Dear Parents,

What a busy and exciting week we have had at St Joseph’s! It has been a time of celebration, reflection, and achievement as we marked Harmony Week, Neurodiversity Week, St Joseph’s Day, and the completion of NAPLAN assessments.

A Heartfelt Thank You

Before I share the highlights of this past week, I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to our students, families, and staff for the warm welcome I have received in my role as Acting Principal. It is both a privilege and an honour to serve our wonderful school community, and I am truly humbled by the trust you have placed in me.

At St Joseph’s, we are guided by a mission to nurture the academic, spiritual, and personal growth of every child. Throughout my time in this role, I am committed to leading with integrity, kindness, and a deep sense of purpose, ensuring that our school continues to be a place where all students feel valued, supported, and inspired to achieve their best.

Exciting Changes Coming to Our School Quadrangle!

We are thrilled to share that exciting improvements are coming to our school quadrangle, including the construction of a brand-new COLA (Covered Outdoor Learning Area) and the reimagining of our school library. These upgrades will enhance our learning and play spaces, providing even greater opportunities for our students.

To accommodate these works, there will be some temporary relocations:
- Year 3 classes will move to an alternative learning space.
- The Lunch Club will be held in a different area of the school.
- Library services will continue in a modified format to ensure students can still access books and resources.
- OOSH will operate from the school hall with further details to be shared directly with families.

Throughout the construction period, we will do our best to minimise disruptions to students' learning and play. We appreciate your patience and support as we undertake these exciting projects. Please stay tuned for further updates in our Week 10 newsletter!

Neurodiversity Week

Throughout the week, students engaged in discussions and activities that encouraged understanding, inclusion, and appreciation for the diverse ways people experience the world. At St Joseph’s, we are proud to celebrate the individuality of every student and continue to foster a school environment where all children can thrive. For more details, please see the Assistant Principal’s Messages.

Harmony Week

Harmony Week was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural diversity within our school community. Many of our students proudly wore traditional cultural attire, sharing their heritage with pride. The canteen added to the festivities with a delicious selection of cuisines from France, Mexico, Australia, and Japan, allowing us to experience the tastes of different cultures.

A highlight of the week was our Harmony Day liturgy, beautifully prepared and led by our EALD teacher, Mrs Noble, along with our students. We were also privileged to welcome guest speakers Sister Di Santleben and Farida Baremgayabo from Zara’s House, Jesmond, who shared their inspiring work supporting refugee women and children.

Each class contributed to a puzzle artwork, symbolising how we all fit together in our diverse community. These artworks are now displayed on Union Street, providing a meaningful way for our broader community to engage with this year’s Harmony Week theme: “Everyone Belongs.”

St Joseph’s Day

On Wednesday, 19th March, we gathered in the church for our St Joseph’s Day liturgy, hosted by Year 4. Together, we reflected on the life and virtues of our patron saint and considered how we are called to live like St Joseph—faithful, kind, and always willing to serve others. A particularly special moment was reflecting on the lyrics of our school song, reminding us of our shared mission to live with love, integrity, and compassion, just as Joseph did.

NAPLAN

This week, our Year 3 and Year 5 students also completed their NAPLAN final assessments. We are incredibly proud of their effort and perseverance. These assessments are just one of the many ways we support student learning, and we commend our students for approaching them with a growth mindset.

Thank you to all our families that joined us to be a part of the many special celebrations and events we have shared this week. Your ongoing support makes our school such a welcoming and vibrant community.

Nicole Charnock
Acting Principal

NAPLAN 

We have just about completed NAPLAN for 2025! Students in Year 3 and Year 5 are commended and congratulated for their focus, concentration and engagement. We would also like to thank the teachers in Years 3 & 5 as well as Mrs Milgate and the Learning Support Team for their assistance in ensuring the process was smooth. Here are two Year 3 student reflections on NAPLAN: 

I was feeling nervous at the start, but after I did it, it was fun! Eddie 

Whenever I was stuck, I stopped, I did some working out on my sheet and then got the answer. Isla 

It is important to remember that these tests only give us a snapshot of where the students are on their learning journey. Teachers analyse the results to assist students to continue to grow in their skills and understanding of the curriculum. This is only one tool teachers use to measure progress. Students are also regularly assessed within the classroom activities. The data collected regularly by staff enables the teachers to help develop your child and target their individual needs, through appropriate planning and curriculum delivery, to improve the learning outcomes for each child.  

If you have any concerns about your child’s progress, appointments to discuss the issue with your child’s teacher can be made through the school office. Official interviews with families will be conducted in Term 2. 

Neurodiversity Celebration Week 

Last Monday, the Student Council led the school community in a presentation about the importance of Neurodiversity Celebration Week. They shared that Neurodiversity Celebration Week is about celebrating the strengths and talents of people who think and learn differently. ​It is also about recognising hard work and determination. ​Neurodiversity Celebration Week is one way of reminding everyone of the importance of being kind and accepting of everyone.  

On the blackboard under the COLA, students had the opportunity to respond to, “What is special about being neurodiverse?’. It was great to see the following points being noted by students in our school; 

• You have a better imagination! 

• Equality is right 

• Everyone should be treated the same 

• You think uniquely and different to others 

• You make the world brighter 

• You think outside the box! 

In the Staffroom, staff also reflected on Neurodiversity Celebration Week by engaging with a clip about how a child with ADHD can experience sensory overload in a shopping centre. For many, this clip provoked conversation about how classrooms can be a sensory overload and what can be done to minimise this experience for students. 

 Positive Behaviour 4 Learning (PB4L) 

Our final PB4L focus for Term 1 is ‘Do Your Best focus – Learn and let others learn!’. 

At St Joseph’s we highly value learning and we are focused on our own desire to be active learners. We do this by fostering a great love of learning and mastering new skills. PB4L lessons over this coming fortnight will outline ways each student can make an effort to be a creative learner. Lessons will also focus on the importance of how our behaviours impact the learning of others in the classroom too.  

In the classroom we are highlighting the importance of respecting others’ right to learn by working quietly (when required to), listening, staying focused, asking for assistance and challenging ourselves. We aim to complete our learning tasks with quality and attention to detail. When working collaboratively we are learning to be great listeners, to take turns and ensure we actively contribute. This means that we respect different points of view and we are inclusive of all members in our group.   

If you have an opportunity, please discuss these concepts with your children.   

Student Council 

The Student Council met on Thursday to hold their fortnightly meeting. Year 6 leaders facilitated the meeting. Students were congratulated for their presentation for Neurodiversity Celebration Week. Other suggestions that came from the meeting that will be taken to the school leadership team were; 

• Change the school bell music to 'Dance Monkey' by Tones and I

• Suggestions for different options in the canteen 

• Repairs to the basketball hoops in the Quad 

The Student Council continues to be an active presence in our school community. 

Renata Rozenfeld
Assistant Principal 

Project Compassion 

Lent is a time of reflection, giving, and helping those in need. This year, we invite families to take part in raising funds for Project Compassion, an initiative by Caritas Australia that supports vulnerable communities worldwide. Encouraging children to contribute—whether through small sacrifices, creative fundraising, or family giving—teaches the values of generosity and compassion. Every donation, big or small, makes a difference. Let’s work together to create a brighter future for those in need! Students have collection boxes in their classrooms for donations.  

Celebrating St Joseph’s Day at St Joseph’s Primary School, Merewether 

At St Joseph’s we come together each year to celebrate St Joseph’s Day, honouring our patron saint and the values that guide our school community. Inspired by the message in our school song, we strive to follow St. Joseph’s example of faith, kindness, and service. 

On this special day, we reflected on the strong foundations of our school, built on the principles of love, respect, and perseverance. Just as St. Joseph worked humbly and faithfully, we are called to support one another, always standing together as a community. 

Students participated in a liturgy and moments of reflection, reminding us to “always do our best” and live out the values that make our school a welcoming and inclusive place for all. 

Happy St Joseph’s Day! Let’s continue to walk in his footsteps, shining brightly in faith and kindness. 

Here are some student reflections and photos from our celebration:  

Parish Sacramental Program - Invitation from Fr. Greg Barker 

Dear Families, 

I am looking forward to having many opportunities to meet you over the course of my time as the parish priest of this wonderful parish here in the inner city of Newcastle. In my role I would personally like to invite you to an information evening to be held in the Sacred Heart Cathedral on Wednesday 26 March 2025 commencing at 6.30pm as we launch our Sacrament process for 2025. The Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Eucharist will complete the process you began when you had your precious child baptised. There is room at our table for those of other faiths including those from other Christian communities and those of many varied religious backgrounds who would like to become Catholic. As a parish we try and make this journey enjoyable, stress free and simple as we possibly can. The parish had been given three dates for Confirmation this year (20th, 23rd and 29th May) and our process will be geared to those celebrations. If your child is in Year 3, 4, 5 or 6 and would like to be Confirmed and make their First Eucharist come along and join us om Wednesday 26 March. and hear more about this exciting time in our and your life together. I look forward to seeing you there. 

Kind regards, 

Fr Greg 
Parish Priest 

St Joseph’s Social Justice Team (SJSJ) 

This year, we are excited to form the 2025 St Joseph’s Social Justice Team! Made up of passionate students, this team will lead initiatives that promote compassion, fairness, and service within our school and the wider community. Through fundraising, advocacy, and hands-on projects, they will put their faith into action and make a real difference. 

We look forward to seeing our students grow as leaders of change and invite families to support their efforts throughout the year. Stay tuned for upcoming initiatives and ways to get involved! 

Way of the Cross 

This year’s Way of the Cross will continue our pilgrimage experience that began with the Jubilee Launch. Come and walk with fellow pilgrims and build relationships as we share our responses to Pope Francis’ invitation to become agents of hope within our own communities. Join us! 

Time:  3:00 pm 

Date: Sunday, 6th April. 

ST JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, TORONTO 

140 Wangi Road, Toronto NSW 2283 

ENQUIRIES: mission@mn.catholic.org.au 

REGISTER: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-way-of-the-cross-a-pilgrimage-of-hope-tickets-1250877762059?aff=oddtdtcreator 

St Joseph’s Church Now Open Daily (Monday - Friday)

Parish Bulletin

https://www.newcastlecatholic.org.au/weekly-bulletins/ 

Parish Sacramental Program Meeting: 

• Wednesday 26 March 6:30pm at The Sacred Heart Cathedral 

Project Compassion – Fundraising continues 

Holy Week Celebrations:  

• Monday 7 April Class/Grade Liturgy for Palm Sunday 

• Thursday 10 April Class/Grade Liturgy for Holy Thursday 

• Friday 11 April Whole School Liturgy focusing on Good Friday 9:00am – All Welcome! 
  

Leanne Skinner
Religious Education Coordinator 

Science and PDH Curriculum Update 

During 2023 and 2024, St Joseph's successfully implemented the new Mathematics and English syllabi from K-6 as part of the NSW Curriculum Reform. Building on this achievement, the school community is now preparing for the second phase of this educational transformation, which incorporates Science, Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE), Creative Arts, and Personal Development and Health (PDH). 

What is curriculum reform? 

The NSW Curriculum Reform aims to strengthen and streamline what is taught in schools. The curriculum reform is an opportunity to engage and reenergise what we teach and how we teach it. It focuses on making clear what is essential in the curriculum to give more time for deep learning, establish stronger foundations in English and mathematics, and provide stronger links between HSC subjects and career pathways. 

Implementation Timeline 

The Maitland-Newcastle Diocese is following a thoughtful approach to these curriculum changes: 

• 2025: Our teachers will participate in professional development focusing on Science and PDH. 

• 2026: Professional development focusing on HSIE and Creative Arts with optional implementation of the new Science and PDH syllabus 

• 2027: Mandatory implementation across all schools in NSW 

This phased approach allows our school to carefully prepare while ensuring your children receive the full benefits of these educational advancements. 

What's New in Science Education? 

The Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus (2024) aims to foster a sense of wonder about how the world works while developing essential knowledge and scientific skills in students. 

Key improvements your children will experience include: 

• More hands-on learning opportunities to develop observational skills and use data as evidence 

• New content about human body systems including skeletal, respiratory, and circulatory systems 

• The study of electrical circuits in Years 5-6 

• More connections between mathematics and science learning 

• Enhanced writing activities to help students explain scientific concepts 

• Greater emphasis on digital literacy skills at each year level 

Enhanced Personal Development and Health Education 

The updated Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) curriculum recognizes the importance of preparing young people for today's complex world. 

Students will benefit from: 

• More balanced teaching time between personal development/health topics and physical education 

• Age-appropriate lessons on respectful relationships from Kindergarten onward 

• Enhanced skills for staying safe both online and offline 

• Comprehensive safety education covering road, water, fire, and sun safety 

• New learning experiences in outdoor environments to promote wellbeing 

• Development of social skills for building positive connections with others 

• Improved vocabulary and communication skills related to health and wellbeing 

Supporting the Educational Journey 

At St Joseph's, we are enthusiastic about integrating these curriculum enhancements with programs already benefiting your children. Our recent implementation of the Second Step program aligns with the new PDH curriculum, providing a strong foundation for social-emotional learning and wellbeing. These complementary approaches will help your children develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to thrive in today's world. For Science, this means creating engaging, hands-on learning experiences that will inspire curiosity and critical thinking. Students will benefit from enhanced practical investigations and real-world applications of scientific concepts. 

We look forward to sharing more specific details about these exciting curriculum developments as our implementation plans progress. As always, we value our partnership with you in supporting your child's education and are enthusiastic about the transition to these new learning frameworks for the benefit of every student at St Joseph's. 

Lost Property at St Joseph’s Merewether: Let’s Work Together to Keep Items Safe! 

At St Joseph’s, we’ve noticed that many lost items find their way into the black lost property box outside the office. While it's great that we have a place to gather these forgotten items, we’re seeing a concerning trend—many of them are brand new! Items such as Frank Green drink bottles, hats, jackets, and lunch boxes are often left behind, and unfortunately, many aren’t clearly labelled with names. 

An ongoing issue we face is that some items, particularly those purchased from the clothing pool, still have the name of an ex-student visible. This can make it even harder for us to reunite items with their rightful owners. 

We want to help our students become more organised and responsible for their belongings. However, we need your support in making sure that every hat, jacket, drink bottle, and lunch container is clearly labelled with your child’s name and surname ( not initials or mobile phone numbers). This small step will make a huge difference in helping us return lost items to their rightful owners quickly. 

Let's work together to keep our school’s lost property to a minimum and encourage responsibility in our students. Thank you for your cooperation! 

Zoe Parish 
Primary Coordinator 

Class Parents

We are thrilled to extend our sincerest thanks to the parents who have graciously volunteered to be Class Parents for 2025.

Class Parents play a vital role in fostering connection, communication, and a strong sense of belonging within our school. By offering your time and energy, you are actively contributing to the spirit of collaboration and care that makes our school such a wonderful place to be. We truly appreciate your generosity in taking on this important role and for being such a key part of the supportive community that we all cherish. We will be in touch with this year's Class Parents to organise a catch up very soon.

We look forward to working alongside you in 2025!

Class Feature

5 Blue and Ms Collins have been busy this term taking care of each other, their wellbeing and practising gratitude. Thank you to Eve, Freddy, Millie and Ruari who took the time to write an article on behalf of 5B to share with our community. 

Every day after lunch, to help settle us ready for learning, we go to the prayer mat for prayer circle. Every week there is two people who are rostered on to lead prayer. Often it is a guided meditation, a blessing, affirmations, a gratitude grab, Bible story or inspirational material. As a class, it calms us, brings us into Gods presence and brings us closer together. 

“I enjoy the prayer circle because it slows me down, brings me into a calm setting where I can focus on my breathing and fully relax into the next activity. When we are doing the prayer circle it makes me present and focused on the moment, rather than things that have happened on the playground or earlier in the day.” - Eve D

“When I lead the prayer circle, it makes me feel welcome in our class and brings me into a special relationship with God.” - Freddy M

“When we do prayer circle, it gives everyone a chance to connect with themselves. I think it’s a great time for everyone to calm their mind and something that everyone can join in on judgement free.” -Millie K

“The prayer circle is a time for everyone to settle and bring their minds to deeper things happening in the world and little things to be grateful for.” - Ruari M

Gate Support

Our Pastoral Care Worker, Helene O’Neill has taken on a very active support role at our school gate every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday morning. Helene is there to support with challenging drop offs and offer our students a familiar, friendly face to help your children start the school day with confidence. 

SchoolTV

Click HERE to view SchoolTV’s special edition report on Harmony Week and how it is celebrated in our schools to highlight our diverse cultures and help us better understand each other’s experiences and backgrounds.

Chloe Coe
Wellbeing Coordinator

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 

P&F Meeting

The P&F team have had a great start to 2025. There’s lots of new faces on the team, plenty of energy and so much happening to look forward to. 

We’d love to welcome as many parents and families as possible to our next meeting on Wednesday 2 April from 6.00-7.00pm in the staff cafe.

Find out about the planned capital works and how the P&F is supporting this exciting project, have your say on the future of our Parents and Friends Association and find out how you can get involved! 

There’s also a cheese platter to enjoy.

Easter Raffle

The P&F are EGG-excited to host the annual St Joseph’s Easter Raffle.

Each classroom will have a basket for collection of donated easter eggs, please ensure your children take them to the classroom when they bring them in (and not to the playground for a second delicious breakfast!).

Tickets are available via QKR only. Ticket sales close at midnight on Tuesday 8 April.

Funds raised will be used to support other events planned for 2025.

Thank you to anyone who has expressed an interest in helping out with this event. If you are yet to let us know what you’re available to help with this year, please take some time read the information below.

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!

School Fees

2025 School Fees have been invoiced for the full school year.

There is an expectation upon enrolment that fees are paid in full. The collection of these fees is to ensure the best possible learning environment for your child.

Payments can be made over the course of the year via BPay, direct debit or credit card.

For fee payers wishing to establish a new direct debit or adjust their existing direct debit please contact the office.

For those families who have opted to pay in instalments, your first instalment is due by 31 March and payments finalised by 30 November 2025.  Please contact the school office if assistance is required to work out a best payment method or frequency to accomplish this requirement.

For those families experiencing financial hardship it is important to arrange an appointment with the Principal, to discuss your account.

Our second hand uniform shop will be open on the following dates and times

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.