2025-15 Newsletter - Term 3 Week 9
Principal's Message
As we come to the end of Term 3, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the wonderful learning and community experiences we have shared together.
Congratulations to our Year 6 students who enjoyed an incredible three-day excursion to our nation’s capital, Canberra. This was a memorable experience filled with learning, friendship, and new opportunities. A sincere thank you to Miss Burke and the staff of St Patrick’s, Lithgow, for their commitment and support in making this overnight excursion possible for our students.
Our Year 3/4 class also led our school beautifully in preparing and celebrating the St Vincent de Paul Mass. This was a very meaningful liturgy that reminded us of the importance of service and compassion in our community. Thank you to Fr Reynold for leading us and to the whole school for your reverent participation. It was also lovely to see our school represented by Grace, Amitty, Milly, James L.W., Isabella, and Claire at the parish morning tea, which provided a wonderful opportunity to connect with our wider community.
As we look ahead, Term 4 promises to be another exciting and busy time at St Joseph’s. In Week 1, we will welcome Bishop Michael McKenna for a very special visit.Some of our Year 2 students will begin their preparation to receive the Sacrament of Reconiliation.
Rehearsals will also be in full swing for our whole school musical - The Billabong Prank. Our Year 4–6 students will visit Dunns Swamp early in the term, while planning continues for our much-anticipated whole school excursion to Sydney Zoo.
I wish all families a safe, restful, and joy-filled holiday. Thank you for your ongoing support of our school community, and I look forward to welcoming everyone back for the final term of the year.
In faith & truth,
Simone Taylor
Reflection
As we come to the close of another school term, we pause to give thanks to God for the many blessings we have shared as a school community. We thank Him for the learning of our students, the dedication of our staff, and the generosity of our families and parish who walk alongside us each day.
We are reminded of Pope Leo XIII’s words:
“There is nothing more wonderful than the unity of the Church: an abundance of blessings where many work together as one.”
In this spirit of unity, may we continue to work together to nurture faith, learning, and love within our school. We pray that our students find rest and joy over the holidays, and that our community returns refreshed, ready to embrace the opportunities of the next term with renewed energy.
Loving God,
We thank You for guiding our school through this term.
Bless our students, staff, and families with peace and rest during the holidays.
Help us return with open hearts and minds, ready to grow in faith, knowledge, and kindness.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
School Musical
Wellbeing Report
Screentime during the holidays
With the school holidays here, children may have extra time online. Staying involved in your child’s online activities and setting gentle limits on screen time helps create a healthy balance. Pairing devices with outdoor play, family time, and conversations about safe use can make the holidays both fun and positive.
What's Happening in ..... K/1/2
Drawing with a View Finder
This week in Art, the students experimented with using a view finder to focus on one section of a bicycle drawing. By placing the view finder over their picture, they chose a small part of the bike and then enlarged it onto a bigger sheet of paper. This technique helped them notice fine details—like the curves of the wheels, the spokes, or the chain links—and recreate them on a larger scale. The students enjoyed zooming in on just one part of the bike and discovering how artists can use this tool to see shapes and lines in new ways.
What's Happening in ..... 3/4
To finish off our unit on Ned Kelly and the Green Sash, students worked on writing a speech from the point of view of someone who was part of Ned Kelly and his gang’s last stand. Students chose to take on the perspective of either a member of the Kelly Gang, a hostage in the Glenrowan Inn, a police officer, or Thomas Curnow—the schoolteacher who spoiled Ned Kelly’s plan to derail the train.
Students spent time carefully planning and drafting their speeches, developing their ideas and practising persuasive and emotive language. They did a fantastic job stepping into their chosen roles and imagining what it would have been like during this significant moment in Australian history.
What's Happening in ..... 5/6
On Wednesday 17 September, nine Year 6 students from St Joseph’s joined St Patrick’s students for the start of their Canberra adventure.
After an early start and a morning tea stop in Boorowa, they arrived at the Royal Australian Mint for lunch and a guided tour, including the chance to make their own coin.
Next, they explored Questacon, where hands-on science exhibits, including a giant piano, Olympic challenges, lightning displays, and a thrilling free-fall slide, a highlight for many of our students!
In the afternoon, students walked through Commonwealth Place, taking in the International Flag Display. To end the day, the bus drove past Canberra’s Embassies and Consulates, where students explored their role in international relations and the importance of global diplomacy. Before finishing off the day with a fun movie and games night at the accommodation.
Day 2 of the Canberra excursion was packed with learning, exploration, and fun!
The day began at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, where students participated in the People Power & Making Changeprogram. They learned about Australia’s democratic history, explored parliamentary roles, and discovered how young people can make a difference in society.
After morning tea on the historic grounds, the group headed to the National Arboretum, enjoying time at the imaginative Pod Playground and a self-guided walk through unique forests of rare and endangered trees.
In the afternoon, students visited Parliament House, where they toured the Senate and House of Representatives chambers, learned about how federal Parliament works, and took part in an engaging Parliamentary Role Play session.
Next, the group travelled to Mount Ainslie Lookout, where they took in breathtaking views of Canberra and gained perspective on the layout of the Parliamentary Triangle and national institutions.
The day ended with a fun and slightly spooky Dinosaurs at Night tour at the National Dinosaur Museum, an exciting way to learn about prehistoric creatures by torchlight!
The final day of our Canberra adventure began with a walk through Floriade, where students enjoyed the colourful and creative floral displays.
Next was a visit to the National Capital Exhibition Centre, where students explored how and why Canberra was chosen as Australia's capital. They learned about the city’s unique design and how it has evolved over time.
After morning tea, the group toured the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). A highlight was spotting the Cronulla Sharks training ahead of their semi-final against the Canberra Raiders! Students also tested their skills at Sportex, an interactive zone filled with fun, physical challenges and fascinating Australian sports memorabilia.
Following lunch on the AIS grounds, students visited the Australian War Memorial, participating in the We Will Remember Them program. This meaningful session focused on the importance of honouring the service and sacrifice of Australian servicemen and women.
The group departed Canberra at 3:00pm, stopping for dinner at Cowra McDonald’s, and arrived back at St Patrick’s by 8:30pm—tired but filled with great memories from a fantastic three days in the nation's capital.
Footy Colours Day
This Friday we will be supporting the Fight Cancer Foundation by celebrating Footy Colours Day. Students are invited to come dressed in their favourite team colours or jersey, along with casual clothes. We kindly ask each student to bring a gold coin donation to support this important cause.
CEDB Parent Engagement Newsletter
Please find below the link to the Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst (CEDB) Parent Engagement (PEN) Newsletter. This newsletter aims to share information with Principals, parents, carers and families within the Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst
https://bthcathed.
Child Safe Standards
At St Joseph’s, the safety and wellbeing of every child is at the heart of all we do. As part of our commitment to the Child Safe Standards, we are continually seeking feedback from families on how we can continue to strengthen our practices.
Standard 3 – Family and Community Involvement highlights the vital role parents and carers play in creating a safe, supportive environment for children. We warmly invite you to share your ideas, suggestions, or concerns about how our school can improve child safe practices.
Your input will help us ensure that St Joseph’s remains a place where every child is respected, protected, and able to flourish.
Please email your feedback to stjosephportland@bth.catholic.edu.au or speak directly with our Principal.
Together, we can continue to build a strong, child-safe community.