2025-10 Newsletter - Term 2 Week 10
Principal's Message
As we come to the end of Term 2, I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our students, staff, and families for a very productive and rewarding term of learning and growth at St Joseph’s.
It was wonderful to see so many parents and carers engaging with teachers during this week’s Parent-Teacher Interviews to discuss student Semester 1 reports. This process is a valuable part of each child’s education, providing an opportunity for open communication between home and school. These conversations allow teachers to share insights and feedback, and ensure that together we can provide the best possible support for every student’s learning and development.
At St Joseph’s, education is more than just academic achievement. As a Catholic school, our mission and vision are embedded in all that we do. We are committed to nurturing the whole child – spiritually, academically, socially, and emotionally – guided by the values of faith, compassion, respect, and service. It is our hope that every student continues to grow in the love of Christ and the example of St Joseph, developing into confident, kind and capable individuals.
I thank our dedicated staff for their tireless efforts and care, and our families for your ongoing support of our school and its mission. Your partnership is truly appreciated.
I wish all members of our school community a restful, safe and refreshing holiday break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for another exciting term ahead.
In Faith & Truth
Simone Taylor
Reflection - End of Term
“Let all that you do be done in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14
As we reach the end of Term 2, we give thanks for the many blessings we have shared as a Catholic school community. At St Joseph’s, we are guided by the mission of Catholic education — to nurture the whole child in faith, learning, and service. This term has been rich with opportunities to grow academically, spiritually, and socially, grounded in the Gospel values that inspire all we do.
We are grateful for our students, who continue to strive with purpose and kindness; for our staff, whose dedication and care shape a Christ-centred learning environment; and for our families, whose support and partnership strengthen our school community.
As we begin the school holidays, we take this time to rest and renew. We pray that all members of our community may find peace, joy and refreshment, returning next term with open hearts and renewed energy to continue walking in faith and learning.
Prayer:
Loving and gracious God,
We thank You for the term that has passed —
for the knowledge gained, the friendships formed, and the faith deepened.
Bless our students, staff and families as we enter this time of rest.
Keep us safe and well, and help us to find joy in simple moments,
peace in quiet times, and love in our relationships.
As we pause from our busy routines,
may we remember that all we do is for Your glory,
and that we are always held in Your loving care.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
St Joseph, pray for us.
Our Lady of the Southern Cross, pray for us.
Prayer for Peace
A Prayer for World Peace
God of peace and justice,
You created the world in love and call us to live as one human family.
We pray for peace in our world —
for nations torn by war, communities divided by hatred,
and hearts burdened by fear and conflict.
Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace,
Fill our hearts with Your compassion and courage.
Help us to be peacemakers in our homes, our school, and our world.
May we listen with open hearts, speak with kindness,
and act with justice in all we do.
Holy Spirit, guide the leaders of all nations.
Inspire them to choose dialogue over division,
hope over fear, and love over power.
May Your peace reign in every heart and across every land.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
St Joseph, pray for us.
Our Lady, Queen of Peace, pray for us.
St Francis of Assisi, patron of peace, pray for us.
First Holy Communion 2025
Congratulations to Claire, Hazel and Charlie who received the Sacrament of First Holy Communion on Sunday, 29th June 2025. This special occasion marks an important step in their faith journey as they received the Body of Christ for the first time, becoming more fully united with Jesus and the Church.
The celebration was a joyful and prayerful occasion, shared with family, friends, our school and parish community. We thank Fr Reynold for presiding over the Mass and for his support and pastoral care in preparing the children for this sacred moment.
First Holy Communion is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation, alongside Baptism and Confirmation. Through the Eucharist, we are spiritually nourished and strengthened to live as disciples of Christ. As Jesus said in John 6:35, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
We pray that Claire, Hazel and Charlie continue to grow in faith, hope and love, always finding strength and grace in the Eucharist.
Farewell Mrs Knight
This week, we gathered to express our sincere thanks and farewell to Judi Knight, a much-valued member of our St Joseph’s community.
Judi has contributed tirelessly in her roles as Administration Assistant and Learning Support Officer. Her quiet strength, thoughtful support, and willingness to help—often in the smallest yet most meaningful ways—have made a lasting impact on our staff, students, and families. Whether stepping in during school events or lending a helping hand behind the scenes, Judi’s presence has made school life smoother and brighter for everyone.
As Judi enters the well-deserved chapter of retirement, we wish her joy and fulfilment—whether spending time with family, travelling, or simply enjoying a gentler pace of life.
Thank you, Judi, for your dedication, care, and kindness. You leave with the warmest wishes and blessings of the entire St Joseph’s community.
Enjoy every moment of retirement!
Semester 1 - Gold Awards & Attendance Awards
Congratulations on Outstanding Attendance
Congratulations to all our students who received 98% - 100% Attendance Awards at our Week 10 Assembly. Your commitment to attending school each day is a wonderful achievement and something to be truly proud of.
98% Attendance Awards - Lexie & Isabella ( Year 6)
99% Attendance Awards - Edie ( Year 4 ), Callie and Mia ( Year 6)
100% Attendance Awards - Jack and Myah ( Year 2), Charlie ( Year 3), Noah ( Year 4) and Grace ( Year 5),
Regular school attendance plays a vital role in a student’s learning journey. Being present each day helps build strong learning habits, strengthens friendships, and ensures that every student is fully engaged in the life of our school community.
Well done to all award recipients — your dedication sets a positive example for others and contributes to the vibrant and connected environment we value here at St Joseph’s.
Keep up the great work!
Congratulations on Gold Behaviour Awards
Congratulations to all students who have achieved Gold Awards for behaviour and efforts in engagement this term. This recognition reflects your consistent demonstration of respect, responsibility, and positive choices in both your learning and relationships.
At St Joseph’s, we value a learning environment where every student feels safe, supported, and encouraged to do their best. Settled and positive behaviour plays a vital role in student engagement, academic achievement, and overall wellbeing. When students are focused and respectful, they are more open to learning, build stronger relationships, and contribute positively to our school community.
As educational expert Dylan Wiliam reminds us, “Engagement is not simply a means to an end — it is the route to deep learning and lasting understanding.”
Well done on this outstanding achievement — we are very proud of you. Keep leading by example and continue to shine!
Bookweek & Bookfair 2025....Week 1 Term 3
This year’s Book Character theme is: “Book an Adventure”
Book Week will be celebrated on the first week back at school in Term 2.
On Friday 25th July we will hold our Book Character Parade followed by our Book Fair.
Students are asked to come dressed as a character from a book or they can get creative and link this year’s theme, “Book an Adventure” “to their costume. Let their imagination run wild.
If possible, children are asked to bring with them the book from which the character they are dressing up as is in.
A meal deal for students and families will also be available on the day. Further details, with times, will be sent home closer to the date.
Bathurst Soccer Gala Day
Congratulations to all the students who participated in the Soccer Gala Day held in Bathurst on Friday, 20th June. We were lucky to enjoy great weather, which made the day even more enjoyable.
The students had a fantastic time and displayed wonderful sportsmanship — not only towards their own teammates but also towards every school they played against. It was a day filled with fun, energy, and positive team spirit.
A big thank you to the parents who transported students and cheered on our teams from the sidelines — your support means so much. Thank you also to Mrs Slattery and Annika for their help with coaching and managing the teams on the day. We extend our appreciation to Assumption, Bathurst for organising the event so smoothly. Without their efforts, this day wouldn’t be possible.
Well done, everyone!
Community Information
