3 June 2025 (Week 6 Term 2 2025)
Dear St Joseph’s Community
As we reach the middle of the term, it’s been heartening to see the dedication and effort of both our students and staff. Classrooms are full of purposeful activity, and our focus on strong routines and clear structures is helping to create safe, calm, and predictable learning environments where all students can thrive.
Last week, we acknowledged National Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week as a school community. We held a special assembly on Monday, led by our Jarjums, and students engaged in meaningful learning experiences in their classrooms to deepen their understanding of this important time. These activities helped our students reflect on the significance of reconciliation and our shared responsibility in walking together toward a more just and respectful future.
Congratulations to Jordy Thompson, Luca McDonald and Hugo McCall, who all represented our school so well at the Diocesan Cross Country event. Well done to Hugo who placed second and will represent us at Polding level soon.
We’ve also been busy with enrolment interviews for 2026. There has been very strong interest from families wanting to join our school community, and it’s been a joy to welcome siblings of current students and meet new families who are considering St Joseph’s as the place for their child’s learning journey.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Special News!
I’m very pleased to share some joyful news with you on behalf of Jenna and her husband — they are expecting a baby later this year! This is a wonderful and exciting time for their family, and I know you will join me in offering them your warmest congratulations.
We are very fortunate to have such dedicated and caring staff at our school, and I know this community will surround Jenna and her family with prayers and good wishes during this special season of life.
2026 School Dates Released
We’re pleased to share that the key school dates for 2026 have now been released. Sharing these well in advance allows families to plan ahead for holidays, appointments, and other commitments.
We kindly ask that family holidays be scheduled during the designated school holiday periods. With a highly structured curriculum and carefully sequenced teaching, even a week or two of absence can have a significant impact on student learning and progress.
Staff Development Days for 2026 will be planned and shared later in the year, once confirmed.
Thank you for your ongoing support in prioritising your child’s learning.
Term 1 - Wednesday, 28 January to Thursday, 2 April
2026 Easter break - Good Friday, 3 April to Easter Monday, 6 April
Term 1 School holidays - Tuesday, 7 April to Friday, 17 April 2026
Term 2 - Monday, 20 April to Friday, 3 July
Term 2 School holidays - Monday, 6 July to Friday, 17 July 2026
Term 3 - Monday, 20 July to Friday, 25 September
Term 3 School holidays - Monday, 28 September to Friday, 9 October 2026
Term 4 - Monday, 12 October to Thursday, 17 December
Christmas holidays - Friday, 18 December 2026 to Wednesday, 27 January 2027
SCRIPTURE REFLECTION
Last Sunday we celebrated the Feast of the Ascension—when Jesus, having risen from the dead, returns to the Father. But before He does, He gives His disciples a mission: “Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News to all creation.”
It’s a powerful moment—not just an ending, but a new beginning. Jesus entrusts His followers (including us!) with continuing His work of love, mercy, and hope in the world.
For families, this mission begins at home. Every word of encouragement, every bedtime prayer, every conversation about kindness or forgiveness—these are sacred acts of proclaiming the Good News. You don’t need to stand in a pulpit to live out the Gospel. You’re doing it in your homes, at the dinner table, on the sidelines, and in quiet car rides.
As we mark Ascension Sunday, may we remember that Christ has not left us—He has empowered us. Through the Holy Spirit, He continues to work in and through us, especially in the love we share with our children.
You are invited to listen to Bishop Greg’s Homily from Sunday’s Mass.
Confirmation - Tuesday, 10 June
Confirmation will take place next Tuesday, 10 June. On this special day, our Confirmation candidates will participate in a meaningful Formation Day, designed to deepen their understanding of the sacrament and reflect on the powerful work of the Holy Spirit in their own lives and the lives of those around them.
The day will begin with the Confirmation candidates engaged in Formation activities led by Mrs Jones. After morning tea, the rest of the Year 3 students will join the group along with Miss MacDonald and Mrs Hall.
Morning tea and a delicious sausage sizzle lunch will be provided for all students.
A friendly reminder: students preparing for Confirmation are welcome to wear casual clothes on this day to help make the experience relaxed and comfortable.
We’re also delighted to welcome Confirmation candidates from across the parish to join us for this fun and inspiring retreat.
We look forward to a wonderful day of faith, learning, and community!
Casual Clothes Day ‘Cosy for a Cause’
Next Friday, 13 June, we are holding a special social justice fundraiser to support two important causes: the Vinnies Winter Appeal and the Bishop’s Mid-North Coast Flood Appeal.
Students are invited to wear their cosiest clothes to school and bring a gold coin donation. Please remember to wear your school hat and fully covered, jogger-style shoes for safety and sun protection.
All gold coin donations will go directly to the Vinnies Winter Appeal, which provides vital support to vulnerable individuals and families by supplying food and essential household items during the colder months.
In addition, our Year 6 Mission Leaders will be selling hot chocolates for $2 each, with all proceeds going to Bishop Greg’s Mid-North Coast Flood Appeal to help those affected by recent flooding.
We look forward to coming together as a community to make a difference this Winter!
We would like to congratulate Rory Quinlan who recently travelled to Newcastle to compete in the Winter Sports Trials for hockey. His Polding team had a great week and made it all the way to the Grand Final. Well done Rory.
In the previous two weeks we have had David Johnson (DJ) attend school to promote inclusivity in sports with various wheelchair sports. All children had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed this experience.
Being at school regularly helps children develop positive friendships
School attendance is not only about academic growth but also social and emotional development. Here are several ways in which consistent attendance contributes to the formation of meaningful and supportive peer relationships:
- Shared Experiences. Regular attendance allows children to share common experiences with their peers. Being present in class provides opportunities for shared learning, activities, and interactions, fostering a sense of camaraderie.
- Consistent Social Interaction. Attending school every day provides consistent opportunities for social interaction with classmates. Regular face-to-face interactions contribute to the development of communication skills, empathy, and a sense of belonging.
- Building Trust and Reliability. Being present on a regular basis helps children build trust and reliability within their peer group. Dependable attendance creates a sense of predictability, and peers can rely on each other for mutual support and collaboration.
Save the Date - St Joseph Statue Blessing
On Friday 25 July at 2.00pm, our school community will gather for a special Liturgy of the Word led by Bishop Greg Homeming and Fr Max, during which Bishop Greg will bless our newly placed St Joseph statue. We warmly invite all families to join us for this celebration.
