Week 6 - Term 2 Newsletter 2025

Principal's Message

Reflecting on Reconciliation: Now More Than Ever

Last week, our school community joined together in recognising National Sorry Day and into this week, National Reconciliation Week. Sorry Day is a time to acknowledge the trauma experienced by the Stolen Generations and to honour those who have passed into the Dreaming. The day was established following the 1997 Bringing Them Home report and continues to call all Australians to truth-telling, justice, and healing.

Across classrooms, students engaged in reflective prayer experiences, guided by our student leaders. These moments of quiet reflection reminded us of the importance of remembering our shared history and renewing our commitment to a more just and inclusive future—one that honours the cultures, stories, and rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This year’s theme, “Bridging Now to Next,” encourages all Australians to reflect on how past and present actions shape the future. It calls us to take meaningful steps—both small and large—towards lasting reconciliation by walking together with respect, openness, and shared purpose.

As part of our ongoing commitment, we also met with families this week to develop Deadly Cultural Learning Plans. These conversations offered a valuable opportunity to learn more about each student’s identity and background, and to continue building respectful and meaningful relationships with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.

School Athletics Carnival - Thursday 12th June

Just a reminder that our Athletics Carnival will be held next Thursday 12th June (Week 7) at Wherrett Park, Maclean. Due to unsafe ground conditions at the Showground we have had revert back to Wherrett Park this year.

The carnival will begin at approximately 9:45am with a school prayer led by our captains, followed by a welcome address. House-coloured clothing (t-shirts, ribbons, scrunchies, socks, etc.) is encouraged, though not compulsory. Students should bring a hat, sunscreen, and clearly labelled belongings. If house colours are not available, the school sports uniform may be worn. Mascots are welcome, but please avoid streamers.

A sausage sizzle (including vegan and gluten-free options), as well as snacks and drinks, will be available for purchase. To assist with catering, families are encouraged to pre-order through Compass Canteen by selecting the date Thursday 12th June.

Please also note children aged 8 years and over may qualify for the Clarence Zone Athletics Carnival on Wednesday 2nd July (Week 10). Ribbon and trophy presentations will take place at a school assembly the following week. In the event of wet weather, the backup date is Monday 16th June (Week 8). Unless notified otherwise, students should come to school dressed and ready for the day.

GLOW Faith Retreat - Year 6

Last week, our Year 6 students travelled to John Paul College in Coffs Harbour to take part in GLOW, a new diocesan initiative piloted by the Lismore Catholic Schools Evangelisation Team. Replacing the former Incitare Retreat, GLOW gathered Year 6 students from 12 Catholic primary schools across the region for a dynamic day of faith-filled activities, live praise and worship, and shared prayer experiences. The atmosphere was joyful and welcoming, and our students embraced the opportunity to connect with others, celebrate their faith, and enjoy the sense of belonging that comes from being part of the wider diocesan community.

Throughout the day, students participated in a range of engaging and reflective sessions designed to help them explore their relationship with God in meaningful ways. The immersive prayer stations were a particular highlight, offering a calm and personal space for spiritual encounter. As part of the Student Discipleship Continuum, GLOW provided an enriching evangelisation experience that supports student faith development in a contemporary and engaging format. From all reports, our Year 6 students returned feeling inspired and grateful for the experience.

Semester 1 Reporting

At this point in the term, teachers are working diligently to complete student assessments and prepare Semester One reports. Behind the scenes, many conversations take place as teachers carefully review the content covered, consider each student's results and effort, and determine final grades. Reporting is a thoughtful and time-consuming process that requires significant reflection and professional judgment. This task is made even more challenging as teachers balance their full teaching responsibilities during the day with report writing after hours and on weekends.

I would like to thank all staff for their dedication to ensuring each report provides an honest and accurate picture of student progress. Once reports are distributed later this term, I encourage families to arrange a time to meet with their child’s teacher to discuss their learning and celebrate their growth.

Have a lovely long weekend & hopefully see a number of you next week at our Athletics Carnival.

Kind regards

Dale

Upcoming School Dates

• Monday 9th June - King's Birthday Public Holiday (Week 7)
• Thursday 12th June - School Athletics Carnival (Week 7)
  
• Sunday 15th June - School Parish Mass (Week 7)
• Tuesday 17th June - S3 AFL Gala Day (Week 8)
• Tuesday 17th June - S2 Excursion to Cubby House (Week 8)
• Wednesday 18th June - Athletics Back Up Date (Week 8)
• Thursday 19th June - School Photos (Week 8)
• Tuesday 24th June - Winter Appeal Pyjama Day (Week 9)
• Thursday 26th June - Maclean Music Eisteddfod (Week 9)
• Wednesday 2nd July - Clarence Zone Athletics (Week 10)
• Thursday 3rd July - NAIDOC Day - Brooms Head (Week 10)
• Thursday 3rd July - Last Day of Term 2 for Students (Week 10)
• Friday 4th July - Pupil Free Day/Staff Development Day (Week 10)

Leader of Learning

Assessment: How We Know What Students Know

As we move through the second half of Term 2, teachers are focused on gathering assessment information to inform Semester One reports. This is an important part of understanding each student’s progress and celebrating their growth so far this year.

Throughout the term, teachers have been collecting a range of assessment evidence during learning. This includes work samples, observations, and conversations with students that involve thoughtful questioning and reflection to deepen our understanding of their thinking and support goal setting. Now, we are beginning to gather final summative pieces to complete the picture and ensure we are reporting accurately and meaningfully on each child’s learning.

At St Joseph’s, assessment is more than a mark or a grade. It helps us understand where students are in their learning, where they are going next, and how we can best support them.

We are incredibly proud of the effort students are putting into their learning and of the professional, thoughtful way our staff are approaching this important work.

Mrs Mclennan

Leader of Mission

In the RE Classroom…. Year 1

This term in Religion, our Year 1 students have been exploring the life of Jesus, with a special focus on the key events that took place after His Resurrection. Throughout the unit, the children have demonstrated curiosity, empathy, and creativity as they explored the themes of hope, love, and the enduring presence of Jesus.

One of the highlights of the term was a creative project in which students designed and crafted their own props to help retell the story of the Road to Emmaus. This hands-on activity allowed them to connect with the story in a meaningful way and express their understanding through imaginative play and storytelling. It was a joy to witness their creativity and confidence as they shared the story with their peers.

Pictured below are Hazel, Malia, and Koa using their handmade props to retell the story in their own words.

Term 2 Parish School Mass

All family and friends are warmly invited to attend our Parish School Mass on Sunday, 15th  June at St. Mary's Church commencing at 8:30am. This mass will be led by our students and staff.

If there are any students (Kindy to Year 6)  who would like to assist with the Mass, please contact me at louise.senz@lism.catholic.edu.au

The jobs include:

• Hospitality - welcoming parishioners at the entry and handing out hymn books,
• Readers (2 students) 
• Prayers of the Faithful
• Offertory

Mercy In Action Award

This week, we are proud to present our esteemed Mercy in Action award to Koa Lavis, in recognition of his outstanding display of Hospitality. Koa consistently demonstrates a caring and inclusive spirit. He is always thoughtful of others, warmly inviting his peers to join in activities and making sure no one feels left out. Koa encourages and supports his classmates, especially when they are trying something new. Through his kindness and genuine concern for others, Koa helps create a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone feels safe and valued. Congratulations Koa!

Mrs Senz

Class Awards

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

Principal Awards

Class Awards

Class News - Year 2

Year 2 has had a fantastic few weeks full of exciting learning!

In Writing, we’ve been exploring the power of word play and figurative language. Students have been learning how to use interesting adjectives and alliteration to bring their writing to life.

In Maths, we've been learning about equivalence. The children have been working hard to understand how different number sentences can represent the same value. Using hands-on materials and group discussions, they’re developing a strong understanding of equal values and how to balance both sides of an equation.

On Friday of Week 4, we spent time with the residents at Whiddon Maclean. The students and residents read together, did some colouring in and chatted. It was wonderful to see both the students and residents light up as they spent quality time together. 

We’re so proud of the progress everyone is making — keep up the great work, Year 2!

Miss White

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 9

Next

Pastoral Care - School Counsellor

HELPING YOUR CHILD DEVELOP A GROWTH MINDSET

As parents, one of the most powerful gifts we can give our children is the belief that their abilities can grow and develop with effort. This belief is called a growth mindset — the understanding that intelligence and skills aren’t fixed, but can improve with persistence, learning, and support. A growth mindset helps children become more resilient, take on challenges, and bounce back from mistakes.

Here’s how you can help foster a growth mindset at home:

Praise Effort, Not Just Results

Instead of saying “You’re so smart,” try saying “You worked really hard on that.” This encourages your child to value effort and persistence, rather than thinking success is about being naturally talented.

Use Growth Mindset Language

The words we use matter. Try phrases like:

• “Mistakes help us learn.”
  
  
• “You haven’t got it yet, but keep going!”
  
  
• “What can you try differently next time?”
  
  

This kind of language models flexibility and perseverance.

Embrace Challenges Together

When your child is stuck, avoid jumping in with the answer. Instead, ask:

• “What’s tricky about this?”
  
  
• “What strategy could you try?”
  This teaches problem-solving and helps them see struggle as a normal part of learning.

Talk About Your Own Learning

Share stories about times when you found something hard and kept going. Let them see that even adults make mistakes and grow from them.

Read Books That Promote Growth Mindset

There are many great children’s books that model persistence and learning from mistakes. Some suggestions include:

• The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
  
  
• The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett and Gary Rubinstein
  
  
• Your Fantastic Elastic Brain by JoAnn Deak

We’re hoping to have our parent library up and running soon so you can borrow some of these resources.

Building a growth mindset isn’t about always pushing for achievement — it’s about encouraging curiosity, learning from setbacks, and celebrating the journey. When children believe they can grow, they’re more likely to want to try.

Let’s encourage and support them as they give things a go, even when it’s tough.

Jess Jones - School Counsellor

Pastoral Care - School Chaplain

Vinnies Winter Appeal

The Winter Appeal for Vinnies is coming up, and we’re getting involved in a fun and meaningful way!

To raise funds and awareness for this important cause, students are invited to wear their pyjamas to school and enjoy a hot dog lunch.

Let’s help people break free from the cycle of homelessness and poverty by supporting the Vinnies Winter Appeal.

Please keep an eye out on Compass for more information.

Seasons for Growth stage 2

We’re pleased to share that the Seasons for Growth program for Stage 2 students has now commenced. This program supports children in building resilience and understanding change, loss, and grief in a safe and supportive environment.

Ms Juana Mead - School Chaplain

School Sport

As always, it’s been a big term in the world of sport at St Joey’s — and not even the rain could slow us down!

Netball NSW Maclean Cup
Our Stage 2 and Stage 3 students recently took to the courts to compete in the Netball NSW Maclean Cup, proudly hosted by the Lower Clarence Netball Association. All students displayed outstanding sportsmanship, courage, and teamwork. For many, it was a new experience — and their adaptability in learning a new sport was impressive to witness.

Our Stage 3 competitive team played with heart and determination, securing wins along the way, but faced tough opposition against strong teams such as Yamba Public School and St James Yamba. Well done to all involved!

Diocesan Cross Country
A huge congratulations to Maeve Connor and Sophia Wright for representing our school at the Diocesan Cross Country in Woolgoolga. The course was challenging and wet, but both runners gave it their all, showing grit and perseverance as they competed against the best runners from across the diocese. We are incredibly proud and look forward to following their running journeys in the years ahead.

Tennis Wrap-Up
Tennis has been a real hit this term! Our students thoroughly enjoyed their lessons with Sammy and Mr. Jurd. With the coaching block now complete, we’ll transition to teacher-led PE activities for the remainder of Term 2. We encourage eager parties to contact the Maclen Tennis Association for information regarding training and competitions.

Looking Ahead – Term 3 & Beyond
We hope to resume an after-school sport offering in Term 3 and will be in touch with families once plans are finalised. Thank you for your continued support.

Week 7 Athletics Carnival
Excitement is building for our Week 7 Athletics Carnival, set to take place at Wherrett Park. We’re looking forward to a fun-filled day where students can showcase their skills and school spirit.

We wish all students the best of luck and look forward to forming our St Joey’s Zone team for the Zone Athletics Carnival on Wednesday 2nd July at Coffs Harbour Stadium.

Go Joey’s!

Anthony Gilchrist - Sports Coordinator

Library News

Welcome to week 6 in the library! 
We have had a lot going on in this space. Recently we shared the story "The Truck Cat' By Deborah Frenkel for the National Simultaneous Story time. This story was shared with over 2.2 million students in schools just like ours around the nation.
We also had our very first class complete the Premiers Reading Challenge for 2025! Year 2 has worked so hard sharing stories to complete their 30 books together. Well done year 2!Please encourage your students at home from years 3-6 that complete this task independently. They have a huge 20 books to read at their level. These include books that you may have at home, these stories can be read to them, by them or together. The students can log these at school.
Lastly, Issue 4 of our Scholastic Book Club went home last week. This is not only a great opportunity for your children to show you books they may be interested in but also a way for our library to purchase new books. Every book you buy helps purchase new books for all of the children to share.

Mrs O'Brien

Community Notices