Dear Parents & Carers, 

Last week students in K-6 commenced some exciting work, in our Growing Minds Inspiring Readers (GMIR) Project. As part of the project, we are excited to announce that students will be writing a book with a published author. This process will involve students working on their knowledge of a location and characters in Terms 3 & 4, with the culmination being working with Australian author, Sami Bayly in March next year.  Sami Bayly has written and illustrated a number of books, many of which are in our school library and include; The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Ugly Animals, The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Peculiar Pairs and The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Dangerous Animals. This is an exciting opportunity for K-6 and we look forward to this over the next six months.

  

This week we celebrated the Feast of St. Mary MacKillop. Mary MacKillop along with Father Julian Tenison Woods founded Australia's first order of nuns, the Sisters of St. Josephs. This order then established St. Joseph's Schools providing free education and support to families in need. Mary Mackillop was a remarkable lady who was then recognised as Australia's first and only Saint on 17th October 2010.

On Tuesday, the school watched a performance by Starr Productions, called Young Mary. This play introduced the students to Young Mary and about her fun filled and spirited childhood adventures. The play told the story of a young Mary, about her pet cow Blorac and her dad Alexander. Then, as she grows, the students learnt about the determination of a hard working young woman who sets out to eliminate poverty and provide a fair education for all.
The play was funny and entertaining and involved the audience in lots of acting and moral decision making. Young Mary’s humour and compassion helped the students enjoy and understand St Mary MacKillop, whilst appreciating her famous quote;
“Never see a need without doing something about it”

On Thursday, we celebrated the Feast Day of St. Mary MacKillop, at the parish Mass. During the Mass the 2/3 students painted a portrait of St. Mary MacKillop whilst hearing some facts about Mary MacKillop which were read by some of our older students.

Following Mass, we invited Father Terry, parishioners, and parents into the school grounds for morning tea. It was a lovely occasion to join as a parish to celebrate this important day of the year. The morning tea also gave the opportunity for our parishioners to have a look through our classroom which were established by Mary MacKillop. Thanks to everyone that sent in some food for this morning tea.

Congrtatulations to Eli Fenning, Harrison Morton, Miley Baker and Bella Cawthorne who represented St. Joseph's Gloucester and the Manning Region at the Regional Athletics Carnival on Wednesday 7th August. Students participated in the Small Schools Relay and Bella participated in the High Jump. 

On Thursday, students participated in a Mini Olympics. Students were split into four different countries; Malta, Monaco, Cyprus and Andorra. After participating in trivia, students played a number of games and medals were presented to the winning country. Thanks to Mr Crowe and staff who organised. 

Parent teacher meetings for Term 3 will be held in Week 6. In the upcoming weeks, notifcations will announce when the booking period is open in Compass. 

Dear Parents & Carers,

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

Dear Parents & Carers,

Please note in your diaries, Monday 21st October, as a Pupil Free Day. Staff will be engaging in professional learning on this day. 

Wigs 4 Kids is an Australian charity that make wigs for sick children that require one, from the result of having cancer or leukaemia. Wigs 4 Kids help change childrens lives by making them feel more confident and special as they undergo treatment for disease. Students who have 20cm of hair or longer can cut or shave their hair and this can be donated to Wigs 4 Kids, along with funds to support children in need. 

One of our own families at St. Joseph's, the Sheely family, are supporting this charity with Lillian having her hair cut at school on in Week 9, Tuesay 17th September at 2pm by Pagen, from the The Hairy Dairy. Any other students/families are invited to participate and raise money for Wigs 4 Kids.

For more information and to support Lillian please see the links below; or alternatively see/contact Deb Sheely, 0412 122 691.

https://fundraise.kidswithcancer.org.au/event/wigs-4-kids/home

https://fundraise.kidswithcancer.org.au/fundraisers/lilliansheely

 

Hello Parents/Carers,

We require new Volunteers for Shared Table to continue 2024 school year. 

Can you spare an occassional Monday morning for 3 hours?

Please contact myself to discuss further.

Thankyou Lisa Moore

Many parents have reported excessive screen time as the number one health concern affecting kids, especially now in the hyperconnected world we live in. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that there should be no screen time at all for children under two, less than an hour a day for children aged from two to five, and less than two hours for five to 17 year olds. However, these guidelines have been disputed by experts and often ignored by families. Parents must play an important role in modelling a positive approach to using screens, and assisting children to navigate the content they access.