St Joseph's School Newsletter

Inspired by Mary MacKillop, we strive to achieve excellence in education and pastoral care, foster well being, develop strong values and include all cultures and community members.

Following Jesus' example, we support all cultures and needs by building trusting relationships and fostering high expectations that inspire and empower our children to be compassionate, lifelong learners.

We had a wonderful Mother’s Day gathering last Friday. Many of the photos capture the spirit and joy of the day, and it was heartwarming to see so many families come together in celebration.

I would also like to gratefully acknowledge the number of parents and friends who continue to attend our assemblies. Your support is greatly appreciated. The recognition of student achievements, including merit certificates, in the presence of our community plays an important role in upholding the strong spirit of our school.

On Thursday, Sister Julianne led us in a beautiful Feast of the Ascension liturgy. We are so fortunate to have the spirit of Mary MacKillop so vibrantly alive in our school. Sister Julianne’s ability to bring the Gospel stories to life for both staff and children is truly inspirational.

Everyone is warmly invited to join us for our Pentecost Mass next Thursday at 8:15am in the Church. Having parents and friends present adds a wonderful dimension to these celebrations, and we would love to see you there.

Enjoy the weekend everyone.

Greg Green,

Principal

St Joseph's students are encouraged to participate in the National Walk Safely to School event this Friday. There will be a BBQ Breakfast at Whitegum Park from 7.00am - 7.40am, with a few guest speakers from WAPOL to speak about road safety before a march down the footpath to St Joseph’s School with students and families.

There will be some St Joseph's staff at the event who will be walking to school. The school is not providing formal supervision for the children at this time.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Peter O'Mara

Assistant Principal

Amen.

Next week, our Boab value focus will be Acting Safely. Throughout the week, we will be working with students to explore what Acting Safely looks like across our whole school community.

This includes, keeping our hands and feet to ourselves, playing in safe areas, reporting unsafe behaviours and following school rules.

These simple actions make people feel valued and help create a positive environment where everyone feels safe.

School Captains

Favor Mayom & Joffrey Lada

First Eucharist: Term 2 Year 5 children

This term, all classes are covering a unit of work on the Eucharist as part of the Religious Education Program. On Sunday 7th June we will celebrate First Eucharist for families who wish for their children to receive the Sacrament.

A note has been sent home to all families identifying as Catholics on our records.

Confirmation with Bishop Tim: Term 3 Year 6 children

First Reconciliation: Term 4 Year 4 children

Children at St Joseph's school will be prepared for Sacraments as part of their Religious Education program.

Families who have children not at St Joseph's school, and wish to be included in the sacrament, can contact Sr Julianne. We have preparation programs that can be done at home with family, or by meeting with Sr Julianne after school hours for preparation.

Missed Sacraments:

We are aware that some children have missed Sacraments in previous years due to absence, sickness, moving house, etc. This is not a problem and can be catered for as part of the program.

Baptism:

Fr Ernest is available for Baptisms at any time throughout the year. Baptismal forms can be collected at the school office and returned to Sr Julianne with a preferred date, or by contacting Fr Ernest directly. Please also let family and friends know about baptisms.

Mass is held each weekend at St Vincent Pallotti Church on Sundays at 8:30am.

Weekday Mass times are Wednesday and Friday at 5.30pm.

On Sundays, Children’s Liturgy is included during Mass.

Fr Ernest is available for Reconciliation on any day, usually from about half an hour before Mass.

When possible, each class will visit the Juniper Aged Care Facility to share an activity with the residents (e.g., singing, Lego, painting, reading, etc.). A permission form and additional information will be sent home prior to the visit.

The School Bus leaves at 7.00 am each morning, to pick up children in town.

At Approximately, 7.30, the bus then goes out to Ranch, Reserve & Garden areas.

Children MUST be out the front ready for the bus. With an increase in bus numbers this year, even a one-minute delay at each stop—such as children searching for shoes—can significantly extend the bus run time.

Please ensure that an adult is visible at home when we drop children off at the end of the day, otherwise this can delay the bus with staff having to get out and knock on the door or make phone calls to find you. Just a simple wave to the bus driver is all we need.

St Joseph’s white school bus only

Old Town students: 7.00 -7.30am

Ranch, Reserve & Garden students: 7.30-7.40am

Role of the Director General

Schools are required to publish information about the role of the Director General and the following is recommended: “The Director General of the Department of Education is responsible for ensuring that the school observes the registration standards, including the standard about its complaints handling system. Any student, parent or community member is entitled to contact the Director General with concerns about how the school has dealt with a complaint. Information is available on the Department of Education website. While the Director General may consider whether the school has breached the registration standards, she does not have power to intervene in a complaint or override the school’s decision.”