Term 2 Week 9
Principal's Message
Dear Families,
As Term 2 draws to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your ongoing support and partnership throughout the term. It's been a busy, productive, and joyful term filled with rich learning experiences, meaningful celebrations, and wonderful moments of growth for our students.
Across the school, it has been a pleasure to witness the way students continue to demonstrate resilience, curiosity, and a strong commitment to their learning. From classroom projects to sports carnivals, excursions, and special events, our students have engaged with enthusiasm and a willingness to challenge themselves.
One of the highlights of this term was our Athletics Carnival, which truly showcased the teamwork, and talents of our students. We are proud of how they step up to every opportunity with confidence and joy.
Our teaching staff have also continued to work collaboratively to ensure that our learning programs are targeted, inclusive, and responsive to student needs. With a strong focus on growth and improvement, teachers have used data and professional learning to refine practices that make a real difference in the classroom.
As we prepare to enter the final term of the year, our focus remains firmly on student wellbeing and achievement. Term 3 brings new opportunities, including transition programs for our 2026 Prep students, graduation preparation for our Year 6 leaders, and end-of-year reflections and celebrations.
I hope the upcoming school holidays provide all families with a chance to rest, recharge and enjoy time together. We look forward to welcoming students back for Term 3 on Tuesday 22nd of July, refreshed and ready for the final leg of the school year.
Wishing you all a safe and happy break.
Warm regards,
Tracey Loughhead
Principal
Father Michael Brady's Passing: Message from the Director
It is with deep sadness that I write this morning to let you all know of the passing of Father Michael Brady on Saturday.
Father Michael Brady received the final rites of the Church from Father Paul McDonald, Vicar General.
Father Michael had just celebrated his seventy fifth birthday and retired as Parish Priest of Tweed Heads. Before coming to Tweed Heads, he had been the Parish Priest of Sawtell. He studied for the priesthood in the Late Vocations seminary at Kensington.
We implore your kindness, O God, for Michael, your servant and Priest, that, as you made him a steward of your mysteries on earth, so you may bring him to be nourished by their truth and reality as unveiled in heaven. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. (From the Mass for a deceased priest).
We hold Father Michael in our thoughts and prayers.
Kind regards,
Adam Spencer
Director, DLSC Lismore
Father Michael's Funeral
Father Michael Brady's funeral will be held at our Parish Church on Thursday, 3rd July @ 11.00 am. We will have supervision for our students whilst many staff attend the funeral. At the conclusion of the funeral, all our students will create a guard of honour lining the streets as Father Michael makes his final journey. If you do not wish your child to participate in this, please let me know. May he rest in peace.
Christine Mulherin's Assistant Principal Appraisal
During Term 3 on the 11 August 2025, Christine Mulherin will be involved in an Assistant Principal appraisal process as part of her contract conditions with the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools.
The appraisal process seeks information from a variety of people associated with the school. The process aims to highlight the positive aspects of the Assistant Principal’s performance and identify areas for further development.
A timeline will be constructed to suit the needs of the school community. A panel consisting of the school Principal as Chair and a Regional Assistant Director from the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools will conduct the appraisal.
The full Assistant Principal appraisal process involves:
- a survey and self-appraisal statement completed by the Assistant Principal
- surveys of school staff and Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools personnel
- Input by the Principal
- input as arranged with the Parish Priest
- interviews with school staff
- interviews with any parents who wish to present
- a formal interview with the Assistant Principal by the panel
Any parents who wish to make contact with the panel are welcome to do so by contacting the Principal before the appraisal date. Please note, not all those that wish to be interviewed may be accommodated.
Thank you for your support of the school’s leadership team.
Yours sincerely,
Tracey Loughhead
Chair Principal
Assistant Principal's Learning & Teaching Message
Dear Parents,
REPORTS
Semester One Reports will be available from Friday evening, 27th June. These reports highlight your child’s strengths and areas for growth. If you’d like to discuss the report, please email your child’s teacher to book an after-school appointment in Week 10. Please talk to your child about their report, compliment them on their effort and encourage them to listen and make plans to achieve their goals next Semester.
PUBLIC SPEAKING
What a fantastic way to end the term!
Our annual Public Speaking Competition, held on Wednesday 25th, was outstanding. The quality, depth, and delivery of speeches were truly impressive. Congratulations to all our finalists:
Year 6: Neve McGee, Amira Kelly, Poppi O'Connor, Sophia Bolster, Stockton Wiedeman
Year 5: Pete Winning, Zara Bolster, Isla Pereira, Luna Carvello-Martin
Year 4: Bodhi Simkus, Cohen Parkinson, Frankie Cunningham, Natania John
Year 3: Bettie Dixon, Isla Kelly, Harley Watson, Charli Hynes, Eva Noai
Year 2: Isla Wilson, Charlotte Dowell, Lucy Leonard, Hendrix Denman
Year 1: Gaurika Sunil, Rylan Norvill, Noah Petersen, Bianca Sanoob
Kinder: Ned Slater, Millie Mulherin, Pippa Denman, Liz Joby
Special congratulations to those advancing to represent our school at the Combined Tweed Catholic Schools Public Speaking Competition on Thursday, 7th August at the Tweed Bowls Club.
Early Stage 1: Liz Joby and Pippa Denman
Stage 1: Noah Petersen & Isla Wilson
Stage 2: Eva Noai & Charli Hynes
Stage 3: Zara Bolster & Amira Kelly
You’ve made us all very proud—well done!
BOOK WEEK
Book Week: Saturday 16th – Friday 22nd August
The Book Week Character Parade will be held on Friday 22nd August at 9:00 AM. Parents and relatives are warmly invited to attend.
Over the holidays, find a book and plan your costume. This year’s theme is “Book an Adventure”—I can’t wait to see what you come up with (and I bet you’re curious about mine too!).
GRANDPARENT'S DAY
The upcoming events of next term are our annual Grandparents' Day and Art Exhibition. Don't forget to book your grandparents' visit for Friday, 29th August. This is a great way to show your grandparents what you do at school.
Our Art Exhibition will be on Thursday afternoon 28th August, from 3:00 pm until 4:00 pm on Thursday, 28th August.
CANBERRA YEAR 6
Just a reminder to the Year 6 parents that the next instalment for Canberra is due by Friday 27th June.
Thanks Cheers,
Chris
Assistant Principal Mission
Dear St Joseph's Community,
It was with great joy that we were able to join children from throughout our Parish to celebrate the most special sacrament of First Holy Communion with our students on Sunday. This completes the Sacraments of Initiation for these children and they are welcomed fully into the body of the Church. We hope they are enlivened by God's spirit and seek to connect with Jesus regularly through Eucharist now as their nourishment to continue to Make Jesus Real each and every day.
I'd like to extend a massive thank you to Mrs Hill and Mrs Roy who have so expertly and gently lead the students through their preparation for sacraments this year and for the support from staff and peers in attending their special day on Sunday. The children are very lucky to have such wonderful role models guiding them on their faith journey.
My New Gallery
I was then excited to be able to speak with Year 3 students to invite them to the next Sacramental Program commencing with Confirmation next term. Students in Years 3 and up that have been baptised as Catholic are encouraged to read the enrolment form below and consider this special next step in the Sacramental Journey.
I hope that all of our children enjoy a well-deserved break and I hope you have some time together as families over the next two weeks, before returning for another fruitful term.
God bless,
Ryan O'Connor
Celebrating Our Young Writers
Sport News
Hats off to another fantastic term of sport!
This term, our students have been on the move, learning a range of athletic skills with Mr P — from relays and shot put to high jump. All that hard work paid off at our Athletics Carnival last Friday in Cudgen!
We kicked off the day with some spirited war cries that set the tone for a fun-filled day of competition. From the 800m races to sprints, novelty events, long jump, and the always-popular Year 5 and 6 tug of war — our students gave it their all. A huge well done to everyone for their energy, effort and outstanding sportsmanship!
Well done to our age champions -
5 YRS: Rose Bostock, Indigo Irwin, Desmond Villanueva
6 YRS: Luana Mooslechner Dias, Brodie Egas
7 YRS: Halia Gibbons-Singh, Jaxson Frank
8 YRS: Matilda Slattery, Bowie Willoughby, Wyatt Jones
9 YRS: Charli Hynes, Mikey Hope
10YRS: Telita Dwyer, Edward Ingham
11YRS: Georgia Knapp, Parker Goldsworthy
12YRS: Sophie Stanford, Flynn Slattery
13YRS: Matai Dwyer
WINNING HOUSE: Dalton
Congratulations to the winning house - Dalton!
Some students will now progress to the Zone carnival on Friday 1st August - best of luck!
Important Dates
- 27.6.25 Pyjama Day (come to school in your PJs), Can Can Day & Vinnies sleepout experience, reports sent home.
- 30.6.25 Murwillumbah Eisteddfod (select Students)
- 4.7.25 Last day of term
- 21.7.25 Pupil Free Day
- 22.7.25 School resumes for Term 3