Dear Parents & Carers,

Welcome back to Term 4. We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday.

It is an exciting time for our school and students as we plan for the launch of 'Fire in the Tops', our co-authored book written with Sami Bayly. We hope that all of our parents and carers will be able to join us for the launch on Monday 10th November at 10am. The launch will include a live read from Sami Bayly, an overview of the creation of the book and a performance of 'Fire in  the Tops' with a morning tea to follow. Each student, K-6 is involved in the performance. Invitations and RSVP details will be sent home early next week.

Congratulations to Georgia Morton for her work in the ASPIRE Young Scrptwriters Program. Georgia have been involved in workshops to learn how to write a script. Last week, Georgia travelled to Taree to complete her script. Her script was then performed at night in the Manning Entertainment Centre by Year 10 students of St Clare's Taree. Well Georgia. We are all very proud of your efforts in this program.

The St. Joseph's Spooky Disco will be held on Saturday 1st November, at 5-8pm in the St. Joseph's Hall. Thank you to our parent sub-committee fundraising group for all the organisation for the disco. Please go along and support the disco if you can - details in the flyer below. 

On October 31st, we celebrate World Teachers Day. At St Joseph's, we will celebrate our amazing teachers who inspire, support, and empower our students each day. 

Peace and Best Wishes, 

Amy Maslen

Principal

Here in Australia, October marks World Mission Month, a celebration of the global work of the Church and the dedication of missionaries, both religious and lay, as they reach out and support children and communities in need around the world.

On World Mission Sunday, which falls on 19 October 2025, parish communities around the world will gather to pray for and raise funds to support the work of thousands of crucial church-run programs. The following weeks after Mission Sunday schools around Australia will partictipate in Children’s Mission Day, which we celebrate fully through Socktober. Our School Mission Day (Socktober) will take place next Wednesday 29th October from approximately 9.15 - 11.00am.

During this time the students will be in small teams of approximately 4, to make a 'Sockball'. How to make a 'Sockball' can be found by clicking here. Each group will need to bring in their own recycled supplies to make their sockball. This will include items such as; old socks, old t-shirts, plastic balls, styrofoam, bubble wrap etc. The students will make their Sockball and then particitpate in a number of challenges.

A coin throw activity to win a Mini soccer ball will also be a part of our fundraiser. We ask that all students please bring in gold coin donation and and couple of coins to participate in the coin toss. This year the funds that are raised during World Mission Month will be used to help and support the people of Zambia.

Zambia is a country of rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant communities and it lies in the heart of southern Africa. From the majestic Victoria Falls to the wildlife-filled plains and warm-hearted people, Zambia is a land of beauty and resilience. Despite its natural wealth and strong spirit, many families face daily challenges, especially in rural areas. Today, one of the most urgent issues is the severe hunger crisis that threatens the wellbeing of millions. The students donations will help raise vital funds for education, healthcare, food and clean water for children in need in Zambia.

Students may also wear crazy socks to school if next Wednesday if they wish to. 

Thanks for your continuing support during our fundraisers throughout the year.

In Term 1 students at St. Josephs worked with author and illustrator Sami Bayly on co-authoring and illustrating a book. Our book, 'Fire in the Tops' is currently at the publishers and due to be released at the beginning of November.

Please save the date of Monday 10th November 10-11am for our launch. Students have worked with ASPIRE's creative arts director, Anna Kerrigan to write a script and dramatisation and based on the book. We will be sharing a dramatisation of the book and live read from Sami Bayly. All students are involved in the dramatisation and we would love to share with all parents and carers. An invitation and RSVP will follow in the next week or two.

This year in 'Youg Scriptwriters' we have worked hard to accomplish a little play! We have spent four days and nearly a whole year working to have this played performed by St Clare's Taree Year 10 students. My play was called the Collesuem and we are very proud of what we have achiveved. I encourage students who can participate in Young Scriptwriters to participate next year. By Georgia Morton

Well done, Revel - your words inspire!

PASTORAL CARE News

Despite a very hot week this week St Joeys kids stayed “cool”  … not just in temperature, but also in their positive attitudes.

Canteen:

Following a successful trial, we will be continuing to offer Ice Creams and Icy Cups for Sale. These can be ordered via the Spriggy App or paid for in cash over the counter on Fridays. If anyone is having ay difficulty in accessing the online ordering, please let us know.  Thanks again to our Year 5 and 6 students who have done a great job in serving at the canteen all year. Recently, some of the Year 4s have also had a turn in the canteen as “trainees”.

Grafitti Blackboard:

Our theme the coming week is “Learn” and the blackboard message reminds everyone (both students and adults) that we can all learn something new every single day if we look, listen and think about things.

GJ’s Activities:

Every Thursday the GJ’s (Gloucester Joeys) get the chance to participate in an activity with others. This builds a whole range of emotional skills such as co-operation, sharing, resilience, persistence and many more.  Any student is welcome to come along.

Please ensure your child has their own hat for play at school.

Socks are grey for boys and white for girls.

Hello Parents/Carers,

Shared Table Monday 27th Oct will be Chicken wraps.

If you are interested in becoming a Volunteer please contact front office to discuss.