picking their children up or dropping them off. Please do not come around the corner from Enid St. Make sure your family name sign is in full view for us to call out your child's name.

Also a reminder, mostly  to the new families, that you cannot get out of your car to put bags into boots, or put seatbelts on your child etc, as this is a designated 'pick up drop off zone'.  You must stay in the car at all time in this zone. You will be fined if you are out of your car.  Please teach the children to fasten their own seat belts. Please also relay this message to grandparents or other relatives or friends who may be picking them up.

We hope you have a great Easter and enjoy your break,

Cheers

Chris Mulherin

Assistant Principal Mission

Dear St Joseph's Community,

It is my pleasure to be able to share some wonderful moments for our community with you in this newsletter.

Reconciliation

On the 7th March, we had a host of students in Year 4, 5 & 6 head to St Joseph's Church to experience their First Reconciliation.  Religious Education classes in Year 4 absorbed the Sacramental Program this year and students learnt all about how special this sacrament is, in drawing us back into God's love.  The students learnt that God's love is limitless and forgiveness is available for all who seek it.  There were a few nerves heading into the church but big smiles and an overwhelming sense of peace afterwards.  We are all very proud of the courage that each child demonstrated and wish them well for the completion of their sacramental journey next term.  

Incitare

On the 5th May, 8 Year 6 students joined students from Catholic schools throughout the Tweed Shire at Murwillumbah.  Students loved the games and the opportunity to meet other people from schools as far away as Mullumbimby.  Year 10 students from St Joseph's College brilliantly led small group sessions where students explored their own faith, how to live life as a Christian, and what sort of courage is needed to be true to our faith.  A beautiful liturgy concluded our day and we are looking forward to replicating elements of this at our Year 6 Retreat Day on the 4th April.

Project Compassion

I want to send a huge shout out to Mrs Wilkinson, Noah Gabriel, Grace Culpitt and all of the Mini Vinnies for their awesome work raising awareness and money for Project Compassion.  We started our campaign with Pancake Tuesday and people have been generously donating ever since.  At assemblies, we have learnt where this money goes and understand that $20 or $30 travels a lot further in impoverished places than it does here.  After our major project of Harmony Day mufti and rice for lunch, we're excited to have raised over $1000.  We now have just 4 days to continue to build this total and ask for your continued generosity.  Eating just a simple cup of rice for lunch was a great way of building empathy and showing solidarity with people that have this as their reality each day.

Our final fundraiser for the Lenten period is a 'guess the Easter egg' challenge.  Please bring your coins in and try your best to win the jar of eggs as your Easter treat!

Holy Week

Today, our Kindergarten students, with help from their buddies, will lead our Assembly prayer for Palm Sunday - marking the beginning of Holy Week.  Next week, each class will walk the Stations of the Cross to remind us of the true meaning of Easter - the sacrifice and glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Year 5 and 6 students will be given the opportunity to participate in a Reconciliation liturgy on Monday and Tuesday.  The students in Years 1, 2, 3, 4 & 6 will lead our Holy Week Liturgy on Thursday morning, bringing the Passion story to life for all of us.  All memebers of our community are most wellcome to join us for this special liturgy.  Our Year 5 classes will welcome us back from the Easter break with a short liturgy reminding us of the Easter resurrection story on Tuesday morning when we return.

I sincerely hope you all have a special Easter Weekend with family and have the opportunity to take time together to reflect on the wonder of the death and resurrection of our saviour.

Mass times at St Joseph's Parish are provided for you below.

God bless,

Ryan O'Connor

TERM 1 IMPORTANT DATES (please note Term 1 & Term 2 Pupil Free Days)

Thur 28.3.24 Holy Week Liturgy 8.45 am. Easter Hat Parade and raffles from  10.00am

Fri 29.3.24  - Monday 1.4.24 EASTER BREAK

Wed 3.4.24  Dance concert Kinder to 2 at 9.00 am & Years 3 to 6 at 2.15 pm

Fri 5.4.24 School Cross Country 9.00 am

Tue 9.4.24 School Open Morning 9.30 am

Thurs 11.4.24 & Fri 12.4.24 PUPIL FREE DAYS Term 1

Mon 29.4.24 School resumes Term 2

Mon 27.5.24 &  Tues 28.5.24 PUPIL FREE DAYS TERM 2

NAPLAN

Well done to Years 3 and 5 for completing the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN)!

NSW’s Test Administration Authority will provide individual student reports (ISRs) to schools to distribute to parents/carers. The release dates of results are yet to be determined by ACARA, but typically, these results take approximately three months. The same ISR report format is used for every student in Australia. The school will notify you when the reports are being sent home. Individual student results are strictly confidential.

Attached is a general NAPLAN infographic.

Mrs Victoria Atkinson

EASTER RAFFLE DONATIONS

Thank you to all who have donated to the Easter Raffle, your generosity is greatly appreciated. Visits to the office are increasing to check out the chocolate! Good luck everyone.

BOOK CLUB NEWS

The latest Book Club orders are due on Thursday the 28th March 2024. Please order through Scholastic Book Club online.

NATIONAL WALK TO SCHOOL SAFELY DAY

TWEED COAST PLAYGROUP