2024 15 Newsletter - Term 3 Week 10
Principals Message
As we come to the close of another term, I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to our students, staff, and families for the commitment and enthusiasm you have shown throughout these weeks. Together, we have experienced a term rich in learning, growth, and faith-filled moments that have deepened our sense of community.
Our classrooms have been filled with the energy of eager learners, embracing new challenges and deepening their understanding across all subjects. It has been a joy to witness the academic achievements of our students, as well as their willingness to grow in their love for God and service to one another.
A special thank you to our teachers and support staff, whose dedication has shone through each lesson, nurturing the hearts and minds of our students. Your passion for teaching and your commitment to fostering a nurturing Catholic environment are deeply appreciated.
This term, we have also had the blessing of celebrating various liturgies, reflecting on the importance of prayer and our relationship with Christ. Our participation in the Sacraments and school Masses has been a source of grace for all of us, reminding us of the centrality of Christ in all we do. We thank Fr Reynold for his leadership and guidance throughout the term.
As we prepare for the holiday break, I encourage all families to take this time for rest and rejuvenation. May it be a time for reflection, prayer, and renewal. Let us remember to give thanks for the many blessings we have received this term and ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we look forward to the opportunities that await us in the new term.
May the love and peace of Christ be with each of you over the break, and may you return refreshed and ready for the next stage of our journey together.
In Faith & Truth,
Simone Taylor
Reflection
Reflection: Honoring Our Blessed Mother in October
As we enter the month of October, we are reminded that this is a special time of dedication to Mary, the Mother of Jesus, in the Catholic tradition. October is known as the month of the Holy Rosary, and it invites us to draw closer to Our Blessed Mother through prayer, reflection, and devotion.
Mary has always been a model of faith, humility, and trust in God. From her "yes" at the Annunciation to her presence at the foot of the Cross, Mary shows us what it means to fully surrender to God’s will and to live a life of love and service. In her, we find a perfect example of discipleship and a powerful intercessor who constantly prays for us and brings us closer to her Son, Jesus.
The Rosary, a prayer that has been treasured for centuries, allows us to reflect on the life of Christ through the eyes of Mary. With each decade, we meditate on the mysteries of the Gospel, from the joyful moments of Christ’s birth to the sorrowful events of His passion, and the glorious hope of the resurrection. The Rosary is not just a repetition of prayers, but a powerful way to encounter the life of Christ, inviting us to contemplate the mysteries of our faith with Mary as our guide.
This October, as a school community, let us renew our devotion to Mary. I encourage you to take time each day, whether in class, at home, or in your personal prayer, to pray the Rosary or simply offer a Hail Mary with a heart full of trust. Let us ask for Mary’s intercession, especially for our students, staff, and families, that we may grow in faith, hope, and love.
May Mary, the Queen of Heaven and our Blessed Mother, continue to watch over and guide us in our journey of faith, leading us always closer to her Son, Jesus.
Prayer to Our Holy Mother, Mary
O Blessed Virgin Mary,
Mother of God and our Mother,
we turn to you with hearts full of love and trust.
You are the most gentle and humble of all mothers,
always ready to listen and help those who call upon you.
Guide us, O loving Mother,
as we journey through life,
that we may always follow the path of your Son, Jesus.
Teach us to say “yes” to God’s will in all things,
just as you did at the Annunciation.
Strengthen us in times of trial,
comfort us in moments of sorrow,
and inspire us to live lives of faith, hope, and charity.
Mary, Queen of Heaven,
intercede for us before your Son.
Pray for our families,
our school,
and all who are in need of God’s grace.
May we always seek your protection
and feel your motherly care.
As we pray the Rosary,
help us to reflect on the mysteries of Christ’s life
with love and devotion.
May we grow ever closer to Him
through your powerful intercession.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Canberra Excursion - PACER Rebate
Our Year 6 students recently travelled with St Pats Lithgow for the annual combined excursion, undertaking an education tour of the national capital. Students participated in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage, and democracy.
The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding to our school in the amount of $45 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.
Canberra Excursion
Last week, our Year 6 students embarked on an educational and exciting excursion to Canberra, the nation’s capital. This annual trip is always a highlight of the school year, providing the students with firsthand experiences that complement their learning about Australia’s government, history, and culture.
On the excursion we visited Parliament House, where students had the opportunity to tour both the Senate and House of Representatives. They even had the chance to participate in a mock parliamentary debate, giving them a deeper understanding of how our democratic system operates. It was a memorable moment to witness the next generation of leaders confidently voicing their opinions on issues they are passionate about.
At the The Australian War Memorial, the students paid their respects to those who served the country. The interactive exhibits brought history to life, and the moving Last Post ceremony left a lasting impression on all who attended. The sense of reverence and reflection was palpable as they learned about Australia’s involvement in various conflicts.
Our visit to Questacon, the National Science and Technology Centre, was filled with hands-on activities and interactive displays. The students were thoroughly engaged as they explored scientific concepts in a fun and dynamic way. The highlight for many was the Free Fall slide, where they could test their courage and understanding of gravity!
Throughout the trip, the students demonstrated exemplary behavior and represented St. Joseph’s with pride. They engaged enthusiastically in each activity, asking thoughtful questions and showing respect to all venues and guides. The teachers and parents who accompanied the group were impressed by the students' curiosity, maturity, and teamwork.
Overall, this excursion was not only a learning experience but also a chance for the students to bond and create memories that will last a lifetime. A big thank you to all the staff, parents, and the Year 6 students for making this excursion such a success!
We look forward to seeing how this experience will inspire their studies and contributions to our school community in the future.
My Canberra experience was one of a lifetime and definitely something I won't be forgetting soon. I definitely found it fun, there were so many exciting opportunities that kept me busy all day. I would do it again and I'm so grateful that I got to go and it's 100 percent worth it. - From Hannah Sheehan.
On Wednesday we had to be at St Pats at 6:15am to get on the bus. When we arrived at Canberra we went to Questacon, then we went to the Institute of Sport. That is some of the things that we did. Kind regards, Sophie Field
Canberra was really good and My favourite part was probably Questacon or the Parliament House. The Whole trip was wonderful and the teachers said that we were the best Yr 6 group ever so far. - Parker Miles
Canberra 2024
Congratulations Noah!
A huge congratulations to Year 4 student Noah for his outstanding performance at the recent Polding Athletics Championships in Newcastle! Noah threw an incredible 20.66 metres, securing 7th place and showing great competitiveness. His impressive distance meant he was right there, pushing the place getters all the way. Noah was one of the younger students in this Junior Boys event on the day.
Noah’s performance is a testament to his hard work and talent, and we are incredibly proud of his accomplishment. Keep up the amazing effort, Noah – your school community is cheering you on!
Gunguddy Dunns Swamp
What an incredible day our Year 4, 5, and 6 students had at Dunns Swamp! The excitement was palpable as the students embraced the beauty of the outdoors through bushwalking and canoeing, building unforgettable memories along the way.
Our day began with an invigorating bushwalk, where students navigated winding trails, admired the natural surroundings, and learned about the local environment. This experience challenged everyone to work together, offering encouragement and support, as they navigated the terrain. The teamwork displayed on the walk was a reflection of the strong bonds and friendships that have developed throughout the year.
The adventure continued as the students took to the water for an afternoon of canoeing. Many were stepping into a canoe for the first time, but it was inspiring to see their determination to learn and their readiness to collaborate with their canoeing partners. Through paddling, navigating, and problem-solving, the students demonstrated incredible cooperation, communication, and leadership.
Beyond the physical challenges, the day at Dunns Swamp was an opportunity for personal growth and wellbeing. It allowed students to connect with nature, practice mindfulness, and strengthen their resilience in a fun and active setting. Witnessing the joy on their faces, the sense of achievement, and the way they looked out for one another made it clear that this was a day of holistic development—mind, body, and spirit.
We are so proud of how our Year 4, 5, and 6 students embraced every challenge with positivity and enthusiasm, making this outdoor adventure an outstanding success!
We would like to thank Courtney, Kerena, Kristy, Rohan and Ben who assisted in transporting and helping the students, along with our staff members - Mrs Redding, Mrs Knight, Miss Porter, Mrs Taylor and Mrs Bettison. Thank you also to Red Hill Education Centre leaders - Karen and Amy for making our day an awesome experience. This Wellbeing day has been funded by the Boost Wellbeing iniative in 2024.
Netball Gala Day at Mudgee
Mudgee Netball Gala Day
We are thrilled to share the wonderful news from the Mudgee Netball Gala Day held on September 20th! Our girls had an incredibly successful day, winning all 8 of their games! Their dedication and hard work truly paid off.
The teamwork displayed by the girls was outstanding, and they demonstrated great sportsmanship throughout the day. We are so proud of their commitment and the positive spirit they brought to each match.
A special thank you to Brooke Whitelock for her invaluable support in training the girls on Mondays. Your guidance has made a significant difference! We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to all the parents who provided transport and cheered from the sidelines. Your enthusiasm and support made the day even more special!
Congratulations to our talented girls on a fantastic performance!
Mrs Bettison
Sports Coordinator
School Wellbeing Report
Brilliant at Being Resilient
Last Friday, our students were treated to an engaging and inspiring performance titled ‘Brilliant at Being Resilient,’ presented by School Performance Tours. The puppetry show, based on the story of Goldilock and the Three Bears,was an excellent blend of entertainment and valuable life lessons, focusing on resilience, problem-solving, and the importance of a positive mindset when facing challenges.
We are grateful to School Performance Tours and our 2024 Wellbeing Boost Initiative for bringing this meaningful and highly enjoyable show to our school. ‘Brilliant at Being Resilient’ not only entertained but also equipped our students with important tools for their emotional and social wellbeing, tools they will carry with them throughout their schooling and beyond.
