Term Three - Week 4

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

The Assumption

Apocalypse 11:19; 12:1-6, 10. The queen stands at your right hand, arrayed in gold – Ps 44(45):10-12, 16. 1 Corinthians 15:20-26. Luke 1:39-56.

God is at work in us

Mary’s Assumption into heaven contains many riches for us. It is a celebration of Mary sharing in the risen life of Christ, and also a reminder of the baptismal calling for each of us to enter into the life of Christ and be bearers of that life for others. God wants to do great things for all of us too. God who has begun a good work among us will bring it to completion. We can see this in Mary. She set out as quickly as she could to see her cousin Elizabeth and stayed with her to help out. Whenever we also set out to be kind and loving to others, whenever we bring God with us to each encounter with another, God is at work in us. May we always be open to God’s work in us, that it may be brought to completion like it was for Mary.

SCHOOL NEWS

Christmas Art Competition – Celebrating Creativity and Talent

Our annual Christmas Art Competition is one of the most anticipated and prestigious events on our school calendar, providing a wonderful opportunity to showcase the incredible artistic talents of our students. Each year, the standard of work continues to amaze, with students pouring their creativity, skill, and personal expression into their pieces.

This year’s winners are:

• Principal’s Award – Peter Fletcher

• Student Choice Award – Bill Ostini and Dustin Lawrence

• Year 6: 1st – Georgie Bowman, 2nd – Bella Murray, 3rd – Torsten Ellis, Highly Commended – Bella Dinsdale

• Year 5: 1st – Adelyn Wood, 2nd – Bella Bowman, 3rd – Henry King, Highly Commended – Alex Bennett

• Creative Spirit Award – Guy Shannon

• Writing Awards – Jaxx Neville, Adelyn Wood, and Torsten Ellis

We are also delighted to announce that 12 outstanding artworks have been selected to represent our school at the Bathurst Diocesan Art Competition. Those students will receive further details about the prize ceremony in the coming weeks.

Congratulations to all our winners and participants – your creativity and hard work have made this year’s competition truly inspiring.

Camp Quality Concert

On Tuesday we were fortunate to have Camp Quality visit and perform a show called “Brave Ariel”. It's about a girl called Ariel who has a brain tumour and the journey she goes through with her big brother Tom. Leaving thor home on the farm and moving to the city where her treatment will take place, they have to start fresh at a new school, with new teachers, new friends. The interactive puppetry taught the children lots of facts about cancer and the importance of hope and acceptance. It was a fabulous show and all the St Josephs children enjoyed the performance as well as leant interesting facts such as cancer is not contagious, that you can make a recovery from cancer and that good nutrition, exercise and being sun safe are ways we can look after bodies.

Miss Fulwood

Over the past four weeks Miss Fulwood has taught Year Four while Miss Kerwick has been jet setting around the world. Jesse has done a wonderful job with the class. She has been a welcome addition to our school community. We thank Jesse for her hard work over the past month and we will really miss her at St Joseph’s. Miss Kerwick will return to school next Monday, 18th August. 

Student of the Week

Book Week

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

CRAFT CLUB

MOLONG ANNUAL SHOW DAY

Molong show will be held on Saturday 6th September. The show has many competitions to enter in, here are some that are great for kids:

Colouring Competition, click on the links for more information.

Needlework

Art

Craft

As well as many more to enter yourself or your children into. For more information about the show, sections and competitions click the link below that will take you to the Molong Show page.

ST JOEY'S COOKING CLUB

Cooking Club Update

This week, the Cooking Club was a hit with students once again. On Tuesday, they enjoyed delicious toasted cheese sandwiches—a crowd favorite that had many students chanting “toasties, toasties, toasties” in anticipation!

Then on Thursday, during recess, Bill, Gordon, Mason, and Bella prepared a hearty mac and cheese with a twist—purple broccoli freshly harvested from our very own school veggie garden. The dish was served at lunchtime and enjoyed by both students and staff alike.

SPORTS NEWS

Southern Region Athletics

Last Friday, St Joseph’s hosted the Southern Region Athletics Carnival in Cowra. Huge thanks to Mrs Reid for all she did in her organisation in the lead up to the carnival and for all her hard work on the day. The carnival ran very smoothly and this would not have been possible without Mrs Reid.

St Joseph’s students performed very well on the day, especially:

Lewis Elliott - 1st 800m, 3rd 1500m

Sinclair Dowling - 3rd 800m

Gil Dowling - 1st 800m, 1st 1500m),

Lotte Craig (3rd 100m),

Louie Ostini - 3rd 100m, 1st Long Jump

Bill Ostini - 2nd 100m, 3rd Long Jump, 3rd Discuss

Nash Jeffries - 2nd 1500m

Bryson Elliott -2nd 1500m

Lacey Murphy - 3rd Discus

Lachy Haynes - 2nd High Jump

These students will now advance to the Diocesan Athletics Carnival at Barden Park in Dubbo, next Friday, 22nd August. Congratulations on this wonderful achievement.

FROM THE REC

Year 1 Religion

In Year 1 Religion, students have been exploring stories from both the Old and New Testaments. One story they focused on, The Parable of the Yeast from the Gospel of Matthew, is a simple one-liner with profound meaning. It beautifully illustrates the hidden and all-pervasive nature of the Kingdom of God. Just as yeast spreads through dough unseen, so too is God's Kingdom present throughout our world and in our lives.

To deepen their understanding, Year 1 students made their own bread—bringing the parable to life in a hands-on and memorable way!

The Assumption of Mary – 15th August

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary, a special feast day in our Church. On this day, we remember and honour the moment when Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken body and soul into Heaven at the end of her earthly life.

This feast reminds us of Mary's deep faith, her trust in God, and the important role she played in God's plan. The Assumption gives us hope that, like Mary, we too are called to eternal life with God.

Students in Years 3-6 travelled to James Sheahan today to gather with staff and students from St Mary’s Orange, Catherine McCauley Orange, James Sheahan Orange and St Joseph’s Manildra, celebrating this holy day of obligation with prayer and reflection, asking Mary to guide us in living lives of kindness, courage, and faith.

Mary, Mother of God – pray for us.
Mary assumed into Heaven – pray for us.

Upcoming Masses:

• Wednesday, 20th August, 9:30am - Infants Mass

• Wednesday, 27th August, 9:30am - Primary Mass

Miss Woodhouse

Religious Education Coordinator

STUDENT WELLBEING

Bullying No Way: National Week of Action

Anti-Bullying Week 2025 – Together Against Bullying

Dear Parents and Carers,
This week marks Anti-Bullying Week in NSW (Monday 11 – Friday 15 August 2025) — a time for all schools to reflect, educate, and take action against bullying in all its forms. At St Joseph’s, we are proud to stand together in promoting kindness, respect, and inclusion across our school community.

The theme this year is “Kindness Takes Courage”, reminding us that it takes strength to stand up, speak out, and support one another. Whether it’s in the classroom, on the playground, or online, every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and connected.

Throughout the week, students will engage in a variety of age-appropriate activities in the resilience project lessons including:

• Classroom discussions and storytelling that build empathy and emotional awareness
  
  
• Role-playing scenarios to practice assertiveness and respectful communication
  
  
• Art and poster-making to promote kindness and inclusivity
  
  

We also take this opportunity to remind families of our school’s zero tolerance for bullying and the supportive steps we have in place for students who need help. If your child ever feels unsafe or unsure, please encourage them to speak with a teacher or trusted adult. Together, we can ensure every child has the confidence to speak up and the support to thrive.

Your involvement as parents is key to reinforcing these messages at home. Chat to your child this week about what bullying is, what they can do if they see or experience it, and the power of choosing kindness each day.

Let’s continue to build a school culture where everyone belongs.

Someone to talk to now for children and young people

If you want to talk to someone about what's happening, you can contact the providers below.

Kids Helpline

Private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5–25.

• Free call 1800 55

headspace

Free online and phone support and counselling to young people 12–25, their families and friends.

Someone to talk to now for parents and caregivers

If you have specific concerns about your child at school, contact the class teacher or principal.

If you want to speak to someone else about your child now, you can contact the parent line in your area for support from outside the school.

New South Wales

1300 130 052 (cost of a local call)
9am to 9pm, Monday to Friday
4pm to 9pm, Saturday and Sunday

P & F / CANTEEN NEWS

HEALTH MATTERS

COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

Orange CYMS Cricket Club runs two Blasters programs in Molong:

- Junior Blasters: Fun drills and games to build basic skills. Aimed at kids aged 4-6.

- Master Blasters: Modified and safe matches for kids who have the ability to bowl with a straight arm and hit a moving ball. Aimed at kids aged 7-9.

Both programs will be held at 3.30pm on Thursday afternoons. The programs run for 5 weeks in term 4 of the 2025 school year, and 5 weeks in term 1 of the 2026 school year. Blasters programs are priced at $110, which includes all required clothing and equipment, as well as insurance coverage.

The first 100 players registered this season will receive a $50 registration refund, thanks to McDonald's Orange and Cowra. NSW Government Active Kids Vouchers (valued at $50) can also be used when registering.

 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.