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Dear Parents
Welcome back to Term 4 a term that is equally as full as all the earlier terms this year. Some of the various things taking place include Spelling and Maths Bees, whole school Christmas concert, choir workshop, cricket gala day, staff development days, excursions, Kinder transition program, talent quest and farewelling Year 6 students and their families. Please see the term calendar for the dates of all these and other events.
World Teachers Day
One thing we all have in common is that we have been to school and have all had a range of teachers. Today is a special day for all of us-teachers and non-teachers. It is a day to reflect on the difference teachers have made to our lives or are currently making. I’m sure all of us could tell a story or two about a teacher who made a significant positive impact on us when we were younger. Today is the day to acknowledge this and to offer a prayer of thanks for these special people. We hope and pray that sometime in the future your children will be able to look back favourably on their St Joseph’s teachers. To be a teacher in a Catholic school is both an honour and a blessing. Other than the role of a parent I don’t think there are any other roles that have such an impact on shaping individuals and our society. This is what makes it such a privilege and exciting but also a huge responsibility. Thank you to the P&F for acknowledging our special day by providing us with a special morning tea. Thank you for the support and the partnership you provide us with so that together we can nurture, educate and inspire your children.
Religious Education Coordinator
In the last week of Term 3 interviews were held for our permanent Religious Education Coordinator position. It is with great pleasure that I can announce that Miss Stephanie Colvin has been appointed to this role. We congratulate her on this appointment and we look forward to all that she will bring to this role. Steph has been doing an amazing job already in her acting capacity and we are sure she will continue to do so in the future.
Spelling Bee and Maths Bee
This year for the first time we are engaging in a Diocesan Spelling Bee and Maths Bee.
Last week we began the classroom based bees whilst this week has seen our grade bees.
Next week we will hold our stage bees and from these we will be sending two children from each stage to our regional bees at St James Kotara on Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th November.
The purpose behind these bees is to give those children who have a particular interest in Maths or Spelling an opportunity to challenge themselves and have some fun.
Kinder Transition
This coming Tuesday we start our Kinder transition program for the 2020 kinder students and their parents. Our Kinder transition program will go over three weeks this year and starts at 9:10 am and goes through to 10:45 am. We are all looking forward to getting to know our new students and their families. If you see them in the playground over the next few weeks please make them feel welcome
Save the Dates
We ask that you put into your diaries the following dates:
- Community Working Bee - Sunday 27th October
- Golf Day - Merewether Golf Club - Friday 8th November
- Interrelate - St Joseph's Primary School - Thursday 21st November
Further information will come your way shortly.
Important Dates
25 October | World Teachers' Day | |
27 October | Community Working Bee | St Joseph's |
29 October | Kindergarten Transition Day 1 | |
1 November | All Saints Day | |
5 November | Kindergarten Transition Day 2 | |
7 November | Year 1 Grade Sharing @ 2.15pm | School Hall |
Curriculum Corner - Renata Powell
Central Region Public Speaking Competition
On Tuesday 22nd October St Joseph’s hosted the Central Region Public Speaking Competition. Students from Kindergarten to Year 6 from each of the seven schools in our region represented their schools very proudly. It was amazing to witness the talent, skill, enthusiasm and capabilities of the students who were speaking. Topics for the speeches ranged from Space to Forgiveness to Teamwork and Religion. Students shared their experiences, wisdom and advice whilst provoking the audience to think about the topics themselves. We would like to acknowledge our adjudicator, Mrs Lyndell Waldron from St Pius X, Adamstown. Lyndell had a very difficult role in deciding which students would go through to the Diocesan Public Speaking Competition later this term. We also thank our timekeepers, Daisy Breasley and Darcy Mitchell, who remained very focused for the duration of the competition. We congratulate all students from St Joseph’s who competed as they proudly represented our school. We make particular mention of Christopher Mooney (Kindergarten) and Miriam Biswas (Year 4) who were selected to compete at the diocesan level. Congratulations to all!
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land
Prayer. Reflection. Companionship. Retreat.
During the holidays I was fortunate enough to participate in a Maitland-Newcastle Diocese Catholic Schools Office Pilgrimage to the Holy Land. This was a very special opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. Overall, it was surreal to actually BE in the places that I have heard about since my childhood! There were many moments throughout the journey where I would stop and reflect and try to imagine what it would be like in Jesus’ time. Going out on the Sea of Galilee was particularly powerful. Once our boat stopped and there was only silence, I was able to think about the ministry of Jesus during his time there and the relationships he formed. I thought about the ways he would reach out to the poor and marginalised as well as give continued guidance and support to his close friends. The challenge too was, how can I do more of this in my own life? Moving onto Jerusalem we visited key places such as Bethlehem, Mount of Olives, Jericho and the Garden of Gethsemane. Journeying through the Old City of Jerusalem following the Stations of the Cross and ending in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was a very moving experience. For the brief time I have been back my thoughts have often wondered back to Jordan and Israel and I continue to digest and unpack the experience.
World Teacher’s Day
Every day, teachers are making a positive difference – creating opportunities for their students, empowering minds of young people and proudly teaching our future leaders, innovators and influencers. World Teachers' Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and thank all teachers for the important role they play – inside our classrooms and out in the community. Celebrated in more than 100 countries world-
wide, World Teachers' Day was established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 1994 to recognise the role of teachers in society. World Teachers' Day is held internationally on the 5th of October each year. As the day usually falls during school holidays, we will be celebrating it here at St Joseph’s on Friday, 25th October. On behalf of all staff, we acknowledge and thank our P&F for marking the occasion with a celebratory morning tea.
PAT Testing
This term students in years 2-6 will be participating in the Progressive Assessment (PAT) test in maths, spelling and reading. All students participate annually in these standardised assessments, which allows the school to monitor progress in each subject area over time. PAT assessments provide objective, norm-referenced information to teachers about their students’ skills and understandings in a range of key areas. Teachers use the information to inform their teaching, ensuring that strengths and needs of individual students are catered for. Each PAT test is designed for the average student in that year level. At times the school may assign tests at other levels for individual students so that we are better able to understand that students strengths. PAT assessment data is used to monitor school-wide progress, inform future teaching and identify areas of need within the school. Students are not able to prepare for the assessment and should not feel stressed or concerned about participating.
Celebrating our Faith - Stephanie Colvin
Prayer
Pope Francis' Prayer for October Mission Month, 2019
Heavenly Father,
when your only begotten Son Jesus Christ
rose from the dead,
he commissioned his followers
to “go and make disciples of all nations”
and you remind us that through our Baptism
we are made sharers in the mission of the Church.
Empower us by the gifts of the Holy Spirit
to be courageous and zealous
in bearing witness to the Gospel,
so that the mission entrusted to the Church,
which is still very far from completion,
may find new and efficacious expressions
that bring life and light to the world.
Help us make it possible for all peoples
to experience the saving love
and mercy of Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
One God, forever and ever.
Amen.
Catholic Mission
On Wednesday 23rd October the school leaders Will, Molly, Jack and Genevieve attending the Diocesan Mission Mass at St Joseph’s Church, Toronto.
Catholic Mission supports children, communities and Church leaders around the world, including remote Australia. Grassroots needs are identified by local Catholics to give all people the opportunity for a full, enriched life – physically and spiritually – regardless of race, religion, gender or stigma.
Pope Francis has called for an Extraordinary Missionary Month this October, which will be a worldwide occasion of prayer, sharing stories or mission, formation and charity.
Our Baptism calls us to stand will all people of goodwill to build a world where everyone can have “life to the full”.
Catholic Mission Australia is called to support the Nazareth Home for God’s Children in the Diocese of Yendi in Ghana. This is a haven where children of all ages are loved and cared for unconditionally and was founded by Sister Stan Therese Mumuni. It currently cares for 78 boys and girls, providing them with safety, food, healthcare and education.
Catholic Mission’s Socktober theme is: Do not fear for I am with you I -Isaiah 41:10
Socktober – Crazy Sock Day!
On Wednesday 30th of October, St Joseph’s will once again be celebrating Crazy Sock Day as part of Catholic Mission Month and Socktober. We are encouraging all students and staff to wear crazy socks. Students are asked to bring in a donation over the next few days and/or on Crazy Sock Day to add to their class sock. The class who raises the most will have a special treat in Week 4. Donations will be collected on Crazy Sock Day from each class and the winning class will be announced on Thursday 31st October. This occasion raises funds for Catholic Mission through the Sock it to Poverty campaign. Catholic Mission reach out, give life and call all people in the world to faith, justice and love.
On the day there will also be a cupcake stall to support the fundraiser. Our talented and budding chefs in Year 4 have been asked to donate delicious cupcakes. Cupcakes will be for sale at Recess and will priced at $1 each.
Your support is very much appreciated as together we help our students learn about helping those in need.
RE Curriculum
During Week 1, teachers from each grade were released together to work on their Religion programs for Term 4. During this day, the teachers worked with Stephanie Colvin, REC, on developing their class programs to include effective pedagogy for engaged learning, differentiated and adjusted lessons tailored to the students in their class, rich assessment tasks to assess the RE outcome strands. This was a fast-paced, engaging day allowing the teachers to gain deeper knowledge and understanding of the Religion program and curriculum.
Diocesan Synod Celebration
All are invited and welcome to attend the Diocesan Synod on Saturday 23rd November, 9:30am-5pm, at the Catholic Schools Office and Sacred Heart Cathedral. The theme for the Synod is: Building the Kingdom of God Together in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.
Please see the flyer attached for more details and registration.
The Feast of All Souls and of All Saints
Next week we will celebrate two important feast days in the Catholic Church’s calendar year; The Feast of All Saints and The Feast of All Souls.
On The Feast of All Saints (1st of November) we remember those people, who through the way they lived, made a difference to others and to the world. Through their lives, these special people teach us to trust God and to show our love for God. We look to them as examples of how we too, can make a difference in the world.
The Feast of All Souls (2nd of November) is a time when we remember those who have died, and we thank God for loving each and every person. Those we have loved stay close to us in our hearts and we give thanks because we can firmly believe they are safe and loved in God’s care.
Tips to Celebrate Halloween
An excerpt from CathFamily
Many families have their doubts about celebrating Halloween. For some, the practice of trick-or-treating is seen as yet another invasion by American culture. For others, the association with pagan ritual is viewed as inappropriate and even dangerous for children.
In fact, Halloween has deep Christian roots, dating back to the eighth century, when Pope Gregory III established All Hallows (known to Catholics as All Saints Day) on November 1st. This was to be a day to honour all the saints who died with or without Church recognition. All Souls Day follows on November 2nd and is a time in which we pray for all the dead, including our own special friends and family.
Light, long a symbol of life in Jesus, was used on ‘Halloween’ (meaning ‘All Holies (or Saints) Eve’) to welcome good spirits and ward off evil ones. Candles were lit and placed inside hollowed-out squash, turnips, or later, after the discovery of America, pumpkins. Children, wearing masks, would go ‘souling’ from door to door, begging for soul cakes for the those in purgatory.
Unfortunately, Halloween also coincides with a pagan festival honouring the god of the dead where customs intended to appease evil spirits, avoid hauntings and foretell the future are common. These customs and other occult practices can confuse children and should be discouraged.
At All Hallows, we celebrate…
Our heavenly family – Those men and women of virtue and faith who lead lives of holiness, courage and generosity and are now saints in heaven. Their heroic lives inspire us and provide excellent role models for our children. Some families like to pray the ‘Litany of the Saints’, calling on favourite saints to “pray for us”.
Our deceased family member – This is a good time to recall fond memories of our loved ones, go through old photo albums, visit their grave sites, and of course, pray for them. Children enjoy lighting candles and saying prayers for loved ones.
Our living family – We shy away from talking about death, but really, death is the surest reality of our lives. This feast reminds us to reflect on our priorities and make the most of every opportunity to express our love and affection for those close to us. Use this time to affirm a saintly quality or virtue that you see in each family member.
Class Mass Timetable – Term 4 2019
Each class joins with the parish community once a term in the celebration of Mass. These Masses are held of a Friday and begin at 10:15am in St Joseph’s Church. Below is a list of dates when each class is attending in Term 4. Parents and grandparents are invited to join their children in prayer at this time.
Date | Class |
25th October | Year 5 |
1st November | Year 4 |
8th November | Year 2 & Year 6 |
15th November | Year 3 |
29th November | Kindergarten |
6th December | Year 1 |
________________________________________________________
Newcastle Inner City Catholic Community - Weekend Mass times
Sacred Heart Cathedral – Vigil Saturday 5:30pm, Sunday 9:30am and 5:00pm
St Joseph’s, The Junction – Sunday 9:00am
Immaculate Heart of Mary, Tighes Hill – Sunday 8:00am
St Mary’s, Newcastle – Sunday 7:30am
_________________________________________________________
Polding Athletics
The Polding Athletics carnival was held on Friday 18th October. Congratulations to the following students who participated on the day with great sportsmanship and pride:
Harriet Saunders – Senior Girls Shot Put
Nina Amidy – 11 years 200 m
Angelique Douglas - 13 years 100m
Rajbir Gujral – Junior Shot Put
Leo Langworthy – Junior Long Jump
Harry Green – Senior Boys 800m
Lucas Vickery – Junior Boys Discus
Ruby Watson – Intermediate Girls Discus
It is a wonderful achievement to qualify to represent at this high level. We are exceptionally proud of all of your efforts. Well done!
Summer Sports Trials
The Regional Summer Sports Trials will take place on Friday the 15th of November. Trials will be held for Tennis and Basketball. Cricket and Softball are now a standalone sport and these trials are scheduled to take place in early 2020.
Only students in Year 4 & 5 who have nominated for these trials and have completed and returned the required paper work will be eligible to attend the trials on this date.
The following students will be participating in these trials:
Basketball: Kaylah Broadhead, Rajbir Gujral
Tennis: Isaac Flanagan, Nina Amidy
We wish all these participants every success on the day and look forward to hearing of their results.
Cricket
The Woolworths Cricket Blast School Cup Gala Days for Stage 2 and 3 are fast approaching.
The Junior Gala Day for students in Year 3 and 4 will be held on Friday 8th November, while the Senior Gala Day for students in Year 5 and 6 will take place on Friday 22nd (Pupil Free Day). Each event will be held at Harker Oval.
Thank you to those parents of senior students who have notified that school that their child will no longer be participating due to the Pupil Free Day scheduled for the 22nd.
Thank you also to all the parents who have volunteered their time to support our students at these events. Your support is greatly appreciated.
We are still currently looking for one more coach/supervisor for Senior Team 2. If you are available to coach on this date and have a valid Working with Children’s Check Number, please contact the office via email at admin@merewether.catholic.edu.au
The teams will now be as follows:
Junior Gala Day Teams – Friday 8th November, Miss Colvin
Team 1 |
Team 2 |
Team 3 |
Team 4 |
Team 5 |
Team 6 |
Team 7 |
Patrick Aguado |
Ben Duffy |
George Beath |
Luca Wildschut |
Eden Buxton |
Abby Booth |
Isla-Rose Spiga |
Carter Allan |
Mattias Flynn |
Luke Craft |
Archie Stathis |
Shiloh Flynn |
Isabelle Emmett |
Edie Callinan |
Christian DiNardo |
Angus Lane |
Leo Langworthy |
Harry Hillard |
Sunny Hardy |
Sienna Friend |
Hannah Hickey-Attewell |
Chase Firman |
Rajbir Gujral |
Elliot Mole |
Jake Kelly |
Abbie Harnett |
Gizelle Griffiths |
Shloka Tummala
|
Isaac Flanagan |
Archie Williams |
Edward Morton |
Isaac Moran |
Madeleine Lusby |
Raphy Molinia |
Halle Stewart |
Maverick Ford |
Sandon Keane |
Spenser Smith |
Hugh Mulley |
Lucia Merlo |
Lillian Scanlon |
Leila Waddell |
Zac Griffiths |
Rhys Kelly |
Jacob Urube |
Clancy Scanlon |
Lucia Minto |
Meera Sinha |
Bella Wildschut |
Oliver Moran |
Isaac Leonard |
Mason Vanhuisstede |
Theodore Spak |
Abi Taber |
Mary Tutman |
Eve Yuen |
Xavier Heaney |
Domenic Papichio |
Lucas Vickery |
Hamish Stanger |
Lucy Webber |
Chloe O’Donahue |
Milla Barr |
Heath Allan |
Jack Simpson |
Louis Wilson |
Christiaan Escobedo-Chateau |
|
|
|
Coach: Rhys Allan
|
Coach: Sarah Simpson |
Coach: Paul Langworthy |
Coach: Ainslie Wildschut |
Coach: Meg Webber |
Coach: Bree Booth |
Coach: Arna Hickey Shannon Attewell |
Senior Gala Day Teams – Friday 22nd November, Miss Parish
Team 1 |
Team 2 |
Team 3 |
Team 4 |
Team 5 |
Team 6 |
Charles Bowsell |
Oscar Buxton |
William Boyle |
Daisy Breasley |
Ally Hayes |
Hannah Francis |
Patrick Burgess |
Oliver Cockle |
Kyle Burr |
Billie Davies |
Lucy Emmett |
Siena Hails |
Flynn Chaston |
Timmy Collins |
Liam Doyle |
Zoe DiNardo |
Arabella Reid |
Hannah Hazell |
Harry Green |
Julian Dunn |
Arun Griffiths |
Angelique Douglass |
Mia Stanger |
Ivy Kiem |
Liam Harnett |
Will Harvey |
Max Mitchell |
Ayla Flynn |
Bronte Bowker |
Elki Long |
Cailen Moran |
Jett MacGregor |
Ollie Russell |
Yasmin Fogarty |
Kaylah Broadhead |
Chloe Vickery |
Jahluvi Mtanda |
Darcy Mitchell |
Tom Scanlon |
Felicity Hoskins |
Miranda Foran |
Ruby Watson |
Jordan Reville |
Ben Moran |
Eli Wasley |
Koko Minto |
Frankie Leach |
Cherisse Watters- Cowan
|
Jonah Rheinberger |
Oskar Vitnell |
Oscar Yuen |
Harriet Saunders |
Ellen Moran |
Ava Williams |
Thomas Woods |
|
Ryan Owen |
Charlotte Dunleavy |
Emily Simpson |
|
Lucas Martinez |
|
Kaden Stewart |
|
Poppy Wildschut |
|
Alexander Mulley |
|
Luka Pasvolsky |
|
|
|
Coach: Jamie Boswell
|
Coach: |
Coach: Nicole Doyle |
Coach: Lauren Flynn |
Coach: Helene Moran |
Coach: Vaughan Watson |
Australian Futsal Schools Championship
Last term Isaac Flanagan, Domenic Papichio, Isaac Leonard, Chase Firman and Rhys Kelly (Year 4) were selected in one of the Northern NSW Futsal Teams and Leo Langworthy (Year 3) in another. During the school break both teams competed in the Australian Futsal Schools Championships 2019 where they played against state and regional teams from all over Australia.
The team consisting of the Year 4 boys were beaten 4-3 in double extra time in the grand finale against a fantastic Queensland rep side. Such a fantastic achievement to finish runners up on a national level.
As a great reward for their endeavours on the court Domenic Papichio, Isaac Flanagan and Leo Langworthy were chosen to represent Australian at school boy level next year. Isaac and Domenic are going to tour China and Leo to the USA.
Leo was also top scorer and chosen in the all-star 5 in his age group.
We have had wonderful success in Futsal this year and we wish the boys the best of luck abroad!
Upcoming Dates:
NSW PSSA Athletics – Wednesday 6th & Thursday 7th November
Junior Cricket Gala Day – Friday 8th November
Summer Sports Trials – Friday 15th November
Senior Cricket Gala Day – Friday 22nd November
Diocesan Summer Sports Trials – Friday 29th November
Last Wednesday 16th October Year 1 went on an excursion to the Awabakal Education Centre at Dudley.
We were blessed with very pleasant weather and even better, a double decker bus to take us there and back!
Year 1 had the opportunity to watch, participate and perform in a puppet show about Tiddalick the Frog. This was done by the lagoon which was filled with water for the first time in a very long time!
The children also measured the temperature and wind speed using special instruments in three different locations.
They built a map from what they gathered from nature.
They also discussed and handled the tools and instruments the indigenous population used to live in the Awabakal area.
It was a great day and the teachers from the centre were very impressed by Year 1’s enthusiasm, great ideas and excellent behaviour.
First Lego League - Sponsorship
This year’s First Lego League (FLL) competition is upon us. The school is supporting two teams (Year 5 and 6) again this year – Merewether Masters and Merewether Magic. Both of which are very excited and have been working very hard since the International Competition launch on August 1st, 2019. Our Regional Competition for the City Shaper FLL Season is not far away on, Sunday 24th November. The teams will compete in the robotic mission game, present their research project and be judged on their teamwork skills and core values. The theme is City Shaper, which is all about local community, buildings and public spaces.
Last year, our two FLL Into Orbit teams were very successful, both receiving trophies at Regionals and our rookie team the Merewether Meteors progressed to the NSW State Championship.
In order to sustain this extracurricular activity at St Joseph’s, we are looking for sponsorship to support the teams’ endeavours. We are looking for sponsorship of $50-$500 from local businesses. These businesses will get their logo printed on the back of the new team shirts which will be used for 3 years. We will also mention the sponsors during the competition. If you are willing to sponsor the team or know of a business that might be interested in being contacted please inform FLL Coach, Stephanie Colvin or the office staff. We greatly appreciate community support.
3… 2… 1… LEGO!
Interrelate
School Fees are now due and payable. For enquiries regarding outstanding accounts please contact the office.
Please ensure you return your 2020 Family Discount and Diocesan Pastoral Contribution form by Monday 2 December 2019.
Term Planner
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