Dear Parents,

This will be my last newsletter until mid-Term 2, as I embark on my professional renewal leave and long service leave. What better time to begin my pilgrimage-retreat than at the start of Lent? My journey will first take me to Shetland, a wild and remote place between Scotland and Norway. Please know that as I travel, I will keep you, your children, and our staff in my prayers, and I ask that you keep me in yours.

During my absence, Nicole Charnock will be taking on the role of Acting Principal, Renata Rozenfeld will increase her Assistant Principal/teaching responsibilities to four days a week, and Zoe Parish will assume Nicole’s Primary Coordinator role. With these three dedicated leaders, along with Leanne Skinner in her role as REC, our school is in very capable hands. 

For this time, Belinda Parkes will teach 4 Blue each Thursday and Friday while Zoe is off class in her roles of Pedagogical Mentor and Primary Coordinator and Felicity Peart, a previous staff member, will teach Kinder Gold each Wednesday when Chloe Coe has her Wellbeing Co-Ordinator day.  We are very appreciative of our staff and their flexibility to adjust their schedules to support what is in the best interests of the school.

While I am away, the demolition of the COLA in the Quad will take place, making way for the construction of a magnificent new COLA, along with the revamping of the Library. Stay tuned for regular updates—I can’t wait to see the progress upon my return!

Da Vinci Decathlon

We are incredibly proud of Evan T, in Year 6, who has been selected to join a team of students from across the diocese to represent us in the upcoming da Vinci Decathlon. This prestigious academic competition challenges students across ten disciplines:

1. Mathematics – Problem-solving, number patterns, and logic puzzles
2. English – Spelling, word origins, definitions, textual analysis, and writing tasks
3. Science – Engaging with advanced scientific concepts
4. Code Breaking – Deciphering complex codes
5. Engineering Challenge – Designing creative solutions to problems
6. Ideation – Generating and developing new ideas
7. Creative Producers – Creating and performing a short drama or commercial
8. Art and Poetry – Developing an original poem and artwork on a given theme
9. Cartography – Interpreting spatial information and creating imaginative maps
10. Legacy – Honouring significant people, inventions, and events from history and today

The theme for the 2025 da Vinci Decathlon – Hunter Region is Sustainability. We wish Evan and his team all the very best and have no doubt that he will represent our school and diocese with excellence.

Lent

Lent is a special time of reflection, and our students embraced its beginning with enthusiasm and reverence.

On Shrove Tuesday, the students enjoyed a pancake picnic, a much-anticipated event filled with joy. A huge thank you to the wonderful parents who helped with toppings and distribution. Demand was so high that we had to make an extra pancake run—we sold nearly 500 pancakes! Any profits raised will support Caritas’ Project Compassion. Thank you for your generosity.

On Ash Wednesday, our Years 4-6 students participated reverently in the parish Mass, engaging wholeheartedly with Fr. Greg’s homily. Several parishioners shared how impressed they were with our students’ participation, prayerfulness, and conduct— a true testament to the faith-filled environment we nurture. Our younger students took part in class-based liturgies, and all students received ashes, reminding them of our call to live like Jesus.

Year 6 2024 Gift

After a series of delays, we are delighted to finally have received the customised carpet runner that last year’s Year 6 students fundraised for and gifted to the school. It now graces our office foyer—when you next visit, please stop by to admire it! We think it looks fantastic and are so grateful to Year 6, 2024 for this thoughtful and lasting contribution to our school.

In this Year of Jubilee, may hope be with you always.

Blessings,
Karen

NAPLAN 2025

Students in Year 3 and Year 5 will be participating in the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) from the 12th – 21^st March. The testing schedule has been shared with Year 3 and Year 5 parents via Compass.

NAPLAN is an annual assessment for all students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. It tests the skills essential for every child to progress through school and life. The tests cover skills in reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation, and numeracy. The assessments are undertaken every year.

Excessive preparation for NAPLAN Online is not recommended. Students and parents can use the public demonstration site (ACARA NAPLAN Demonstration Site) to familiarise themselves with the types of questions and tools available in the NAPLAN Online tests. If you have any questions about NAPLAN Online, please contact your child’s teacher.

Positive Behaviours for Learning (PB4L)

Students are very much engaged with the Dash tokens. It is wonderful to see the PB4L containers in the classrooms filling up! Students may receive tokens in class or on the playground. Staff are looking, and able to reward, for positive behaviour across all four expectations:

• Act Safely
• Be Respectful
• Care For All
• Do Your Best

Congratulations to the Gold Sports House for achieving the most tokens in the first half of this term! Students in this sports house will enjoy an out of uniform day on Monday 10March. Please ensure students wear clothing appropriate for sporting activities, especially enclosed footwear.

Our focus this coming fortnight is Care for All - Care for the place you are in. In class students are learning that by caring for the places we are in, we show love, respect, gratitude and appreciation for the gifts we have been given. Students will be focusing on looking after the environment and identifying sustainable practices at both home and school. If you have an opportunity, please discuss these concepts with your children.

Safeguarding - “It’s everybody’s responsibility”

Neurodiversity Celebration Week

March 17-23 is Neurodiversity Week. Although 15% of students are neurodivergent, many neurodivergent students struggle to be accepted, understood, and supported with ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia and Tourette Syndrome.

Students who think and learn differently have many strengths and talents. Most neurodivergent students work very hard to overcome the challenges and obstacles caused by their learning differences.

Neurodiversity Celebration Week provides schools with the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the many strengths, talents, and advantages of being neurodivegent. At St Josephs’ we are continually working to create a more inclusive school environment that embraces the benefits and positive aspects of thinking and learning differently and empowers every student to reach their potential.

During this week we will be celebrating by sharing lessons and resources with our students and shining a light on all the amazing things you can achieve as a neurodivergent learner.

Parents can find more information and access resources at https://www.neurodiversityweek.com/

Parent Resources: https://www.neurodiversityweek.com/resource-hub

Source:https://www.neurodiversityweek.com/

 

Renata Rozenfeld
Assistant Principal 

Thank you to our families (Scarlett and Elkie Rose, Sebastian Crosby, Cameron and Hamish MacDonald, Ella Lane, Evan and Eyan Tissera, Ruby, Sophie and Tom Pryde, Skyler Deocampo, Leo and Corbin Singh, Lucy and Reuben Temple and Ollie Rozenfeld and staff (Mrs Temple, Ms Rozenfeld, Ms Mantach, Mrs O’Neill, Mrs Delore, Mrs Stephen) for attending the Jubilee Diocesan Launch of Pilgrims of Hope. Your presence and enthusiasm made this event truly special, and we are grateful for your commitment to this journey of faith and renewal. As we embark on this pilgrimage together, may we be inspired to walk in hope, deepen our faith, and embrace the call to be witnesses of God's love in our communities. We look forward to continuing this journey going with you, sharing hope, faith, and joy along the way.

Shrove Tuesday

A huge thank you to all the parents (Claire Frost, Julian Johnson, Chloe Ware, Joelle Bevington, Camilla Shepherd, Jessica Smith and Elise Grist) who helped prepare and serve pancakes on Shrove Tuesday! We are grateful that the children were able to join in this special tradition. Your time and effort made the event a success!

Source: https://portlanddiocese.org/ash-wednesday

On Ash Wednesday, our Years 4, 5, and 6 students attended Mass with our Parish Community to mark the beginning of Lent, while our Kindergarten to Year 3 students participated in class liturgies. These moments of prayer and reflection helped our students deepen their understanding of this sacred season as we journey together to focus on Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving.

St Benedicts Parish News Bulletin here

Ongoing

Project Compassion – March 5

Week 8

Wednesday 19 March - St Joseph’s Day Liturgy

Friday 21 March – Harmony Week Liturgy

Leanne Skinner
Religious Education Coordinator 

Using Assessment Data to Design Engaging Learning Sequences 

At St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, our teachers are committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences that support the strengths and needs of every student. A key part of this process is the strategic use of pre- and post-assessment data, combined with backward mapping, to ensure all students are engaged, challenged, and supported in their learning journey. 

Before introducing a new topic, teachers use pre-assessments to gauge students’ prior knowledge, skills, and understanding. This helps identify what students already know and where they may need extra support or extension. Using this data, teachers tailor their lessons to meet each student's needs, ensuring that learning is both accessible and appropriately challenging. 

Backward mapping is then used to design learning sequences with the end goal in mind. Teachers begin by identifying the key learning outcomes and success criteria aligned with the curriculum. They then plan purposeful learning experiences that build the knowledge and skills students need to achieve these goals. 

Throughout the learning sequence, ongoing formative assessments help teachers monitor progress and adjust instruction as needed. At the end of a unit, post-assessments provide valuable insights into each student’s growth and inform future learning. 

This data-driven approach ensures that all students are given the opportunity to reach their full potential, fostering confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning in a supportive, faith-filled environment. 

Nicole Charnock 
Assistant Principal & Primary Coordinator 

Diocesan Swimming Carnival

On Wednesday 26 February, students gathered at the Forum Pool to represent the Central Region in the annual Diocesan Swimming Carnival. It was a day filled with fierce competition, the opportunity to push personal bests, and the chance to make new friends and catch up with old ones.

We congratulate all the swimmers who gave it their all, including the Junior Boys Relay Team - Lachlan M, Christian B, Lewis K, and William D – on their fantastic 2^nd place; and Billie D, who took home 1st place in the 11 Year Girls Breaststroke. We are excited that these students will advance to the Polding Carnival after their outstanding performances.

Overall, the event was not just about competition, but also about fostering a spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship. It was a day to remember.

Anne-Maree Mantach

Polding Cricket

From Monday February 17 to Thursday February 20, at the Central Coast Regional Sporting Complex, Stella P, Harriet M, and Adelaide F competed as part of the girls’ Polding team. The following week, from Tuesday February 25 to Friday February 28, Hamish M, Max D, and Thomas P represented the boys’ Polding team at Maitland, both competing against teams from across the state.

Over four days, each team played numerous games, with the girls’ competition unfortunately concluding with a washout. All players demonstrated strong skills and sportsmanship, representing the school with pride. We congratulate them on their efforts and look forward to seeing them continue to develop their talents in the future.

AFL

On Wednesday March 5, Maya V and Lila K participated in the U12s AFL Girls NSW Mid-North Coast and Inland All Schools trials. Competing against 60 other players, they took part in two full games and two shorter matches, demonstrating strong teamwork, skills, and commitment throughout the day. We congratulate Maya V on her selection in the diocesan team, which will compete in the Championship in Sydney on June 2 and 3. It is great to see our female athletes representing the school and showcasing their talents on the field. Kick away girls!

Soccer

On Thursday, February 20, Amali M, Saphina D, Beatrice P, Alex B, Billy G, Finn C, Adrian F, and Aris J attended the Central Region football trials at Trinity Catholic College. The students displayed strong skills, effort, and sportsmanship, representing the school with pride. Congratulations to Saphina, Beatrice, Alex, and Billy on their selection for the diocesan trials.

Central Region Netball Trials

On Thursday February 20, Billie D and Matisse S competed in the Central Region netball trials, demonstrating great determination and skill throughout the session. We congratulate Billie on her selection to trial for the diocesan team. Well done to both players for their efforts and representation of the school.

Cross Country

One of the best events in our annual St Joseph’s sporting calendar is back!

Students in Years 2 - 6 will be heading to Empire Park, Bar Beach on Thursday 27 March.

Races will kick off from 9:30am, starting with our 8/9-year-olds. The event will finish around 12:30pm and the children will return to school.

Students will need to wear their sports uniform and may choose to wear a shirt or accessories in their sport house colour if they have them.

It's always a fun-filled day and we warmly invite parents and families to come along. It's nice for the kids to have familiar and enthusiastic faces to support them as they run the course and come through our P&F sponsored finishing chute!

Volunteers 

We need keen volunteers to help out in a variety of areas at Cross Country. From manning stations along the course and marking arms as the kids finish each lap, to squirting runners with water and handing out zooper doopers to the finishers!

Please register by Friday 21 March by clicking this link.
Only verified volunteers can register!

You need to have completed the online Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle volunteer registration form – which is online here.

Please contact the school office if you have any questions or want to check your volunteer status.

Dressing up

Dressing up in rainbow or sport house colours with a fun flair (think wigs, tutus and lairy socks) is optional but is always a hit with the kids.

What to bring

Please bring water pistols/spray bottles, cow bells and portable speakers if you have them! Most kids love a cool off when they pass you by and music helps to create a fun atmosphere.

Course map

The new course map is attached, which is a little different this year! This kids will run out of Empire Park and head down the hill first toward the tennis courts (rather than uphill towards bar beach).

Thanks so much!

Anna Graham, Renee Mantle, Julian Johnson and Karen Childs

St Joseph's Merewether Cross Country Coordinators

Upcoming Events 

Class Parents

We are looking for parent representatives from each grade to take on the role of Class Parents for 2025.  You will be supported all the way and will be in good company.

Please read the role description outlined, and if you are interested in helping to provide this pastoral support to our families, please complete this form by Monday 17th March.  Once we have representatives for all grades, we will organise a morning tea to catch up, answer any questions and discuss the role in more detail.

Student Wellbeing Team

Thank you to all of the students across Years 3-6 who expressed their interest in joining the St Joseph’s Student Wellbeing Team for 2025. We are so pleased and grateful that so many of our students are passionate about wellbeing within our community. We appreciate the time and effort that went into completing an expression of interest.

We would like to congratulate the following students on being selected for the 2025 Student Wellbeing Team. Due to the overwhelming number of applicants in Years 3 and 5, we will work on a semester schedule for those grades this year.

Class Feature

3 Blue and Miss Duggan have been busy this term taking care of each other, their wellbeing and practising gratitude. Thank you to Taj, Beatrice and Edie who took the time to write an article on behalf of 3B to share with our community.

“At the end of every day, we write a nice message to one of our peers with something that we are specifically thankful or grateful for that they have done. Every two weeks, we open our envelopes and read what people have written to us. We get really excited to open them and find it really hard to wait until the end of the two weeks. We always feel so happy and relieved when our envelope is full of things that make us feel good about ourselves that someone else has noticed about us. Miss Duggan encourages us to write from the heart and be specific about what someone did to make us thankful. It makes us want to be a better person towards our friends.”

“When I open them, I feel really valued by my friends. I like it when people write their names on it, so I know who has been kind to me. It makes me want to go out of my way to do kind things for other people so that they get excited to open their envelope and read something that I have said about them.” - Edie C

“I find it hard to pick someone to write to, because everyone in our class does something nice towards me by the end of the day. Sometimes I draw them a picture or write jokes instead to make them happy. I like to linger near the envelopes to see if I can sneakily see how many is in mine.” - Taj L

“I find it really hard to wait the two weeks to open my envelope and I always try to find ways to peek inside and read it to see how many I have in there.” -Beatrice F

SchoolTV

With NAPLAN fast approaching, please click here to view SchoolTV’s resources on exam jitters and how our students can look after themselves when they have big demands in their life.

Chloe Coe
Wellbeing Coordinator

Get Involved – Volunteer EOI

One of the things that makes our school special is the strong sense of community that brings us together. Our events are a huge part of this—creating moments of joy, connection, and belonging for our kids, our families, and the wider school community.

But these events don’t happen on their own—we need your help! If you can spare a little time, we’d love to hear from you. Please take a moment to fill out this Volunteer EOI Form and let us know how you’d like to be involved this year.

We know life is busy, and another long-term commitment might feel like too much. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to sign up for everything—just one thing makes a difference! Whether it’s booking a venue for the Welcome Cocktail Party, cooking hot dogs at the disco, donating a raffle prize, or lending a hand at the cross country, every bit of support counts.

How to Volunteer

To participate, you’ll need to be a registered volunteer with the Diocese. The process is simple, but it does take a little time for approval, so it’s best to get started early. Here’s what you’ll need:
* A Volunteer Working With Children Check (WWCC) –  may be required. This is free and can be applied for via Service NSW.
* An approved Catholic Diocese of Maitland Newcastle Volunteer Registration.

If you have any questions, please reach out to sjpandf@gmail.com.

Thank you for being part of our school community—we truly couldn’t do it without you!

Kindergarten

We are pleased to announce that enrolments for Kindergarten in 2026 are now open and will close on Friday 23 May 2025.

For further information regarding enrolling in a Catholic School and to lodge an enrolment application online click here.

If you have a younger child that will be starting Kindergarten in 2026 you are encouraged to submit an application prior to the closing date.

We are pleased to be able to share with you information regarding our upcoming school tours and Open Day.

Term Planner

Please note dates are subject to change and we will communicate any updates via Compass as they arise.

Unless otherwise stated, the advertisements placed in this newsletter are placed by independent third parties who have no legal relationship with the Diocese.  The activities or services of the advertisers are not supervised or controlled in any way by the Diocese.  The Diocese is not in a position to endorse the advertisers or the services provided and makes no representation about those matters.  Accordingly, the Diocese cannot accept any responsibility for the advertisers or the activities or services that are the subject of these advertisements.