Filter Content
| 6 December | Christmas Bake Sale |
| 8 December | Christmas Concert |
| 9 December | K-3 Reptile Incursion |
| 13 December | Swimming Carnival Yrs 1-5 |
| 14 December | Year 6 Graduation Mass |
| 16 December | Last day of school for students |
Dear Parents,
Former U.S. President, Harry Truman, once said,
“In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous, skilful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.”
Over the past two weeks we have seen a number of our Year 5 students step up and seize the opportunity to take on responsibility and be school leaders at St Joseph’s next year. I very much look forward to the progress that will take place over the course of 2023 with our next round of courageous and skilful student leaders. We look forward to providing our new leaders with opportunities and encouragement to grow their skills in healthy, productive, and appropriate directions, in order to support them to become the caring, compassionate and effective leaders that our world needs.
Congratulations go to our 2023 Student Leadership body:
School Captains
Libby Dinneen & Sidney Maxwell
Vice Captains
Chloe Webber & Harry Hardy
Absent - Sidney Maxwell
Student Leadership Team 2022
Libby Dinneen (C), Chloe Webber (VC), Sophie Maher, Katarina Tutman and Addison Tutton
Sidney Maxwell (C), Harry Hardy (VC), Gus Mitchell, Callum Van Huisstede and Oliver Hatherly
House Colour Captains
Red: Anderson Campbell & Lewis McKenzie
Blue: Ella Wilson & Jacob Flynn
Gold: Frankie Long & Darcy Williams
Green: Hannah Webber & Max Leach
2022 Student Leaders
Recently, our school captains and vice captains were asked to write about their thoughts of our school for our annual school report. As a staff leadership team we were so impressed and moved by what they wrote and I would like to share it with you.
We, the Captains of St Joseph’s Primary School Merewether, have been honoured to guide our school throughout this incredible year. 2022 at St Joseph’s has been filled with awe-inspiring experiences and brilliant education across all seven year groups. We have also had many opportunities for a variety of academic and sporting events. This year, close to 400 students have enjoyed our school: engaging in assemblies, extracurricular activities, excursions, and leadership duties; and acting in the image of the compassionate Mary MacKillop by never seeing a need without doing something about it. The teachers in our supportive community have been inspirational influences throughout the year, encouraging us to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, stand for what is right, and strive to do our best in all areas of school life.
St Joseph’s has been a remarkable journey which has equipped us with a toolkit of life-long skills. We hope that our welcoming community will continue to grow in the years to come as we aspire to learn, love, and live the truth.
Eleonor Mc, Luca W, Miller C, Harry H
Christmas Picnic, Concert and Giving Tree
It’s nearly here! Our 2022 Christmas Picnic and Concert!! We hope you’ve invited all your friends family and have worked out who is bringing what to eat and drink for the picnic. Or, alternatively don’t forget that you can order picnic boxes that will be delivered to school for you to collect on the evening or you may choose to purchase from our food and drink vans. Please note that this event is an alcohol free event. See flyer below for details.
Don’t forget to bring your picnic rugs and chairs and a gold coin donation. Your gold coins will go to making the Christmas of some local, disadvantaged children a happier one. The P&F have initiated this project to help our children and ourselves realise how fortunate we are and to reach out and help others, just as the foundress of our school, Mary MacKillop, did all those years ago. If you are in a position to help out a little more you may prefer to bring a new toy along to put under the Christmas tree for the children whose families receive support from Sr Helen-Anne at Mum’s Cottage www.mumscottage.org.au, or a Fuel card, as many of the families are unable to make it to medical appointments or other important places despite having a car, as they cannot afford the petrol. Thank you for you support with this initiative.
Step Up Afternoon
The children will spend the afternoon with their 2023 classmates and get to meet their new teachers in Week 10, Monday 12th December. It is always a fun and exciting afternoon for everyone. I would say it is probably the one afternoon in the school year where every child is happy to talk about school once they have finished for the day.
Staffing
We are currently finalising our staffing for next year. We will be farewelling at the end of this year: Laura Slattery, who will be taking up a position at Our Lady of Victories, Shortland; Joanne Standing, whose position as Learning Support Teacher at Holy Spirit, Kurri has become permanent; Danielle Shaw, our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) teacher, who is unable to remain with us due to her days increasing in a couple of the other schools in our diocese; and Joanna Smith, who stepped in for Gina Pringle whilst she was on leave this year. These women have been amazing in their roles and we are very grateful to them for all their hard work and support and for sharing their unique gifts and talents with us. In the final school newsletter for the year, we will outline the staff for 2023.
Karen
Religion
THE SEASON OF ADVENT
The time of Advent is the four week period of preparation for the season of Christmas. Advent begins the cycle of the Liturgical Year and focuses on the coming of the Lord. The first weeks offer a vision of the future, looking to the end of time when Christ will come again. The final weeks point more specifically to the birth of Christ. Christ, the promised one, is awaited with joyful expectation. The First Sunday of Advent follows the final Sunday of Ordinary Time and the season concludes on Christmas Eve.
We thank Kindergarten for leading us in prayer and song at this very special time.
Sacramental Program 2023
Our dates for 2023 Sacramental Program are listed below for your calendars.
More details to follow next year.
Program Launch February 15th at 6pm in Sacred Heart Cathedral.
Confirmation Retreat: May 19, 9:15am to 2:30 @ Sacred Heart Cathedral and grounds
Confirmation: May 23 and 24 6:30pm at Sacred Heart Cathedral.
First Communion: June 11
Celebrating community service from Year 3 students Bridget K, Maya V and Juliette S
Our names are Bridget, Maya and Juliette and we are in year 3. We donated to Soul Café's “Hampers of Hope” Christmas Appeal, so that we could give the less fortunate in our community a little hope at Christmas. We feel that EVERYONE deserves to be included and to feel loved. We set off with Amanda, (Maya’s mum) to Coles at the Junction and had such a fun time filling our trolleys with all the goodies. There were a few collisions with the trolleys, but we eventually got the hang of it and the staff were very kind and helpful. We spent around $62 each so we could donate 3 hampers. This adventure made us feel very happy that we could help our community at such a difficult time for many people in need. It also made us feel very grateful that we have access to healthy food any time we need or want it. We have also written a letter to the Coles Manager asking if they would be kind enough to donate some Coles vouchers to give to Soul Café so they can give them out to their guests. If you would like to help, go to Soul Cafés Instagram page for more details. We are sure they would very much appreciate it and we thank you in advance. May God keep you safe and have a Merry Christmas. Kind regards, Bridget, Maya and Juliette
Term 4 Fundraising-The Mission to Seafarers
Thank you to all who have contributed to our baskets so far! Let’s keep it up!!
This term we are supporting The Mission to Seafarers. This incredible organisation really needs our support. Our visit to the centre gave us so much insight into the absolute need the seafarers have for this support the workers offer. We are reaching out for your help. Each class will have a donation bucket with the items each class will collect. Our staff will then help the mission on Wednesday after school to pack the care packages for Christmas for all the seafarers on the vessels visiting our port before and during the Christmas season.
Newcastle - Mission to Seafarers
We have allocated suggestions for each grade. Please place in collection buckets in the classroom. Please donate gift cards directly to the office. All donations are due by Monday 5 December.
Please note-
- To uphold the dignity of those receiving the goods, please ensure that all food items are not due to expire for at least the next 6 months. All items must be nonperishable and tins not damaged or opened packaging.
- Look out for packaged food with a Health Star Rating of 3.5 or above. The more stars, the better!
Kindergarten Blue - Chocolates
Kindergarten Gold- Men's deodorant- spray or roll on
Year 1 Blue - shaving cream and nail clippers
Year 1 –Gold- soap and combs
Year 2 Blue-Antiseptic cream and lip balm
Year 2 Gold - sunblock
Year 3 Blue- new men's socks
Year 3 Gold- new warm men's gloves
Year 4 Blue - decks of playing cards and stress release balls and fidget toys (the discount stores are great for these)
Year 4 Gold - men's beanies
Year 5 Blue- toothpaste and toothbrush
Year 5 Gold – new puzzles
Year 6 Blue- Christmas cake
Year 6 Gold –small torches & batteries
Extra Donation bucket in Office- small headphones, Doritos, sealed lollies, small writing pads
The Parish ADVENT Prayer Group will be meeting @ 9.30 am next Thursday, 1 December in the Parish Centre and continue for the next few weeks of Advent. All welcome. Please see Gwen Haggerty if you would like to be part of it.
5 Gold
Time flies when you’re having fun!
5 Gold are thrilled to invite you into their wonderful world of learning this term. Happy reading and exploring!
Creative Careers!
What do you want to be when you grow up? Year Five and Year Six have been busily exploring a program called Become.Me.
Become.Me provides you with insight into the massive range of careers you can choose from. Now let’s dive into this weird, wide world of work.
There are countless careers from AFL coaches to architects. We have been making killer questions and experiments which we will present in week 10 as a Flipped Career Expo with our parents, Year 4 Gold, Year 5 Blue and Year 6 Gold.
Written by Harry, Haruto, Jacob, Max, Oliver, Sidney and Tommy.
The Best Brave Buddies!
Remember when you were younger and started school and had a big buddy to help you through your first year of school? Well, Year 5 got to be buddies in Week 2, 4 and 6, and smashed it! When we met the new buddies, we were eager to welcome them to St. Joseph's! We welcomed everyone and it was extremely fun playing together in the Kindergarten Room and with the fish. There were wide selections of activities like Lego, playdough, blocks, kitchen, dress ups, scavenger hunts and many role play games. We painted tote bags and I think we have a few Picassos on our hands!
Our buddies were excited for us to share and read our letter to them. We talked about our interests and the school community. Watching the buddies faces light up while we were reading the letters were priceless! They were asking plenty of questions after every sentence. Behind the scenes, the Year 6 leaders were helping us prepare. Year 5 are thrilled to be buddies in 2023!
Written by Addison, Isabella, Alex S, Darcy, Sophie and Byron.
LAUNCHING INTO SPACE!
Year 5 have been learning about space. We have been investigating the planets of the solar system and we've created 3D models of these planets to present in class. We constructed the planets using paper mache, paint and other materials. We worked collaboratively in teams to complete this task.
Each group had the chance to present their learning to the rest of Year 5. We listened and we asked questions about each other’s presentations. All of Year 5 have enjoyed sharing their knowledge about space this term.
Written by Patrick, IT, Misheel, Frankie and Harrison.
The Extraordinary Experience Of Van Gogh!
Year 5 had the amazing opportunity of going to the Van Gogh exhibition in Term 4, Week 2. We started our adventure with walking to Civic Park to have a delicious lunch. Then we continued on our route to The Foreshore, where we saw at least 5 pods of dolphins swimming in the harbour. Then we finally arrived at our destination, where we were eagerly waiting to go inside!
When we got inside, we started off with going to Van Gogh's bedroom that looked like a painting, but it was 3D! Next, we made our way to the Starry Night Room with string lights hanging from the ceiling and mirrors everywhere. There was also a slide show room of all his painting in a storyline backed with classical music. We then made our way to the Sunflower Room where we took many photos and then it was time to leave. We hopped on the bus and sang some songs to finish the day off!
Written by Ally, Alex M, Amalia, Sofia, Ella, Indy and London.
Aboriginal Education
Year 2 Incursion, ‘Connecting to Awabakal Country’
Earlier this week, Year 2 welcomed Stephanie Callaghan from ‘Numa Ngarra Aboriginal Culture and Tucker’ to guide us through an action-packed day of Connecting to Awabakal Country.
We started the day with a beautiful smoking ceremony- it was such a lovely way to calm ourselves and give thanks for the environment as well as the Awabakal and all Aboriginal peoples who have and continue to care for this earth.
We loved hearing all about the Aboriginal nations within the Hunter Valley and the deep connection they have to Country. We then got crafty and thoroughly enjoyed the mess in creating bark shelters.
Stephanie then treated us to an awesome bush tucker tasting. It was so interesting to learn how many native Australian plants can be used for food but also many medicines as well.
After lunch, we gave Master Chef a run for their money with our cooking skills. We loved kneading Australian bush herbs into our dough in preparation for making our very own johnny cakes’ (traditional bush scone).
While we waited for our johnny cakes to cook and cool down, we got crafty again and began our awesome Australian animal college painting. We then headed outside to do some role playing of what life may have been like for Awabakal people thousands of years ago.
Stephanie then lead us through a traditional ‘clearing dance’. It was great fun dancing altogether.
Finally, we ended our day eating up our scrumptious johnny cakes- with bush honey and bush jams of course!!
26 November: Pope John Paul Address
Pope John Paul II addresses First Nations people in Alice Springs in 1986.
Use the link below to read Pope John Paul’s moving speech to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Danielle Shaw
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Teacher
Women in League
On November 30 we had 3 important visitors come to St. Joseph's; Bree, Kayla and Caitlin. You may know Kayla as the forward for the Knight's Women's Rugby League team (number 13). Kayla made her first appearance in Round 5 of the 2022 season and Bree is a starting player for the knights but hasn’t started in the team as yet.
During the time we spent with them, they told us about how they found their love for NRL. Kayla explained how she played a variety of sports during her schooling years. At first, she loved playing representative basketball but when Kayla was invited to a Knight's Womens Gala Day, it was then she found her love of rugby league.
Bree has been playing NRL for a very long time, starting when she was around 8yrs old with her brother. She played many other sports during this time too, both in and outside of school. Nowadays, Bree is a development player for the Knight's women's team and has been training with the girls since she was 17. Both girls have made outstanding achievements and are currently attending university!
When we were with them, they also taught us some passing games. They had this little hole and picked 2 students from each side (blue or gold) to pass a ball through. Blue side won! They explained how young children, especially girls, should play or try lots of different sports, especially NRL or Basketball. Bree & Kayla both said that you will eventually find your love for one sport.
We are so grateful to have had this opportunity to meet such talented athletes who inspire us to love sport as much as they do!
By Edie C and Isabelle M
Jets Visit
Year 4 has been extremely fortunate this term, being the lucky recipients of a 4-week soccer program run by the Jets! For the past 4 weeks of this term, Year 4 have developed their soccer (or football!) skills and increased their fitness levels through games and activities, along with a final challenge at the end of the program.
Not only did they get to build on their skills and interact with jets players, but our school also received a FREE Greater Bank sports pack which included a bag of soccer balls. How fortunate we are!
Year 4 thoroughly enjoyed each of these sessions and it has been a wonderful experience for them, interacting with high profile athletes within our community.
Achievements
Please congratulate the following students who have made it through to the next stage of the PSSA pathway competition for their respective sports.
Callum V – cricket
Byron S and Sidney M – basketball
Congratulations, boys! We can’t wait to hear about your achievements. Do us proud!
Upcoming Events
Swimming Carnival
Date: Tuesday 13th December (Week 10)
Location: The Forum
Transport: Students will be transported to and from the event by bus.
- Students in Years 3-5 will attend the carnival for the duration of the event. These students will need to arrive at school by 8:30 am
- Only those students in Years 1 or 2 who have nominated to swim in an event will attend and participate in the carnival. These students will also need to arrive at school by 8:30 am.
- Year 1 and 2 students who are only entered in one event eg (50m age race), will return to school by bus, with Miss Flaherty and Mrs Delore, once these events have been completed.
- The remaining students of Year 1 or 2 who are not swimming, will remain at school for the entire day with teacher supervision. A normal school day applies for these students
- Kindergarten and Year 6 will participate in some buddy activities at school on the day. A normal school day applies. Both Year 6 and Kindergarten are welcome to wear their sport uniform on the day.
All students who are attending the swimming carnival will return to school by bus at recess time. Normal school pick-up arrangements will be in place.
Christmas Patisserie and Co.
Christmas has just gotten more delicious! Located outside the school hall, Christmas Patisserie and Co. is a local business (owned by two of St Joseph’s Year 6 students) that loves to spread the Christmas spirit by donating 100% of its profits to the Mission for Seafarers. We take pride in our high-quality treats and decorations.
This Christmas, our authentic Santa Hat Brownies are expected to take the school by storm. With their scrumptious balance of texture and taste, these treats will transport you directly to the Santa’s Workshops and beyond. For a mere $1.50, this rich dessert encapsulates traditional flavours and is topped with fresh strawberries and a fine chocolate frosting.
In addition, we will be offering homemade Christmas Tree Decorations that will draw you into the festive mood. These multi-purpose ornaments can be used as Christmas tree or table embellishments and are only $1.00 each!
At Christmas Patisserie and Co., we provide friendly service and excellent products at a great price. Join us at recess on Tuesday December 6 and bring a little joy to the festive season!
Eleonor Mc & Shloka T
