25th September, Week 10, Term 4

From Our Principal - Mrs Kristie Coster

Dear St Joseph’s Community,

This morning, I had the privilege of joining our Kinder, Stage 1, and Stage 2 students for a beautiful prayer celebration focused on God’s glorious creation and the gift of one another. Through prayer and reflection, we were reminded of Jesus’ teachings about love, kindness, and respect—values that help us build a warm, welcoming school community where everyone feels valued and where we all love to come each day. Our students used bubbles to send their special prayers up to God. A very big thank you to Jim and our Stage 1 teachers and students for this beautiful experience.

Over the past few weeks we have been incredibly proud of our students for finishing the term strong and consistently demonstrating the values of Respect and Self-Responsibility. Respect has been evident in the way students are speaking kindly to one another, showing care for their learning spaces, and listening to teachers and adults in our school. Self-responsibility has shone through in the way many children have persevered in their learning, even when challenges arise, and accepting responsibility for their behaviour choices. Their effort to uphold these values has contributed to a positive and enjoyable end-of-term, and we commend them for their hard work. Well done to all!

As Term 3 comes to a close, I want to take a moment to celebrate all the wonderful achievements and experiences we've shared.  From the exciting events like our Book Week, School Disco, Father’s Day Breakfast and sports gala days to the daily joys of learning and growing together, this term has been filled with memorable moments. I extend my heartfelt thanks to our dedicated staff, supportive parents, and, of course, our incredible students for making this term such a success.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for Term 4, which begins on Tuesday, October 14th. 

As we head into the holidays, let us take a moment for reflection and gratitude:

Heavenly Father,
We give thanks for the term that has passed,

for the learning, growth, and the strength of our school community that continues to support and inspire us each day.
Please watch over our school community during the holidays.
Grant us rest, joy, and safety as we spend time with our loved ones.
Guide us with Your wisdom and love, and bring us back together refreshed and ready for the new term.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Wishing you all a safe and enjoyable break, and we can't wait to see what the final term of the year has in store for us!

Kristie Coster

Assembly Awards

Mission News

Gospel Reflection- Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

A major theme in the Gospel of Luke is the importance of the care of the poor in the life of discipleship. In the parable found in this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus contrasts the life of a rich man and the poor man, Lazarus, who lives in the shadow of the rich man and his wealth. Both die. Lazarus finds himself in heaven; the rich man in the netherworld. The rich man asks for assistance from Lazarus in his torment. But Abraham reminds the rich man of the good things he had in his life and describes the current situation as a reversal of fortunes. The rich man then asks that Lazarus be sent to warn his family, but this is denied with the reminder that Moses and the prophets have warned of judgment for those who neglect the care of the poor.

The Mission of Jesus Christ in our School

The Foundational Values Framework has six areas of focus: Tradition, Worship, Evangelisation, Witness, Community and Service. This week’s Gospel Reflection relates to service. At St Joseph’s we have a strong focus on service with our students, teaching them the importance of Service both within our school community and beyond. One way that our students engage in Service is through visits to Baptist care. Our students enjoy this activity and can see the value their service adds to the lives of the people they visit with. 

Next Term our service focus will expand again (as it does in Term 4 each year) to include a donation drive to support Catholic Mission Sock it to Poverty and the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal.

Jubilee Year of Hope

On Wednesday November 5 we will host a celebration for the Jubilee year of Hope. The 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope invites everyone to share forgiveness, pray, and walk together, trusting God’s love to heal, renew, and help us daily. We will begin our celebration with a whole school Mass at 9.30am followed by a children’s pilgrimage after lunch. We look forward to sharing this celebration with our families and friends. 

Term 4 Save the Date

Wednesday November 5 9:30am-  Whole school Mass for the Jubilee Year of Hope 

Tuesday November 11- 10:45am Remembrance Day Liturgy

Monday December 8 9:30am- Whole School End of Year Mass

Monday December 15 6pm- Graduation Mass

Sports News

Intensive Swimming Week

Instructors from Richmond Valley Aquatics Swimming school will provide 40 minute intensive swimming sessions for each student. 

The first of these sessions will be on Monday 17th November and will continue each day until Friday 21st November. Students will change into swimmers at school before walking to the pool and will change back into school uniform once they return to school.

The cost per student is $10 this is heavily reduced due to the Sporting Schools Grant. 

Please see Compass for Event details and payment.

Stage 1 News

Stage 1 students have been engaging in a series of gentle, reflective activities designed to help them explore mindfulness and rest in God's presence. Through fun and thoughtful exercises such as mindfulness bingo, resting with God, exploring God's storybook, card making, and creating images of creation. 

Library News

A group visited the Village last Wednesday morning. The children helped with a craft activity and afterwards, playing Bingo. It is always a privilege to  visit the residents. We look forward to catching up again next term.

Thank you for continuing to  encourage children to borrow and taking time to read to them.  Enjoy the holidays!

                                                          Mrs Verrall

General Business

Happy Birthday to the following who have celebrated their birthday since our last newsletter:

Charlee O'Rourke, Maxx Mercer

Canteen News

Special Canteen - Friday 26th September Last day of Term 3 Hot Dog Special

1 x hot dog, 1 x popper (milk or juice), 1 x lolly bag           $6.00

We are looking for new volunteers to fill our Term 4 roster, if you could please contact Donna 66832248 if you would like to added.