2023 Week 1 Term 3

God of hope, as we begin this new Term, we pray that you fill us with joy and  energy to always do our best and to keep learning. We are blessed to return to a community where we have friends and teachers who will help us settle back into the routine of school life. Thank you for holiday time, for freedom, family and friends. Help us to keep these happy times in our hearts. Help us to learn, to grow in confidence and to use all our special gifts and talents.

Amen

A message from Ms Sonia Solares - Assistant Principal Learning & Teaching

I would like to take time to thank everyone from my Joey’s family for their overwhelming and ongoing support to myself, Harry and my family while Jason was sick and following his passing. I won’t get through individual thanks to you all, but please know we couldn’t have done it without you. I know that we will continue to have this support while Harry and I find our way forward without Jason.

Thank you all again for everything.

Sonia Solares

Dear Parents 

Welcome to Term 3. I hope this Newsletter finds everyone well rested following a relaxing school holiday period with your family. From the conversations I have had with many of the students and parents, some families travelled distances while others stayed local to re-energise, ready for the second half of the year.

It is incredible to think that our Kindergarten children are half way through their first year of schooling and our Year 6 students are in their final six months of primary school. There is much to look forward to in Term 3, most notably the school production of 'Matilda the musical Jr'. As the musical is a whole school event, it is expected that all students are present at the performances, therefore we can make the show the best it can be. Please mark the dates firmly in your calendar and be on the lookout for ticket sales! We also have a couple of other special highlights in our calendar already, including Catholic Schools Week celebrations and Book Week character parade. Stay tuned for more details to come. 

The past days have been very settled and the students are to be commended for the way they have quickly re-adjusted back into the routine of school. With cold and dark mornings at the moment, it is challenging to get moving in the AM, but it is so vitally important that the children are at school on time. When children are punctual, they are able to set themselves up for the day by organising learning materials and connecting with friends and teachers. We need students to be ready to start the day when the bell goes. Conversely, if they are late, it creates stress, anxiety and interruptions as they enter the classroom once learning is already underway.

This Newsletter contains information about all of the key events for the school this Term and should be read in conjunction with the Newsfeeds and Events on COMPASS. The Class Newsletters contain information specifically related to the teaching and learning in your child’s class this Term.  Be on the lookout for class Newsletters next week.

As a school, we continue to strive to maintain high levels of communication between school and home, ensuring a strong partnership for the benefit of your child. As always, if ever you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch with your child’s classroom teacher.

This Term we welcome a new member of staff:

Mrs Alana Jenkins has replaced Mrs Alice Black within the teaching team. Mrs. Alice Black has left St Joseph’s Wauchope to take up a position within Wauchope Public Secondary school. We wish both Mrs Black and Mrs Jenkins all the best in their new positions.

Maintenance Work

Unfortunately over the holiday period the school plumbing system experienced a major water leak. Difficult repairs work was undertaken on the school underground pipes and water system. The leak disrupted the Camp Australia’s holiday school care program during the second week of the holidays. We appreciate our parents' understanding regarding this issue and apologise for the inconvenience to Camp Australia - and their holiday care program.

Correct School Uniform

As we begin the new Term please be mindful of providing your child with the correct school uniform. It has come to my attention that students are not wearing correct footwear this week. It is clearly stated in our Uniform Policy that students should be wearing polishable black shoes. If your child is wearing black sneakers or a variance in footwear to what our Uniform Policy states, then this is not appropriate and we will inform you of this via a message. As we have our school photo's coming up in Week 3, we would like all our students to be in the correct uniform by this day. If you have any concerns with adhering to this request please make an appointment via the Office to speak with me. 

Blessings Fr Felix

Fr Felix will be attending World Youth Day in Portugal. He will lead a group of Youth from the Lismore Diocese as their pilgrim priest. Fr Felix will be away from Sunday 23 July 2023 to Saturday 12 August 2023. Our prayers and well wishes go with Fr Felix on this most blessed occasion.

With many blessings for the Term ahead.

Peace be with you.

Mr Brendan Kiely

Book Week 2023 - Read Grow Inspire