2025-07 Newsletter - Term 2 Week 2
Principals Report
We are looking forward to an exciting week ahead as we celebrate Catholic Schools Week—a wonderful opportunity to reflect on and share all that makes our school community so special. The theme for this years’ celebrations is: Guided by Faith. Inspired by Hope, Committed to Learning.
I warmly invite all families to join us for the family events outlined in the Newsletter. We have many activities planned throughout the week to celebrate our faith, learning, and community spirit together.
I also encourage all parents and carers to complete the Annual School Improvement Survey, which was emailed to families yesterday. This annual survey is an important way for you to share your thoughts and help guide the future strategic direction of our school. The survey is completed by staff, our Year 5/6 students, and parents/carers each year, ensuring a well-rounded view of our strengths and areas for growth. Your voice is valued and appreciated.
Thank you for your ongoing support as we work together to make St Joseph’s the best it can be!
Simone Taylor
Principal
Reflection
Dear Friends in Christ,
As the Cardinals prepare to enter the Sistine Chapel to elect a new Pope,
we pray that they will tune in to what the Holy Spirit is saying to them.
We also pray for the man they will choose to be Bishop of Rome,
that the same Spirit will strengthen and guide him as he accepts the call to exercise the ministry of St Peter in our time.
I have asked all our parishes to offer the Mass for the election of a Pope in these days; and invite everyone to unite in personal and family prayer as well.
“O God,
eternal shepherd, who govern your flock with unfailing care,
grant in your boundless fatherly love
a pastor for your Church
who will please you by his holiness and to us show watchful care.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.”
+Michael McKenna Bishop of Bathurst
Catholic Schools Week 2025
Catholic Schools Week is always a highlight in our school calendar—a time when we come together as a community to celebrate the unique spirit and values of Catholic education. This year’s theme, “Guided by Faith, Inspired by Hope, Committed to Learning,” reflects the heart of who we are and what we strive for each day.
Throughout the week, our students will be involved in a wide range of meaningful, fun, and engaging activities. We encourage parents to take note of the many interesting events planned—there’s something for everyone, and plenty of opportunities for our students to shine.
We warmly invite all grandparents, special friends and other family members to our Grandparents Mass on Wednesday at St Vincent’s Church, commencing at 9.30am, followed immediately by open classrooms, where students will enjoy sharing their learning with loved ones. The morning will conclude with a whole school assembly at 11am.
We hope you can join us for this special celebration of faith, family, and community.
Diocesan Cross Country
Congratulations to all the students who represented our school at the Diocesan Cross Country held in Coolah on Monday, 6th May. Our participants were Oliver S, Elijah, Hazel, John, Noah, Grace, Amitty, James H, and Blair.
A special congratulations to the students who placed in the top 20:
James H – 13th place
Blair – 15th place
Amitty – 16th place
Everyone did an amazing job, giving their absolute best on the day. They were wonderful representatives of our school and should be very proud of their efforts.
A big thank you to the parents who helped with transport and supported the children by cheering them on—your involvement is greatly appreciated!
Student Wellbeing
What's happening in ..... K/1/2
Welcome back to Term 2! I hope you all had a lovely Easter break and are ready for another fun and busy term of learning and growing together.
Units and topics covered this term:
Religion: ‘The Easter Season’ and a Unit called, ‘Nourished by God.’ - The Easter Season teaches about the events leading up to Easter and the Holy Spirit and Nourished by God help students learn about the Mass and why Sunday is a special day for Christians. The students will also explore the meaning of key symbols, signs and rituals of the Catholic Tradition.
Mathematics: We will be learning about 2D shape, sorting using attributes, patterns and forming groups. Later in the term the children will explore measurement, 3D shapes and position and chance.
English: Using a variety of texts such as, “Go Home Cheeky Animals”, “We Love you Magoo”, “Florette”, “The Secret Sky Garden”, “Chalk”, “Bee and Me” and “Iggy Peck, Architect” the children will be learning about how characters are developed, the use of imagery, symbol and connotation when writing and narratives.
HSIE: This is taught by Mr Matheson and will focus on story telling. The students will learn about how people communicate and pass on knowledge by using stories, images, objects and places.
Science & Technology: This is taught by Mrs Clancy. The students will be learning about Light and Sound.
Creative and Practical Arts: These lessons cover Visual arts, drama and music. We will be making art by using printing, drawing and we will look at how Indigenous people make art.
During music we are exploring rhythm and beat. We will be using “Boom Wackers” to create music and we will be exploring how notes can be high and low sounds.
Drama lessons will have us acting out dreamtime stories and moving like Australian animals in the bush.
Health: Our Health lessons focus on Healthy habits and emotions. We will learn about ways to keep ourselves healthy and active and we will explore emotions. We will link this to Second Step lessons where we will learn how to manage our emotions and strong feelings so that we are respectful and make positive connections with others.
Sport: During sport we will be learning about Athletics and will be given opportunities to practice these skills so that we are reading for the carnival later in the term. We will also look at skills gymnasts would use such as balance and strength, jumping and rolling, rocking and rotating.
Please remember and take note of the following things this Term:
- Homework is handed in each Friday so that children can receive a sticker on their homework chart.
- Warm jumper / coat for cold weather
- Painting shirt for messy art making
- Fruit each day for our fruit break
- Library will continue to be on Thursdays
- Sport on Fridays
What's happening in ..... 3/4
What's Happening in the Year 3/4 Classroom – Term 2
We’re off to a fantastic start in Term 2, and the students are already engaging in a range of exciting learning experiences!
In Religion, we are preparing our Year 3 students who will be receiving their First Holy Communion on 22nd June. This is a special milestone in their faith journey, and we are supporting them as they learn about the meaning and importance of this sacrament.
In Mathematics, we are continuing to develop our understanding of place value, addition, and subtraction. Later in the term, we will begin working on multiplication, using a range of strategies to build fluency and confidence.
In English, we have started our new unit based around the texts Deadly Science, Our Solar System, and Meanwhile Back on Earth. This unit has a strong Space focus, and the students are already showing great interest and enthusiasm for the topic.
In History, we are continuing to explore the First Fleet, now focusing on the first settlement in Australia. Students are learning about the challenges the settlers faced and the ways they adapted and overcame early difficulties.
In PDHPE, we have begun preparing for the upcoming Athletics Carnival on 30th May. Students are developing the skills they need to participate confidently in a range of events and are enjoying being active and working together.
Homework was handed out this week. Just a reminder that homework folders are expected to be returned on Fridays for marking. Thank you for your continued support with this routine.
We’re looking forward to a term full of growth, learning, and exciting events!
What's happening in ..... 5/6
Religion: We will be learning about Jesus’ resurrection and how it affects our lives today. The unit for Confirmation will be started to allow the Year 6 students who are going to be confirmed later this year prepare for this very important sacrament.
Maths: learning will continue across all strands giving the students are variety of tasks aided by hands on activities from the Department of Education Stage 3 units and digital technologies.
English: we are studying a wonderful novel this term written by Australian author Katrina Nannestad ‘Rabbit, Soldier, Angel, Thief’. Katrina used the real-life story of Sergei Aleshkov, a small boy who was adopted by the Red Army in Russia during World War II. The unit will further develop the student’s comprehension and writing skills.
Creative Arts: the unit this term will challenge the students as they plan, draft and paint an original artwork based on a scripture passage about the birth of Jesus. The students will also be given some guided lessons to learn some basic skills of painting that they will be able to use when completing their artworks.
Science: Matter Matters! Solids, liquids and gases theory and practical sessions will be delivered to allow the students to investigate the properties of matter. There is a strong emphasis on writing scientific journals to better prepare our senior students for high school science lessons.
Geography: Focus area: Geographical Planning for Sustainable Futures will teach the students how to examine Aboriginal Cultural works as evidence of Oral Traditions and mapping of landscapes.
PD, HEALTH & PE: we are all looking forward to our annual athletics carnival and lessons will cover the important skills required to participate to the best of our ability.
Upcoming ... Hot Choc / Chicken Noodle Soup
To show our support for St Vincent's Parish, the students will be able to purchase a hot chocolate (recess) or chicken noodle soup and a piece of bread (lunch) on Tuesdays from the canteen. Each week there will be one option only. Mrs Taylor will inform the students when this winter initiative will begin. This will also help us to keep warm in our winter months and help raise some funds for our school/parish connection.
Keep an eye out for more details in the upcoming week.
Wellbeing - Vibe Surveys Year 5/6
As part of the Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst’s ongoing commitment to supporting student wellbeing, our school is participating in the VIBE Survey this term. The VIBE Survey is a wellbeing initiative designed to gather valuable insights into how students are feeling about their learning environment, relationships, and overall sense of safety and belonging at school.
Students in Years 5–6 will complete the survey each Wednesday, which focuses on key areas of wellbeing, including:
- Emotional and social wellbeing
- Connection to peers, staff, and the school community
- Sense of safety and engagement at school
The information collected helps our school to better understand the needs of our students and to plan targeted initiatives that foster a positive, supportive, and inclusive learning environment. The survey is anonymous, and all responses are treated confidentially.
We are proud to be part of this important wellbeing initiative, ensuring every student feels safe, valued, and connected.
Community Information
