Week 6 - Term 3 Newsletter 2025

Principal's Message

Dear Families and Friends,

2025 Book Week

A heartfelt thank you to Mrs Dani O’Brien for her dedication and creativity in transforming our School Library into a vibrant hub of celebration during National Book Week. Throughout the week, she coordinated a variety of engaging activities, from the ever-popular Book Fair, to exciting reading competitions, and of course, the colourful Book Parade, all beautifully tied to this year’s theme, “Book an Adventure.” These events not only filled the school with energy and excitement but also gave students the chance to connect with books in fun and memorable ways.

Mrs O’Brien’s passion for literature and her commitment to fostering a love of reading shines through in everything she does. By creating opportunities for students to celebrate stories and characters, she has encouraged imagination, creativity, and curiosity in our learners. Her efforts have helped our children to see reading not just as a school task, but as a lifelong adventure filled with growth, joy, and discovery. We are truly grateful for the lasting impact she makes on our school community.

We are also grateful to the many parents and families who joined us at the Book Parade to cheer on the children. Your presence added to the excitement and made the morning even more special for our students as they proudly showcased their costumes and love of reading.

School Uniform - Reminder

Just a reminder, following Mrs McLennan’s Newsfeed this week, that after feedback and discussion with our Parent Forum and staff, we would like to share a friendly reminder about our school uniform policy. Our school uniform plays an important role in fostering identity, pride, and belonging, while helping create a positive and consistent environment for all students.

We understand that from time to time there may be genuine reasons why your child is unable to wear the correct uniform. In these situations, we kindly ask that you send a brief note or email to your child’s class teacher explaining the reason. This communication assists us in supporting your child and ensuring that any issues are addressed with understanding. Where students are repeatedly out of uniform without a note from home, class teachers will be in touch with families directly to follow up and help ensure a return to correct standards.

Recently, we have noticed a few inconsistencies in how the winter uniform is being worn. While black pants are permitted for girls, they should be of an appropriate length and style to maintain a neat and consistent appearance. Please also note that tights are to be worn only under skirts, not as a substitute for pants. In addition, non-school uniform jumpers are not permitted, and students are required to wear plain black school shoes from Monday to Thursday (sports shoes are only to be worn with the sports uniform on Fridays).

We appreciate the support of our parents and carers in helping uphold these expectations. By working together, we continue to create a school culture where every student can wear their uniform with pride. 

Father's Day Celebration - Monday 8th September
Just a reminder that to start Week 8, we will not only be holding our Father's Day Celebration for all fathers, grandfathers & other significant men in our student's lives, but we invite all parents to stay for a combined "Burger" lunch with the students.

Please note that due to a clash with the booking of Stage 3 Camp to Brisbane, our Father's Day Liturgy will be held on Monday 8th September (Week 8) - which is the day after Father's Day. In past year's we have celebrated our Liturgy on the Friday leading into the weekend, however this year that is not possible. 

Our celebration liturgy will occur at 12:00 pm, followed by lunch (at approx 12:30 pm).

All students & fathers orders must be completed by next Thursday, the 4th September, through our school Compass App. We look forward to your attendance as this is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our Dads and build community amongst our parents.

Farewell Miss Stokes - Maternity Leave

With Miss Ellie Stokes preparing to begin her maternity leave, and with this week being her final week at school, I am pleased to announce that Mrs Kristy Phillips has been appointed as the Year 1 Classroom Teacher for the remainder of the 2025 school year.

Kristy is already a familiar face in our school, having worked with many of our students in a relief teaching capacity this year, as well as at St James, Yamba. Prior to relocating to the Clarence Valley, she was the Year 4 Classroom Teacher at Holy Trinity School, Inverell, where she was highly regarded for her caring approach and strong commitment to student learning. Kristy has spent time in the Year 1 classroom this week alongside Ellie to ensure a smooth and supportive handover, giving students and families the chance to get to know her before she takes on the role full-time.

On behalf of our school community, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks and best wishes to Miss Stokes as she enters this exciting new chapter of her life. Her care, energy, and dedication have left a lasting mark on her students, and we look forward to welcoming her back in the future. At the same time, we warmly congratulate Mrs Phillips on her appointment and look forward to the enthusiasm, experience, and passion for learning she will bring to our Year 1 class.

Kind regards

Dale

Upcoming School Dates

• Mon 1st Sep - Fathers Day Stall (Week 7)
• Tue 2nd -Fri 5th Sept - Stage 3 Camp (Week 7)
  
• Thu 4th Sep - Stage 2 RE Excursion (Week 7)
• Fri 5th Sep - Stage 2 Whiddon Visit (Week 7)
• Mon 8th Sep - Fathers Day Liturgy & Burger Lunch (Week 8)
• Tue 9th Sep - Public Speaking Finals (Week 8)
• Fri 12th Sep - Kindy RE Excursion (Week 8)
• Fri 12th Sep - Stage 3 Whiddon Visit (Group 1) (Week 8)
• Mon 15th Sep - Stage 3 History Excursion (Week 9)
• Thur 18th Sep - Spelling Bee Finals (Week 9)
• Thur 18th Sep - Stage 3 Whiddon Visit (Group 2) (Week 9)
• Fri 19th Sep - Yamba Touch Gala Day - Stage 2 & 3 (Week 9)
• Tues 23rd Sep - PRC & SRC Fun Day

Leader of Learning

Feedback That Fuels Learning

One of the most powerful ways we help students grow is through feedback. Teachers intentionally plan for feedback in a variety of ways, so that every student knows how they are going, where they are heading, and what their next step is.

In classrooms, feedback can look and sound different depending on the learning. For example:

• Rubrics: clear assessment guides that show students what success looks like. Rubrics break down a skill (such as writing) into specific elements, helping students understand both strengths and areas for growth.
• Verbal Feedback: teachers are scheduling time to meet with each student after writing lessons, ensuring feedback is personal, timely, and consistent.
• Peer and Self-Assessment: Students are learning protocols, such as Two Stars and a Wish (naming two strengths and one next step), which help them reflect on their own work and provide constructive feedback to others.
• Non-Verbal Feedback: Simple signals, such as thumbs up, thumbs to the side, or thumbs down, are used during lessons to quickly check understanding. This helps teachers adjust their teaching in the moment, while encouraging students to self-assess and seek support if needed.
• Written Feedback: written comments provide specific guidance that links directly to the success criteria, reminding students what they were aiming for and what to focus on next.

Together, these approaches help feedback become more than a correction; it becomes a tool for growth, motivation, and independence.

And it’s not just our students who benefit. As part of our commitment to ongoing improvement, teachers also receive regular, actionable feedback through peer reviews, self-reflection, and professional conversations. By working in these cycles of improvement, our staff continue to refine their practice so that student learning remains at the heart of all we do.

Feedback is about believing in the potential of every learner and giving them the tools to get there.

Mrs Mclennan

Leader of Mission

School Parish Mass & First Holy Communion

This Sunday, 31st August, we will gather as a school and parish community to celebrate our Term 3 School Parish Mass. This is always a special occasion for us all to come together in prayer, faith and friendship.

During this Mass, several of our students will also be receiving their First Holy Communion. We ask that you keep these students and their families in your prayers as they take this important step in their faith journey. This year, our First Holy Communicants are Cooper, Kahiah and Oliver.

All families and friends are warmly invited to join us for the Mass and to continue the celebration afterwards with a morning tea in the Cranney Room.

We look forward to sharing this joyful occasion with you.

Pilgrims of Hope - Walking in Joy

As part of our Jubilee Year journey, we now take the next step as Pilgrims of Hope by embracing the gift of joy. Just as hope shines light into our future, joy lifts our hearts and spreads God’s love in the present moment.

Joy is not simply about being happy; it is about recognising God’s goodness in our lives and sharing that goodness with others. A Pilgrim of Hope carries joy wherever they go—through a smile, a word of encouragement, or by bringing a sense of peace to those around them.

Inspired by the words of Pope Francis, “Joy is missionary: joy is not just for one, it is meant to be shared”, we encourage our students and families to reflect:

• How can I bring joy into my classroom, my home, or my friendships?
  
  
• How can I share joy even when times feel difficult?
  
  

Together, let us keep walking as Pilgrims of Hope, carrying mercy, joy, and faith as signs of God’s love in the world.

Father’s Day Liturgy & Lunch – Monday 8th September

We will celebrate our fathers and significant men on Monday, 8th September with a liturgy at 12:00 pm, followed by lunch at 12:30 pm. Please note, this celebration is after Father’s Day (Sunday, 7th September) because our Stage 3 students will be away on their Brisbane excursion in Week 7.

All families are warmly invited to join us and to take part in Jersey Day by wearing a favourite sports jersey and bringing a gold coin donation to support organ and tissue donation.

Please also remember to send in your photos of your children with the special men in their lives by next Friday, 5th September. There will be no changes or additions to the slideshow after this date.

Mercy In Action Award

This week, we are proud to present our esteemed Mercy in Action award to Malia Dalton. Malia receives this award in recognition of consistently living out our Mercy values of compassion, courage and hospitality. With a kind and generous heart, Malia shows compassion by caring deeply for others and offering a helping hand when it is needed most. With quiet courage, she stands up for what is right and faces challenges with determination. Malia is also a thoughtful problem-solver, using her patience and compassion to find ways forward when problems arise. Through her spirit of hospitality, she makes everyone feel welcome and included, creating a sense of belonging in our school. Malia’s example inspires us all to live with love and mercy each day. Congratulations, Malia!

Mrs Senz

Class Awards

Congratulations to the following students recognised at this fortnight's Awards Assembly:

Principal Awards

Class Awards

Class News - Year 2

Our Year 2 classroom has been busy with lots of exciting new learning as students dive into new topics, concepts and challenges. 

In Writing, we have been exploring fables, why authors write them, and who is the best audience for them. Students are working hard to plan, draft and publish their own fables with personified animals that teach their reader a moral. 

In Maths, we've been learning how important the number 10 is. We’ve been exploring the Place Value of 3-digit numbers by representing these numbers with concrete materials, drawings and numerals. Students have been loving playing games like Garbage and Where Does It Go, which challenge students to use number lines to solve challenges that relate to Place Value - ask them to teach you at home!

Last week, our class had the most wonderful afternoon of Science. Thank you so much to the parents who joined us in the classroom to create marshmallow and spaghetti towers, and containers to stop an egg from being broken when dropped from a height. The children explored the properties of materials, the strengths and weaknesses of shapes and engaged in the predict, design, create, test and reflect cycle of science experimentation. 

We’re so proud of the progress everyone is making — keep up the great work, Year 2!

Miss White & Mrs McMahon

Pastoral Care - School Counsellor

Understanding Bullying - and How Parents Can Help

At St Joseph’s, the wellbeing of our students is always a priority. One area that sometimes causes confusion is bullying - what it is, what it isn’t, and how we can all work together to respond when concerns arise.

In Week 4, our school took part in the national Bullying. No Way! event, which gave students the chance to learn about respect, kindness, and standing up for others. We want to continue this important conversation with families, so together we can make sure all children feel safe and supported.

What is bullying?
Bullying is defined as more than a one-off act of meanness or conflict. It happens when one person (or group) repeatedly and deliberately uses their power to cause harm - physically, verbally, socially, or online. For example: spreading rumours, leaving someone out on purpose, hurtful teasing, or physical intimidation.

Why language matters
Sometimes kids describe any unpleasant interaction as “bullying.” While it’s always important to take their concerns seriously, it helps to distinguish between:

• Rude or unkind behaviour - when someone says or does something hurtful without thinking.
• Conflict - when children disagree or argue but are fairly matched in power.
• Bullying - when harmful behaviour is deliberate, repeated, and involves a power imbalance.

Using the right language helps children, parents, and teachers respond in the most effective way.

Tips for parents

• Listen calmly when your child shares a concern. Reassure them you are there to help.
• Acknowledge their feelings and avoid dismissing what happened, even if it wasn’t bullying.
• Model respectful problem-solving - children learn a lot by watching how we handle conflict.
• Work with the school - if you are worried about bullying, contact your child’s teacher. Together, we can support your child and ensure they feel safe.
• Build resilience - encourage positive friendships, self-confidence, and strategies for handling tricky situations.

Every child deserves to feel safe, included, and valued. By working together - at home and at school, we can help children develop the skills and support they need to thrive.

For more information and resources for parents, visit the Bullying. No Way! website: www.bullyingnoway.gov.au

Jess Jones - School Counsellor

Pastoral Care - School Chaplain

Seasons for Growth
We are pleased to share that Stage 2 of the Seasons for Growth program has now been completed. This important initiative supports students in understanding and coping with change and loss. Congratulations to all the students who participated, we hope you found it valuable and empowering.

SRC Talent Show
Rehearsals are underway, and with only three weeks to go, excitement is building! We invite families and friends to join us in Week 10 for our SRC Talent Show. Come along and be amazed by the wonderful talents our students have to share!

LAP Program                                                                                                                                                                                                              A Big Thank You! The Learning Assistance Program continues to make a meaningful impact in supporting our students. A heartfelt thank you to all our incredible volunteers this term, your time, commitment, and care are truly appreciated.

Father’s Day Celebration
Father’s Day is fast approaching, and we’d love for you to join us in celebrating the amazing dads and father figures in our school community. You're invited to a beautiful liturgy and burger lunch.
Orders can be placed via Compass, and best of all,  Dad’s burgers are free!
We look forward to sharing this special occasion with you.

Juana Mead - Student Wellbeing Officer

School Sport

As always, there’s a lot of excitement happening in our community!

Firstly, a big thank you to all the parents who nominated and encouraged their children to participate in the AFL after-school clinics hosted at Maclean Public School. Participation and engagement exceeded our expectations, especially given it was held at a different school ground. It was fantastic to see so many of our students out developing their fundamental movement skills, building a love of physical activity, and hopefully forging some new friendships.

Opportunities like these help our students develop resilience, adaptability, teamwork, and collaboration, all vital life skills.

Student Spotlight
A huge congratulations to our Year 6 student, Jack Kirkland (11 years old), who has achieved something truly remarkable. Jack was selected for the NSW U14 Basketball Team—not just the U11s, U12s, or U13s, but the U14s! Jack competed against 75 highly skilled basketball players and secured his spot in the state team. An amazing achievement, we look forward to following his journey in the years ahead.

Community Highlights
Also attached is a photo of the Patten boys, who had the incredible opportunity to meet some of their idols at MHS. Big smiles were seen when they met Gold Coast Titans players, including Jayden and Preston Campbell, a very special moment!

Looking Ahead

• We have three more weeks of AFL to enjoy, with Coach Elliott set to award Best and Fairest in the final week.

• Next term is our water familiarisation program, with swimming and surfing on the horizon. For eager surfers, spots will be limited so keep an eye on Compass for details coming later this year.

Club Sport Shout-Out
Congratulations to all our Joey’s students who have worked hard in their various sporting teams this year. A special mention goes to the U12 Maclean Bobcats (playing up from U11s) who defeated a strong Yamba FC side on Tuesday night to claim the minor premiership. The team is coached by one of our very own, Joey’s parents, the passionate Rock Bailey, massive well done to all!

We look forward to finishing this term strong and celebrating the many achievements of our students, both in and out of the classroom.

Anthony Gilchrist - Sports Coordinator

Parent Forum

Lauren Kirkland - Parent Forum Chairperson

Community Notices