22 October 2024 (Week 2 Term 4 2024)
Dear St Joseph's Community
Last week marked a wonderful start to the final term of the year. Our students returned full of excitement, eager to continue their learning and reconnect with their friends. On Thursday, we launched our Junior JOEYS transition program for our incoming kindergarten students for 2025. This program provided a fantastic opportunity for our future kindergartners to get to know each other and familiarize themselves with the routines and structures of our school as they prepare for the exciting journey of starting school next year. We are grateful to all of our current students for warmly welcoming them as they made their way to kindergarten. Junior JOEYS will continue over the next six weeks, and we can’t wait to officially welcome these new learners in 2025!
On Friday, we officially launched our new school mural and accompanying book, both titled How the Birds Got Their Colours. These wonderful works were produced as part of an arts grant in partnership with the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools, under the initiative Bundjalung Dreaming. This project was brought to life by the vision of Mrs. Kingsford and Mr. Merger, who sought to create meaningful connections between Aboriginal art, language, and storytelling, while deepening our students’ engagement with the rich heritage of the Bundjalung people.
The partnership involved our Indigenous students and extension writers collaborating with Aunty Trudy Roberts, a local Bundjalung language expert and author. Aunty Trudy guided our students in retelling the Bundjalung Dreaming story of How the Birds Got Their Colours. Students across the school thoroughly enjoyed the workshops led by Aunty Trudy, where they had the chance to deepen their understanding of the Bundjalung language.
We also had the privilege of working with Uncle Oral Lorry, whose artwork beautifully depicts the Dreaming story. The mural, now proudly displayed at the front of our school, is a captivating portrayal of the magic and wonder of the Dreaming.
On Friday, we were honoured to be joined by Uncle Oral and his father, Oral Senior, who also contributed to the mural, along with Aunty Trudy and their family. Local Aboriginal representatives, including Aunty Delia Rhodes, who provided a Welcome to Country, members of the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools, and the families of the students involved in the project also attended to officially unveil the mural and launch the book. Each student who participated received a copy of the book, and we had the joy of reading the story together as a community.
We look forward to the lasting impact these two pieces of art will have on our students for many years to come. We are already considering a reprint of the book, so if anyone is interested in obtaining a copy, please feel free to email the school to express your interest.
Bundjalung Dreaming
SCRIPTURE REFLECTION
In Mark 10:35-45, James and John ask Jesus for positions of honour, wanting to be closest to Him in His glory. But Jesus teaches that true greatness isn’t found in power or recognition—it’s found in serving others. “Whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant.”
As parents, this message invites us to reflect on how we lead our families. It’s easy to get caught up in expectations and comparisons, but Jesus reminds us that the most important thing we can do is to love and serve our families with humility. Greatness in parenting isn’t about perfection or status—it’s about showing love through small, daily acts of care, patience, and support.
By living out this model of servant leadership, we teach our children to value kindness, respect, and empathy. Just as Jesus came to serve, not to be served, we, too, are called to lead our families with a spirit of love and humility.
May we embrace this call in our homes, helping our children grow through love.
SCHOOL COMMUNITY GROUP TERM 4 MEETING RSVP
Our Term 4 School Community Group meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 5th of November from 6:30 - 7:45 pm. Parents are welcome to join in person or to join via Zoom.
At this stage, the school would like to present on:
- School Improvement Planning for 2024
- Student Reading and Writing Growth 2024
We agreed at our last meeting that we would seek feedback from parents as to the learning focus for parents. Please share your thoughts below on what the learning focus should be for this meeting. We have some learning options below for parents and carers to select from:
- How is Mathematics taught at St Joseph's?
- How can I support my child with reading at home?
- How can I support my child with Maths at home?
There is also a space to provide the school with a feedback focus.
Here is the link to RSVP and contribute to the agenda. We hope to see you there!
PLEASE SEE BELOW A MESSAGE FROM PARENT WENDY SAWAN, ABOUT THE SCG
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
As we approach the start of Term 4, we’re excited for all that lies ahead for our children and our school community at St Joseph’s Primary. We would like to extend a warm invitation for you to join our School Community Group meetings. These quarterly gatherings provide a wonderful chance for parents to connect, share ideas, and actively contribute to the thriving community we are building together.
Your involvement is invaluable. Whether you are new to our school or have been part of the St Joseph’s family for years, your insights and support help shape the future of our school and ensure we continue to provide the best possible environment for our children to learn and grow.
While I won’t be able to attend the upcoming meeting due to prior commitments, I’m here to assist in any way I can. If you have some time to spare, we would love for you to join us either in person or virtually via video link.
We look forward to welcoming both new and familiar faces to our next meeting and appreciate your continued involvement in building a strong, supportive school community.
Wendy - Hunter's mum
UNIFORM REMINDER
As we return from the holidays, a reminder of the uniform expectations is provided below.
School shoes should be black, soft, polishable leather – not suede, canvas or skate shoes. Shoelaces will be done up correctly at all times. Jewellery is not allowed. However, students who have pierced ears may wear sleepers or studs. Students with multiple ear piercings must wear clear studs in these holes. Children will be asked to remove all ‘excess’ jewellery and place this in their School bag. Please also note that ribbons, scrunchies, etc, worn in the girls' hair should be in School colours: white, light blue, and navy blue. Students are asked not to wear coloured nail polish. Dyed hair is not permitted, and shoulder-length hair should be tied back for health reasons. Hair that is shoulder length must be tied up. No hair should cover the eyes. We do not tolerate “trendy” hairstyles such as fades, undercuts, lines, mullets, etc. All smartwatches and phones are to be left in the box in the office.
GARDINER CHESS TERM 4
The Gardiner Chess Tournament will be held on Thursday, 31st October 2024, hosted by our school.
Registration is from 8.30 am to 9.15 am. Start at 9.30 am and finish around 2.30 pm. This Tournament is open to students in Stages 1, 2 and Stage 3. To be eligible to attend, students should know the rules of chess and be able to play confidently.
The cost of the Tournament will be approx $22 (TBC). Expressions of Interest close TODAY
Please complete this form to indicate your child's interest in this event.
TERM 1 2025 COMMENCEMENT DATES
For your calendars for the start of 2025, please see the commencement dates below.
TERM 1 2025 COMMENCEMENT DATES
The structured play roster is below for parents to have conversations with their children about the exciting sporting and cultural activities we have on offer at break times this term.
CHILD SAFE HANDBOOK
We urge all parents and carers to download this latest edition of the Child Safe Handbook and discuss the safety content with your children as appropriate. Prepared by Police Legacy, in conjunction with the NSW Government, the handbook is designed to support parents in ensuring their children are safe. Here is the link.
NATIONAL FOOTBALL TRIALS
Last week, Sully Mitchell (Year 6) travelled to Western Australia to compete at the National Football Trials. Sully’s NSW team placed 4th overall in the competition, which is an amazing achievement. Sully played some great games against some highly skilled opponents, showcasing both his talent and determination. Well done Sully on not only representing our school but also our State!
PSSA ATHLETICS
We wish Jonty Allen (Year 5) the best of luck as he competes at the PSSA Athletics Carnival this week.
SUMMER SPORTS TRIALS
Yesterday, students in Years 4 and 5 were given the opportunity to nominate for the Summer Sports Trials. We will be holding those trials at school this week, with successful students being informed on the day and invited to a Compass Event. If your child is successful, please read this information carefully as private transport will be required.
If your child is absent, please email me a list of their representative playing history so that this can be taken into consideration when selecting.
School trials:
- Touch Football - Tuesday recess
- Basketball - Wednesday recess
- Cricket - Wednesday lunch
- Tennis - Thursday lunch
- Softball (nomination dependent)
Build a Habit of Good Attendance
Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school and themselves. Help your child to learn that going to school on time, every day is important.
Reinforcing the idea that attending school regularly is crucial for a positive school experience. Foster a love for learning by encouraging your child's natural curiosity.
Help your child to see school as a place to explore new ideas, discover interests, and develop a lifelong passion for learning. Foster positive social connections at school by encouraging friendships. Knowing that they have friends to look forward to can motivate children to attend school regularly.
