Dear Parents,

On Friday 21st, staff and students welcomed back Sami Bayly as we finalised our draft  version of our co-authored book, 'Fire on the Tops'. Thank you to all families who were able to make our 'soft launch'. During the soft launch Sami read 'Fire in the Tops' and staff acted out the book. From here, our draft, including illustrations will be sent to a graphic artisit and printer to publish. Once we have a hard copy we look forward to holding a 'hard launch' of our book to share with our community. Well done to our students for their engagement and enthusiasm!

On Friday we also were able to visit and participate in the Gloucester Show. Student's artworks were on display over the weekend, as well 'Country Creatures' that some students also entered. Well done to Nihal and Gurjiven Singh who received a Judge's Choice and First Place for their 'Country Creature', Georgia Morton, Highly Commended for 'Country Creature' and to Amelia Fulton for 2nd place for her Years 3&4 Artwork. Well done also to Ava and Imogen Wiencke who participated in the horse events at the show. 

St. Joseph's would like to thank Gloucester Charities and Stratford Coal for their donations to our school this year. Gloucester Charities kindly donated $2500 and Stratford Coal $2000. The donations will go towards areas to support our school this year, including our Growing Minds Inspiring Readers Project. We appreciate both organisations support for our school. 

Congratulations to Eli Fenning who represented St. Joseph's at the Diocesan Rugby League Trials at Salamander Bay on Tuesday 25th March. Eli progressed through the day to play additional games. This is a significant achievement as the trial included students from up to 45 primary schools across the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese. Congratulations Eli! 

Enrolment 2026

Our Kindergarten Information Session, focussing on Succesful Foundations will be held on Tuesday 8th April, the final week of school at 10am. If you know of any families interested in enrolling next year, please let them know about this Information Session.

A reminder also that this Monday 31st of March, will be a Professional Development and Pupil Free Day. Staff will be engaged in professional learning in Religious Education and formation. 

Have a lovely weekend, 

Peace & Best Wishes

Amy Maslen 

On Wednesday 19th March we celebrated 'Harmony Day' as a school community. This is part of Australia wide celebrations to recognise and embrace diversity. It is about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. Students wore orange and traditional cultural dress and participated in activities with Miss Jensen during Pastoral Care at Recess and during class time in the afternoon. 

Polding Swimming Carnival

Next Wednesday 2nd April, our school swimming relay team will travel to Sydney for the Polding Swimming Championships. The team consisting of Jack, Hamish, Eli and Remi will represent our school in the small schools 4x50m relay. We wish the boys all the best in this event and we hope you enjoy the experience of going to Sydney for this event.

Cross Country

Next Thursday 3rd April, we will be conducting our school cross country. This will be held at Gloucester Park starting at approximatley 9.45am. Students up to 10 years will run 2km with students 11+ running 3km. Students 8 years and older will be eligible to qualify for the Diocesan Cross Country Carnival in Newcastle on Wednesday 14th May.

Congratulations to our Year 3 amd 4 students (Indianna, Elliot, Jack, Gurjiven and Harrison) for representing our school at the Gloucester Soccer Gala Day on Wednesday. Our team did remarkable well against the public schools winning all 5 of their games. This was an amazing effort as they were 1 player down and had no substitutes for the whole day. We are all very proud on the way that you represented our school.

Monday 31st March will be a Pupil Free Day. Staff will be participating in professional development. Please make other arrangements for your child on this date.

Another St Joeys Opp Shop/ Auction is coming up soon. We need donations of any unused goods so that we can sell at out "Op- Shop" on Tuesday 1st April. Last year's Op Shop was a great success and everyone enjoyed the chance to see how recycling of unused items to others can bring so much joy. We only have a few weeks to go and we are hoping that you can have a look through your cupboards to find some things to donate to the Mini Vinnies Opp Shop. Please donate if you can. Items such as toys, puzzles, bags, books, artwork, small plants etc etc are most welcome (no large bulky items or clothes please). Donations can be dropped off to the school anytime from now until Friday March 28th. Thank You from the Mini Vinnies team (fundraising for Cancer for the "Alysha's Army" where all funds go to the International Cure Brain Cancer Foundation)

From: Georgia, Thomas, Remi and Hamish (Mini Vinnies)

All students are invited to attend the Anzac Day march on Friday 25th April. Students participating in the march should assemble at 10.15am outside Club Gloucester in Denison Street. The march will proceed along Church Street, up Hume Street to the Memorial Clock Park for the ceremony which begins at 11am.
Students should wear full summer uniform. It would be great to have a good representation from students at our St Joseph's. 

Anxiety disorders can start early in childhood or adolescence. It may only have a moderate impact on a child’s ability to function in daily life and can therefore often remain undetected. If a child finds it extremely difficult to control their anxiety, then you should seek help or medical assistance.

Click on the link for your special report Youth Anxiety School TV Report