2022 Week 3 Term 3
Dear God
Thank you for all those who are sharing kindness in our community.
Help us to live in your goodness and kindness each day.
Remind us that our actions express who we are even more than our words.
Support us to see where kindness is needed and to
reach out in kindness to all we meet.
Let us be grateful for those who have shown us kindness.
Thank you, God, for inspiring
us to be kind through your love for the world.
Amen
Dear Parents
Next Monday we celebrate the Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop - Australia’s first saint. Mary MacKillop was a trail-blazer in her lifetime, leaving a culture of exemplary living for her followers to emulate. Mary paved the way for education of poor children and a variety of ministries which addressed the needs of 19th century Australia.
Her legacy continues today in countless ways. Education in its many facets is still a strong ministry for the Sisters of Saint Joseph. Mary’s work continues today with a myriad of ways of bringing healing and hope through spirituality, counselling, supervision and mentoring.
Mary MacKillop’s legacy encourages us to be people of justice and ecumenism. Mary inspires us to be courageous and hopeful and to have a deep faith in our God who provides. Mary MacKillop has shown us how to forgive and how to be compassionate; she teaches us about spirituality and is a saint for all of us today.
The life of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop demonstrates the deep commitment that was shown to her faith and the Church. Mary stood for others believing that her work was for the good of others; that those around her would live lives that were fulfilled and filled with prayer and the Holy Spirit. Mary is remembered by many quotes, and I leave this one with you this week to reflect upon as we journey through the week.
“If disappointed, don’t say hard things.
Only think a little, pray a little, and try to remember that God will bring about what is best in God’s own time.”
Mary MacKillop, 2 September 1873
A Worthy Cause
Last Friday, saw our school community dressed in pyjamas in support of the St Vincent De Paul Winter Appeal. It was a lovely way to finish our second week back at school for a most worthy cause.
Staffing Update
Some recent staffing appointments have taken place as follows:
Ms Josephine Richardson is a newly appointed teacher to Stage 1. Ms Jospehine Richardson replaces Mrs Danielle Mackay on Monday 15 August 2022. Mrs Mackay will take Maternity leave until the end of the year. We wish Ms Josephine Richardson all the very best in her new role as classroom teacher for S1M.
Tell Them From Me Survey
In the coming week we will be inviting students, teachers and parents to provide feedback on their experience of our school using an online survey. The surveys are an important part of our whole school evaluation and planning process for next year.
We would like to invite you to complete the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) Partners in Learning survey. As we value the role of parents and carers within our school community we would greatly appreciate your feedback. The information you provide will be used to maintain our commitment to working together in partnership to further improve student learning and wellbeing at St Joseph's School, Wauchope.
The survey is anonymous and will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. You will be able to access the parent survey on your computer or mobile device as of next week. A link will be sent to all families through our Operoo platform. Please note that there is one survey per family.
Welcome new families
We recently welcomed two new students and their families to our St Joseph's School community. Both Gabrielle and Raahil will join the Stage 2 cohort. We trust your time with us at St Joseph's will be fun-filled learning experience.
Covid/Colds & Flu
We appear to be faced with more uncertainty around the spread of COVID-19/Colds & Flu related symptoms in our school setting and the broader community at present. Please be assured that we have continued to maintain strict health and safety measures throughout the school to ensure that we keep our staff and students safe.
We ask for your ongoing support in testing your children if they develop any symptoms and to keep them home to prevent the possible further spread throughout our school community. We also understand that many families have work commitments and finding care for your child can be difficult. Sending your child to school even if they are unwell, compromises our school community and the health and safety of all who work at the school.
Feel free to collect RAT kits from the Office foyer if you are in short supply.
May you all keep warm and well as we now head into August full of hope and joy for Spring to return.
Peace be with you
Brendan Kiely
Family Connection
This Sunday is the nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The Gospel reading from Luke (12:33-48) sends a powerful message about how we must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.
Years ago, most families had only one or two clocks in their home. Today, we have clocks everywhere—on our walls, microwave ovens, TV screens, mobile phones, and so on. As a family, go through the house and count how many clocks (time-telling devices) your family has. Talk about important events for which family members need to be on time. Recall experiences of being late for something, either as individuals or as a family. Explain that in this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus talks about how important it is for us to be aware and alert, otherwise, we will miss something.
Read aloud Luke 12:32-48. Talk about the parable that Jesus told and discuss how the master will feel if he arrives to find his servant doing his job. Discuss what our job is as disciples of Jesus. Explain that, just as we need to be aware of the time so that we don't miss anything important, we also need to be alert and focused on our jobs, our responsibilities as followers of Jesus.
Encourage each family member to place a sacred symbol near the clock that they use most in the house and to use the symbol and the clock as a reminder that it is always “time” for us to be acting like disciples of Christ.
Saint Mary MacKillop
The Feast Day for our Mary MacKillop is almost upon us. Monday 8 August 2022 marks this solemnity. Mary MacKillop is Australia's beloved first saint and as the founder of the Josephites, foundational to our school, with her quote, 'Never see a need without doing something about it' echoing each day throughout St Joseph's in words and deeds.
On this day, we celebrate the important role she played in making education accessible for children in our country. Mary MacKillop devoted her life to ensuring a holistic Catholic education for children from rural and poor families. Our students will be involved in Religious education lessons throughout the week to celebrate our Australian saint's life and rejoice in her goodness given to all of us.
Children's Liturgy - Saturday 13 August 2022
Assumption of Mary Whole School Mass
All families are welcome to attend the Assumption of Mary Mass, Monday 15 August 2022 at 9.30 am. The feast of Mary’s Assumption is a preview of what our lives will be. At the end of her earthly life, Mary was assumed, or taken up, into heaven body and soul. She did not have to wait for the end of the world, as we do. God granted her this special privilege because of her sinlessness and her fullness of grace.
BIG WORLD. BIG ISSUES!
In English this term, Stage 3 students are investigating the ways in which Australia is interconnected with other nations, and exploring a range of global issues including issues of war and peace, poverty and refugee experiences.
Students have been considering the individual and national responsibilities of global citizens of the 21st century, and are encouraged to think about how they can act to facilitate equity and justice for others through their choices and actions. Students have been exploring rich literature through the novel, Boy Overboard by Morris Gleitzman, as well as making connections with members of our community who have shared their journey as either migrants, refugees or asylum seekers.
Recently guest speakers, Mrs Larkan and Mr Coelho came to speak with Stage 3 about their experiences after leaving their home country and coming to Australia. Mrs Larkan and her family moved from South Africa to Australia in 2007. Mr Coelho spoke about his journey to Australia from Uganda in the 1970s.
Both Mrs Larkan and Mr Coelho shared their stories about their memories of their home countries, their trip to Australia and the changes, challenges and thoughts about enteriing a new country. Mr Coelho also brought some special keepsakes from his Ugandan home.
We are really excited to introduce a new section in our Newsletter this week: Leaders in the Library. Every fortnight, our leaders will be providing reviews on books and novels that they have recently read.
Please enjoy the first two reviews by our leaders, Louisa and Thomas.
Louisa Smith
Measuring Up
Author: Lily Lamotte
'Measuring Up' is about a girl named Cici who has just moved to Seattle from Taiwan, leaving her grandmother. The book follows her journey of trying to get enough money for her grandmother to come and live with her family.
'Measuring Up' is a graphic novel. I like it because it gives you a view into Taiwanese culture; it is easy to view and understand; and you can relate to the main character, Cici. 'Measuring Up' is a good text for primary students.
Come and borrow it from the library today!
Tom Newman
Wings of Fire: A Guide to the Dragon World
Author: Tui T. Sutherland
I like the book, 'Wings of Fire', because it has a sense of urgency. The pictures are well drawn; it’s easy to keep up with the pace of the text and can be related to you. (Even if you're not a dragon). I think this book is great for all those who like dragons and adventure!
Get in quick and borrow it from the library!
School Assembly
Families, we have great news for you! School Assemblies hosted by all stages are due to return. Following a long period of no assembilies; a consultation process with families, staff and students enabled us to combine the thoughts of all and tweek our assemblies. We welcome all families to our school regular Assemblies to share in the achievements of the students at St Joseph's. The names of the award recipients will continue to be published in the Newsletter prior to the Assembly.
Assemblies - 2022
Term 3 - Year 5 - Friday 26 August 2022, 2.20 pm
Term 3 - Stage 1 - Friday 16 September 2022, 2.20 pm
Term 4 - Stage 2 - Friday 28 October 2022, 2.20 pm
Term 4 - ES1 (Kindergarten) - Friday 18 November 2022, 2.20 pm
Term - TBC - Friday 9 December 2022, 2.20 pm
TERM 3
Kindergarten to Year 6 last day of classes Term 3
Thursday 22 September 2022
Staff Development Day (Pupil Free Day) - Friday 23 September 2022
TERM 4
Staff Development Day (Pupil Free Day) - Monday 10 October 2022
Kindergarten to Year 6 commence classes for Term 4
Tuesday 11 October 2022
Kindergarten to Year 6 last day of classes for Term 4
Friday 16 December 2022
Staff Development Day (Pupil Free Day) - Monday 19 December 2022
Staff Development Day (Pupil Free Day) - Tuesday 20 December 2022
OTHER HOLIDAYS IN 2022
Labour Day – 3 October (Public Holiday)
Christmas Day - 25 December (Public Holiday)
Boxing Day - 26 December (Public Holiday)
08/08/2022 | Monday | Feast of Mary MacKillop |
09/08/2022 | Tuesday | INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE WORLD'S INDIGENOUS PEOPLES |
09/08/2022 | Tuesday | Fr Felix - Year 5 Classroom Visit |
10/08/2022 | Wednesday | Diocesan Primary Athletics Carnival - Coffs Harbour Stadium |
13/08/2022 | Saturday | ES1 & Stage 3 Mass Children's Liturgy |
14/08/2022 | Sunday | Term 3 Week 5 |
15/08/2022 | Monday | Assumption of Mary - Whole School Mass |
16/08/2022 | Tuesday | Fr Felix - Year 2 Classroom Visit |
18/08/2022 | Thursday | P & F Meeting |
21/08/2022 | Sunday | Term 3 Week 6 |
23/08/2022 | Tuesday - Friday | Year 6 Camp |
23/08/2022 | Tuesday | Fr Felix - Year 1 Classroom Visit |
28/08/2022 | Sunday | Term 3 Week 7 |
29/08/2022 | Monday - Wednesday | Year 5 Camp |
30/08/2022 | Tuesday | Fr Felix- Kindergarten Classroom Visit |
01/09/2022 | Thursday | Stage 3 Soccer & Netball Gala Day |
02/09/2022 | Friday | Father's Day Celebration |
04/09/2022 | Sunday | Term 3 Week 8 |
04/09/2022 | Sunday | Father's Day |
06/09/2022 | Tuesday | Fr Felix - Year 4 Classroom Visit |
07/09/2022 | Wednesday | Kinder 2023 PreLit Program |
08/09/2022 | Thursday | INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY |
08/09/2022 | Thursday | NSW TOUCH FOOTBALL PRIMARY SCHOOL GALA DAY - Port Macqaurie |
09/09/2022 | Friday | Polding Athletics - Hunter |
09/09/2022 | Friday | Polding Athletics - Newcastle |
11/09/2022 | Sunday | Term 3 Week 9 |
13/09/2022 | Tuesday | Year 5 Rosary in Church |
14/09/2022 | Wednesday | The Exaltation of the Holy Cross |
14/09/2022 | Wednesday | Kinder 2023 PreLit Program |
15/09/2022 | Thursday | Our Lady of Sorrows - Whole School Mass |
15/09/2022 | Thursday | P & F Meeting |
18/09/2022 | Sunday | Term 3 Week 10 |
21/09/2022 | Wednesday | Kinder 2023 PreLit Program |
22/09/2022 | Thursday | Last day of Term for Students |
23/09/2022 | Friday | Staff Spirituality Day |
Dear volunteers
Please see the updated roster for Term 3 and let us know if you can volunteer.
Thank you!
Renate
St Joseph's School
Representative Sports Shirts
This email is sent to you as a service message and is not for marketing purposes.
This is a transactional message sent to you by rebel Sport in relation to your membership of rebel Active. This is an automatically generated email, please do not reply. If you have a question, please read our online Club Terms & Conditions and our FAQ.
This email was sent to maryrose.ogrady@gmail.com by Rebel Sport Limited (ABN 78 003 283 823).
To contact rebel Sport Pty Ltd Level 5, 1B Homebush Bay Drive, Rhodes, NSW, 2138, Australia. Ph: 1300 654 502.
A.C.N 003 283 823.