Dear Parents & Carers,

I trust all families had a wonderful holiday and students had a well-earned rest. This term, we welcome Mabel McInnes, Year 1, and her family to St. Joseph's Gloucester. We trust Mabel and her family feel very welcome and enjoy their time at St. Joseph's.

This week students in Years 3 and 5 received their NAPLAN results and reports went home to families. The Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) have changed the reports from reporting against numerical bands to reporting against proficiency standards. Each year staff analyse the NAPLAN data and how students have grown in their learning. NAPLAN is a different test environment and we celebrate that students did their best in this assessment and are proud of their achievements. 

In Week 5, Mrs Clare will be taking maternity leave. We wish her the very best as she embarks on this exciting new journey and can’t wait to meet her new baby when she comes in to visit us next term sometime. Mrs Clare will return in Week 8 of Term 4. I am delighted to announce that Miss Victoria Prosser will be replacing Mrs Clare, (Monday to Wednesday). Miss Prosser has previously taught at St. Joseph's Gloucester in 2019 - 2021 as a classroom teacher and we are looking forward to welcoming her back. Mrs Gritli Everingham, who has worked in K1 each Friday since the beginning of K1 will teach K1 of a Thursday and Friday.  Both Miss Prosser and Mrs Everingham are experienced classroom teachers and will continue to follow the class program to ensure continuity of learning. 

Peace & Best Wishes,

Amy Maslen

Princpal

Mini Vinnies News

Our Mini Vinnies have been busy all year with their various activities.

The recent Winter Appeal for blankets and warm clothing was a great success thanks to all the wonderful donations that the children brought in. As well, our thanks to Barbara Mansfield and her team of ladies who made many, many woollen blankets for the appeal. The St Vincent de Paul Society were very appreciative of all the donations and have already shared these with people in need.

The Mini Vinnies fundraising events continue to be well supported by our school community. Thank You. The Term 1 “Turtle Day” (Deacon, Charnae, Ella) and the Term 2 Op Shop event (Georgia, Lillie, Harry) have already raised a significant amount of money ($ 735) for the charities WWF and Black Dog Institute. This term we will be having another event which is being organised by Clarry, Lola and Mattea. It is wonderful to know that our students and families are so willing to share their gifts and talents with charity groups and people in need.

Word for the Week

Each week we have a special word and message written on our large outdoor blackboard in the covered area. These simple messages each week are helping our students to remember the essence of caring and sharing and being the best person we can be. Some examples of the messages are Kindness, Family, Persistence, Acceptance, Humility. To assist the younger children, each week they have a special activity of “Finding Samson” which helps them to remember the special focus word and message.

Dear Parents & Carer's,

Please note in your diaries, Friday 13th September as a Pupil Free Day. Staff will be engaging in professional learning on this day. 

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.