Dear Parents,

Building Works Update

We would like to inform our families that the latest update from Catholic Schools is that all major building works planned for 2025 across the diocese are currently under review. At this stage, we are awaiting further communication from the Catholic Schools Office regarding the next steps for our school’s building project.

We understand that many in our community are eager for updates, and we sincerely thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we await more information. We remain committed to keeping you informed as soon as any updates become available.

Confirmation

On Tuesday 20 May at Sacred Heart Cathedral and this evening Friday 23 May at Christ the King Mayfield, a number of our students received the Sacrament of Confirmation. In the words of Bishop Michael these children are now seen as “full members” in our Catholic Church community. 

Confirmation is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit strengthens us in our journeys as believers in Christ and helps us accept our mission in life. Bishop Michael encouraged the children to always keep the door open and to let the Holy Spirit in—to receive the gifts of wisdom, understanding, right judgement, courage, knowledge, reverence, and wonder and awe.  

It was a privilege for staff in attendance to be part of such a significant and special moment in the faith journey of these students. A final Confirmation celebration will be held on Thursday 29 May at Sacred Heart Cathedral Hamilton at 6:30 pm. We continue to keep all students receiving the Sacrament in our prayers.  

Aspire

On Thursday evening, a group of staff had the pleasure of attending the finals of the Aspire Songwriting Competition, held at Trinity’s Factory Theatre. Our very own Jack W. performed the original song, ‘Rough Days’ which he wrote for the competition. The theme for the primary category was ‘Revolutionary Rhythms’, and Jack shared a powerful and deeply personal song inspired by his recent life experiences and challenges. 

We were blown away by his talent, creativity, and the confidence he showed on stage and so were the judges, who deemed Jack’s song as the best of the night!! We are incredibly proud of Jack—not just for his musical ability, but for the way he always embraces new opportunities and pushes himself beyond his comfort zone. What a fantastic achievement! Congratulations Jack! 

Young Dobell Art Finalists

We are thrilled to share that Harrison and Ellie C have been selected as finalists in this year’s Young Dobell Art Competition! Their beautiful pet portraits—Trigger the dog and Bucky the cat—will be exhibited at the Museum of Art and Culture, yapang (MAC), from 31 May to 3 August.

This is an incredible achievement, and we are so proud of their creativity and talent.

If you have the opportunity, we encourage you to head along to the exhibition and see their artwork on display alongside other young artists from across the region. Entry is free, and it’s a wonderful way to celebrate the creative gifts of our students.

For more information about the exhibition, visit: Young Dobell Exhibition 2025 – MAC yapang

National Simultaneous Story Time

National Simultaneous Storytime is a colourful, vibrant, and fun event that promotes the value of reading and literacy by featuring an Australian children's book that explores age-appropriate themes and supports Key Learning Areas of the national curriculum.

On Wednesday, 21 May 2025, our whole school joined together to read and listen to this year’s featured book, The Truck Cat by Deborah Frenkel, illustrated by Danny Snell. The story follows Tinka, a cat who travels with Yacoub, a migrant truck driver adjusting to life in a new country. When they are separated, their journey to reunite highlights themes of belonging, identity, and kindness.

Following the story, students participated in a variety of creative activities inspired by the book, engaging with its themes and celebrating the joy of reading together.

ACSP 2025 Principals' Conference

From Wednesday, 21 May to Friday, 23 May, I have had the privilege of attending the Association of Catholic School Principals (ACSP) 2025 Conference at Rydges Resort in the Hunter Valley. The conference theme, Living Waters: Leading with Hope, Inspiring Faith Communities, provided a meaningful context for reflection and professional growth.

Principals from across the Diocese gathered to engage with a range of guest speakers and sessions focusing on effective leadership, student and staff wellbeing, system improvements, and driving positive change within our schools. These insights will undoubtedly inform and enhance our practices as we continue to strive for excellence in our school community.

A Special Thank You

As I come to the end of my time as Acting Principal, I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our wonderful school community for your support, trust and encouragement over the past twelve weeks. It has been an absolute privilege to lead St Joseph’s during this time.

I have thoroughly enjoyed working in partnership with our dedicated staff, supportive families, and amazing students. Together, we have continued to seek the very best academic, physical, social and spiritual outcomes for all of our students, and I’m incredibly proud of all that we’ve achieved as a community.

Next Monday, we will warmly welcome back Ms Karen McGinlay from her professional renewal leave. We look forward to hearing all about her travels across Europe, including her visits to Catholic schools and communities, and her time in Rome where she had the profound experience of attending the funeral of Pope Francis. We are excited for the insights and inspiration she will bring back to our school community.

Thank you again for your ongoing support and partnership. It has been a joy to serve our school in this role.

Nicole Charnock
Acting Principal

Prayer for Pope Leo 

Please join us in prayer for Pope Leo on his Installation as Bishop of Rome.  

Confirmation 

We are proud to share that several of our students recently received the Sacrament of Confirmation—a special step in their faith journey. It was a beautiful celebration of their growing relationship with God and their commitment to living out the gifts of the Holy Spirit. 

As part of their preparation, the students attended a retreat at Sacred Heart Cathedral. The day gave them time to reflect, pray, and learn more about the meaning of Confirmation in a peaceful and prayerful setting. 

Thank you to our families, teachers, and parish team for your support during this important time. Please keep these students in your prayers as they continue to grow in faith. 

Celebrating Baptism 

We are delighted to share the joyful news that Ella L. and Clara L.H. have recently received the Sacrament of Baptism. This special occasion marks the beginning of their journey in faith as they are welcomed into the Church. 

We congratulate Ella and Clara, along with their families and pray that God continues to guide and bless them as they grow in faith, love, and hope. 

Catholic Schools Week 

In Week 6 we will celebrate Catholic Schools Week with the inspiring theme “Pilgrims of Hope: One Call, One Mission.” This theme calls us to walk together in faith, to be people of hope, and to live out our shared mission as part of a Catholic community. 

Throughout the week, our students will take part in a range of activities from whole-school prayer, Mass, activities in classrooms, shared reflections and enjoy the spirit of community during tabloid activities.  

As pilgrims of hope, we are reminded that our journey is one of faith, supported by God’s love and guided by the teachings of Jesus. Our mission is to learn, grow, and serve together - responding to God's call with open hearts. 

We thank you for your continued partnership and support in helping our students grow not only in knowledge but also in faith, compassion, and hope. 

Please refer to the brochure below for our planned activities for Catholic Schools Week.  

We hope you can join us! 

Curriculum Spotlight

Kindergarten – Knowing God the Son

The module leads to an encounter with God through the person of Jesus Christ. Students will learn that Jesus is the Son of God who leads us to the Father. Students begin to explore the person of Jesus, as revealed in scripture texts. They listen and respond to stories about Jesus that are found in the Gospels. The students are introduced to Jesus as the one who loves us, who seeks out the lost and who humbly serves others. They will develop an awareness of God’s plan of love and care for others through the teachings and actions of Jesus.  

Week 4: Confirmation at Christ the King Mayfield Friday 23 @ 6:30 pm

Week 5: Confirmation at Sacred Heart Cathedral Thursday 29 @ 6:30 pm

Week 6: Catholic Schools Week (see above for more details)

Week 7: Pentecost Liturgy (Year 4) – 2:20 pm

Week 8: Parish Mass @ 10:15 am with Kinder and Year 6

Week 9: Parish Mass @ 10:15 am with Year 1 and Year 5

Week 10: NAIDOC Week Liturgy Friday 9:00 am

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

Leanne Skinner 
Religious Education Coordinator 

Assessment Culture at St Joseph's 

At St Joseph's, we continually use a range and variety of assessment strategies to plan teaching, set learning goals and monitor progress. As teachers are preparing to write Semester One reports for students, they will use various assessment tasks to gather information and data. 

What is Assessment? 

What's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word "assessment"? It's probably "test" or "exam." But assessment is so much more than that single moment of evaluation. 

The term 'assessment' derives from the Latin verb 'asserde,' meaning 'to sit beside.' This concept fundamentally shapes the philosophy at St Joseph's. As Swaffield (2009) states, "By sitting beside, literally or metaphorically, teachers gather evidence, interpret it, and provide information about what the students have learned, how successful their teaching has been, and what to do next." 

Assessment at St Joseph's isn't simply about measuring achievement - it's a transformative process that involves analysing and interpreting data collected, reflecting on findings, and making informed judgments to enhance student learning. 

Types of Assessment at St Joseph's 

Our classrooms incorporate three complementary assessment approaches as outlined by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA): 

Assessment for Learning (Formative): This descriptive process involves teachers gathering evidence about students' knowledge, understanding and skills to inform their teaching practice. Sometimes referred to as 'formative assessment', it occurs throughout the teaching and learning process to clarify understanding, diagnose misunderstandings, and make informed decisions about next steps in the learning journey. 

Assessment as Learning: This occurs when students are their own assessors. Students monitor their own learning, ask questions and use a range of strategies to decide what they know and can do, and how to use assessment information for new learning. This develops students' cognitive skills through self-reflection and goal monitoring. 

Assessment of Learning (Summative): This assists teachers in using evidence of student learning to assess achievement against outcomes and standards. Sometimes referred to as 'summative assessment', it usually occurs at key points during a teaching sequence or at the end of a unit, term or semester, and may be used to select grades. 

St Joseph's Assessment Culture 

At St Joseph's, teachers are developing a set of assessment norms that reflect the school's values and educational philosophy. Our approach emphasises growth over perfection, focusing on each student's individual learning journey. Teachers create a supportive environment where assessment is viewed as an opportunity to demonstrate learning rather than a source of stress. The school believes in balanced assessment practices ensuring students can demonstrate their understanding in ways that suit their learning styles. Regular feedback is embedded in the assessment cycle, allowing students to understand their progress and set meaningful goals for improvement. 

Partnering with Parents on Assessment 

Parents play a crucial role in shaping children's attitudes toward assessment. Many of today's parents experienced a very different assessment culture during their own schooling - one often focused on ranking and competition rather than growth and development. Today's assessment approaches at St Joseph's are designed to ensure students achieve their personal best, regardless of where they begin their learning journey.  Parents are encouraged to embrace this evolved understanding of assessment by maintaining a positive attitude, focusing on effort and improvement rather than comparing results. When children sense anxiety about assessments, feelings can be internalised which can negatively impact attainment. Instead, the school invites parents to discuss assessments as valuable insights that help teachers, and ultimately students, identify the next steps for growth. By working together with this mindset, families and educators can ensure children view assessment as a helpful part of learning rather than something to fear. 

Looking Forward Together 

At St Joseph's, the school is creating assessment-capable learners who understand their own progress and can take ownership of their learning journey. We believe that assessment is not an end in itself but a powerful tool for growth that guides both teaching and learning. When students understand where they are, where they need to go, and how to get there, they develop confidence and independence that extends far beyond the classroom. By focusing on individual growth rather than comparison, each student recognises their strengths and identifies areas for development. St Joseph's appreciates the partnership with families in this journey, and together, the school community will help each child develop into a confident, self-aware learner who embraces assessment as an opportunity rather than a challenge. 

Zoe Parish
Primary Coordinator 

World Support Staff Day

We celebrated World Support Staff Day last week on Friday 16th May to pay tribute to all of our hard-working support staff at St Joseph's and the invaluable contributions they make to our school community every day. 

Their work, often behind the scenes, plays a crucial role in creating a safe, welcoming, and well-functioning environment for our students, staff, and families. Whether it's ensuring our grounds and facilities are cared for, supporting learning through technology and resources, providing pastoral and emotional care to our students, or helping the day-to-day operations run smoothly. Their dedication does not go unnoticed. 

Thank you to our Administration Staff, Library Support Staff, Groundsman, IT support staff, GEM, Therapy Dog Remi and School Counsellors for the professionalism, care, and commitment you bring to your roles. You each contribute in unique and meaningful ways to the life of our school, and we are deeply grateful to have you as part of our community. 

St Joesph’s Biggest Morning Tea 

We look forward to seeing you all next Wednesday 28th May 10.30-11.10am. We will advise as early as possible via Compass if the event needs to be postponed due to weather conditions.  

Class Feature – 2 Gold 

2 Gold have been enjoying their MAT Life Skills sessions utilising therapeutic martial arts drills, games, metaphors and stories, to develop physical and mental wellbeing agency in a fun and interactive way. 

Program Values: 

• Be Strong: in body, mind and heart. Physical, emotional and psychological health 

• Be Calm: to believe in yourself and be able to make better choices under pressure 

• Be Kind: towards yourself, others and the environment 

• Try Hard: because effort is the currency of success 

If you would like to read more about the evidence and impact of MAT Life Skills, please click here 

SchoolTV 

Resilience is important for a child’s mental health. It is their ability to bounce back from failure, challenges, adversity and stress. It’s not something that kids have or don’t have but a skill that kids develop over time as they grow. Building resilience not only helps a child deal with current difficulties, but it also helps develop a resilient mindset that will help them deal with challenges later in life. All children are capable of working through challenges and coping with stress, but they require guidance and support from a charismatic adult role model. Click here to view a range of articles, resources and strategies to support your child build their resilience. 

Chloe Coe 
Wellbeing Coordinator

Basketball 

Last week, Luca O travelled to Bankstown to proudly represent our school as part of the Polding team at the PSSA Basketball Championships. Competing against teams from across New South Wales, Luca and his teammates displayed strong defense and impressive offense, finishing 8th out of 14 highly competitive teams. Luca embraced the opportunity with great sportsmanship, making new friends and unforgettable memories along the way. Well done, Luca—we’re proud of your efforts and the way you represented our school! 

Rugby Union 

Last Friday, Ellie V travelled to Sydney to compete in the Diocesan Rugby Union trials, showing her outstanding skills and sportsmanship throughout the day. Her efforts were recognised with selection as one of just 12 girls chosen to represent the Polding team at the upcoming championships in Blacktown from 4th–6th June.  Congratulations, Ellie—what an inspiring achievement! 

Shannon Bailey 
Sports Coordinator