Semester One Student Council

As Semester One draws to a close, we acknowledge and give thanks to the twenty councillors who proudly represented their class on the Student Council for the first half of the year. Their experience has been a very different one because of the COVID-19 pandemic, however their active participation in the meetings we did have was exemplary. It was great to see collaboration, creativity, critical thinking and discernment exhibited as decisions were being made about school initiatives.

Students shared some reflections of being on the Student Council this semester.

I’ve enjoyed celebrating how much fun we have had with the skip-off. - Jacob

I’ve enjoyed being able to make decisions on behalf of my class. - Elki

I’ve enjoyed helping the school and being part of making decisions. - Tom

I’ve enjoyed being in the meetings. - Charlotte

I’ve really liked being the leaders and running the Sharing Assemblies when we had them. - Maddi

Their advice for the next group of leaders was to

· Make sure you represent your whole class, not just give your own opinion

· Continue with fun fundraiser days

· Keep making our school even better

· Think about everyone, not just your friends

· Be creative with your ideas

Thank you again to these great leaders!

St Joseph’s Skip-Off

The recent initiative from the Student Council of a school skipping competition has been a real hit.  It has been excellent to see students enjoy skipping so much.  For many students, lunch and recess breaks have been busy with practising.  There have been many inexperienced skippers who have become very competent over the last few weeks.  It has been great to see individual skipping with some very creative tricks, but there has also been group skipping too.  For many teachers it brought back memories of their time at school.

The Skip-Off culminated today when the students gathered in three groups for the final stage of the competition.  Students across Kindergarten to Year 6 demonstrated their endurance and fancy foot work.  Congratulations to all students for their participation and having a go, however a particular mention must go to Archie Doyle, Luke Craft and Eva Cootes who were crowned as champion skippers at St Joseph’s.  Well done students!

School Photos and Video

We have a new provider this year for our school photos, Newcastle School Portraits. Our school photos will be taken on Tuesday, 15th September (Term 3, Week 9).

Newcastle School Portraits produced a video for our school. It captures our school community in a very special way. Our Facebook page has a shorter version, but when you have a moment, please check out our school website for the extended version www.merewether.catholic.edu.au

ICAS will return to St Joseph’s this year. We encourage you to consider entering your child in ICAS. This fantastic assessment program allows students to challenge themselves and be recognised for their academic efforts. The assessment is now fully online and sitting dates will commence in Term 3. Further information will be posted on Compass next term.