7 November 2023 (Term 4 Week 5)
Principal's News
Dear St Joseph’s Community
What an amazing week last week, topped off with such a celebration at our assembly of those who are doing an amazing job at living out our four values of Effort, Respect, Self-responsibility and Safety with our teacher awards. We also celebrated those who have put themselves up for selection for sport and those who represented our school in the Gardiner Chess. It was beautiful to see our Kindergarten students lead us in such a deep and thoughtful prayer of thanksgiving for the creation God has gifted to us. A huge congratulations to Beaudie Wilks for receiving his Gold Award!
SCRIPTURE REFLECTION
This Sunday's Gospel, Matthew 23:1-12, invites us to reflect on humility and service as Jesus speaks to the crowds about the importance of walking the talk. He cautions us to follow good teachings, not bad examples, and emphasises that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. At our school, we strive to instil in our students the values of sincerity and humility. We teach them to value actions over words and to recognise the quiet strength in serving others. As St Francis of Assisi is said to have once stated, “Preach the gospel at all times, and, when necessary, use words.” True leadership is found not in seeking titles or accolades but in the joy of helping and lifting those around us. As we navigate the week ahead, let's encourage our children to lead by example, to serve with a gentle heart, and to respect one another's contributions. Together, we can build a community where humility is treasured, and service is celebrated.
PARISH SCHOOL FORUM (PSF) EVENINGS TERM 4
The PSF evening, on 15 November, will be facilitated by Janita Thomson from the Catholic Schools Office and will be focused on discerning the new model for parent engagement going forward. This continues the conversation that began last term. You can share your thoughts on the two models which are presented in the image below. More information can be accessed about the two models below. Parents and carers are invited to indicate their preference for the new model via this survey link.
Please indicate your intention to join us for either or both of these nights by completing this Google Form.
FEE REMINDER
Term 4 accounts were invoiced in Week 1 and are due for payment by October 31. Bringing your attention to this and additionally, that our school fee schedule states all fees are to be paid in full by November 30, 2023. If you are experiencing financial difficulties, please make urgent contact with Mr Challinor to arrange a meeting to discuss.
REMINDER REGARDING PARENTS TAKING PHOTOS AND IMAGES AT ASSEMBLY
Parents are invited to take photographs of their own children when receiving an award or performing at assemblies. We do ask parents to avoid taking photographs or videos of other children when on school grounds. Parents should only post videos of their own children on social media or should have permission from the parents of other children before posting. This protects all students, especially those whose parents have indicated that they would not like images taken of their children at school distributed on social media. We thank all families for their support with this.
A reminder the boom gate at the school carpark closes from 8:30am to 9:15am and 3:00pm to 3:45pm every day. This forms part of our Traffic Management Plan and is to ensure the safety of our students. We advise parents and visitors to park on the street if arriving at these times. The boom gate can not be opened to let cars out.
Mission News
KINDERGARTEN ASSEMBLY PRAYER
Thank you, Kindergarten, for leading us in such a beautiful prayer at assembly last Friday. Here are some of the thoughtful prayers shared by our students.
STEM News
QUESTACON SCIENCE CIRCUS VISIT
Last week our school experienced Questacon Science Circus. Two scientists came to demonstrate and explain two different parts of science: sound and fluids. Sound involved us trying to make the weirdest sounds possible. Fluids was about how different liquids have different viscosities. The Questacon visit was really interesting and a great experience for us all.
~Maddison, Ella and Emma (Stage 3)~
Wellbeing News
SELF-RESPONSIBILITY
Our value for this week is self-responsibility.
Self-responsibility means taking responsibility for what you say and do. It is very empowering to act with self-responsibility because we grow within ourselves and realise how much we are capable of. When we are being self-responsible, we understand what needs to be done and are able to get on and do it without needing to be reminded.
Examples of self-responsibility include picking up your lunch rubbish, actively participating in lessons, using support to help in your learning if you are unsure, cleaning up the classroom or asking how you might be able to help your teacher. At home, self-responsibility might mean cleaning up after ourselves without being asked to, completing our daily jobs or asking our families how we can help with extra jobs.
Sport News
SCHOOL SWIMMING
Over the next couple of weeks, all children will be participating in swimming sessions at the Alstonville pool. Kinder and Stage 1 will complete a week of intensive swimming in Week 6 (next week), and Stage 2 and 3 will complete a swim safety session in Week 7.
The events for these have now been published on Compass. Please read the information carefully, and contact us if you have any questions. Payment must be received for your child to attend.
Around the School
GARDINER CHESS TOURNAMENT
Last Thursday St Joseph’s hosted the Northern Rivers Chess Tournament. Schools from across the Northern Rivers participated in this event, with students from kindergarten through to high school taking part. Our team played fantastically, showing true sportsmanship, logical thinking and respect for the game of chess. Congratulations to all of the students who participated and tried their very best.
Brodie O’Connor in Year Six and Hunter Fisher from Year Four received a place medal for their age group.
Marlon Atkin from Kindergarten played in his very first tournament after learning how to play during lunchtime in the library. To compete at this level for the very first time is an achievement in itself however given Marlon competed against regulars two years older is another achievement. Marlon had an outstanding day in the tournament going on to win six out of seven games and drawing one and topped twenty competitors to take out the gold medal. As his teacher I was just so proud to witness his humble nature during the competition and we weren’t sure who was most surprised - Marlon, his parents, his competitors, or us. Marlon has a bright future with Chess.
I would also like to acknowledge Danielle Bullen for her several years of supporting our chess students.
~Mrs Lyn Rowling~
The Joeys chess team did an exceptional job at the Gardiner Chess Tournament.
Marlon was a stand out performer at the chess tournament!
Hunter proudly displaying his medal!
Brodie played exceptionally well!
Celebrations
Happy birthday to these students who have celebrated their birthday since the last newsletter:
- Ella Creighton-Kemp
- Damon Szeto
- Alby Matley
- Archy McDonald
Congratulations to these students on receiving Awards at assembly.
Early Stage 1
- Alby Matley
- Lucy Van Eck
- Tex Hosking
- Lilly Kubils
- Charlotte Bakeberg
Stage 1
- Hugo McCall
- Matilda Hollows
- Morris Green
- Ethan Jones
- Marcellus Dewhurst
- Luca McDonald
Stage 2
- Lily McVey
- Noah Moss
- Noah Cassianos-Kennedy
- Jordynn Thompson
- Jonty Allen
- Amalia Gooley
Stage 3
- Maggie Wilkie
- Lulu Barnes
- Charlotte Young
- Addison Clifford
- Aiden Mail
- Flynn Cluff
Gold Award:
- Beaudie Wilks
Congratulations to our Teacher Award Winners!
Congratulations to Beaudie on his Gold Award.
Our sporting stars who participated in Richmond Zone Sporting Trials.
Coming Events
Use the link above to see all of the coming events for Joeys!
Families are invited to attend the 2023 Remembrance Day Commemorative Service at Elizabeth Anne Brown Park Alstonville, commencing at 10:30am on Saturday 11th November. At 11am on the 11th of the 11th please stop for a minutes silence to remember the fallen.
Community News
