Dear Parents,

As you read on,  you will notice that  despite it being the end of the school year, there are still so many amazing experiences taking place here at St Joseph’s. 

Celebrating Diverse Learning Mass

On Tuesday evening a small group of our students, their families, along with a large group of staff members went along to the 25^th Annual Mass Celebrating Diverse Learning. The Mass is an opportunity for everyone to come together in celebration of the diverse gifts and talents of each and every student, which undoubtedly enrich our Catholic school communities.

Thank you to our students – Ava, Sienna, Alice, Lucy, Aayen, Eyan and Mikayla who represented our school with pride and who read and sang beautifully.  Thank you to the parents for valuing the significance of this mass and finding the time to fit it in your busy schedules and thank you to the 12 teachers who made the time for this at what is an extremely busy time of year for them. There is nothing more important than an inclusive world, where everyone’s God-given gifts and fabulous diversity are acknowledged and appreciated.

Year 2 Travel Expo

This term, our Year 2 students have embarked on an exciting journey of discovery, investigating what makes certain places significant. Through inquiry projects, they delved deeper into a place meaningful to them, uncovering fascinating facts and sharing personal opinions.

Today, their hard work came to life in a vibrant Travel Fair, where classrooms transformed into exhibition spaces showcasing detailed travel brochures, creative posters, and impressive 3D models. The students' enthusiasm and efforts shone brightly, leaving everyone inspired by their creativity and knowledge.

Well done, Year 2—it was a magnificent celebration of learning and exploration!

Year 6 Become.ME 

Throughout this term, our Year 6 students have embarked on a voyage of self-discovery through the innovative Become.Me program, diving deep into the exciting world of career exploration and personal development. The program aims to help students develop awareness of the wide world of work, and awareness of themselves - what motivates them, what they might be good at, and what influences are pushing or pulling them towards or away from certain types of careers. 

The highlight of their journey was the development of their own "killer questions" – thoughtfully crafted inquiries that helped them test their career assumptions. Students designed and conducted real-world experiments to explore their chosen professions, moving beyond surface-level understanding to gain genuine insights into their potential future careers. 

This all culminated in last week's amazing Become.Me Expo, where our young innovators transformed the school hall into a marketplace of future possibilities. Each student created an engaging booth showing their research journey and featured original creations inspired by their chosen profession. We saw everything from architectural models and computer programs to original artwork and scientific experiments, each demonstrating our students' creativity and dedication. 

We are so proud of our school leaders and the growth, creativity and confidence they displayed during the expo and we thank the parents, teachers and Years 4 and 5 students who attended the event.   

Year 5 Retreat

Last Friday our Year 5 students went to Dixon Park Lifesaving Club for a retreat day with a focus on leadership formation, in preparation for the role they will have next year as student leaders of the school.

They learnt that servant leadership is about leadership for others. It’s about focusing on the positive impact we can make, rather than on what we get out of it for ourselves. It is about making a contribution, lifting other people and doing good. Often, this will come without recognition. Servant leaders use their strength for others. It is not about power and control. It is about influence and service. Imagine how improved our world could be if a new generation of leaders is able to rise up and lead others for the common good. 

The retreat focused specifically on building upon students understanding of ‘servant leadership,’ which is grounded in the life and mission of Jesus Christ. This formation opportunity enabled the students to engage in dialogue with their peers, work in a team, and build confidence in the leadership space. Through the activities and content, the students gained a deeper understanding of teamwork, leadership and commitment. 

I was fortunate to be a part of the day in the afternoon and I was impressed with the students’ level of understanding of servant leadership and look forward to seeing this in action next year from them.

Thanks goes to Cate Anderson, Alison Collins, Ellie Kiely and Donna Morgan for their preparation and support of this day.

Year 6 Fun Fair 

Yesterday, our school playground transformed into a carnival wonderland, as our Year 6 students held their highly anticipated annual ‘Fun Fair’. With enthusiasm and imagination, our students designed and operated a variety of carnival-style games for students in Kinder to Year 5, and everyone had a magnificent time. The playground was alive with laughter and cheers as children tested their skills at the games, leaving students with huge smiles on their faces (along with chocolate), special prizes in their pockets, winners’ certificates and a bundle of good memories of a day to remember. 

Beyond the games and goodies, the Fair served a deeper purpose. The funds raised will be split between a Year 6 farewell gift to the school and a donation to Catholic Mission, reinforcing our school's commitment to serving others.  

A special mention goes to our Year 6 parents who contributed to the cake stall and to all parents who supported their children's participation through token purchases. However, the biggest congratulations go to our Year 6 students, who showed exceptional maturity in ensuring every child felt included and celebrated. They truly demonstrated what it means to be school leaders, creating not just a ‘fun’ fair, but unforgettable memories for our entire school community. 

End of Year Awards

Again this year we will be presenting three worthy students from each class an award for:

“Learn for Life” which will be awarded for commitment towards learning, displaying initiative and independence.

“Love the Challenge” which will be awarded for enthusiasm, significant improvement and achieving a goal.

“Live the Truth” which will be awarded for being respectful of others, having a positive attitude and displaying kindness.   

Our awards ceremony will be held in the hall on Tuesday 17th December from 11.30am. Parents of students who will be receiving an award will be informed prior to the day.

See you at our Carols by Candlelight next Thursday evening,

Karen

Semester Two Reports  

Teachers are now finalising Semester Two reports. Reports will be made available to parents in Week 9 on Friday 13th December. When reading your child’s report, celebrate their achievements with them, look closely at their commitment to learning and the ‘Learner Profile’. Talk to them about their learning goals and how they are working towards achieving them. Continue to encourage your children to be curious about learning, to develop creative thinking skills and be resilient in their learning.  

Student Leadership 2025 

Congratulations to the elected members of our 2025 Leadership team in the House Captains role. We are very proud to have you all representing our school in the year ahead.  

We look forward to hearing from our 10 remaining student leaders when they undertake their leadership speeches next Monday 9th December at 11.30am in the school hall. At the completion of their speeches, students in Years 2-6 will cast their votes for Captains and Vice Captains for 2025. Once the votes are tallied the successful Captains and Vice Captains and their parents will be informed. Ms McGinlay will announce the Captains and Vice Captains for 2025 to the school community on Monday afternoon.  

We wish them all the very best of luck. 

Positive Behaviours for Learning (PBL) 

Our current yearly house totals are as follows: 

Blue House are currently in the lead, but it is not too late for the Green, Gold and Red Houses to catch up. There is still 1 more week to add to your total. Remember, the winning house will receive a pizza party next Friday 13th December! 

Our last focus area for the year falls under the category of Do Your Best: Have a go and participate. This unit encourages all students to ‘be a learner,’ while fostering the valuable skill of perseverance. Through this learning students will reflect on what it means to persevere: 

• Not giving up when things become challenging.  

• Understanding that it requires both effort and consistency to complete a task.  

• Using different strategies to solve problems.  

• Practice helpful self-talk (e.g., “I can do it” or “Keep trying.”  

• Accept that mistakes are how we learn (FAIL = First Attempt at Learning). 

Below you will find some useful links which reinforce this concept. Hopefully they are useful too. They may be a conversation starter for you and your child/ren. 

Learning About Grit 

Amazing Kids of Character - Perseverence 

Perseverence for Students 

Safeguarding - ‘It’s everyone's responsibility’ 

ESafety Resources 

Don’t forget the OoSG has produced a number of padlets to support parents in promoting safety online and physical safety messages with their children. Click on the following link to take you to these padlets.  

Padlets for Parents and Carers 

Nicole Charnock 
Assistant Principal

25th Mass for Diverse Learning 

A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful students Ava, Alice, Eyan, Evan, Micaila, Lucy and Sienna for representing our school with such pride and grace at the 25th Mass for Diverse Learning on Tuesday evening. Their participation in this special celebration highlighted their dedication and reflected the inclusive spirit of our school community. 

We are also deeply grateful to the staff who attended to support our students, embodying the commitment and encouragement that helps each child shine. Your presence made the evening even more meaningful and demonstrated the strength of our shared values. 

This event was a beautiful reminder of the importance of diversity and the unique gifts each person brings to our community. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making the evening a memorable celebration of faith, learning, and togetherness. 

Let us continue to celebrate and support the diversity that enriches our school family! 

Advent 

Stage 2 Leads Us in Prayer for the First Week of Advent 

This week, our Stage 2 students beautifully led the school community in prayer to mark the beginning of Advent. Their thoughtful reflections and reverent participation set the tone for this sacred season, reminding us to stay awake and ready as we prepare for the coming of Jesus at Christmas. 

During the prayer, the students lit the first candle on the Advent wreath, symbolising hope. They shared Scripture readings and prayers that called us to open our hearts, remain vigilant, and reflect on the true meaning of this holy time.

Advent is a time of joyful anticipation, and the leadership of our Stage 2 students inspired us all to embrace this spirit of hope and readiness. We thank them for guiding us in this special moment of worship and reflection and for helping us remember the importance of preparing our hearts for the arrival of Christ, our Saviour. 

What is a reflective learner?

A reflective learner is someone who engages in the practice of reflective learning. Reflective learning involves thinking about and analysing one's own learning experiences, strategies, and outcomes. Reflective learners consciously take the time to consider what they have learnt, how they learnt it, and how it applies to their understanding of the subject matter or life in general.

Key characteristics of reflective learners include:

• Self-Awareness: Reflective learners are aware of their own strengths, weaknesses, and learning preferences. They recognise how their emotions and experiences influence their learning.
• Critical Thinking: They possess strong critical thinking skills, allowing them to analyse and evaluate information, ideas, and their own thought processes. This critical approach enhances their ability to solve problems and make informed decisions.
• Metacognition: Reflective learners have a deep understanding of their own thinking and learning processes. They can monitor and regulate their cognitive activities, making adjustments as needed to improve their learning outcomes.
• Continuous Improvement: These learners view learning as an ongoing process. They actively seek opportunities to improve, adapt, and grow, using past experiences as a foundation for future learning.
• Goal-Oriented: Reflective learners set goals for themselves and regularly assess their progress. They use reflection as a tool to understand what worked well, what didn't, and how they can adjust their approach to achieve their objectives.
• Open to Feedback: They are open to receiving constructive feedback from peers and teachers and use it as a valuable source of information for self-improvement. This openness helps them refine their learning strategies. Learning Intentions and Success Criteria are used at St. Joseph’s for students to reflect on their learning.
• Effective Communication: Reflective learners can articulate their thoughts, ideas, and learning experiences effectively. They can express themselves clearly, both in writing and verbally.

Reflective learners are often more adaptable, resilient, and capable of independent learning because they actively engage with their own learning processes. This approach not only benefits academic success but also contributes to personal development. We will continue to provide opportunities for students to engage in reflective practices at St Joseph’s.

Leanne Skinner 
Primary Co-ordinator and Pedagogical Mentor

Student Wellbeing Team 

As we approach the end of the year, I would like to thank every member of the Student Wellbeing Team for the pivotal role they have played in creating a school environment where every student feels valued, safe, and cared for. Their actions and contributions have fostered a space where inclusivity and kindness are at the heart of everything we do at Joey’s. It’s been a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated team and I look forward to all that we will accomplish together in the future. 

Mindful Morning Event 

The Student Wellbeing Team have organised a special event to take place on the last day of school Wednesday 18 December. The aim of the event is to provide students with the time and resources to reflect positively on the year we have had. It will be lovely to start our last day of school in a mindful way, assisting students and teachers in starting the final day of 2024 calm, grateful and regulated.  

SchoolTV 

Click here to view our final SchoolTV feature for this year on transitions. This is helpful for all parents including those that have children starting school for the first time, moving up to a higher grade or embarking on a journey through to secondary school. 

Holiday Support 

For upper primary students  

• Kids Helpline Positive self talk  

• Kids Helpline Think calm thoughts  

• Kids Helpline Resilience strategies for emotional strength  

• Kids Helpline Problem solving  

• Kids Helpline Feeling sad over the holidays  

• ReachOut Ways to chill for cheap  

 For all parents and their child/ren  

• Telephone support: Parentline NSW 1300 1300 52  

• Kids Helpline: Coping with Family holiday Stress   

• Raising Children Network Signs of mental health concerns in pre-teens and teenagers  

• Raising Children Network Helping pre-teens and teens manage emotional ups and downs  

• Kids Helpline: My child struggles with mental health  

• Kids Helpline: How Kids Helpline can help your child  

• 13YARN Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Support – Crisis line
• Be You support services infographic access here

For staff 

• Be You Educator Wellbeing resources
• Encourage staff to stay connected to their informal (friends, family, and colleagues), formal (EAP or GP/private mental health professional) and professional (mentors or teacher associations) wellbeing supports.

I hope you have a beautiful Christmas, filled with joy and togetherness, and that the holiday break brings you some well deserved rest and relaxation. 

Our staff are already looking forward to the new year, ready to continue working together with you to create an environment of growth, trust, and teamwork for your children.  

Chloe Coe  
Wellbeing Coordinator  

Swimming Carnival

Get ready for a day of swimming as our Swimming Carnival takes place next Wednesday, December 11th, at The Forum. We've been overwhelmed by the generous response from our parent community volunteering to help make this event a success. While we couldn't accommodate every volunteer this time due to limited positions, we sincerely appreciate all offers of assistance and hope to include more helpers at future events. It’s going to be a splash!

Important Information for Volunteers:

- First session timekeepers: Please meet Ms Mantach at The Forum at 9:20am for a brief orientation and duty overview

- A detailed roster with allocated duties has been prepared and is listed below

Please note that the swimming program has now been finalised, and no further changes or additions can be made to the schedule.

Starters: Steven Cunningham & Ben Fitzgerald 
Timekeepers: Parents Volunteers

A reminder to all parents that if you wish to volunteer at any of our school events you need to have completed the volunteer register.

Polding Cricket

Our talented young cricketers were a hit at the Polding cricket trials held in Lismore on Wednesday, 4 December. Braving hot and humid conditions, Stella P, Harriet M, Adelaide F, Hamish M, Max D, and Thomas P showed their cricketing prowess among the region's finest young players. The competition was fierce, with only 12 coveted positions available on the Polding team. Our students demonstrated exceptional skill, sportsmanship, and determination throughout the trials to all gain positions on the Polding cricket teams. These students not only represented our school with distinction but were also a credit to our diocese through their exemplary conduct both on and off the field. We're incredibly proud of our cricketers and congratulate them on their selections – you've knocked it out of the park!

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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