Term Two - Week Ten
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 Elizabeth of Portugal
Genesis 23:1-4, 19; 24:1-8, 62-67. Give thanks to the Lord for he is good – Ps 105(106):1-5. Matthew 9:9-13.
Blessed are the peacemakers
Today, the citizens of the US celebrate their independence. Sometimes I think we should also have days to celebrate our interdependence: our inherent bond with every member of God’s family. We all share the same dignity. Our connection with others, regardless of wealth or nation, is a door through which God’s grace enters the world. Today is also the feast of Elizabeth of Portugal, a queen who lived in the Middle Ages. She is remembered as a person whose deep faith was found in her concern for the sick and poor. On one occasion, riding a humble donkey, she positioned herself between two opposing armies on a battlefield to prevent them fighting. One army was led by her husband, King Denis, and the other by her son, Alfonso. They were both driven by anger. In contrast, she was motivated by the words of Jesus, ‘blessed are the peacemakers’. We should pray that such leaders may emerge in our time. Jesus says, ‘what I want is mercy’.
SCHOOL NEWS
End of Term
As Term Two comes to an end, we wish you a happy and safe break from school. Thank you for your support throughout the term. We look forward to seeing you in term three. All students and staff return to school on Monday, 21st July.
Miss Kerwick
Miss Kerwick will be on leave from Monday, 21st July until Friday, 15th August (Weeks 1-4).
We wish Olivia all the best and safe travels as explores the UK and Europe. Miss Jesse Fulwood will teach Year Four in Miss Kerwick’s absence.
Positive Reinforcement
As part of our Behavioral program at St Joseph’s, there will be a more transparent focus on Positive Reinforcement. A number of changes will be put in place. These changes include Principal Awards and notifications regarding positive behaviors via COMPASS.
These awards and notifications will be based on the following categories:
Upholding the Values of our school, Consistency and Effort in the classroom and Academic Success.
Principal Awards will be awarded twice a term, whilst Positive COMPASS notifications will be sent home when children achieve in one of the above categories.
The following children, who have received awards for the end of term two, have received a Principal’s sticker on their reports:
Upholding the Values of our School
Kinder- Elsie Meade
Year 1- May Elliott
Year 2- Lotte Craig
Year 3- Mila Livingstone
Year 4- Lacey Murphy
Year 5- Henry King
Year 6- Bryson Elliott
Consistency and Effort in the Classroom
Kinder- Skyla Urban
Year 1- Frieda Druve
Year 2- Quinnie Ewin
Year 3- Josephine Clayton
Year 4- Lachlan Haynes
Year 5- Adelyn wood
Year 6- Bella Murray
Academic Success
Kinder- Bentley Jefferies
Year 1- Nylah Harper
Year 2- Alexander Barrett
Year 3- Archie Sullivan
Year 4- Huon May
Year 5- Bella Bowman
Year 6- Georgie Bowman
Student of the Week
SPORTS NEWS
Polding Rugby Union
This week Peter Fletcher and Guy Shannon represented the Diocese of Bathurst in the Polding Rugby Championship in Forbes. Both boys played their hearts out. Peter and Guy had a great day out with new friendships and connections made with their Bathurst team mates. Congratulations to both Peter and Guy.
Rugby Gala Day
The Rugby Gala Day will be held on Thursday 24th July. There could be a change of venue. We will keep you updated as information comes to hand.
Southern Region Athletics
As stated in previous newsletters, St Joseph’s is hosting the Southern Region Athletics Carnival in Canowindra on Friday, 1st August. In the coming weeks we will call for volunteers to help on the day. Notes Have been sent home with students who have advanced to the Southern Region Carnival.
COOKING CLUB
FROM THE REC
Year 6 Religion Test
Our Year 6 students recently completed the Religious Education Test, which assesses each student’s religious literacy across the key areas of:
- Beliefs
- Church
- Sacraments
- Scripture
- Prayer and Liturgy
We are proud to share that our students engaged thoughtfully and respectfully with the test, demonstrating a solid understanding of their Catholic faith and traditions.
Congratulations to our Year 6 students on the following results: Dustin Lawrence and Bryson Elliott achieved Distinction. Georgie Bowman, Bella Murray and Torsten Ellis achieved Credit. Bella Dinsdale, Lane Eusebio and Peter Fletcher achieved Participation.
Well done on wonderful efforts and results!
Connect@Home!
Discover Connect@home – A Daily Companion in Faith
Have you heard of Connect@home? Many haven’t – but once discovered, it quickly becomes a treasured part of the day.
One parishioner recently shared:
“I now receive it and read it daily. I am most impressed by the short reflections written by our clergy. They are brief, to the point, and thought‑provoking… Connect@home has been a best‑kept secret – I can't ever recall reading about it in a Church bulletin.”
Connect@home is a daily email from the Diocese of Bathurst offering a short, meaningful reflection written by local clergy. It’s especially appreciated by those who may not be able to attend Mass regularly but still want to stay connected with the faith community.
Whether you're housebound, busy with life, or simply looking for a moment of spiritual reflection – Connect@home is for you.
Sign up today by visiting the link below
Miss Woodhouse
Religious Education Coordinator
STUDENT WELLBEING
AI and The Digital generation parent webinar
Please see the attached information for the CNA funded Parent Webinar on AI and Digital Generation run by the CyberSafety project on Monday 11th August 7:30pm. It will max at 1,000 live participants, though the registration will handle beyond this for on-demand access to the webinar for 21 days post session.
Wellness Survey
A big thank you to those families who completed the survey. The staff will discuss recommendations at staff meetings and look to implement ideas and strategies suggested by families. If you are still to complete the survey please send it in with students this week.
🌿 What We’re Doing Well
Families highlighted several strengths:
- Strong emotional support: Most parents feel their child is emotionally supported at school.
- Staff care and connection: Families appreciate how well staff know and understand students.
- Use of wellbeing supports: The Wellness Hub, school counsellor, Resilience Project, and tailored learning spaces were frequently mentioned.
- Positive culture: Faith learning, regular communication, mini-lit programs, and activities like fruit breaks all contribute to a supportive atmosphere.
🔎 Areas to Keep Focusing On
Some families noted specific areas that need continued attention:
- Social and emotional development: Concerns such as anxiety, social connection, and forming friendships were mentioned.
- Inclusion: While many children feel included, some parents shared that their child only “sometimes” feels connected.
- Confidence, emotional regulation, and self-esteem: These were mentioned as areas where more support could help.
- Communication: Some families expressed a need for clearer information on events (e.g. clothing days, expectations).
💡 Suggestions & Ideas from Families
Parents would like to see:
- More social skills and mindfulness programs
- Healthy eating and physical activity opportunities
- Workshops for parents on wellbeing and mental health
- New ideas like a breakfast club, more movement-based activities during wet weather
📊 Other Key Insights
- Interest in wellness programs: Parents are open to ideas like mindfulness, fitness clubs, and healthy eating programs.
- Weekly student wellness surveys: Some interest was expressed in expanding the Year 5–6 wellness check-ins to all year levels.
- Counselling support: While not all families feel their child needs counselling, many are aware of the service and feel comfortable accessing support.
- Hardship support: A number of families indicated they are experiencing some form of challenge. Please contact Mr French either in person or via email m.french@bth.catholic.edu.au or phone 0263668306.These matters are completely confidential and no family should ever feel they cannot come and discuss ways we can help.
🧭 Next Steps
In response to your feedback, we will:
- Continue through councillor social-emotional programs, including mindfulness, friendship, and resilience initiatives.
- Explore ways to increase communication clarity around events and expectations.
- Consider more wellness initiatives like breakfast clubs or indoor movement activities on wet days.
- Ensure support remains available for families facing challenges — financial, emotional, or otherwise.
Together, we’ll keep building a school environment where every child feels valued, connected, and supported.
I hope everyone has a relaxing and well deserved holiday.
Anna Bowman
P & F / CANTEEN NEWS
Dear Parents, Carers and Friends,
The P&F would like to wish all staff and students a safe and happy mid year holiday break.
Many thanks to all for supporting our events in Term 2, The Pie Drive and The Street Stall. These two events together raised just over $3,000. Some of this money has already been utilized to purchase the buddy benches which are sitting proudly in the playground.
Thanks to all those who baked for and worked on the street stall and to Tom and Kirsty Evans for their kind donation of firewood for the raffle.
The second half of the year will see the P&F plan for catering at the Molong Players which is a big fundraiser for the school. Please mark the date in your diary – Saturday 25th October – as we need lots of volunteers and helpers to make the event work. It’s a fun night and is an excellent way to get to know other parents and friends of the school. Nothing like dishing up 200 roast dinners at speed!
Finally, a big thankyou to everyone for supporting the canteen through the first half of the year and to all the volunteers who jumped in each Friday to serve up delicious lunches for the kids. The kids love it and we greatly appreciate the support. The canteen provides significant ongoing revenue for the P&F. Please consider helping out where you can as we always need willing volunteers each week. All money goes back to supporting the students and staff and bolsters the wonderful school community we all treasure at Joeys.
HEALTH MATTERS
COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
