Dear Parents,

On Monday, our staff was privileged to participate in a special Spirituality Day, focusing on prayer and deepening our connection with the mystery of God. We explored the nature of prayer, delving into how it changes throughout life and how it can be experienced in various forms. Two key areas we reflected on were Ecology as Prayer and Music as Prayer.

Our discussions led us to consider the impact of prayer on both our personal lives and our work lives. Some thoughts or comments that particularly resonated with me across the day included: 

• There is no one "right" way or place to pray.
• Prayer evolves throughout our lives.
• Prayer reminds us that we are not the centre of the universe; it humbly places us in God’s presence.
• Through prayer, we acknowledge a power greater than ourselves.
• Prayer should inspire action—moving us forward to serve God and others.

Have you ever stopped to think about what prayer means to you?

Do you take moments in your busy life to pause and pray?

Library and Quad Launch

It was wonderful to see so many families join us for the P&F meeting this morning to hear all about the exciting plans for our Library and Quad revitalisation. Held in the library, the meeting featured detailed architectural renderings that allowed us to vividly imagine what this space will look like in just 12 months’ time.

The room buzzed with excitement and appreciation for the project, and we look forward to the sound of the first jackhammer and the transformation that will soon unfold. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the diocesan Communications Team for preparing the stunning visual boards that we will continue to share with families who couldn’t be present. We also appreciate their assistance in organising a feedback and questions form.

Special thanks to the Property Team for all their behind-the-scenes work this year, which will continue well into next year. And, of course, we were spoiled by the delicious breakfast treats, provided by the P&F and Natina Fresh Grazing (Natalie Chapman). A big thank you to all involved!

Pyjama Day

Last Thursday brought some relief to busy mornings, as children arrived at school in their cosy pyjamas! Despite the relaxed attire of both staff and students, great learning continued to be done.

We are incredibly grateful for your overwhelming generosity in providing essential items for families supported by Mum’s Cottage at West Wallsend. By involving your children in these outreach efforts, you are helping shape them into compassionate, socially conscious adults. Any last-minute donations will be gratefully received early next week.

Musical Preparations

The countdown is on—just six more sleeps until Tree Tales – The Musical! Your children have been working hard, and we are excited for you to witness their incredible talents on stage.

Please be sure to check all communications related to the musical so that both you and your children are fully prepared for the day and evening performances. I look forward to seeing you at this memorable event!

Enjoy time with your family this weekend.  You might even take some time out to reflect on this amazing world we live in and give thanks to God for it.

Karen

Positive Behaviours for Learning (PBL)

Our PBL focus area for the remainder of this term is Care for All: Care for belongings and equipment. As part of this focus, we have been encouraging all students to have their belongings clearly labelled. This has resulted in a huge reduction in lost property across this school.

To further support this focus, the student council have this week launched a competition that will run for the remainder of Term 3, which will see the class/es with the least amount of lost property rewarded with a prize.

Please support your children to make these positive changes by ensuring all items (hats, jackets, lunch boxes and drink bottles) are clearly labelled. If items do get lost or left at school, please encourage your children to go and collect them from our lost property boxes.

Congratulations to the following students who received a PBL Award this fortnight:

Sophie D (KG), Ellison C (KB), Liam L (1B), Bonnie W (1G), Edith C (2B), Alice K (2G), Willa McF (3B), Amelia C (3G), Sophie EC (4B), Florence C (4G), Ella L (5B), Maya V (5G), Emelie B (6B) & Lucas K (6G) 

Mr Martin’s Environmental Awareness Challenge

Congratulations to 6 Blue, who were the winning class in Mr Martin’s environmental awareness challenge. 6 Blue correctly identified Monday 2nd September as the day the large tree on our playground, surrounded by decking outside of the hall, would sprout its first leaves of the season.

After some class discussions, the students decided to share their winnings as follows:

• 10x students would like their $2 to go to charity
• 13 x students would like $1 to go to charity and they would like a $1 voucher
• 7 x students would $2 to spend at the canteen

So that is $33 that 6 Blue will be donating to St Jude's in Tanzania.

Should you wish to learn more about the school, or donate yourself, please visit The School of St Jude - Fighting poverty through education

Safeguarding - ‘Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility’

Aspire Wow! Gallery Competition

Aspire is still seeking artwork from the talented students in our diocese, for the upcoming Interactive art Exhibition, "WOW Gallery". Open to both individual students and classes to submit their interpretation of that breathtaking moment that makes you go "wow!".

Attached is the poster for submissions or click this link: https://form.jotform.com/240558413930051

Please reach out to lara.crockett@mn.catholic.edu.au with any questions or any assistance you might need.

Keep an eye on compass in the coming weeks to learn about how and when to buy tickets to see the exhibition, showing November 4-9.

Nicole Charnock
Assistant Principal

Staff Spirituality Day: A Day of Reflection and Prayer 

On Monday, 9th September, our school staff had the wonderful opportunity to step back from the busyness of everyday life and immerse ourselves in a day dedicated to spirituality and reflection. Our Staff Spirituality Day was a time to slow down, refocus, and engage in a variety of meaningful prayer experiences that can be incorporated into our own lives as well as into our classrooms to support the spiritual development of our students. 

We were blessed to have Erin McCort, Education Officer from the RE&S Team, as our keynote speaker. Erin delivered an insightful and inspiring presentation on prayer, drawing connections to the lives of the saints and the Catholic Catechism. She reminded us of the profound truth found in the Catechism, stating: “Whether we realise it or not, prayer is the encounter of God's thirst with ours. God thirsts that we may thirst for Him.” 

Erin also shared the idea that prayer is about making space for God to love us, for us to hear that, and then, through the community of faith (our school, for instance), to have the courage to return the compliment. This reflection invited us to enter more deeply into a relationship with God, who accompanies us through all events of life. 

As part of the day, we also engaged in two enriching workshops led by our very own staff members. Emily Ayres guided us in Music as Prayer, where we explored how music shapes our feelings and emotions, helping us connect with significant milestones in our lives and offering thanks to God for these moments. Alison Collins led us in Ecology as Prayer, encouraging us to deepen our relationship with God in our everyday lives by connecting with nature. Through this, we were invited to find a special place to stop, reflect, and give thanks for the wonders around us. 

The day allowed staff to reflect on the many forms of prayer, from personal quiet time with God to communal prayer, and how these can be gently woven into the fabric of our classrooms. By the end of the day, we felt spiritually refreshed and ready to bring these prayerful practices into our teaching, helping our students grow in their own relationships with God. We look forward to integrating what we have learned, nurturing an environment where prayer is part of our daily rhythm. 

The Value of a Whole School Musical and its Connection to NSW Learning Outcomes 

We are thrilled that our school is preparing for an exciting whole school musical production this term! This event promises to be a highlight for students, staff, and our community. While the performance will undoubtedly be entertaining, the educational benefits for our students are equally important. Participation in a school musical aligns closely with key New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) learning outcomes, fostering holistic growth in a variety of areas. 

Fostering Creativity and Confidence 

A school musical offers students the opportunity to express themselves creatively through acting, singing, and dancing. The Creative Arts curriculum aims to develop students' creative skills, self-expression, and confidence. Performing in front of an audience helps students gain self-assurance, an essential aspect of personal development that supports public speaking, leadership, and social interactions. 

Collaboration and Teamwork 

The collaborative nature of a musical encourages teamwork and cooperation. Students work together across year levels, learning to listen to one another, solve problems, and achieve a common goal. These experiences are aligned with NSW’s Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) learning outcomes, where collaboration and developing respectful relationships are key components. 

Enhancing Communication Skills 

Whether students are learning their lines or communicating with others backstage, the musical gives them an opportunity to develop strong communication skills. This aligns with the NSW English curriculum, which emphasises effective speaking, listening, and the ability to engage in discussions. The ability to articulate thoughts and emotions clearly is a skill that will benefit students well beyond the classroom. 

Developing Resilience and Perseverance 

Rehearsing for a musical can be challenging, but it teaches students resilience and perseverance. They learn that success is the result of hard work and dedication, even when faced with difficulties. These qualities are reflected in the General Capabilities of the curriculum, particularly in personal and social capability, which encourages students to set goals and work towards achieving them. 

Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion  

A whole school musical is a fantastic way to celebrate the diversity within our student body. Each child has a unique role to play, whether on stage or behind the scenes, allowing for inclusion across a broad spectrum of abilities and talents. This is closely tied to the NSW learning outcomes related to cultural understanding and inclusion, helping students appreciate diversity and foster empathy. 

Linking to NSW Curriculum Outcomes 

Through participation in the school musical, students are engaging with learning outcomes in several areas: 

• Creative Arts (Drama, Music, Dance): Students develop their creative skills, imagination, and ability to perform. 

• English: The focus on communication, language skills, and the ability to express ideas through various mediums. 

• PDHPE: Developing interpersonal skills, teamwork, and resilience. 

• General Capabilities: Enhancing critical and creative thinking, personal and social skills, and ethical understanding. 

We encourage all students to take part in this enriching experience, whether as performers or in supporting roles. Your child’s involvement in the school musical not only contributes to a memorable event but also enhances their educational journey in line with the NSW learning framework. 

We look forward to your support and excitement as this wonderful project culminates in our performances next week. 

Leanne Skinner 
Primary Coordinator and Pedagogical Mentor 

Support Staff Appreciation Day 

Last week, we had the privilege of celebrating Support Staff Appreciation Day at St Joseph's. It was a wonderful opportunity to recognise the dedication, hard work, and immense contribution of all the support staff who help make our school such a special place. 

During our morning assembly, we took a moment to acknowledge the amazing work our support staff do every day. Whether it’s assisting in classrooms, ensuring the smooth running of the canteen, maintaining the school grounds, or providing vital family, staff and student support, these incredible individuals make a huge difference in the lives of our students and the entire school community. 

We are truly fortunate to have such a dedicated team, and we sincerely appreciate the fantastic work they do for our school every single day. 

RUOk Day 

On Thursday, our focus for RUOk Day was all about starting meaningful conversations and knowing how to provide others with support when needed. RUOk Day promotes the idea that we can all be an integral part of creating a connected, caring community by looking out for one another. Wearing yellow was a nice reminder to us that even in times of hardship we can find optimism, joy, happiness and friendship. 

Top tips for families on how we can support our children's Mental Health include: 

• Create Space for Conversations: Set aside time each day to talk with your child. It could be as simple as asking, "How was your day?" or "What made you happy or worried today?" Be an active listener and show empathy, even for small concerns. 

• Model Healthy Emotional Expression: Share your feelings and show that it’s okay to feel sad, angry, or frustrated sometimes. Encourage your child to label their emotions and talk about how they are feeling without judgment. 

• Establish a Routine: Children thrive on routine. Having a predictable daily schedule with set times for meals, play, rest, and bedtime can reduce stress and help them feel secure. 

• Encourage Outdoor Play and Physical Activity: Exercise is great for both physical and mental health. Encourage your child to play outside, ride a bike, or go for a walk together. Movement helps release tension and boost mood. 

• Promote Positive Self-Talk: Teach your child to speak kindly to themselves. Encourage phrases like, "I can do this" or "It’s okay to make mistakes." Positive self-talk builds resilience and self-esteem. 

• Practice Mindfulness Together: Introduce short mindfulness exercises such as breathing techniques or simple yoga stretches. These can help children manage big emotions and calm their minds. 

• Check in Regularly: Make "RUOK moments" a regular part of your family life. Rather than just on RUOK Day, check in with your child regularly to ensure they feel supported. 

Kindergarten Excursion 

Our Kindergarten students recently embarked on an exciting excursion to the cinema to watch Inside Out 2! This was not only a fun experience, but also connects to our broader focus on supporting the emotional literacy and wellbeing of our young learners. The film explores different emotions in a relatable way, helping students understand and express their feelings more effectively. This aligns with our goal of fostering emotional intelligence, resilience, and empathy—key skills that set them up for future success in both their personal and academic lives. 

SchoolTV 

Click here to view our SchoolTV topic on Respectful Relationships. It explores how addressing topics like kindness, empathy, and communication, parents can create a foundation for healthy and positive interactions. 

Chloe Coe
Wellbeing Coordinator

Upcoming Events

Spring Ball - Saturday 14 September 

School Disco -  Thursday 17 October

Golf Day - Friday 15 November

Interrelate "Tricky Talks" - Years 3-6

Thursday 24 October 

This year the event will be held on line.  To register your attendance, please click here.   Cost per family is $41.50, payment is made online when registering.

The first session is titled 'Where Did I Come From?' and will begin the discussion on the male and female reproductive systems, as well as placing an emphasis on personal safety and protective behaviours. This session will run between 6:00pm - 7:00pm AEDT.

The second session is titled 'Preparing For Puberty' In this session, we discuss the physical changes of puberty, putting emphasis on the fact that it can be different for everyone. We also build on the first session in enhancing the awareness of a child’s personal safety, as well as inform further on protective behaviour. We develop students’ understanding of periods and sperm production, as well as the physical, emotional, social and intellectual changes associated with puberty for both boys and girls. This session is recommended for children above Year 5, however, in the past mature Year 3 and 4 students have seen this material. This session will run from 7:15 - 8:15pm AEDT.

Interrelate uses an online platform called Big Blue Button to ensure the safety and security for all participants.  

• The link will be available on the ticket once sign up has been completed. No download is required. 
• Only one registration per family is required
• Our Educator will be presenting via microphone and webcam. Registered families are not required to share microphone or webcam. 
• Interrelate educators have a valid Working with children check or equivalent. 
• Teachers will be present for all programs.  
• The Tricky Talks program has content that may be unsuitable for younger children. Parental supervision will be required. 
• You are not permitted to broadcast this presentation as a live event in other platforms. 
• For this program, you will require access to a computer and a stable internet connection. Our programs work best with Google Chrome.

Term Planner - Term 4*

*Please note these dates are subject to change and any changes will be communicated via Compass as soon as they occur.

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