Term One Week Seven
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
Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13, 17-28. Remember the marvels the Lord has done –
Ps 104(105):16-21. Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46.
The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone
Pope Francis was not always seen as the wise, joyful, loving and beloved leader he has become. As Jorge Bergoglio SJ, there were years of darkness, difficulty and struggle. He was seen by some as a divisive, remote person. Under Pinochet’s regime, he risked his life to help people escape Argentina.
He walked among the poor, shared their meals, travelled by bus, paid his bills. He spoke prophetically, read, studied, deepened in prayer and lived Ignatian spirituality until it became his reality, his lens on the world.
His election as Pope coalesced every part of his personality and life history. It was as if this was what he had been born to become. Joy radiates from him. He visits and gives hope to those living in poor and war-torn countries. He is guiding us to be a Church where we speak freely, welcome and listen to each other and walk together into a new reality.
SCHOOL NEWS
St Joseph’s Day
On Wednesday we travelled to St Columba’s in Yeoval to celebrate St Joseph’s Day, our school’s Patron Saint. We were joined by children and staff from St Joseph’s Eugowra, St Joseph’s Manildra and the children, staff and families from St Columba’s. Fr Augustine celebrated a beautiful Mass for St Joseph. After Mass the children participated in activities including, paper plane making, cooking, craft and sports. Once the activities were completed we enjoyed a BBQ lunch.
Thank you to Mr Corben, the staff and the wonderful parents at St Columba's for hosting and for making the day very special.
St Joseph's Day Gallery
Young Leaders Excursion
On Monday, 24th March, Year 6 will travel to Sydney to attend 'The National Young Leaders Day' they will stay overnight in the city and be accompanied by Mr French and Mrs Townsend. We look forward to hearing about the amazing guest speakers and their time in Sydney when they return.
James Sheahan - BRING IT ON Production
Next Friday 28th March, Year 5/6 will travel by bus to Orange to watch the James Sheahan Production at Orange Civic Theatre. Please make sure you have given consent on Compass for your child to attend. If you child is attending the Winter Sports Trials on the same day please decline this event on Compass.
Parent Teacher Interviews
Parent Teacher Interview will be held in the school hall Tuesday, 1st and Wednesday, 2nd April 2025.
Booking via COMPASS will go live on Friday afternoon. Click on Conferences to book.
Attendance/ Late Arrival Sign in
Over the past few weeks there have been a number of children arriving late to school and not being signed in. If your child arrives after 8:55am (Once the bell has gone) they must be signed in at the school office by their parents or the person dropping them to school.
Non Attendance Notes
If your child misses school due to illness, medical appointments, travel etc, you must complete the non attendance note in COMPASS. This must be done within seven days of the absence from school.
2025 Technology Policy & Parent/Community Charter
Thank you to those who have accepted the policies through COMPASS. If you are yet to complete them, please open your COMPASS app, click on the 3 lines then go to Course Confirmation. Please complete the 2 items and discuss the Technology policy with your child. If you have any issues, please don't hesitate to contact the School Office on 6366 8306.
Pupil Free Day
Reminder: Wednesday, 26th March is a Pupil Free day. Staff will attend a Professional Development day focusing on the new English Syllabus.
Crafting Schedule 2025
Volunteers: Below is a guide of what we may be doing in the coming weeks. Kinder to Year 2 come on Wednesdays, 1:25 - 2pm, students in Years 3 - 6 are welcome on Fridays, 1:25 - 2pm. Any assistance would be appreciated!! You can just turn up when it suits you, it may be wise to ring the office in the morning to check there are no special events on that day, and to let me know to expect you!
Many Thanks
Mrs Jennie Corben.
BOOK CLUB CLOSES ON MONDAY
Please make sure you have your orders in by then.
There is no expectation for you to order any books.
If you choose to order please use the online LOOP ordering system. We will not be accepting any cash orders at school.
The Book Club LOOP ordering system link is below.
Student of the Week
SPORTS NEWS
Winter Sports Trials
A number of students from Year Five and Year Six will attend the Diocesan Winter Sports Trials in Bathurst next Friday, 28th March. If successful, students will represent the Diocese of Bathurst in the chosen sport at the Polding trials later in the year.
Rugby Union trials will take place in May. Information regarding these trials will be sent home closer to the date.
Cross Country
School Cross Country will be held at the Molong Golf Club on Monday, 7th April. Details will be sent home in the coming weeks. Diocesan Cross Country will be held at Coolah on Tuesday, 6th May.
School Athletics Carnival
St Joseph’s Athletics Carnival will be held on Monday, 19th May. Southern Region Athletics will be held on Friday, 1st August. We are hosting the carnival this year. Planning will begin in Term Two.
EMMY Athletics
St Joseph’s will rejoin the EMMY (Eugowra, Manildra, Molong, Yeoval) Athletics Carnival again this year. Our students will compete in their sporting house groups as Yuranigh and MacKillop.
The carnival will be held on Friday, 13th June in Manildra.
FROM THE REC
Project Compassion (Caritas Australia)
As a reminder, during Lent, we are actively fundraising for Project Compassion through our classroom fundraising competition. Each classroom has a Project Compassion box on its prayer space, and an additional box is available on the office prayer table. Our school fundraising page also remains active. Find the link below.
By contributing, we come together as a school community to support those in need, turning our compassion into a powerful force for change.
Where does the money go? Read Lam’s story below to see the impact your generosity can make!
Lam’s Story
Growing up in rural Vietnam, Lam dreamed of becoming a graphic artist, but his physical disability made career opportunities limited. While his peers went to university, Lam stayed at home, feeling isolated and disconnected from his ambitions.
Everything changed when he joined the I-SHINE program, supported by Caritas Australia and Catholic Relief Services (CRS). Lam enrolled in an IT Technician training course in Da Nang, gaining valuable skills and rebuilding his confidence. Despite initial challenges, he embraced the opportunity and worked hard to achieve his dream.
Now, Lam runs a successful freelance graphic design business, earning a stable income and inspiring others in his community.
“I'm most proud of being less dependent on my parents. They can finally relax knowing I’ve found a fulfilling career,” Lam said.
Lam’s story highlights the power of opportunity and support. With your help, Project Compassion can continue changing lives for people like Lam worldwide.
Upcoming Masses:
- Week 8: No Mass due to Pupil Free Day
- Week 9: Primary Mass (Wednesday, 2nd April 9:30am)
Miss Taylah Woodhouse
Religious Education Coordinator
STUDENT WELLBEING
Embracing Differences: Celebrating Neurodiversity Week 2025
This week is neurodiversity week. Did you know that…..
1 in 7 people are neurodivergent, which means a significant portion of our peers may think and learn differently than others.
Neurodivergent individuals often excel in areas such as creativity, pattern recognition, and innovative problem-solving.
Research indicates that creating inclusive environments not only supports neurodivergent individuals but also enhances overall group performance. When diverse minds come together, creativity and innovation flourish.
P & F / CANTEEN NEWS
HEALTH MATTERS
COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
