Term 3 Week 9 2024
Principal's Message
Dear Parents, Carers, and Students,
As Term 3 comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has been an incredibly productive and enriching term for our school community. It has been wonderful to witness the energy, enthusiasm, and commitment from our students, staff, and families alike. Together, we have achieved so much, and I am proud of the progress we have made.
Celebrating Achievements
Term 3 has been filled with accomplishments both in and out of the classroom. Our students have worked hard, demonstrated resilience, and continued to push themselves towards their academic goals. Whether it's excelling in class projects, participating in sports competitions, or showcasing their talents in the arts, the growth and dedication shown have been truly inspiring.
A Focus on Wellbeing
As we continue to prioritise academic achievement, the well-being of our students has been equally important this term. With the stresses of daily life and the challenges of balancing schoolwork and extracurricular activities, we have introduced new initiatives to support student mental health. Our Monday morning weekly Zoom sessions have been a great success providing Mr O'Connor and myself, opportunities to interact with all classes on our focus for the week which has developed a consistent message about wellbeing. These sessions complement what is happening in the classroom, unpacking our RESPECT model. The students have also loved our K-6 Rock and Water sessions which are helping our students to build resilience and develop healthy coping strategies.
Looking Ahead to Term 4
With one term left in the school year, there is much to look forward to. Term 4 will bring its own set of exciting opportunities and challenges, including:
- End-of-year assessments and projects, where students will demonstrate the skills and knowledge they have gained throughout the year.
- Year 4 -6 camps, which provide a fantastic opportunity for personal growth, teamwork, and outdoor learning.
- Prize Giving, an opportunity to recognise our students for both academic and creative arts excellence.
- Year 6 Graduation Mass and Dinner, a wonderful farewell to our Year 6 with a graduation mass and dinner
- Christmas Carnival, a celebration, with families, of the wonderful year we have had.
Reminders for the Holiday Break
As we approach the school holiday, I encourage all students to take time to rest and recharge. It's important to provide opportunities for relaxation, being physically active and lots of reading, let try to reduce the amount of screen time to ensure that everyone returns refreshed for the final term.
Gratitude and Reflection
Finally, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our teachers and support staff for their unwavering dedication this term. Their hard work behind the scenes often goes unnoticed, but it is their passion and commitment that allows our students to thrive.
To our parents and guardians, thank you for your continued support and involvement in your children's education. Your partnership with the school is invaluable, and together we create a strong and nurturing environment for all.
To our students, I am incredibly proud of each and every one of you. Your resilience, curiosity, and effort make our school a special place, and I look forward to seeing all that you will achieve in Term 4.
Wishing everyone a safe, restful, and enjoyable break.
Warm regards,
Tracey Loughhead
4o
Assistant Principal Learning & Teaching
This term we have been extremely busy and our results have been amazing. The children are busy goal setting and identifying what they need to do in order to improve. Our results in Reading, Spelling, Writing and Maths have all exceeded our expectations which is shown in our high results in NAPLAN as well as our internal data. Let's have a great holiday and rest up, ready for more great learning in term 4.
Last week we had another successful Art Exhibition where the children showed their brilliant artistic skills. We were overwhelmed by the number of parents and grandparents who came to view the exhibition. Thank you for your support and the children loved their work being shown to everyone.
We thank Mr Andrew Chambers (Lead Art Teacher at St Joseph's College) who was our expert judge for the exhibition. While everyone did a marvellous job we congratulate the following children who received the highest achievement. These children will receive their trophies tomorrow at assembly.
KR 1st Place: Frankie Castles 2nd Place: Aria Hopkins
KN 1st Place: Thomas O'Connor 2nd Place: Malie Warren
1R 1st Place: Fallon Murphy 2nd Place: Bobby Thompson
1N 1st Place: Olive Slater 2nd Place: Matilda Slatery
2R 1st Place: Poppy Smith 2nd Place: Eva Noai
2N 1st Place: Immogen Golar 2nd Place: Owen Free
3R 1st Place: Sullivan Cassidy 2nd Place: Luna Ohya
3N 1st Place: Nixon Weiderman 2nd Place: Zara Pennisi
4R 1st Place: Eddie Noakes 2nd Place: Lucy Nasorowale
4N 1st Place: Nixon Kay 2nd Place: Isla McGee
5R 1st Place: Finn Murphy 2nd Place: Harper Pollard
5N 1st Place: Penelope O'Connor 2nd Place: Thomas Ingham
6R 1st Place: Nalu Carvello-Martin 2nd Place: Nash Power
6N 1st Place: Lily Moyce 2nd Place: Aurora Rengel
All the children in the school also had one vote for their favourite art piece and I am very pleased to announce that Lily Moyce won the most popular award. Congratulations Lily!
Well done all! Can't wait for next year.
Cheers
Chris
My New Gallery
My New Gallery
Assistant Principal Mission
Hello St Joseph's Community,
A very special congratulations to the large number of students that celebrated sacraments recently. This past month alone has seen 5 students with their families welcomed into the Church community through Baptism. It brings us so much joy that our students are experiencing the love of God through our school community and feeling called to join the Church more formally. This was then supported for 17 of our students when Bishop Greg visited last week for Confirmation. We were very fortunate to have Bishop Greg speak to the whole school and gave us a simple message of being the kind of friend to others that we want for ourselves. He called on each of us to remember that Jesus is there for us to support us as well as being a model for all to follow. During our Confirmation Liturgy, Bishop Greg asked the candidates to always try to do what is right, and try not to do what is wrong. There are no expectations of perfection, but just trying always to do our best and never giving up. Finally, he asked the question, 'what is the most important thing in the world?' - to which the answer was love. He reminded us that if we all remember sharing love with each other is the most simple and effective way to change the world for the better.
I wish you all a wonderful end of term and holiday break and look forward to a positive and exciting Term Four.
God bless,
Ryan O'Connor
Stress Synonyms
Year 6 have been working on synonyms in poetry this term as well as coping with change and stress management in PDH.
Mrs Loughhead, Mrs Mulherin and Mr O'Connor were lucky enough to have Willow, Luke and Pippa read their work recently.
Important Dates
Thursday, 26th and Friday 27th September PUPIL FREE DAYS
Monday, October 14th SCHOOL RESUMES TERM 4
Monday October 28th Parent Community Group Meeting
Friday November 1st Crazy Sock Day
November 11,12,13,14 Year 6 Camp
November 11,12,13 Year 5 Camp
Year 6 Red Book Week Buddy Activity
This Year, the theme for Book Week was Reading is Magic. Year 6 Red spent time during the week reading their own 'Magical Hat' story, which they created for their buddy to take home for Book Week. They made the Kinders a 'hat and story' with themselves and their buddy in it. Well done Year 6, the Kinders were delighted.
Year 6 Buddies
Volunteer with Vinnies
Speech Therapy Availability
Subway Orders
We have had a few teething problems with the Monday Lunchtime Subway orders. The new management has been extremely helpful with any issues. Although it is advertised that the orders are open until 7 a.m. on Monday mornings, placing your order on or before Sunday night allows more time for the orders to be processed. Just a reminder that each Subway order goes towards fundraising for our school.
Book Club News
Book club Issue Number 6 orders are due by September 13th. Orders should be delivered before the September school holidays.