1 April 2025 (Week 9 Term 1 2025)
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Dear St Joseph’s Community
It’s hard to believe we’re already nearing the end of Term 1! With so many events, excursions, and learning achievements packed into the past few weeks, it’s certainly been a busy and rewarding time across our school, despite the inclement weather we’ve been experiencing.
As we journey through Lent, we also take time to reflect on how we can show compassion and generosity to others. A gentle reminder that we’d love your support for the Project Compassion initiative through Caritas Australia’s annual Lenten appeal. Every dollar placed in the Project Compassion boxes makes a difference in the lives of those most in need, both in Australia and around the world. I’ve been so inspired in seeing some students bringing in the contents of their piggy banks to donate to those less fortunate. Thank you for encouraging your child to give from the heart this Lent. It’s a beautiful way for them to live out our values of kindness, empathy, and justice.
We would love your help in spreading the word for our Open Morning on Sunday, 6 April, from 10am-12pm. If you know any families with children looking to start school this year or next, please let them know it is on and that our enrollment process is now open.
School Uniform ‘Refresh’ - Feedback Sought
At our Term 1 School Community Group Meeting, we introduced the idea of a uniform refresh for 2026—not a redesign, but an opportunity to fine-tune and enhance our already well-regarded uniform.
We’re now inviting your feedback on:
- Possible improvements to comfort, style, and durability
- New items that could be added
- Your openness to changes in how our uniforms are supplied—either continuing in-house or moving to an external provider like Lowes or School Locker
This is just the beginning of the consultation process. We’ll also be hearing from students and staff.
Your input will help shape a smart, practical, and comfortable uniform that reflects our school community.
Here is the link to the form. It will be open for one more week.
Uniform Reminder
As we settle into the term, it’s a good time to revisit our uniform expectations, which help us maintain a sense of pride and belonging across our school. Please take a moment to read through the guidelines below to ensure students are wearing their uniform correctly and consistently. We appreciate your support in helping all students look neat, respectful, and ready to learn.
Jewellery is not allowed. However, students who have pierced ears may wear sleepers or studs. Students with multiple ear piercings must have clear studs worn in these holes. Children will be asked to remove all ‘excess’ jewellery and place this in their school bag. Please also note that ribbons, scrunchies, etc worn in the girls' hair should be in school colours: white, light blue, navy blue. Students are asked not to wear nail polish or makeup. Dyed hair is not permitted and shoulder length hair should be tied back for health reasons. In short hairstyles, hair should not cover the eyes or the ears and should be neat and tidy. We do not tolerate “trendy” hair styles such as fades, undercuts, shaved lines, mullets etc. If in doubt, we ask you to check with the school before adopting a new style.
School shoes are to be black, polishable leather shoes. These can be ‘sneaker-style’ so long as they are made of leather. We recommend velcro fastenings for the younger years. Black sneakers or skate shoes cannot be worn.
Parent Assembly Conference – Save the Date!
We’re excited to share a wonderful opportunity for all parents and carers in our school community!
The Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Parent Assembly Conference is happening on Friday, 14 June at Opal Cove Resort in Coffs Harbour—and it’s completely free to attend.
This year’s line-up of keynote speakers includes:
- Maggie Dent – Known as The Queen of Common Sense, Maggie is one of Australia’s most loved parenting educators.
- Angela Lockwood – Author and host of The Distracted Podcast, Angela offers practical strategies to help families thrive in a busy world.
- Brad Marshall – Also known as The Unplugged Psychologist, Brad will speak on helping children manage screen time and digital habits.
This is a fantastic parenting opportunity and a chance to connect with other families from Catholic schools across the Diocese. Whether you’re looking for ideas, encouragement, or simply a chance to reflect on parenting in today’s world, this conference will offer something valuable for everyone.
Save the date – 14 June – and keep an eye out for more details in the flyer below. Registration details will be coming out in the coming weeks.
School Funding - Keeping School Funding Fair – What You Need to Know
Did you know that 6 in 10 Australians don’t fully understand how school funding works? Catholic Schools NSW has launched the Keep School Funding Fair campaign to ensure families have access to clear and accurate information.
Our schools play a vital role in providing high-quality education while keeping costs affordable for families. A fair, means-tested funding model ensures all students are supported, no matter their background.
Read the Catholic Schools NSW media release below to learn more, and visit keepfundingfair.org.au to watch the explainer video and take action.
Term 2 School Community Group Meeting - Save the Date
The Term 2 School Community Group Meeting will be held on Tuesday, 17 June, from 6:30-7:45pm in the staffroom.
In Term 2, we’ll share an RSVP form for parents to contribute to the agenda.
Scripture Reflection
This week’s Gospel—Luke 15:1–3, 11–32—tells the story of the Prodigal Son. It’s one of Jesus’ most well-known parables, and for centuries, it has spoken to the hearts of parents, children, and anyone who has ever longed to be welcomed home.
The Dutch artist Rembrandt painted this story near the end of his life, and his Return of the Prodigal Son captures something beyond words. If you look closely, you’ll see the father’s hands resting gently on the back of his son who has returned, broken and barefoot. One hand is strong and firm, the other softer and more tender—some art historians suggest one is painted like a father’s hand, and the other like a mother’s. It’s as though Rembrandt is showing us the fullness of God’s love—both strong and nurturing.
The son kneels in humility. His clothes are torn, his head shaved. He has nothing to offer but himself—and that is enough. The father doesn’t ask for explanations or apologies. He simply embraces him. Sometimes, our children come to us not for answers but just to seek our presence.
In the shadows stands the elder brother, hands folded, jaw tight. His posture is stiff, his heart resistant. He’s followed the rules—but he struggles to understand the depth of mercy that love requires.
Rembrandt’s painting invites us to be more like the father: to soften, to reach out, to welcome—not only when it’s easy, but especially when it’s hard. It’s a challenge, but it’s also a calling: to show our children, by how we respond to their failures, that there is always a way home.
You are invited to listen to Bishop Greg’s Homily from Sunday’s Mass.
Project Compassion Cake Stall
Thank you to all our families for supporting our cake stall to raise money for Project Compassion. Together, we raised $520 for Project Compassion! What an incredible achievement!
Special thanks to our Year 6 Mission Leaders Indy L, Indy V, Sybella, Abby and Melodi for their leadership of this initiative.
Mother’s Day
Holy Week Remembrance
On Thursday, 10 April (the last day of term), we will be holding a Holy Week remembrance in the hall at 10:15am. Year 6 will be acting out the key events of Holy Week, with each class narrating the scene. Kindy will be leading us in a special song ‘Hosanna Rock’ by Yancy and Little Praise Party.
All families are invited to join us for this special liturgy.
Last week Rory Quinlan attended the Diocesan Hockey Trials. We would like to congratulate him on being successful in those trials. He will now attend the Polding Trials in Term 2.
Last Wednesday Rory Quinlan, Hunter Fisher and Oscar Lamas attended the Richmond Zone Winter Sports Trials for Rugby Union. Congratulations to Rory Quinlan on being selected to compete in the Diocesan Trials in Term 2.
The Soccer and Rugby League Diocesan Sport Trials were postponed last week due to the weather-they will now go ahead this Friday. Good luck to Enid Murgha (Rugby League), Henry Buchanan (Soccer), Orlando Speidel (Soccer) and Ava O’Bryan (Soccer).
Zone Cross Country was also postponed last week due to the weather-it will go ahead on Tuesday, 29 April (Day 1 Term 2).
Stage 2 students, bridging paddock to plate, delved into food preservation by pickling vegetables. Hands-on learning transformed garden produce into tangy delights, fostering an understanding of extending food's lifespan and reducing waste. This practical experience highlighted the science behind pickling, emphasizing the role of vinegar and spices in inhibiting spoilage.
Incorporating the OzHarvest Feast program, the lesson gained deeper meaning. Students explored food waste issues, connecting their pickling efforts to broader sustainability goals. They learned how preserving surplus produce combats waste, aligning with OzHarvest's mission. This initiative empowered them to make informed choices, understanding the impact of their actions on both personal and environmental well-being.
Our Year 5 and 6 students recently transformed into budding chefs, putting their "Farming for the Future" science unit into delicious action! Year 6 whipped up aromatic Honey Soy Noodles. Meanwhile, Year 5 crafted vibrant Sushi Sandwiches, highlighting sustainable choices with fresh, crisp vegetables.
Both classes participated in the OzHarvest Feast program, learning about food waste and the importance of resourcefulness. The students explored the journey of ingredients from farm to table, understanding the impact of their food choices. This hands-on experience not only enhanced their culinary skills but also fostered a deeper appreciation for sustainable practices and the power of food to connect us all. A big thank you to our amazing teachers and parent volunteers for making this flavorful learning experience possible!
Stay tuned as Year 6 create their own recipes and creations in week 10!
An update on the tadpoles in the Library ... we have frogs!!!! We are very excited! Lots of the students are interested in coming in and having a look - it's been an amazing experience for all students from Kindergarten to Year 6.
As the term is coming to an end please remember to bring library books and home readers back to the library.
We welcome the students to borrow some books
Stage 2 Archibald Gallery
In Visual Arts this term, we have been exploring how portraits can be depicted in different ways using different mediums. Students have learned about several influential historical artists who have created portraits using various forms including pop art, expressionism, abstract techniques, and continuous line drawing. Students have also been introduced to the Archibald Prize and have been working hard on their own portraits of someone who inspires them. Stage 2 families are warmly invited to our very own Archibald Gallery in our hall on Tuesday, 8 April from 2:30 to 3pm. The students are very excited to share the artwork that they have worked so hard on.
Getting to Know Pam in the Canteen
We have a new regular volunteer in the canteen, Pam! Pam has recently retired from many years in the food service industry, and we are blessed to have her giving her time each week in our canteen. This week, Reuben Birkwood, one of our Media and Communications Leaders, supported by fellow Year 6 student, Neo McElligot, interviewed Pam to learn more about her and why she wanted to volunteer at St Joseph’s in the canteen, and also as a Learning Assistance Program (LAP) Mentor.
What did you do before you retired?
Before retiring, I worked for 33 years at KFC, where I was a training manager—a role I absolutely loved. I enjoyed mentoring new staff and helping them build their confidence and skills. After leaving KFC, I spent 14 months working at Connor Menswear, and then moved on to Taco Bell for a time. Over my working life, I clocked up more than a million kilometres on the road in about 17 years, commuting and travelling for work!
What inspired you to come and volunteer in our canteen?
When you retire, it can be hard to suddenly find yourself at home with nothing to do. I wanted to stay active, meet new people, and give back to the community. Volunteering with LAP (Learning Assistance Program) and in the canteen has been a great way to do that.
What’s your favourite dish to make for the kids?
I love making mac and cheese—it’s always a hit! The scrolls are another favourite of mine to prepare. The kids enjoy them, and they’re fun to make.
What do you like the most about working in the canteen?
The best part is definitely the children. They’re so polite and full of energy. Seeing their smiling faces each day makes it all worthwhile.
Your favourite piece of advice?
Earn respect for yourself, and show respect to others—because when you give respect, you’ll find it’s given back to you.
