2025-06 Newsletter - Term 2 Week 1
Principal's Report
Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome back to Term 2. I trust the Easter break provided a time of rest, reflection, and renewal for your families. As a school community, we now return with open hearts and minds, ready to continue our learning journey together.
This term begins in the spirit of the Risen Christ, yet we also hold in our prayers and hearts the recent and deeply saddening news of the death of Pope Francis. His humble leadership, compassion for the poor, and tireless advocacy for peace and justice have left a lasting legacy within the Church and the world. We give thanks to God for his life and pray for the Church as we mourn his passing and await the election of a new Holy Father. May Pope Francis rest in the peace of Christ, whom he served so faithfully.
Last week, we also marked ANZAC Day – a solemn occasion to remember and honour the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of the men and women who have served and continue to serve our country. It was especially pleasing to see a large number of our students proudly marching with our school in the local community parade. Their presence and respectful conduct reflected the values we strive to instill – gratitude, service, and remembrance.
As a Catholic school, we are called to be people of peace, and we pray that the values for which our servicemen and women fought – freedom, dignity, and hope – remain alive in our actions and in our world.
As we begin this new term, may we walk forward together as people of faith and hope, inspired by the example of Christ, the witness of Pope Francis, and the spirit of those we honour on ANZAC Day.
Blessings for the weeks ahead,
Simone Taylor
Principal
Reflection
As a school community, we pause to give thanks for the life, leadership, and faith of Pope Francis, who was called home to God during the Easter break. His papacy was marked by humility, mercy, and a deep love for those on the margins. Pope Francis challenged us to be a Church that is open, welcoming, and focused on the Gospel of Jesus – especially care for the poor, care for creation, and the importance of compassion over judgment.
He reminded us that "hope speaks to us of a thirst, an aspiration, a longing for a life of fulfillment, a desire to achieve great things, things that fill our heart and lift our spirit to lofty realities.” (Pope Francis, Christus Vivit)
Let us hold his memory close as we continue to live out the mission of Christ in our school, our homes, and our world.
Loving God,
We thank You for the life and witness of Pope Francis.
Through his words and example, he showed us the face of Jesus – gentle, merciful, and strong in faith.
Bless the Church as it mourns his passing and guide those who will now lead us forward.
May we carry his legacy in our hearts – to walk humbly, to love tenderly, and to act justly.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
And let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.
Welcome to St Joseph's ...
We are pleased to welcome new staff members to St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Portland beginning this term.
Ian Watt – Grounds & Maintenance = Tuesday
Holly O’Neil – Canteen Supervisor = Friday
External Contractors – Essential Facilities Services - are now undertaking the cleaning duties within our school after school each day.
EFS are currently looking for more cleaners - please see the attached flyer below.
We are excited to have them join our dedicated team as we continue to create a supportive and productive learning environment that benefits all students.
Their skills, enthusiasm, and commitment to Catholic education will be a valuable addition to our school community.
We look forward to working together as we strive to help every student grow, learn, and flourish.
Welcome to St Joseph’s!
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2025
Catholic Schools Week in 2025 will be celebrated in Catholic schools throughout the Bathurst Diocese from Monday 12th May through to Sunday 18th May. This annual event is an opportunity for school to promote the special ethos of Catholic Schools and to highlight the great things that take place in these schools every day. The theme for this year's celebration is "Guided by Faith, Inspired by Hope, Committed to Learning."
In the words of our Executive Director of Schools, Christina Trimble, "Catholic Schools stand as a beacon in our society, for their contribution to the common good and to the nation's social capital. They have helped to nurture a more just, tolerant and cohesive society".
There are 33 Catholic schools in the Diocese of Bathurst that educate around 9000 students and most will celebrate Catholic Education Week in some way. Our school is planning a number of activities during the week. Please see the itinerary below.
Annual School Improvement Surveys
A reminder that the Annual School Improvement Surveys will be distributed to parents, Years 5 & 6 students, and staff on Thursday 8th May.
While participation is voluntary and confidential, we encourage all members of our school community to take this opportunity to have a voice. We carefully consider all comments, as they provide valuable insights from key stakeholders. The feedback gathered helps assess how well the school is operating, highlighting strengths and identifying areas of improvement.
Overall, the data collected from these surveys is highly valuable in shaping the school’s future planning and ongoing improvement efforts.
Mother's Day Stall
On Friday 9th May the P&F will be holding a Mother’s Day Stall selling small gifts.
Gifts will range between $3 - $10.
If you wish for your child to be able to buy a gift, could you please remember to send in some additional money on this day.
Being that Friday is a canteen day it may also be a good idea to separate your child’s money so it’s not ‘accidentally’ spent at canteen.
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