St Joseph's Primary School Merewether eNewsletter

30 June	Last Day of Term 2
17 July	First Day of Term 3
26 July	NPBS Maths Competition
2 August	Diocesan Athletics Carnival

Dear Parents,

Here we are once again at the end of another term. Terrific sporting achievements have been made over the course of this term as well as a range of incredible experiences through the various excursions that have taken place and the growth in student learning across all subjects and grades in the school. As we finish this term, I am already excited about what the new term has in store for us - NAIDOC week events, Book Week, Grandparents Day along with 100 Days of Kindergarten, sports gala days and Great Aussie Bush Camp for Year 5, just to mention a few.

Reports

I hope you have found your children’s reports, the parent-teacher interviews, and the discussions with your children about their learning to be beneficial in knowing more about your children as learners and as classmates. After having read nearly 400 reports these last few weeks, I certainly feel as though I know a lot more about your children. Thank you for taking the time to discuss the reports with your children and for being open and responsive to what the teachers have shared with you. I thank them for the many hours that they also have put into this process. If you have any feedback about the reports, and in particular the parent- teacher meetings, please feel free to share this with me.

Maternity Leave

We farewell Mrs Casey Stewart and Mrs Gabriele Hawthorne as they leave to both have their first baby. We hope they get a few weeks of rest and time for themselves before the fun, joy and the busyness of being a mother, begins. We look forward to sharing with you the news and photos of their babies as they arrive.

Remi

Remi, our school support dog, has been invaluable this term with the various roles she has undertaken. She has been a reading buddy, an emotional regulation coach, a games partner (who knew a dog could play Uno!), a motivator and encourager for reaching goals and a fabulous companion for all. Remi certainly earns her kangaroo and pumpkin treats that she gets for doing all this. Remi is one staff member who is sad that the holidays are upon us as she misses the company of all the children when we are not at school.

May you all enjoy the holidays and break from packing school lunches and readying school uniforms. Stay warm and safe and we will see you all in Term 3.

Congratulations to the following students for this fortnight's Principal Awards:

Joseph B (KB), Rocco D (KG), Harrison E (1B), Grace B (1G), Aurelia M (2B), Louis S (2G), Tyler O (3B), Matilda F (3G), Alexander B (4B), Vincent A (4G), Jack R (5B), Otis C (5G), Louis B (6B), Oliver H (6G)

Semester 1 Student Council

We would like to acknowledge and thank our members of the Student Council for Semester 1. These students have done a fine job representing their classes and we are very grateful for their time and effort. The initiatives that these students have discussed have varied and their feedback on how we can improve practices across the school has always been very beneficial. Thank you once again to the students below!

Semester One
Year 2 Blue	Isla K	Sebastian C
Year 2 Gold	Liliana A	Lewis K
Year 3 Blue	Lydia H	Archie C
Year 3 Gold	Beatrice P	Hunter T
Year 4 Blue	Charlotte H	Tyler T
Year 4 Gold	Bridget KB	Beau P
Year 5 Blue	Louella D	Jack R
Year 5 Gold	Jersey F	Otis C
Year 6 Blue	Stella C	Hugh S
Year 6 Gold	Rosa L	Mason H

Newcastle Permanent Maths Competiton

Students in Year 5 and 6 will participate in an online version of the Newcastle Permanent Maths Competition on Wednesday 26th July (Term 3, Week 2).

A couple of things to note prior to this event:

Each student is allowed 45 minutes to complete the competition. Calculators, electronic devices, rulers, geometrical instruments or other aids are not permitted. We understand it’s difficult to ensure compliance to these rules within an online learning environment, however, we ask you to please be aware of these rules prior to student participation.

The Newcastle Permanent will be in touch with the school in November with official results, invitations to presentation days and certificates for all students.

Positive Behaviours for Learning (PBL)

Students continue to be very much engaged with our PBL Dash tokens. It’s great to hear children pleased with how their positive behaviour is being acknowledged. It is wonderful to see the PBL containers in the classrooms filling up over the past 5 weeks! Students may receive tokens in class or on the playground. Staff are rewarding for positive behaviours across all four expectations:

Act Safely
Be Respectful
Care For All
Do Your Best

Congratulations to the Red Sports Colour House for achieving the most tokens in the second half of this term! Students in this sports house will meet early next term and decide what their reward will be.

Nicole Charnock
Assistant Principal

Sacramental Program

We are thrilled to share the news that the parish sacramental program has culminated in our 18 candidates participating in Communion and becoming full members of the Catholic Church with parishioners of St Joseph’s, The Junction. This milestone in their spiritual journey marks their welcome into the faith community and demonstrates their commitment to growing in their relationship with God. With reverence, they gathered in the church and received the consecrated bread and wine, a tangible symbol of Christ's sacrifice. Through communion, our students have deepened their understanding of the divine, reinforcing their commitment to living a life guided by love, compassion, and unwavering faith.

Thank you to Mrs Jodie Bruce for sharing some photos of the event. If any other families have any photos they would like to share, please send them to school.

Upcoming Events

As Term 3 draws near, I wish to highlight a special liturgical celebration that all our families are welcome to attend, Grandparents Day which will be held in Week 2, Friday 28 July at 9:15am. All parents and grandparents are welcome to celebrate the wonderful gifts our grandparents are. We reflect on Jesus’ grandparents and Mary’s parents, Anne and Joachim. They were people of great faith who taught Mary compassion, generosity and love for others. In turn, Mary taught these important qualities to Jesus, and we know how Jesus lived them out in his life.

Curriculum Corner

Our Class News Feed for Week 10 highlights the work the students have been engaged in during History lessons. Below you will find information about what is studied in History.

The aim of the History syllabus is to stimulate students’ interest in and enjoyment of exploring the past, to develop a critical understanding of the past and its impact on the present, to develop the critical skills of historical inquiry and to enable students to participate as active, informed and responsible citizens.

The study of History in Australia requires a valued engagement in and celebration of the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, past and present, as part of the shared history belonging to all Australians. Students examine historical perspectives from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewpoints. Throughout the study of History, students learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as the world’s oldest continuous cultures, prior to colonisation by the British, the ensuing contact and its impact. They examine the interaction between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and Europeans, with special emphasis on Aboriginal initiatives and responses to key government policies since their earliest contact with British colonists. Students develop an awareness of the significant roles Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have played in Australian society and the wider world. This knowledge and understanding will deepen and enable students’ capacity to participate in the ongoing development of a just and equitable Australian society that genuinely reconciles with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Here is an overview of what students in Kinder to Year 6 learn in History:

Kindergarten

Personal and family histories Personal and Family Histories provides students with the opportunity to learn about their own history and that of their family; this may include stories from a range of cultures and other parts of the world. As participants in their own history, students build on their knowledge and understanding of how the past is different from the present.

Year 1 and Year 2

Present and past family life This topic provides a study of present and past family life within the context of the students' own world. Students learn about similarities and differences in family life by comparing the present with the past. They begin to explore the links, and the changes that occur, over time and are introduced to the use of historical sources.

Year 3 and Year 4

Community and remembrance This topic provides a study of identity and diversity in both a local and broader context. Moving from the heritage of their local area, students explore the historical features and diversity of their community. They examine local, state and national symbols and emblems of significance, and celebrations and commemorations, both locally and in other places around the world.

First contacts This topic introduces world history and the movements of peoples. Beginning with the history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, students examine European exploration and colonisation in Australia and throughout the world up to the early 1800s. Students examine the impact of exploration on other societies, how these societies interacted with newcomers, and how these experiences contributed to their cultural diversity.

Year 5 and Year 6

The Australian colonies This topic provides a study of colonial Australia in the 1800s. Students look at the founding of British colonies and the development of a colony. They learn about what life was like for different groups in the colonial period. They examine significant events and people, political and economic developments, social structures and settlement patterns.

Australia as a nation This topic moves from colonial Australia to the development of Australia as a nation, particularly after 1901. Students explore the factors that led to Federation and experiences of democracy and citizenship over time. Students understand the significance of Australia's British heritage, the Westminster system and other models that influenced the development of Australia's system of government. Students learn about the way of life of people who migrated to Australia and their contributions to Australia's economic and social development.

We hope you enjoy the Week 10 Class News Feed.

Leanne Skinner
Primary Coordinator and Pedagogical Mentor

Paul Kelly Cup

Last Wednesday, our AFL team competed in the Hunter Regional Finals of the Paul Kelly Cup in Warner’s Bay. Despite coming up against some tough competition from the opposing teams, St Joseph's walked away being undefeated, winning all of their games. We played 4 games over the course of the day with the team at the top of the ladder with the highest percentage progressing through to the State Championships.

Our final game was our toughest of the day, which basically turned into a grand final, versing our friendly rivals from St Catherine’s in Singleton. St Catherine’s are a very skilled team and have always been our toughest competition, and it was no different on Wednesday, with the final score 16 – 9, our way. It was a very nervous game, with parents and coaches biting their nails on the sideline hoping to come out on top. However, we never doubted them.

The way this team comes together to encourage and support each other is just phenomenal. It is the reason for their success. The way they communicate on the field and respect each other is wonderful to witness.

As a mark of respect for the Hunter Valley Bus crash, the boys wore a black arm to support those families involved, along with showing support to St Catherine’s from Singleton, with the tragedy being close to their school. This team were generous in their thoughts and prayers and showed great respect and representing St Joseph’s with such dignity.

We will now be off the play for the Paul Kelly Cup in the State Championships in Sydney, playing at the Giants Stadium on Tuesday, 29^th August.

A further thanks goes to the time and effort of Mark Van Huisstede and David Flynn gave to this team. I know the boys and I are extremely grateful for what you provide to this team.

Please congratulate the following boys:

Jacob F, Callum V, Harry H, Toby B, Max L, James S, Byron S, Darcy W, Ollie H, Jai B, Evan B, Max O, Archie D, Louis B and Harrison Scott.

Swans Game – Guard of Honour

Backing up after a win from the Paul Kelly Cup, our AFL team were invited to be a part of the Guard of Honour at a Sydney Swans game last Saturday. Our families all joined us at the game to be a part of something really special. We were admitted access to the field to watch the Swans and the West Coast Eagles warm up. Decked out in red and white, we then formed a Guard of Honour for the Sydney Swans as they ran through their banner. The smiles on the boys' faces (and the adults!) really said it all. It was a memory that none of us will ever forget, and it was made even more special to be able to experience this with our families and as our school AFL community.

Thank you to the families for navigating many obstacles to get your son (and family) to Sydney for the game and for making it a memorable event I am sure we all won't forget.

Knights Rugby 9’s U12’s

Students from Year 5 and Year 6 went to the Windale Rugby League Club for the Knights Rugby 9’s Gala Day on Wednesday the 28th of June, performing outstandingly. Both teams showing wonderful teamwork and respect to their peers and coaches.

The Year 6 boys won every game with Callum Van Huisstede as our was captain for the day. It was Oliver Hathery’s first day of Rugby League and he had a momentous day out as all the boys supported him and encouraged him to do his best. The Year 6 boys went undefeated even though the opponents were tough. The Year 6 coach, Brett Hardy, let all the boys experience different positions which led to a super entertaining day.

Congratulations to the following students who participated:

Yr 6 Team: Louis B, Callum V, Sidney M, Max L, Ollie H, Harry H, Jacob F and Harrison Scott (OLV).

Yr 5 Team: Jack J, Max O’D, Dominic R, Toby B, Sterling P, Hayden C, Gabe F, Archie D and Evan B

A huge thank you to Brett Hardy and Luke Jones who coached the teams on the day. Our school is so lucky to have such willing parents to help our students with sporting events, and the knowledge and expertise you two brought enabled the boys to enjoy the day even more. We really appreciate your time. I know the boys were also thankful for your efforts.

PSSA – Rugby League

I attended the State Rugby League carnival in Wagga Wagga during Week 9 of Term 2. Our Polding Team came 7^th overall, and I was playing left center. I did not make the NSW team for League, but I have currently now made the Polding Rugby Union team as fullback and I will be even more prepared for the State Rugby Union in Camden from 21 August to 25 August.

By Sidney M

PSSA – Rugby Union

Earlier this week, Max L and Sidney M drove to Forbes to compete for a spot in the Polding team for Rugby Union. They both played extremely well and fought hard for a place. Well done to the both of you for your determination and sportsmanship on the day.

Congratulations to Sidney M who made the Polding team and will now play for the State Championships later in Term 3.

It was a brisk but beautiful morning in Forbes for our first game at 9:00am against Broken Bay it was a great game. Everyone played great and we kept improving thought the day. It was a great day for everyone and for the two people from the Diocese that were selected it was even better.

Sid & Max

Netball Trials

Last Wednesday and Thursday, students in Years 3-6 trialled to be a part of the NSW Netball Cup Gala day which will be held on Thursday, 10 August (Term 3, Week 4).

Congratulations to the following students who have been successful in making a team.

Senior Girls - Competitive	Senior Boys - Competitive
1. Chloe W 2. Hannah W 3. Audrey O 4. Oliver M 5. Stella C 6. Lily G 7. Jersey F 8. Ava K 9. Lola M	1. Jacob F 2. Max L 3. Harry H 4. Callum VH 5. Lewis McK 6. Louis B 7. Hugh S 8. Byron S 9. Alex S
Senior Girls – non-competitive	Senior Mixed – Non-competitive
1. Grace W 2. Katarina T 3. Coco W 4. Eve McK 5. Dearbhla C 6. Erica L 7. Audrey J 8. Ali B 9. Isabella W	1. Xavier C 2. James S 3. Otis C 4. Oliver H 5. Amelie M 6. Aria F 7. Elizabeth D 8. Frankie L 9. Clara P
Junior Girls – non-competitive	Junior Mixed – non-competitive
1. Ava K 2. Andie L 3. Maya V 4. Asha B 5. Bridget KB 6. Matisse S 7. Lila K 8. Bonnie McK 9. Layla P	1. Sam G 2. Vincent M 3. Billy G 4. Freddie M 5. Chelsea A 6. Alexander S 7. Indianna W 8. Billie D 9. Emilia M

Premier’s Reading Challenge

Congratulations to the 167 students who have already completed their challenge. We want every student at St Joseph’s to complete the challenge this year. WE CAN DO IT! Miss McGinlay has planned a big celebration for the whole school in Book Week if everyone finishes the challenge. Don’t be the person who lets down the whole school!

The holidays are a great time to read more books and enter them into your reading record.

Every student has been issued with their log on information. If you have a problem with accessing the website you can contact Mrs Collins or Mrs Drabble through the school email. Reading lists must be finished by 19^th August.

Happy reading.

Term Planner - Term 3

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