Dear Parents & Carers,

From 2 to 6 June, we celebrate Catholic Schools Week—a time to honour the vibrant communities within our Catholic schools in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle. This week highlights the dedication of staff, the growth of students, and the shared mission to nurture each child spiritually, intellectually, socially, and physically. Catholic education is about helping every student flourish and become the person God calls them to be, through learning that inspires both the heart and mind.

We have much to be proud of in our endeavours to provide students with a well-rounded education that meets their needs today and for their future. We are deeply grateful for our thriving community, where teachers, parents and parish come together in unparalleled levels of care providing safe, supportive and inclusive surroundings which nurture students’ wellbeing, confidence and hope for themselves.

Thank you to all those who were able to join us for Grandparents Day. It was lovely to have so many special guests be part of St. Joseph's grandparents day celebrations. Thanks to all guests for joining in, dancing and staying to spend some time over lunch at St. Joseph's. 

We continue to keep those in our community impacted by the aftermath of floods in our prayers. Many are still affected by road closures in damage in our local community. Last Friday at the Catholic Schools Week Mass, Bishop Michael made special mention of the Manning Region Schools and outlined support through the Bishop's Fund for communities in need (please see below).

We keep in our thoughts and prayers the following students who who have been preparing for the sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation; Mia Abalos, Josie Banyer, Amelia Fulton, Freya MacGregor, Hamish MacGregor, Gaby Paynter, Dimity Tighe, Henry Tighe and Ava Wiencke. This Sunday, 8th June, 9am, the students will receive these sacraments at St Joseph's Catholic Church. All visitors, families and students are welcome to join for the Mass. Bishop Michael Kennedy will be the presider at Mass. A morning tea will be held, following the mass.

Warm regards,

Amy Maslen

Principal

Congratulations to the finalists in our Spelling and Maths Bee on Monday. Students participated in their class bees and we congratulate Mia Abalos, Dimity Tighe, Elliot Banyer, Harrion Morton, Remi Ashby, and Georgia Morton, who will now compete in the Regional Finals at Holy Name Forster on Friday 13th June. 

Congratulations to all of our students who received the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Tuesday; Henry, Hamish, Millie, Freya, Josie, Ava, Dimity, Mia and Gaby. These students will receive the sacrament of First Holy Communion and Confirmation this Sunday, 8th June. Like the disciples they are learning about the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and how these can help them to live their best life, sharing the faith by word and action. Please keep these students in your prayers as they continue their preparation.  It would be wonderful if families are able to join us for this celebration. The Mass will be at 9am on Sunday at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. There will be a morning tea following and if families would like to bring a plate and drop into the hall kitchen that would be much appreciated. Bishop Michael Kennedy will be the presider on this occasion.  

 TERM 3

Due to the current wet weather conditions and the consequent close of the Kay Green Memorial Athletics Track, our Athletics Carnival planned for next Wednesday June 11th will be cancelled. Unfortunately, the Touch Football Clinic planned for this week was also postponed due to the weather. We will be seeking to hold several events at school in order for students over the age of eight years to qualify for the Regional Athletics Carnival held in Forster/Tuncurry on Thursday 26th June. More details will be provided next week in Compass. 

On Monday 4th August, staff will be engaging in whole school professional development. This will be our Term 3 Pupil Free Day. 

Physical activity and exercise is not only vital to a child’s overall development but it has so many other benefits. With children spending more time on computers being sedentary, it is even more important to get kids moving more. As well as maintaining a healthy weight, it also improves concentration by helping to establish connections between different parts of the brain. It helps kids develop fundamental movement skills impacting positively on their confidence, self-esteem and ability to develop social skills. On an emotional level, it reduces stress and anxiety while improving posture and sleep. Physical activity and exercise is good for your child’s health, now and in the future. Parents should encourage their kids to move or play sport at every opportunity – in and out of school.