Term1 Week 9

Principal's Message

Dear Parents, Caregivers, and School Community,

As Term 1 comes to an end, I want to take a moment to reflect on the wonderful achievements and experiences we’ve shared over the past few months. It has been an exciting start to the school year, filled with learning, growth, and community spirit.

From the very first day, our students have embraced new challenges with enthusiasm. Our dedicated teachers have worked tirelessly to create engaging and supportive learning environments, and it has been inspiring to see the progress made in classrooms across the school. Whether in literacy, numeracy, or the creative arts, our students continue to shine.

This term, we have also enjoyed a range of exciting events. Our school Cross Country carnival today was a fantastic display of sportsmanship and teamwork, and our weekly assemblies celebrate the incredible diversity and inclusivity within our school community. Thank you to all our families who continue to support our school as your involvement makes such a difference! We look forward to our whole school disco next Thursday night and our Easter liturgy celebration to end our term. 

As we approach Easter, we are reminded of the central message of this holy season—hope, renewal, and the boundless love of God. In our classrooms we will reflect on the journey of Jesus, His sacrifice, and the joy of His resurrection. Easter is a time to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness and a reminder of God’s promise of new life. May this season inspire us all to show kindness, forgiveness, and compassion in our daily lives.

A special mention must go to our new students and families who have joined us this year. We hope you feel welcomed and part of our wonderful school community. To our Year 6 leaders, thank you for stepping up and setting such a great example for our younger students.

As we head into the well-deserved holiday break, I encourage everyone to take time to rest and recharge. Read a great book, enjoy the outdoors, and spend quality time with loved ones. Term 2 promises to be just as exciting, with more learning opportunities, excursions, and special events ahead.

May the joy and peace of Easter fill your hearts and homes. Thank you for your ongoing support, and I look forward to welcoming you all back in Term 2.

Wishing you a blessed and joyful Easter!

Tracey 

Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching

PUBLIC SPEAKING

Dear parents,

Each year as part of our Literacy Program every child from Kinder to Year 6 takes part in our school’s Public Speaking Competition.

The reason why we have this event is to give the children a purpose and an audience for talking and listening. 

 At the beginning of Term 2 every child prepares a speech about any topic they choose.

 Early Stage 1 – Kinder            – 1 minute

Stage 1 - Year 1 and Year 2    – 1 minute

Stage 2 - Years 3 and 4           - 2 minutes

Stage 3 - Years 5 & 6               - 3 minutes

 Children practise their speeches in class for the first first weeks. In Week 6/7, six children will be selected by the class teacher to present their speech to two adjudicators who then select two finalists from each class for the School Final which will be held on Wednesday 25th June in St Joseph’s Church at 9.00am. 

 Parents and relatives are invited to attend the final where we have outside adjudicators from the community (such as Toastmasters, High School English Teachers, Speech Teachers) to award one winner for each GRADE. The two highest point score winners from each STAGE then go on to compete in the Tweed Catholic Public Speaking Competition which will be held in August.

 This has been a very successful initiative and has given our children many valuable skills that they will use throughout their future education and future lives.

You may like to prepare your child's speech over the holidays so they are ready to practice when they return to school.

I have attached the criteria for the competition. Please read carefully.

Cheers
Chris

Assistant Principal Mission

Dear St Joseph's Community,

Thank you all so much for an amazing Term 1 full of activity, learning and community.

We feel like we have moved from event to event with each cause for great celebration.  Celebrating our school and in particular, our student leaders at the beginning of the year was once again a special occasion, beginning the year beautifully. Despite the impending weather event, our Ash Wednesday Mass was a beautiful celebration of our faith with all students present again representing our entire school with reverence. 

Our Feast Day Retreat was a first for St Joseph's with all students from Kindergarten to Year 6 taking the day to celebrate everything that makes St Joseph's special.  We spent the morning learning about our House Patrons and used their inspiration to create meaningful collages recognising our Jubilee Year of Hope.  Students then moved to rotational activities of Games, Song, and Service.  Our Year 6 students have been kicking goals with both feet all year and again demonstrated outstanding leadership to support all students throughout the day, especially by running games for them.  We worked on lyrics and choices of a school song to be released shortly and finally engaged in service activities, creating bookmarks for our friends in the local Nursing Homes as well as visiting St Joseph's Church to help spruce it up a bit.  Our end of day liturgy was a perfect way to finish an extraordinary day of community, faith, and friendship.

I'd like to particularly thank Ms Wilkinson and our K-2 teachers who supported our recent Family, Faith, Fun evening.  We had almost 200 people join us to learn more about the pillars of Lent; Prayer, Giving, Fasting, as well as getting to know our friends and family a bit better and playing some games to get the heart pumping.  It was an absolute joy to see so many new families connecting with those that have been here a while and just spending quality time together, with an acknowledgement of our faith that draws us closer to God and each other.

Fourteen of our Year 4 and 6 students were fortunate enough to experience the sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time last night.  It was a pleasure working with Mrs Roy and Mrs Hill to support these children and their families through learning about God's love and forgiveness that is offered in this sacrament.  Well done to those students, and we continue to pray that you receive God's peace in your lives each and every day.

We conclude our year with our special Holy Week Liturgy next week and I thank all of the staff and students that take the time to meaningfully prepare for this special event.  Next fortnight, more than any other time in the year, is a wonderful reminder and opportunity to reconnect with our God and Church Community.  We are all encouraged to take time out next week to spend time in prayer with community rejoicing in the love and hope Jesus gave us through His ultimate sacrifice.

I'd like to finish by echoing Mrs Loughhead's comments about how impressed I have been with our Year 6 students this year.  They have gone above and beyond with service, support, and looking out for our younger students.  They have done everything that has been asked of them and more, and we are truly grateful.  We have been talking to students to also take a leading role in our Wellbeing to Thrive program which is exciting and hopefully showing the impact of the program's success.  Thank you legends!

God bless,

Ryan O'Connor

Easter Celebrations at St Joseph's

Dear Families,
We would like to invite all families and friends to our Easter celebrations on Thursday, the 10th of April,( our last school day for Term 1). Our Easter Liturgy will be held in the Church at 10.15 am, followed by the Easter Hat Parade under the COLA on the school playground.
We will not be holding an Easter Raffle this year.
Please come and join us!

Parent Community Group Meeting

The next Parent Community Group Meeting will be held in the School Library on Monday the 26th of May at 5PM. All are welcome.

Mini Vinnies Bake Sale - Tuesday 8th April

Dear School Community,
Our Mini Vinnies group is excited to announce an upcoming bake sale to support Project Compassion! This is a fantastic opportunity for our Mini Vinnies students to demonstrate stewardship and make a tangible difference in the lives of others.
When: 8th April 
 What: Delicious homemade cupcakes, brownies, and cookies all $2 !
We are calling on our generous school community to help make this bake sale a success. Through Project Compassion, we are learning about the power of collective action. In 2024, Australians raised an incredible $9.7 million, and we are proud to be part of this meaningful initiative. Every treat sold will help us contribute to this important cause.
Let's come together and support our Mini Vinnies in their efforts to make a positive impact!

Thank you for your generosity.

Kind regards,
Cooper and Cassy your Faith and Mission Leaders

Pupil Free Days (Mandated Staff Development)

Just a reminder that Term 1 concludes Thursday the 10th of April and will resume Tuesday the 29th April 2025

Happy Little Vegemites in Schools Visit

Last week our year 5 & 6 students took part in a school incursion.

The Happy Little Vegemites’ Project tells the story behind the invention of our best known and most loved Aussie icon, Vegemite, inspiring perseverance, determination, courage and integrity in students, all qualities essential to building resilience and wellbeing.
Jamie Callister, the grandson of the inventor of Vegemite, is passionate about sharing his grandfather Cyril Callister’s amazing story.
When Dr Callister first invented Vegemite in 1923, Australians hated it. It took another 15 years of perseverance and determination before we embraced it.
Four out of five Australians have Vegemite in the pantry or fridge but few know the fascinating story behind its success.
The Cyril Callister Foundation (CCF) with author Jamie Callister (Vegemite the True Story of the Man Who Invented an Australian Icon, Murdoch Books 2023) and CCF President are bringing this story into Australian Primary Schools through storytelling, painting with Vegemite and science.
The program aligns with the Australian Curriculum Standards.

Zing Dance Program

Over the term our students have been working with the Zing Dance Team, learning new dancing skills. This culminates in our School Disco run by the Zing Team, which will be held next Thursday night, 10th April 2025. Festivities kick off at 5 pm until 7 pm. 

The cost for entry is $10 per student, This includes entry, a sausage and a Zooper Dooper ice-block. 
This is a K-6 event. Younger siblings are welcome, otherwise, only St Joseph's students can attend (no older siblings)
A parent or adult must accompany each student, students can not be dropped off. 
 Important Information:

We will have a BBQ on the night, providing steak sandwiches and sausage sandwiches for parents to purchase.  Please bring your cash.  

• Parents may wish to bring a picnic dinner and drinks (non alcoholic)
• All students must pre-purchase tickets via Compass. Tickets will not be available for purchase at the door.
• Please RSVP by Sunday, 6th of April to secure your child’s spot.

We look forward to seeing all the students there for a fun and memorable night!

Open Morning & Tour

Keeping School Funding Fair - What you need to know

Did you know that 6 in 10 Australians don’t fully understand how school funding works? Catholic
Schools NSW has launched the Keep School Funding Fair campaign to ensure families have
access to clear and accurate information.
Our schools play a vital role in providing high-quality education while keeping costs affordable
for families. A fair, means-tested funding model ensures all students are supported, no matter
their background.
Read the Catholic Schools NSW media release below to learn more, and visit https://www.keepfundingfair.org.au/ to watch the explainer video and take action

School Holiday Tennis Camps

World Surf Championship Tour Event