Term Three - Week 2

Our Vision and Mission

Vision Statement

With Jesus Christ as their role model, all children can and will achieve.

Mission Statement

Inspired by Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop and in partnership with parents, our Parish and the wider community, we aim to impart a holistic education on all children in our school. We endeavour to live by the values of our school motto.

Learning, Understanding and Peace.

St Joseph’s is distinguished by a great sense of belonging, where each person is valued and where learning is enjoyable.

Prayer of the day

St Alphonsus Liguori

Leviticus 23:1, 4-11, 15-16, 27, 34-37. Sing with joy to God our help – Ps 80(81):3-6, 10-11. Matthew 13:54-58.

Walk in fearlessness

But Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is not without honour except in his native place and in his own house.’

In today’s Gospel, Jesus is an unwelcome prophet in his own town. Our neighbours and friends are often our toughest critics. I wonder how Jesus dealt with their dismissive words. How did he deflect their condescending attitudes and remarks? How can I learn from his courage in the face of rejection?

Lord Jesus, remind me that the point of my life is not to receive reassurance from those around me, but only from you. May I walk in fearlessness that comes with unshakeable faith.

SCHOOL NEWS

School Fees

School fees have been sent home today, please check your eldest child's bag. Please make sure your school fees are paid by the due date, if you have any concerns please contact the school office to discuss payment plans.

NAPLAN Results

Last week Year Three and Year Five students received their NAPLAN results. As a school, we are very pleased and proud of students’ performance in these assessments.  

The following are some highlights from our students:

Year 3

St Joseph’s has a score of 81% proficiency  in Reading, 86% in Writing and 86% proficiency in Spelling.

Year 5

St Joseph’s has a score of 82%) Students) proficiency  in Reading, 82% proficiency in Writing,  82% proficiency in Spelling and 82% proficiency in Numeracy

We have seen tremendous growth from a number of students from Year Three to Year Five. 

As part of the Diocesan improvement plan, St Joseph’s has been chosen to participate in a new initiative through the CEDB. We have the opportunity to work with Vince Wright, an international consultant, specialising in Primary Mathematics. This term Vince will meet with the school Executive and then observe our students and their learning. As a school we are always looking for ways to improve student engagement and learning. We will consult with Vince and develop strategies for further improvement in Mathematics. 

Road Safety

A note for families - Adults are always responsible for the safety of the young children in their lives. Keep children safe by ensuring: 

• they always wear an Australian standards-approved helmet 
• their helmet is fitted correctly 
• they always play and ride in a safe place, off the road and away from vehicles and driveways • they have an adult there to supervise. 

For more information about safe travel visit:

Why are helmets important?

Helmets are designed to cushion and protect your head from the impact of a crash. Wearing a helmet reduces the chance of suffering a preventable brain injury. Research shows bicycle helmets can reduce head injuries by about 70% and reduce fatal head injuries by 65%.  

Little riders must wear an approved helmet that is securely fitted and fastened.

Please see below links for Road Safety in our local area and around schools. 

WHAT ADVENTURES COULD WE GO ON?

Children’s Book Week is The CBCA’s key highlight national event of the year. This year’s celebration will run from Saturday 16 to Saturday 23 August.

The 2025 theme is Book an Adventure!

The St Joseph’s Book Week event will happen in Week 5, which is also Wellness Week.

Tuesday 19th August we will hold our Dress-Up Day. Students are asked to come to school dressed as a character from their favourite book or a character who reflects this year’s theme – ‘Book an Adventure!’ We also ask that they bring the book that inspired their character choice.

Think - pilot, adventurer, explorer, safari guide, traveller, astronaut 

Other ideas could be classic fairytale characters like Cinderella or Little Red Riding Hood, literary heroes such as Harry Potter or Alice in Wonderland, and even historical figures (Robin Hood) or animals from popular stories (Pig the Pug). 

Mythical and magical adventure ideas could include wizards, witches, dragons, unicorns, mermaids, and other creatures from fantasy realms. 

We will hold a parade at 9am and invite all family and friends to attend

We look forward to seeing you 

Giselle Crouch

Student of the Week

SPORTS NEWS

Southern Region Athletics

Unfortunately, we had to postpone the Southern Region Athletics Carnival to next Friday, 8th August. The decision was not made lightly. After an inspection by a number Principals and Sports Coordinators, it was decided that we could not hold the carnival this week due to the weather forecast and the slippery nature of the track, which could prove dangerous for competitors.

The Carnival will be held at the Athletics Club track, on Taragala Street, Cowra.

Other than the change of  venue all details for the day are as per previously stated .

FROM THE REC

Nurturing Faith Together

At St Joseph’s, we are deeply committed to helping every child grow not just academically, but spiritually too. This term in Religious Education, our students are exploring what it means to live with faith, kindness, and purpose in their daily lives.

As part of this journey, we encourage families to continue these conversations at home—whether it's sharing a prayer before dinner, reflecting together on what you're grateful for, or attending weekend Mass as a family. Even small moments can plant seeds of lifelong faith.

We are also excited about the many ways our students are living out the Gospel through acts of service, compassion and inclusion. Faith is strongest when nurtured in partnership between school, home and parish—and we are so grateful to journey with you.

At home discussion prompt: “Ask your child: What’s one thing you learned in Religion this week? What does it mean to be a good neighbour?”

Gratitude in Our Daily Lives

This week during our whole school prayer, we focused on the theme of gratitude—pausing to recognise and give thanks for the many blessings in our lives, big and small. Students reflected on the people, moments, and simple joys they are thankful for, reminding us that gratitude is a powerful way to connect with God and each other.

We encourage families to continue this focus at home by finding moments of gratitude in everyday life—whether it’s appreciating a sunny day, a kind word, a shared laugh, or a helping hand. You might like to start a family gratitude jar or simply share one thing you’re thankful for each night at dinner.

Upcoming Masses:

• Wednesday, 6th August 9:30am - Infants Mass

• Friday, 8th August 12pm - St Mary of the Cross Mackillop Mass with Manildra 

Miss Woodhouse

Religious Education Coordinator

STUDENT WELLBEING

I hope you found the  Building Resilience at Home for Parents/Carers Webinar with Whitney last night beneficial. We were thrilled that so many could join!

Recording.

Here is the link to the recording as promised to share with your parents and carers. Please note that this link will expire on the 31st August.

I have also attached a breathing activity that can be useful to do with your child at home.

SCREEN TIME

Educational shows can be a way for your child  to learn, but nothing compares to what they learn from their interactions with you as a parent or carer. This is why chatting, reading and playing together is so valuable.

To find the right balance, try to:

• Read with your child for 10 - 20 minutes before bed or allow them to read
• Ask them questions about what they are watching
• Keep screen time intentional 
• Lots of outside play in sunshine
• Ensure your child has annual eye checks as screen time has proven to develop short sightedness is many children

Have a wonderful weekend.

Anna Bowman

P & F / CANTEEN NEWS

Dear Parents, Carers and Friends,

Please See below the Menu for Term 3.

Starting this term, volunteers that help out in the canteen will go into the draw to win a $50 voucher from Lime & Stone! Each time you volunteer is an extra chance to win.

Prize will be drawn on the last day of Term Three, Friday 26th September.

Please see the attached link to volunteer, every bit of help is greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Jane

HEALTH MATTERS

COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

 School Community,

We are excited to share that registrations are now open for the 2025–2026 season of Cumnock Little Athletics!Our club welcomes athletes from across Cumnock, Molong, Yeoval, and Manildra districts, with programs starting from as young as 3 years old through our Tiny Tots program. Our club offers a fun, inclusive, and encouraging environment where children of all abilities can participate in a variety of track and field events each week.Our weekly meets will be held on Monday evenings at 5:30pm at the Cumnock Memorial Oval, starting Monday 13 October. The season runs for 20 weeks (Term 4 and Term 1), and our Early Bird pricing is now available until 31 August. After this date, registration fees will increase by $10, so now is the perfect time to sign up!When broken down, the registration fee works out to around $5 per session, great value for an evening of fitness, fun, and personal growth.At Cumnock Little Athletics, we focus on:

• Building physical fitness and fundamental movement skills
• Encouraging sportsmanship, teamwork, and community spirit
• Supporting kids to set and achieve their own personal bests in a supportive, non-pressured environment

Please find a poster attached to send home with families and/or display in your school/centre. We would be so grateful if you could share this information with your school community, either in your newsletter, school noticeboard, or through social media. For more information or to register, families can visit our website or find us on Facebook at Cumnock Little Athletics. Thank you for helping us promote health, confidence, and community through grassroots sport. We look forward to welcoming families from your school to the track this season!

Warm regards,

Olivia Atkinson + Cassandra Roberts Secretary/s

Cumnock Little Athletics Committee

This year's SPARKE exhibition is on now at Orange Regional Gallery

Now in its sixth year, this annual program invites local primary school students to participate in the cultural life of their city though the creation of a large-scale art installation and associated learning programs.

Orange Regional Gallery is hosting this year's exhibition. The 2025 project theme of 'Mighty Minds/Mega Machines' asked students to invent their own imaginary machine and draw the plans to make it. Each artwork has become a cog in our collaborative mega-machine installation, a powerful expression of the innate creativity and exuberance of childhood.

Mighty Minds/Mega Machines is a collaborative art-making project developed by Orange Regional Gallery, Orange Regional Museum and the SPARKE network of local public primary schools. On show now at Orange Regional Gallery until 7 September 2025.