Week 8 - Term 4 Newsletter 2024

Principal's Message

Dear Families and Friends,

The 'silly season' is well and truly underway, and the past few weeks have already been a whirlwind of activity, with more exciting events still to come as we wrap up the year. Last week, we held our Year 5 Leadership Speeches and Kindergarten Orientation Night, and this week we enjoyed the joy and festivities of our annual Christmas Concert. Looking ahead to next week, we will celebrate the End of Year Prize Giving and the special milestone of the Year 6 Graduation.

2025 School Leaders

Congratulations to Penny Chapman and Jack Kirkland, who were appointed School Captains for 2025. Working alongside them will be Holly Clifford and Brock Camilleri, who were appointed as Vice Captains. I look forward to working alongside these students and the rest of our Year 6 leaders to ensure student voice continues developing in our school. Please see below our other leadership appointments for 2025. A reminder that SRC Leaders from Year 2-5 will be selected in Week 2 - Term 1 next year.

• School Captains - Penny Chapman & Jack Kirkland
• Vice Captains - Holly Clifford-Mullen & Brock Camilleri
• Bundjalung Captains - Phoenix Schwenke & Jessika Dalton
• Gibraltar Captains -  Jimmy Lennon & Isabella Grech
• Yuriygur Captains - Roman Hickling & Hugo Simpson
• SRC Captains - Oskar Bailey, Riley Elms & Caide Schylder 
  
• Mission Captains - Owen Moss & Alex Roux

End of Year Events

End of Year Prize Giving - Thursday 12th December (12:00 pm)

This event is a wonderful time as a school parish community to acknowledge our school leaders and ensure we are centred on Christ. Following our End of Year Liturgy, we will present our End of Year Awards that recognise students in all classes under the following categories: Academic Achievement, Faith in Action, and Learning Begins with Me.  All families are welcome to attend. Please be aware that the Front Office will be in contact confidentially to inform parents if their child is receiving an award. Our Year 6 students will also be receiving their Graduation Certificates at this event. 

Year 6 Graduation -  Thursday 12th December (6:00 pm)

Our Year 6 Families will be coming together at the Maclean Pub to celebrate and recognise the wonderful journey of our Year 6 students prior to heading off to secondary education. Please see Mrs Senz if you have any queries regarding this event.

END OF YEAR FUND DAYS -  Monday 16th - Wednesday 18th December

To celebrate the end of 2024, the school will be finishing with "Activity Days" on Monday 16th - Wednesday 18th December (Week 10). These days will be fun-filled and a wonderful way to celebrate our school year and build a sense of community.

• Monday 16th - Yamba Cinemas - Moana 2
• Tuesday 17th - School XMAS Carnival
• Wednesday 18th -  Maclean Pool -inflatable, water slide & pool activities 

We are conscious of not placing unwanted pressure on families at this time of the year so there is NO COST  for any of these events; we only ask for a Gold Coin donation on Wednesday for the Christmas Carnival. These events will be available in Compass on Monday 9th December for permission to be given.

2025 Staffing Change - Year 2 Classroom Teacher

It is with mixed emotions that I inform you that Mrs Deb Mullins has been appointed to the position of Leader of Learning at Mount St John's Primary School, Dorrigo in 2025. Deb contacted me last week, as she was on leave for T4, and has has made the difficult decision to take up this 12 month opportunity in another school setting. She feels it will be both a rewarding professional and personal experience and I am more than supportive of her taking on this opportunity. At this stage, this role is for 12 months and we look forward to her return in 2026, & I know that it will be wonderful experience being part of another catholic school community.

As a result of Deb taking leave in 2025, I am pleased to let you know that Miss Charlotte White has been appointed to the role of Year 2 Classroom teacher for next year (Mon-Thur) with Mrs Lou Senz also working in that space on a Friday. Charlotte has been working in our school community on a casual basis this year and we look forward to having her join our teaching team and know that she will be a wonderful addition to our school community.

Kindy Welcome Night

Thank you to all our Little Joey’s and Year 5 families who joined us for our Kindergarten Welcome Night last week. This special annual event has truly become a cherished tradition, centered on "creating a sense of belonging and community."

We extend our gratitude to our Year 5 families, who, despite an already busy week with the S3 Night of the Notables on Monday & leadership speeches later in the week, made the time to attend and help foster connections with our new families. It was a wonderful opportunity for our future Kindergarten students to meet their 'soon-to-be Year 6 buddies' and for parents to connect and begin building relationships. Following a enjoyable dinner and refreshments provided by the school, the evening concluded with our Kindy parents participating in an informative session led by Mrs. Bennett. A big thank you to Mrs Bell & Mrs Roach for all their organisation & thank you again to everyone who made the night such a success!

Kind regards

Dale

Upcoming School Dates

• Last Day of Little Joeys (Friday 6th December)
• EOY Mass & Awards Assembly (Thursday 12th December)
• Yr 6 Graduation Night (Thursday 12th December)
• EOY Fun Days (Monday 16th December - Wednesday 18th December)
• Last Day of Term 4 (Wednesday 18th December)
  

Leaders of Learning

Looking Back and Moving Forward

As we approach the end of the year, it’s a wonderful time to reflect on the incredible learning journey we’ve shared at St Joseph's. This year has been marked by growth, curiosity, and resilience as students and teachers alike have embraced opportunities to learn, collaborate, and strive for excellence.

This year brought the successful implementation of the new English and Mathematics syllabuses in Years 3-6, enhancing the way we deliver these essential subjects and fostering deeper learning for our students. One of the highlights has been seeing students actively engaging with their learning goals and demonstrating growth. Whether it’s through daily classroom activities, assessments, or collaborative projects, their hard work and determination have been inspiring.

While we celebrate these achievements, our teachers are already looking ahead to ensure a strong start to 2025. Your child’s current and future teachers are spending time together to share important information, such as learning strengths, challenges and goals, supports, achievements, and learning preferences. This ensures each student is supported as they transition to their new classroom. This collaborative approach is designed to set every child up for success in the new year.

Teachers are also preparing their units of work and assessments for next year, guided by Lyn Sharratt’s Assessment Waterfall Chart. This process begins with the end in mind—teachers start by identifying the curriculum expectations and outcomes all students need to master. From there, they plan purposeful and engaging learning experiences designed to help every child reach their full potential.

Thank you for your continued support throughout this year. It has been a privilege to work together in supporting your child’s growth, and we look forward to what 2025 will bring.

Mrs Mullins, Mrs Senz & Mrs Mclennan

Mission & Values

Liturgical Calendar - Advent

The theme of Week 1 of Advent is Hope. Hope is the confident expectation that God will fulfill His promises. During this week, we reflect on the hope that Jesus’ birth brings to the world. Advent invites us to look forward to the coming of Christ, not only as a child in Bethlehem but also in our hearts, as we await His return at the end of time.

In the Bible, the prophets spoke of the hope for a Saviour who would bring peace and salvation. As we light the first candle of the Advent wreath, known as the Prophet's Candle, we remember these promises and the hope we have in God's faithfulness. The light of the first candle symbolises the hope that Jesus, the Light of the World, brings into our lives.

This week, as we prepare for Christmas, let us reflect on the hope that Christ brings into our world, filling us with the joy and peace that comes from knowing God’s love and promises are true.

The True Meaning of Christmas

Christmas is a joyous celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. This sacred holiday marks the moment when God sent His Son into the world to bring hope, peace, and salvation to all. The story of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, as told in the Gospels, reminds us of God's great love for humanity and His desire to be with us.

While Christmas is a time for family gatherings, festive traditions, and giving, it is first and foremost a time to reflect on the miracle of Jesus' birth and the gift of His love. The Christmas season invites us to renew our faith, to live with kindness, and to share the joy of Christ’s coming with others. It’s also an opportunity to practice generosity, whether through giving to those in need or by offering our time and love to those around us.

As we celebrate Christmas, let us remember the true spirit of the season—the birth of Christ, the light of the world, who invites us to follow Him in spreading love and peace to all. We can give back through small acts of kindness. When we show small acts of kindness to others, it is just as if we were showing that act of kindness to Jesus himself.

Mercy In Action Award

Congratulations to this fortnight's Mercy in Action Award winner, Meesha Ellis. Meesha recieves this award in recognition of consistently demonstrating compassion by showing a deep concern for the wellbeing of others, always looking out for the needs of her teachers and friends. With a quiet but powerful presence, she brings comfort and support to those in need, especially those feeling sad or upset. Her thoughtful actions and caring heart inspire everyone around her, making her a true role model of our school. Thank you and congratulations Meesha!

Mrs Senz

Class Awards

Our Principal Award winners are:

Our Class Award winners are: 

Class News - Stage 3

In Stage 3, we have been busy writing speeches. Our Year 5 students have written and presented their Leadership Speeches, while our Year 6 students have been preparing heartfelt graduation speeches to share at their Graduation Dinner. Alongside this, the classroom has been filled with singing and dancing as we get ready for our Christmas Concert!

Year 6 students have been writing definition poems, a distinctive style created by Sally Murphy and featured in our English text Worse Things. This text helps them explore how authors use context and perspective. Definition poems involve listing synonyms, adding words when desired,  to creatively describe a specific topic or theme, providing students with the opportunity to delve deeply into language and meaning in order to express a characters perspective.

Samples below from Meesha, Georgia & Jacob.

In Science, we have been investigating how electrical energy is transferred and transformed in circuits. Students have built their own electrical circuits and experimented with different materials to determine which act as conductors or insulators.

Mrs Senz, Mrs Kinsella & Mr G

School Sport

We have had a thrilling season in the St. Joey’s sporting world, and there's so much to celebrate!

First, a very special mention goes to Year 5 student, Jack Kirkland. Jack has achieved something truly remarkable—he not only qualified for the zone team, but also represented our zone at the diocesan event. We’re thrilled to share that Jack has now been selected for the diocesan team, placing him among the very best athletes from the Clarence, Hastings, Richmond, and Tweed zones. Well done, Jack!

As our swimming and surfing seasons come to a close, we'd like to take a moment to recognise the dedication and progress of all our students. It's been incredibly rewarding to witness their growth in the pool, from improved swimming skills to greater water confidence. In surfing, we've seen students develop their ability to read the surf and make safe, smart decisions—all while having fun!

As we approach the busy Christmas period, we want to wish all our families a well-deserved break. We encourage students to keep moving and stay active during the holidays, whether it's through sport, play, or simply enjoying the outdoors.

Thank you for your ongoing support, and we look forward to more exciting sporting moments in the new year!

Mr Gilchrist

Pastoral Care - School Counsellor

WELLBEING FOR PARENTS DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON

The festive season can be both joyful and demanding for parents. Balancing celebrations, responsibilities, and self-care is key to enjoying this time. Here are some wellbeing tips:

1. Set Realistic Expectations

• Let go of the idea of a "perfect" celebration. Focus on meaningful moments rather than perfection.
• Involve your children in planning to make it a collaborative and less stressful process.

2. Prioritise Self-Care

• Take short breaks for yourself. Even 10 minutes for a walk, meditation, or deep breathing can help.
• Maintain healthy eating, regular sleep, and some form of physical activity despite the festivities.

3. Plan and Organise

• Make a to-do list and delegate tasks where possible.
• Budget your time and money to avoid last-minute stress or overspending.

4. Practice Mindfulness

• Be present during family activities. Put away distractions like phones to fully engage with your loved ones.
• Reflect on what you’re grateful for during this season.

5. Manage Social Obligations

• Don’t feel obligated to attend every event. Politely decline if it feels overwhelming.
• Set boundaries with extended family to avoid conflicts and overcommitment.

6. Engage Kids in Activities

• Get kids involved in decorating, baking, or wrapping gifts. It keeps them occupied and gives you time to bond.
• Plan low-pressure, family-centered activities like watching holiday movies or going for a nature walk.

Remember, the festive season is about connection, joy, and togetherness. Taking care of your wellbeing allows you to create a positive and memorable experience for your family.

Jess Jones - School Counsellor

Pastoral Care - School Chaplain

St Vinnies Christmas Appeal

As the cost of living continues to rise, we still need your support this Christmas. Thank you to everyone who has already contributed! However, we are still in need of non-perishable food items, new toys, and monetary donations to fill our hampers.

These hampers will be distributed to families in the Clarence to help make their Christmas a special one. Hampers  are in classrooms for students to drop off their donations.

SRC Christmas Carnival

Our Student Representative Council (SRC) is busy preparing for the end-of-year Christmas Carnival. Together with our Year 6 students, they will organize activities for all students to enjoy. Students will work in pairs to run various activities over a two-hour period.

We encourage all students to wear festive Christmas attire on the day. 

Thank you for your continued generosity and support.

Mrs Juana Mead 

Technology News

Makers Empire Showcase – Celebrating Innovation and Teamwork

Last week, two talented teams from St Joseph’s School had the incredible opportunity to represent our school at the Makers Empire Showcase in Byron Bay.Competing against other schools in the region, these teams demonstrated outstanding creativity, problem-solving, and innovative thinking as they worked on projects that blended practical solutions with important well-being concepts to address the impacts of natural disasters.

Stage 3 Team – 'Pocket Pal':
Our Stage 3 team, consisting of Grace Bell, Avah Anderson, Amelia Green, and Zali Nichols, designed 'Pocket Pal'. This clever 3D-printed teddy bear helps guide users through calming deep breaths with its rhythm and features a voice recorder that can capture a guardian’s voice to offer reassurance. We are thrilled to announce that their project won the Peer Award—voted the best by other schools!

Stage 2 Team – 'Houseboat':
Our Stage 2 team, made up of Lila Salter, Byron Ellis, Lawson Bell, and Zac Turner, developed 'Houseboat', a unique structure that transforms into a boat to provide shelter in the event of a flood or tsunami. 

Both teams demonstrated exceptional teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving throughout the process. Their projects were outstanding examples of STEM learning, and we are incredibly proud of their efforts.

Congratulations to all the students involved, and a special well done to our Stage 3 team for their recognition at the showcase. We look forward to seeing even more of their innovative ideas in the future!

Apps and Games

For many parents and carers, the clock is ticking for when you might get asked by your child if they can go on social media or play games online. These are tough calls for parents and carers, especially for those of our generation who don’t necessarily understand the increasingly important role digital environments play in the social lives and identity development of our children.

The eSafety Commissioner (eSafety.gov.au) website provides a range of advice to navigate this often-challenging area for families:

• Learn more about apps and games by viewing The eSafety Guide.
• Understand your child’s gaming experience by having conversations, watching, or playing together.
• Talk with other parents and carers from school. This could be a good opportunity to learn more about how their children use an app or game and strategies to manage the technology.

Library

Hello from the library for week 8. Can I please ask that all library books at home make their way back to the library for the summer break? The children will receive a small treat once all of their books have been returned. If you are having trouble locating your books can you please write me a quick note to say that an adult in the house has had a search and they have not been located. Thankyou for all of your support this year with Book Club, the Book Fair and helping your children to complete the Premiers Reading Challenge.

Mrs O'Brien

Community Notices