Week 2 Term 3 - Friday 1st August 2025

FROM OUR LEADERS

Principal's Message

Build the Habit of Regular Attendance

Help your child develop social skills for positive playground experiences by teaching them the importance of fair play, empathy, and adaptability. Encourage them to handle losses gracefully, celebrate wins modestly, and respect game rules. Promote inclusivity and support their ability to adapt to changes in plans or activities. These essential skills strengthen friendships, boost confidence, and make active play more enjoyable.

Every Single Day Song Watch this powerful clip together and explore its meaningful messages.

University of New England Student Art Prize

Congratulations to Arlo Hillier for his incredible artwork, “Self Portrait in a Suit” winning the Infants Division of this prestigious competition. His artwork was judged by Mike Terry as being the best from almost 500 entries. Arlo’s piece will now be on permanent display in the University art collection and will feature in an exhibition at the New England Regional Art Museum. 

We are incredibly proud of Arlo’s win and the continued success of our art program.

Wellbeing Through Music at St Joseph’s 

Promoting Connection, Creativity and Confidence through Song

At St Joseph’s Primary, we are thrilled to be part of the exciting Wellbeing Through Music initiative - a transformative program developed by DLCS that brings creativity, emotional expression and community together through the power of music.

Music has always had the magical ability to lift our spirits, bring us together, and help us make sense of the world around us. Through this special project, students are exploring the art of songwriting and music production to express their feelings, build confidence and create a stronger sense of belonging.

Bus Safety Project

This year, our Year 4 students are leading the way with the Bus Safety Project, using music to spread important messages about road safety. With support from talented music students at St Joseph’s Regional College, our Year 4’s are learning how to turn ideas into lyrics, add rhythms and beats, and perform with passion and purpose.

We’re especially excited to be working with ARIA Award-winning artist CJ Shaw, who is helping us write, produce and film a song all about staying safe on the bus. Funded through a Road Safety grant, this lively and educational anthem – ‘Bus Bounce!’ – will feature our Year 4 students and be launched later this year. It’s already shaping up to be a showstopper!

The students have been clapping, singing and writing their hearts out – and loving every moment. Alongside the fun, they’re building important skills in emotional regulation, teamwork and creative expression.

Keep an ear out for more updates, and don’t miss the big Bus Bounce! reveal later this year. We can’t wait to share our song – and our message – with the whole community!

Job Opportunity

Looking for flexible, meaningful work? Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Wauchope, is hiring a Parish Secretary.

Enjoy negotiable hours (15–25/week), school-friendly flexibility, and a supportive, community-focused environment. Help support a vibrant and growing Catholic parish through valued administrative and pastoral support.

 Find out more: seek.com.au/job/85933533

 General enquiries can be submitted to hr@lismore.catholic.org.au.

 Applications close 6 August 2025.

Prayer Focus

FOR ACTION

Parent Information Sessions

 Student Reporting Cycle and Learning Conversations - Have your say’ focus

In Week 3 we will be holding our next parent information sessions. This one will be looking at information and feedback around Student Reporting Cycle and Learning Conversations.

On Wednesday 6th August we will run two time slots. They will have the same content shared in each so you are welcome to attend either of them and don’t need to join us for both:

• 8:15 to 8:45 am; or
• 2:30 to 3:00 pm  

For our organisation and planning please indicate via the link below by 3:00 pm Monday 4th August if you will be joining us at either the 8:15 am or 2:30 pm sessions. 

Online registration form link for parent information session - https://forms.gle/on2dvrJfrF3PCfvJ6  

Book Week Celebrations

Father's Day Breakfast, Liturgy and Colour Run

Your Parent Community Group (PCG), supported by the school, are hosting a Father’s Day Breakfast to celebrate our special Dads and Lads on Friday 5th September from 7:30am. Areas to sit and enjoy breakfast with your family will be available in several places in the School. We hope you will share this memorable experience with us whilst enjoying a yummy breakfast before school and work..

Orders for your family can be placed online by logging into your account at https://www.flexischools.com.au/ OR download, print and complete the order form below. Return it in an envelope marked ‘Father’s Day Breakfast’ to the school office together with payment by Friday 29th August (for catering purposes we are unable to accept late orders).

Please feel free to invite all family members including Fathers, Grandfathers and Uncles – and remember to order their breakfast on Flexischools or the order form below also.

Following the breakfast, there will be a Father’s Day prayer service hosted by Kindergarten in the MPA, beginning at 9:15am and then our Colour Run spectacular. We hope you can stay for as little or as long as you are able to.

To help ensure our Dads and Lads can fully enjoy their experience, we are asking for Mums and friends to lend a hand in hosting this event. If you are available to help please let us know by completing this online google form - https://forms.gle/gnbbtsWf8sUYeKqaA and one of our wonderful PCG volunteers or staff will be in touch with you in the coming week to confirm the details for you.

FOR INFORMATION

Grade Sport Uniform and Library Days - Semester 2

Parent Education

Free Parent Webinar - Strengthening Young People Against Anxiety

Catholic School Parents Australia is facilitating a free webinar for parents, 'Strengthening Young People Against Anxiety', with Karen Young, Australia's leading expert on child and adolescent anxiety. Register via the link on the below.

NSW CCSP Parent Conference

The NSW Council of Catholic School Parents are hosting a special 30-year anniversary Parent Conference in Sydney. Keynote speakers include Justin Coulson, Michelle Mitchell and Daniel Principe. Conference tickets cost $30, and parents/carers need to arrange their own travel and accommodation in Sydney. For more information and to book, go to https://www.ccsp.catholic.edu.au/2025-conference.

Raising Body Bright Children (5-12 years)

Parents of primary age children are invited to register for Butterfly's virtual seminar on supporting children's positive body image and healthy relationships with healthy eating and physical activity.  

With a focus on preventing body dissatisfaction and serious eating issues, this session provides information and practical tips to help parents better understand and promote positive body image and healthy relationships with eating and physical activity in the home. It provides practical strategies to be a positive role model, reduce the impact of risk factors in a child's environment. The session also explores when to be concerned and what you can do, including referral and support information.

Date: 1st September 2025
Time: 7:00 pm - 8.15 pm (AEST) 
Via: Zoom (Time-limited recording)
Cost: $15 pp

TO REGISTER CLICK HERE

2025 Census Privacy Collection Notice

Please see the attached Australian Government Department of Education 2025 Census Privacy Collection Notice. It explains:

• What information is collected for Census and Special Circumstances Applications.
• Why do we collect this information.
• How can we use the data?

If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact the school.

Photography Guidelines for Parents and Carers

We recognise that parents and carers enjoy photographing and recording the progress of their child at school and on school activities. We recognise that many of you like to share these personal memories online and on social media. We ask for your cooperation and care concerning the use and distribution of photographs of other children at our school. Some families have very real legal and safety issues which could put a child at risk if an image is made public online. More generally, it is respectful of the privacy of other members of the school community to ask permission before posting an image online. Even if your social media settings are private, it is easy for images to become public, particularly if they are tagged or shared by others. Please see the school website under “Policies and Forms” for the Photography Guidelines for parents and carers, mandatory policies and further resources.

When we run activities and hold events here at school that families are invited to we often take photos to share with our community through the school newsletter and our social media platforms. Please note that for adults attending public events there is assumed permission for their image to be able to be published on our platforms.

OUR LEARNING JOURNEY

NAIDOC Week

During the school holidays, Year 6 student Amelia Dovey proudly volunteered at the NAIDOC Week Raising the Flag Ceremony on Monday 7th July. Amelia demonstrated courage, compassion, and humility as she represented her culture with pride. Her involvement was a meaningful contribution to the celebration and a wonderful example of student leadership in action.

SPORT

Athletics Carnival

Congratulations to all the Joey's students for an incredible athletics carnival, despite the rain and challenging conditions. Your energy, determination and positive spirit were truly uplifting and reflected our school values of courage, compassion and humility. Whether competing or cheering from the sidelines, you showed what it means to be part of the Joeys community. Well done on making the day such a great success!

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Zone Athletics

We would like to give our extra special congratulations to the students who represented St Joseph's at the Zone Athletics Carnival on Wednesday. Their dedication and incredible sportsmanship truly shone, making us all immensely proud.

Bertie's Bark

Wow what a busy start to Term 3! It was great to go on a bus ride with my Year 5 friends to the Athletics Carnival. I got to sit on the back seat and have snuggles on the way to Regional College. I like sitting at the back of the bus and watching over all my two legged friends, even better is snuggling down on their laps and getting never ending pats while the bus bumps its way along the road.

When we got to the sports track I did try and have a quick nap under the table in the scorers tent and keep dry as the rain passed over us, it was hard to sleep with all the cheering going on though. I was then on cheering duty at the discus event. I loved it when some of my two legged friends came to give me pats before their throws and said they were getting ‘Bertie Power’. I love being around these friends.

It has also been great hearing from all my friends about their holidays while I am wondering around the oval on duty. It really is amazing what everyone gets up to on their holidays. 

Unfortunately I have been feeling a bit unwell this week and have not been able to be at school everyday. The vet is helping me and I am spending my days resting up and sleeping lots at home. I look forward to being back on deck with all my friends as soon as I am feeling better. 

WHAT'S ON

Dates for your Diary

Please note these dates can change from time to time due to unforeseen circumstances and we will endeavour to advise you of any changes at the earliest possible opportunity. Our school Google calendar can be accessed via this link for additional advanced dates -

For your convenience 2025 school term dates are listed below. They are also located on our website. Click on the words “TERM DATES” on the home page.

Term 3 2025

Kindergarten to Year 6 last day of classes Term 3 – Friday 26th September

Term 4 2025

Staff Development Day (Pupil Free) - Monday 13th October

Kindergarten to Year 6 commence classes for Term 4 - Tuesday 14th October

Kindergarten to Year 6 last day of classes for Term 4 - Wednesday 17th December

Staff Development Day (Pupil Free) - Thursday 18th December

Staff Development Day (Pupil Free) - Friday 19th December

Other Holidays in 2025

Labour Day – 6th October (Public Holiday)

Christmas Day - 25th December (Public Holiday)

Boxing Day - 26th December (Public Holiday)

FROM OUR COMMUNITY

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