Thank you to all our parents who have engaged in Parent Teacher interviews to support each child's learning. The beginning of each school year is such an important time and one where teachers work hard to formulate positive relationships with their students. A learning environment based on trust, where students feel safe to share their ideas and comfortable to make mistakes can set the scene for a successful school year, for each child. Teachers have been forming positive relationships over the last few weeks by getting to know your child; finding out their strengths as learners, their passions, hobbies, challenges and goals they have for the year ahead. Research has shown that students achieve more in school when their parents are actively involved in their education. Parental involvement not only enhances academic performance, but also has a positive influence on a child’s attitude and behaviour. 

This year St. Joseph's received new ipads to support in our K1 room and laptops for our 2/3 and 4/5/6 classes. This new technology supports students in their learning through various applications. This week staff will receive training to support in technology at school and our communication app, SeeSaw which all parents should have access to. Please check with your class teacher if needed.  

Next Thursday 21st we will have Bishop Michael Kennedy visit, who was installed as the Bishop for Maitland Newcastle Diocese on 17th March 2023. Bishop Michael will visit our school and meet students, staff and members of the Parish. We look forward to welcoming Bishop Michael next Thursday. 

This week we farewell Mrs Laurie. Mrs Laurie has been an amazing Aboriginal Education Worker and Learning Support Assistant during her time at St. Joseph's. We wish Mrs Laurie all the best as she moves to be with her family. Our current support staff will fill these roles in the interim until they are advertised.

Peace and Best Wishes,

Amy Maslen

Principal

Enrolment forms are now available at the office for Kindergarten for 2025.

"I'm going to Big school" shirts are available with the enrolment package.

Next Friday 22d we will having an excursion to the Gloucester Show to view artwork and pavillions at the Gloucester Show. We look forward to visiting our local show. A note will be sent out Via Compass this week regarding our excursion to the Gloucester Show. 

Please save the dates of August 14th - 16th for the Year 5/6 excursion to the Great Aussie Bush Camp. Our Year 5&6 students and staff will attend the camp with St. Joseph's Bulahdelah. 

Every day students have 'fruit break' at 10-10:10am. This is a time when students eat fruit or vegetables while we have a break in our morning session and also encourage healthy eating. Just a reminder to supply fresh fruit for your child/children every school day for 'fruit break'.

Gloucester Show Fine Arts Section welcomes entries from school students in the Open section in a few different classes.

7. Digital Art - 12 years and under.  All entries to be printed A4 size.  Hanging requirements are the same as other Open entries so the works need to be framed, with hooks and wires, ready to hang.  First Prize sponsored by Fuz Designs $20.  Second prize sponsored by Gloucester Artists $10.

8. Digital Art - 12 years and over.  All entries to be printed A4 size.  Hanging requirements are the same as other Open entries.  First Prize sponsored by Fuz Designs $20.  Second prize sponsored by Gloucester Artists $10.

9. Junior Section, Any medium (excluding digital), any subject.  By artist who is 18 years or younger.  This is an open entry, not part of the Schools Section.  Hanging     requirements are the same as Open entries.  First prize $10, Second prize $5.

10. Sub-Junior Section.  Any medium (excluding digital), any subject.  By artist who is 10 years or younger.  This is an open entry, not part of the Schools Section.  First Prize $10, Second prize $5.

Please read the Fine Arts Section in the Pavillion Catalogue for more details regarding dates for entries, dates for delivery to the showground etc.