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Dear Parents,
This has been a very full week, with Bullying No Way Week, Science Week, Stay and Play, and the Feast of the Assumption; and another one is to follow, in the form of Book Week. There is never a dull moment at St Joseph’s!
Bullying No Way Week – Backflips Against Bullying
This Monday, our students kicked off Bullying No Way Week—Australia’s national week of action against bullying—with the high-energy Backflips Against Bullying program. The show was engaging, relatable, and full of scenarios our students could connect with. Through role-play and acrobatic storytelling, the presenters delivered powerful messages that inspired our children to stand up, act kindly, and build a culture of respect.
Later in the week, the whole school participated in Kids Helpline’s largest live-streamed anti-bullying lesson. This virtual session is part of Bullying No Way Week and explored what bullying looks like, how to respond, and where to find help—delivered in a fun, age-appropriate, expert-led format.
If you haven’t already, please engage your child in a conversation about what they saw, heard, or learned this week—their thoughts may surprise you!
Little Joey's Play and Stay – Session Two
This week we hosted our second Play and Stay session, and it was wonderful to see such a large group of parents and 3–5 year olds joining us once again. The morning was filled with play, laughter, and opportunities to make new friends while becoming familiar with our school environment. Everyone had a fantastic time—including Remi, who was right in the middle of the fun!
Supporting St Patrick’s
We wish Mrs Nicole Charnock all the best as she spends the remainder of this term at St Patrick’s, Wallsend, stepping into the Assistant Principal role while their AP serves as Acting Principal during the Principal’s professional renewal leave. She will be a wonderful asset to their school community, and while we will certainly miss her at St J’s, we look forward to welcoming her back next term—no doubt with fresh ideas and experiences to share with us.
Building Project Update
Construction of our new stairwell in the Quad has begun, and the glazed blue bricks are really popping! Inside, the frames for the new library’s internal walls are now going up, giving us a glimpse of the exciting changes ahead. Each week brings fresh progress, and it’s wonderful to see our school taking shape before our eyes.
Feast Day of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop
Last week we gathered as a school to celebrate the Feast Day of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. Mary founded the Sisters of St Joseph, and our school is deeply connected to their charism—making this a very special occasion for our community.
Year 5 led us in a beautiful and reverent liturgy, reflecting on Mary’s life and the values she lived by. We were especially honoured to have one of her relics placed in our sacred space during the celebrations.
In my reflection to the children, I spoke about how Mary had a kind of “superpower”—not one from Marvel movies, but the kind that truly changes the world: the power that comes from love, courage, faith, and a deep desire to help others.
Let us continue to pray that we too may have hearts full of faith, hands ready to help, and a willingness to serve others—just as Mary did.
Karen
Principal
Year 1 – Southern Cross University Practicum Student Teachers
St Joseph’s will be hosting two practicum student teachers from Southern Cross University in Weeks 5-10 of Term 3. Ms Shahni Willis will be working alongside Ms Mantach in 1 Blue and Ms Olivia Trevethon will be working alongside Ms Cook in 1 Gold. During their time at St Joseph’s, practicum student teachers will be observing lessons in the classroom, facilitating small group learning, teaching whole class lessons, completing playground duties and attending staff professional development meetings. We have so much to share here at St Joseph’s and it is great to see that we can nurture and build the future of our teaching profession in this way.
Positive Behaviours for Learning (PBL)
This fortnight we are focusing on Being Respectful: Listen well and follow instructions. This may be a particularly useful discussion point for families at home. Below you will find a couple of links to videos which reinforce these concepts. Hopefully they are useful.
Students have been working hard to demonstrate these positive behaviours already this week and this is reflected in our current dash token tallies. The Green House is currently out in front. Our first half of Term 3 winners will be announced at the end of Week 5! Will Green House retain their lead?
National Science Week
This week is National Science Week. The school theme in 2025 is Decoding the Universe – Exploring the unknown with nature’s hidden language.
This theme invites students and teachers across Australia to delve into the mysteries of the Universe by exploring the fundamental languages of nature, including mathematics and the groundbreaking field of quantum science.
Year 3 and Kinder classes have been exploring exciting activities to celebrate National Science Week. Guided by class teachers and our school GEM, Ms Bek Henshaw, students engaged in the CSIRO's Wild Watch project and took to the playground to observe and photograph living things in their natural environment. These observations will be uploaded to the iNaturalist website, contributing to a global collection of nature data. What a fantastic way to connect science learning with the wider world!
Public Speaking
Public Speaking is currently a key focus across our school. As part of the curriculum, students are developing vital communication skills that will benefit them throughout life. In classrooms, students are exploring speech content, expression, and delivery. Each grade will select one student to represent their class in the upcoming Stage competition. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to showcase their talents and support one another. We’re also excited to announce that the Central Region Public Speaking Competition will take place on the 8th September at St James, Kotara South. We wish all our budding speakers the best as they prepare to shine!
Renata Rozenfeld
Assistant Principal
Curriculum Spotlight
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Year 1: Belonging to the Christian Family |
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Students will be exploring how they are part of a bigger family: the Church. They will build connections that contribute to their sense of identity and belonging and an understanding of why and how they are part of the body of Christ. They will also be introduced to Baptism as the sacrament of initiation into the People of God. |
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Year 2: Belonging to a Caring Community |
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Student learning focuses on the Christian response to, and sharing of, God’s love through the ways we live in right relationship with God and other people. Students examine ways to interact with others and how actions can reflect the love of God. They will explore what it means to be a part of a caring community. Students will learn about Jesus’ great commandment to love one another and ways of applying this commandment to their own lives. They will also look at a Christian community as one where people care for one another, and especially for those who are poor and in need, and for God’s creation. Students will be introduced to what it means to live justly as part of a loving community. Students will also learn that caring for others and creation is an important part of belonging to a Catholic community. |
Celebrating the Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop
On Friday 8 August, representatives from our Student Leadership Team and St Joseph’s Social Justice Committee had the opportunity to attend Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral to celebrate the Feast Day of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop.
Our students joined with other schools from the St Benedict’s Inner City Parish, as well as parishioners, in a meaningful celebration presided by Bishop Michael Kennedy. It was a memorable occasion that highlighted the values of faith, service, and community, which St Mary MacKillop so strongly embodied.
We are proud of our students for representing St Joseph’s and engaging in this important celebration of our shared Catholic heritage.
Eucharist
During August and September, many families in our school community are preparing for their children to receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist and celebrate their First Holy Communion. If you’d like to register your child(ren), please contact the parish office to begin the preparation process on 4979 1101.
Mission to Seafarers Art Competition
We are proud to share that our school has received two Highly Accomplished awards in the Mission to Seafarers Art Competition. One was awarded to our talented SJSJ team entry, and the other to Clara from Year 4, who impressed the judges with her skill and creativity.
Congratulations to all involved for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to the project. We are so proud of your achievements and the way you represented our school.
Celebrate Our 2025 Australian Catholics Young Voices Awards Winners!
Figure 1https://www.australiancatholics.com.au/uploads/images/AC%20autumn%202025/let%20your%20voices%20soar-490.jpgWe are pleased to announce that several of our students were successful in the 2025 Young Voices Awards. Their creativity and talent have been recognised, and we celebrate their outstanding achievements.
Join the online event to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the 2025 Australian Catholics Young Voices Awards winners.
The amazing work of our winning students will be recognised, as well as our highly commended students in each category.
Families, friends, and teachers are warmly invited to join in this special celebration.
Book your free ticket for the event at TryBooking:
https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1445923
Date: Wednesday 27 August 2025 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
WINNER Junior Digital Category- Bonnie M. - Titled Christine Mastello
Highly Commended in the Junior Article category.
- Evan T., 'Christian Hope'
- Thomas P., 'Running With Hope Bernadette’s Parkrun Story'
Highly Commended in the Junior Photography section.
- Isabelle A., 'Women in sport'
- Tyler T., 'Beach Of Tomorrow-Hope for the Future!'
- Harry R., 'Preserving Our Caves for the Future Generations'
- Emilia M., 'An Old Story'
- Aurora L., 'The bush environment needs help'
- Asha B., 'Paws and Reflect: Could You Be Their Hero and Only Hope?'
- Harrison C., 'Structure'
Highly Commended in the Junior Digital category:
- Bridget K., 'The Life Of My Refugee Grandfather’
- Maya V., 'Minds Wide Open and Hearts of Hope'
- Ella L., 'Faith in Focus and Hope.'
- Phoenix D., 'Keeping The Beat'
- Emeriss A.
Diverse Learning Mass
You are invited to join us at Mass on Wednesday 3 September to celebrate diverse learning.
Term 3
Week 7: Diverse Learning Mass 5:00 pm Sacred Heart Cathedral Hamilton
Week 7: Father’s Day Liturgy 9:00 am in the COLA
Parish Bulletin: https://www.newcastlecatholic.org.au/weekly-bulletins/
Leanne Skinner
Religious Education Coordinator
Diocesan Athletics Carnival
On Wednesday 6th August, twenty-one of our talented athletes represented Joey’s at the Diocesan Athletics Carnival, held at Hunter Sports Centre, Glendale. Our students displayed determination, skill and school spirit as they competed against strong competition from across the region. We congratulate all participants for their outstanding efforts in running, jumping and throwing, and extend special recognition to the students who have qualified to represent the diocese at the Polding Athletics Carnival on Thursday 12th September.
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Stella P |
11yrs Discus |
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Ava K |
Senior 800m |
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Thomas P |
Senior Discus Senior Boys Relay |
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Oliver S |
Senior 200m Senior 100m Senior Boys Relay |
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Luca O |
Senior 1500m |
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Toby W |
9yrs 100m |
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Otis Z |
Senior Boys Relay |
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Hudson S |
Senior Boys Relay |
NSWPSSA Rugby Union
Last week, Vinnie M proudly represented Polding at the NSWPSSA Rugby Union Championships, held over three days at Ernie Calland Fields, Gateshead. Vinnie played numerous games throughout the tournament, displaying impressive skill, determination and sportsmanship. His team narrowly missed a place in the final after a close semi-final against Sydney West, finishing an impressive third overall. We congratulate Vinnie on his commitment, achievements and the valuable role he played in his team’s success.
Shannon Bailey
Sports Coordinator
Growing Curious, Creative, and Resilient Minds
At St Joseph’s, we believe learning is more than remembering facts. It is about thinking deeply, asking great questions, and exploring new possibilities. Critical and creative thinking is a skill we nurture in every year level, across all subjects.
When students think critically, they learn to ask “Why?” and “What if?” They weigh evidence, consider different perspectives, and make thoughtful decisions. When they think creatively, they use their imagination to design solutions, tell stories, and see problems in new ways.
These capabilities are closely linked to resilience and persistence. When faced with a challenge, students learn to keep trying, adapt their approach, and see mistakes as opportunities to learn. Critical and creative thinkers are more willing to persevere, experiment, and try again. These are important qualities for both learning and life.
These skills are reflected in student reports through comments about how children approach challenges, work collaboratively, show originality in their ideas, and persist with tasks even when they are difficult. You might see feedback on their ability to explain their thinking, apply problem-solving strategies, or explore different possibilities before settling on a solution.
Families can foster these skills at home by:
- Encouraging curiosity with open-ended questions like, “What do you think would happen if…?”
- Involving children in real-life problem-solving, such as planning a family meal or building something together.
- Providing opportunities for imaginative play, art, storytelling, or designing and creating projects.
- Praising persistence and effort, not just the end result, so children learn that sticking with something is an achievement in itself.
- Talking openly about mistakes as stepping stones to improvement.
Together, home and school can grow confident, adaptable learners who have the curiosity, creativity, and resilience to face challenges and embrace new opportunities.
Nicole Charnock and Zoe Parish
Primary Coordinators
World Scholar’s Cup Hunter Regional Round
Last Thursday and Friday, the talented Phoenix Denny proudly represented our school at the World Scholar’s Cup Hunter Regional Round.
This global academic competition brings together young people from around the world to challenge their knowledge, critical thinking, and teamwork skills through a variety of events, including debating, collaborative writing, and the Scholar’s Challenge.
Over the two-day event, he embraced every opportunity — from testing his knowledge across diverse topics to engaging in thought-provoking discussions. One of the highlights was making new friends from different schools and backgrounds, sharing ideas, and celebrating a shared love of learning.
We are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm, perseverance, and curiosity he demonstrated throughout the competition. His positive attitude and willingness to take on new challenges are an inspiration to our whole school community.
Congratulations on this outstanding achievement Phoenix!
BLOG: “Supporting Your High Potential and Gifted Child: A Guide for Families"
We’ve just released a new blog to support families of high-potential and gifted children:
“Supporting Your High-Potential and Gifted Child: A Guide for Families”.
The blog provides practical strategies to help parents understand how their child learns, promote emotional well-being, and establish strong partnerships with schools.
Thank you,
Bek Henshaw
Gifted Education Project Officer (St Joseph’s, Mondays)
High Potential & Gifted Education Officer (Wednesday, Thursday, Fridays).
Book week: Book an Adventure
We have lots of exciting things planned for the children including a treasure hunt, the book fair, and of course a dress up day! It would not be Book Week without dressing up!
On Monday 18th we will officially launch our Book Week celebrations at our morning assembly. The children are asked to bring a blanket or pillow to school on Monday that day as they will have the opportunity to find a location around the school during the day to just simply read and relax.
Families are welcome to attend the assembly to launch Book Week on the Monday and also to watch the parade on Friday morning. Feel free to dress up and any toddlers as well.
We look forward to having you join in with the celebrations.
Father's Day Breakfast
Father’s Day Breakfast will be held on Friday 5th September from 7:30–8:30am. To help with catering, please RSVP here
If you're able to donate a raffle prize or lend a hand with planning or running the event, we’d love to hear from you! Reach out via the office admin@merewether.catholic.ed.au or get in touch with the P&F by email sjpandf@gmail.com
P&F News
It was great to see a few people at Monday night’s P&F meeting. We enjoyed hearing about the library’s building progress and are looking forward to our next meeting later this term, when we’ll decide how the P&F’s hard-earned funds will be directed in this project.
This term is shaping up to be a busy one as we transition to the new FACE model. We’ll share more about what this means for our school community in the coming weeks. For now we’re focused on making sure the P&F finances are squared away and ensuring we have capacity to continue the events that make our school community what it is.
Canteen
Our canteen is one of the joys in the kids school life, and a convenience that many of us appreciate. From next year the canteen will need to stand on its own financially as P&F funds will no longer be available to support it.
It will come as no surprise that the greatest expense for the canteen is the legendary ladies who run it. Once upon a time, we were so flush with volunteers that we only needed one person employed by the canteen. As the years have gone by, so too has our capacity to take time out of our days and away from work to volunteer, as a result the employee hours have increased.
We’re exploring ways to keep the canteen sustainable, maintain the high quality food it provides and the incredible team who operate it, but the best help is still your (or even a grandparent) friendly face behind the counter - prepping lunches in the morning or slinging snacks at recess.
You don’t need to know how to do anything, just show up, get sent to a post and crack on.
If you, or a grandparent can spare even a little bit of time, please visit the diocesan website, fill out the volunteer form and book a spot. Every shift makes a difference.
School Disco
And finally, we’re also excited to share that plans are afoot for a School Disco in early Term 4. We’re finalising a venue and will be in touch with the details as soon as we can.
Pupil Free Day - Monday 25 August
A reminder that Monday 25 August will be a Pupil Free Day.
On this day staff will be attending their annual Staff Faith Formation and Spirituality Day. This means that students do not attend school this day nor are they required to undertake home learning.
As part of the currency requirements for Faith Education Accreditation, each school community and the Catholic Schools Office plan a faith formation experience. The aim of these gatherings is to foster a personal encounter with Jesus, to share stories of faith and experiences that enrich the spirit of God present in our daily lives and work.
School Photos - 2 September
We ask that you take note of the points below
- Please ensure children arrive at school on time to assist the photographer's with their schedule and are dressed in full winter uniform.
- Polished black shoes must be worn. Hair needs to be tied back if it is shoulder length or longer and any hair that hangs across children’s eyes also needs to be pulled back and fastened. Any accessories like ribbons etc must be in the school colours as well and no jewellery.
- The Student Leadership Team must ensure they wear their badges to school on photo day. Unfortunately we do not have spares in the office to give them out for photos.
- Please ensure that you have completed your order and payment online prior to the day to avoid paying a late fee. Shoot key code is 520474
Your cooperation is appreciated.
Term Planner
Please note dates and times are subject to change at any time. Any changes will be communicated to families via Compass
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