Week 10 - Term 1 Newsletter 2025

Principal's Message

Dear Families and Friends,

Welcome to our final newsletter for Term 1, 2025. What an busy and eventful term it has been!  Whilst the weather has caused a number of events to be postponed  and even a couple of school weeks to be very disjointed. One of the most cherished aspects of our school is our vibrant community spirit and the 'sense of belonging' when we come together. Thank you to all the families who joined us for our Easter celebrations today, your support is much appreciated, and we hope you enjoyed the meaningful liturgy, the excitement of the raffle, and the impressive creativity displayed in the sculpture showcase. Thank you for being a vital part of our school community. 

Anzac Day March

Please note St Joey's will again participate in the Maclean Anzac Day Parade on Friday, 25th April. We encourage as many children as possible to gather at 10.30 am outside The Boulevard in River Street to represent our school community on this important National Day. A full school uniform, including a hat, must be worn, and a drink bottle is highly recommended. A number of staff will be present and assisting on the day. 

Canteen Renovation

Just a reminder  that our school canteen will be undergoing essential renovations/refurbishments during the upcoming school holidays. As a result, the canteen will continue be closed and unavailable for the first three weeks of Term 2 (Week 1 - Week 3).

We understand that the canteen is a vital part of our school community, and we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. We are working diligently to complete the renovations as quickly as possible to provide an improved and efficient canteen service. During Week 1 to Week 3, please ensure your child brings their own lunch and snacks to school. We will provide updates on the canteen’s reopening as the renovation progresses. 

New Creative Arts Demountable

I'm also pleased to announce the upcoming installation of a new demountable classroom, which will create dedicated spaces for creative arts and intervention groups. This exciting addition will be located behind the Stage 3 classrooms and adjacent to the parent car park (where the current vegetable gardens are), providing easy access for students and staff. Installation is scheduled to take place between Week 2 and Week 6 of next term. We understand that this construction period may cause some temporary disruption to parking and access in the area, and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause to parents and caregivers. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue work to enhance our school's facilities.

Return for Term 2

Students return for Term 2 on Tuesday, 29th of April. Staff begin the term on Monday, 28th April, with a Professional Learning. This day will be focusing on on a number of sessions addressing key parts/initiatives within our School Annual Improvement Plan (SAIP). As always I appreciate your understanding around the importance of these Professional Learning despite the inconvenience and additional logistics it may place on families. 

I wish all families a happy, safe and holy Easter and look forward to seeing you all in Term 2. 

Kind regards

Dale

Upcoming School Dates

• Saturday 12th April - Sugar Cane Festival

Term 2 Dates:

• Monday 28th April - Staff Development/Pupil Free Day (Week 1)
  
• Tuesday 29th April - First Day Term 2 All Students (Week 1)
• Monday 5th May - Clarence Zone Cross Country (Week 2)
• Tuesday 6th May - S3 AFL Gala Day (Week 2)
• Wednesday 7th May - Mothers Day Stall (Week 2)
• Wednesday 7th May - Maclean Show Day (Week 2) - HALF DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY
• Thursday 8th May - Mothers Day High Tea & Liturgy (Week 2)
• Wednesday 14th May - S3 & Goori Group Close The Gap (Week 3)
• Thursday 29th May - S2 & S3 Netball Gala Day (Week 4)

Leader of Learning

Reading: A Little Each Day Goes a Long Way!

At St Joseph’s, we know that regular reading makes a huge difference to children’s learning. It helps build vocabulary, fluency, and confidence, and like any skill, it gets stronger with daily practice.

After our recent short break due to TC Alfred, we noticed a small dip in reading fluency for some students. This is completely normal; research shows that it can impact their progress when children stop reading regularly, even for a few days. The good news is that it doesn’t take long to get back on track with consistent reading habits.

Over the holidays, we encourage families to keep reading part of your daily routine. Here are some simple ways to support your child:

• Read together every day; even 10 minutes makes a difference.

• Talk about the books, ask questions, and share your thoughts.

• Visit the library and let your child choose books they enjoy.

• Model good reading habits; let your child see you reading too!

Most importantly, keep it fun, relaxed, and pressure-free. The goal is to foster a love of reading that lasts a lifetime.

I hope you have a safe and restful Easter break, and I look forward to seeing everyone back next term, ready to learn and grow.

Mrs Mclennan

Leader of Mission

St Joseph’s Celebration Day

What wonderful memories we made on Friday as we celebrated our patron saint, St Joseph, at our special Brooms Head celebration day! It was a joy to come together as St Joseph's, enjoying each other's company and strengthening our bonds as a school community. Our Year 6 students led us beautifully in prayer with a thoughtful liturgy by the lake. We reflected on St Joseph as a man of his word, a humble and protective figure who always followed God's guidance and cared deeply for those he loved. Thank you so much to our Year 6 leaders for guiding us so thoughtfully in prayer. Following the liturgy, we were blessed with stunning weather as we spent quality time together in the sunshine, playing on the beach and simply enjoying being in each other's company. It was a truly special day, filled with laughter and connection, as we celebrated our patron saint and asked for his continued guidance and protection as we live, love and learn together at St Joseph's.

Holy Week and Easter

Holy Week is a very special time for where we remember the important events leading up to Easter. It begins with Palm Sunday, when we recall Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, greeted by crowds waving palm branches. As the week continues, we remember the Last Supper on Holy Thursday, where Jesus shared a final meal with his disciples. Good Friday is a solemn day when we reflect on Jesus' crucifixion and ultimate sacrifice on the cross. But this week of remembrance is not just about sadness; it helps us to truly understand the immense love Jesus has for us. This understanding then leads us to the incredible joy of the Easter season! Easter is the most important time in the Church calendar because it celebrates the amazing miracle of Jesus rising from the dead. This resurrection shows us that death is not the end and that through Jesus, we have hope for new life and a future filled with joy. The Easter season is a time of celebration, reminding us of the power of love, forgiveness, and the wonderful gift of new beginnings that Jesus' resurrection brings to the world. 

There will be ceremonies across Holy Week and Easter which you all all warmly invited to attend.

Mercy In Action Award

This week, we are proud to present our esteemed Mercy in Action award to Summer Williams. Summer receives this award in recognition of consistently demonstrating our Mercy Values. Summer's happy and welcoming nature embodies Hospitality, making everyone feel comfortable and valued. Her Courage is evident in her confident approach to settling into her new school and embracing her learning journey. Furthermore, her genuine care and concern for her friends and classmates is a beautiful example of Compassion. Well done, Summer!

Mrs Senz

Class Awards

Congratulations to the following students recognised at this fortnight's Awards Assembly:

Principal Awards

Class Awards

Clarence Cane Growers Banner Parade

Meet: 11:30am — O’Halloran Motors, River St

 Full school uniform + hat

 Bring a drink bottle

 Parade starts: 12:00pm

 Pick up: Cameron Park (next to IGA)

Looking forward to seeing you all there!

Class News - Stage 3

We’ve been having an absolute blast in Stage 3! In music, we’ve been learning bucket drumming, and it's been a total hit! Students have been exploring the art of drumming, keeping the beat and adding their own creative flair to drumming patterns.

In Science, we’ve been bringing creativity to life by designing animals with special adaptations to survive in different environments. Using LittleBits, students have been turning their ideas into interactive creations—making these animals move and come to life in the most amazing ways.

In Geography, we have been learning about natural environments around the globe and comparing how landforms and climates  influence where and how people live. We have enjoyed exploring the different biomes and how this can impact the population of a place. Students have also had the opportunity to examine how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have influenced the environmental characteristics of Australia and their traditional land management practices. 

We started off our Visual Arts this term with some colourful self portraits. After striking their coolest pose, students used this photographed image to trace  themselves onto a clear film and use paint pens to add interest and personality. We think they turned out great! Students also had the opportunity to explore sculpture through wire. Students began this by choosing someone to create a single line drawing. This turned out to be quite tricky! Once our line drawing was complete we used this outline to help create our wire sculpture. 

We have also had the opportunity to create pottery monster sculptures. These have been a great way for the students to use their imagination and have given us lots of laughs!

Mrs Kinsella & Mrs Connor

Pastoral Care - School Counsellor

HELPING YOUR CHILD WITH SCHOOL RELUCTANCE

It’s not uncommon for primary-aged children to experience reluctance when it comes to attending school, especially after the holidays. As a parent, it can be challenging to navigate these emotions while ensuring our children get the education they need. Here are some practical tips to support your child through this phase.

Understand the Root Cause

Take time to understand why your child is reluctant to go to school. Are they feeling anxious about friendships? Struggling with schoolwork? Afraid of a new environment? Talking to your child in a calm and supportive manner can help uncover the underlying issue.

Create a Positive Routine

Consistency helps children feel secure. Establish a morning routine that is calm and structured, ensuring they get enough sleep and have a healthy breakfast. A predictable schedule can reduce any worries and make school attendance feel more natural.

Communicate with the Teacher

Your child’s teacher can be an invaluable resource. Share your concerns and ask for insights into your child’s behavior at school. The teacher may suggest strategies to ease their worries and improve their school experience.

Encourage Friendships

Sometimes, school reluctance stems from social difficulties. Encourage playdates with classmates or get involved in school activities where your child can form friendships. A familiar and friendly face at school can make a big difference.

Reinforce Positivity

Talk about the exciting aspects of school—learning new things, playing with friends, or a favorite activity. Using positive language when discussing school can help shift your child’s mindset.

Offer Reassurance and Praise

Acknowledge your child’s feelings and reassure them that it’s okay to feel nervous. Celebrate small wins, such as getting ready on time or walking into school confidently. Praise can build their confidence and motivation.

Seek Support if Needed

If reluctance persists and significantly affects your child’s well-being, reconnect with the class teacher and let them know your concerns. Additional support may be provided through the school’s Pastoral Care Team. Early intervention can help address deeper concerns and build coping strategies.

School reluctance is often a temporary challenge that can be managed with patience and understanding. By offering support and encouragement, you can help your child develop a positive attitude toward school and learning.

Enjoy the holidays.

Jess Jones - School Counsellor

Pastoral Care - School Chaplain

SRC Easter Egg Hunt - A Hopping Good Time!

Our SRC Easter Egg Hunt was a fantastic event, filled with fun and excitement! All the students got creative by making their own Easter masks and then set off to hunt for eggs hidden around the school. A big thank you to the SRC for helping make this day so special for everyone involved.

We’d also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the families who generously made donations. These contributions will go to Project Compassion, supporting families in need both here in Australia and overseas. Your kindness truly makes a difference!

Thank You to Our Wonderful LAP Volunteers!

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our incredible LAP volunteers Sue, Colleen and Mike for your unwavering support during Term 1. Your dedication and hard work are truly making a difference in the lives of our students and their learning journeys. We are so grateful for your contributions!

We look forward to seeing you again in Term 2 and continuing this positive impact together.

Thank you once again!

Mother’s Day High Tea – May 8th

We are excited to invite all mothers, grandmothers, and significant women in our lives to join us for our special Mother’s Day High Tea in May. It will be a wonderful opportunity for these incredible women to connect, relax, and be spoiled.

Please keep an eye on Compass for the official invitation and further details. Kindly note that this event is for our mothers and significant women only, and we ask that all students of St Joseph’s refrain from attending, as this occasion is dedicated to honoring and celebrating the amazing women who play such an important role in our lives.

We look forward to celebrating with you all!

Ms Juana Mead - School Chaplain

School Sport

As Term 1 wraps up, we’re thrilled to share some wonderful highlights from the world of sport at Joey’s.

Despite the rain, we successfully held our Cross Country Carnival—what a fantastic day it was! A huge congratulations to our Kindergarten students who bravely ran their very first cross country. We’re equally proud of all our students who participated and gave it their all. A special shoutout goes to our 8-years-and-over students who qualified for the Zone Carnival—we can’t wait to cheer them on in Week 2 of Term 2!

We also want to acknowledge all students who trialed for Winter Sports this term. Representing at a high level through school sport pathways is no small feat. The competition is strong and only continues to grow across the North Coast. Well done to all involved!

A special mention to Archie Patten and Phoenix Schwenke, who recently represented Joey’s at the 11 Years Rugby League Trials on April 10th—an excellent effort by both boys!

As our soccer program wraps up for the term, we’re excited to introduce tennis in Term 2. Lessons will be delivered by qualified coaches, either at our local Maclean club or on school grounds depending on age.

Wishing all our families a happy and safe holiday!

Anthony Gilchrist - Sports Coordinator

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Parent Forum

Easter Raffle

Thank you so much to all of the families and friends who supported our Easter raffle by donating and/or selling/buying tickets!

We raised over $1800

Our biggest Easter Raffle Fundraiser to date! 

We'd also like to thank Coles Grafton for their generous donation of chocolate eggs for our raffle and their efforts in taking books of raffle tickets to sell!! We very much value your efforts.

Community Notices