Term 2 Week 10

What's on at St Joey's

Principal's Messages

Dear Families,

As we wrap up an energetic and fulfilling semester, there is so much to celebrate across our St Joseph’s Charlestown community. However, the up and coming holidays remind us all of the importance of Downtime.

The Importance of Downtime for Children: Downtime for kids is unstructured time where they can relax, recharge, and engage in activities of their own choosing without external direction. It's essential for their cognitive development, emotional well-being, and creativity. Downtime allows children to process information, regulate emotions, and develop essential life skills like problem-solving and independence. 

Benefits of Downtime:

• Cognitive Development: Downtime allows children's brains to consolidate memories, which is crucial for learning and retention.
• Emotional Regulation: It helps children manage stress, process emotions, and prevent burnout.
• Creativity and Imagination: Unstructured play during downtime fosters creativity, imagination, and self-discovery.
• Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: Downtime provides opportunities for children to explore, experiment, and learn to make their own choices. 
• Independence: It allows children to pursue their interests and passions autonomously. 
• Reduced Stress: Downtime helps kids step away from obligations and find time for relaxation, reducing stress levels. 

A little boredom isn’t a bad thing—it actually sparks imagination and problem-solving. By protecting quiet, unstructured time in their week, we help children feel more balanced, happy, and ready to learn. Regular unscheduled time helps maintain mental health and supports balanced achievement. Sometimes, saying no to one more activity is a gift. Let’s remember that being busy isn’t always better—and that rest is part of healthy growth.

Practical Tips for Parents:

• Assess total weekly activity load—prioritise sleep and one "do-nothing" afternoon.
• Watch for signs of stress: irritability, mood swings, exhaustion.
• Discuss with your child. Ask how they feel.

As we approach the school holidays, it's a perfect time to reflect on one of the most important skills for children’s wellbeing— self-regulation. Self-regulation is a child’s ability to understand and manage their emotions, behaviours, and attention. It helps students stay calm when they’re frustrated, wait their turn, follow instructions, and bounce back after setbacks. These skills are essential not just for learning in the classroom, but also for building positive friendships and handling everyday challenges. Like any skill, self-regulation develops with time, support, and practice — and the school holidays offer a great opportunity to strengthen it at home.

Holiday Ideas to Build Self-Regulation: Here are some fun and practical ways to support self-regulation over the break:

• Play board games and card games: These help children practice waiting, turn-taking, and managing emotions like excitement or disappointment.
• Mindful moments: Try simple breathing exercises, yoga for kids, or guided meditations to help build calm and focus.
• Outdoor adventures: Walking, riding bikes, and nature play can burn off energy, reduce stress, and support self-regulation naturally.
• Creative play: Drawing, building, acting out stories, or making music which helps to express emotions and practice persistence.
• Reading together: Talking about how characters feel, and act helps children recognise emotions and problem-solve.

Parent-Teacher Interviews – Strengthening Partnerships
Last week we welcomed families into the school for our Semester 1 Parent-Teacher Interviews. These conversations are such a valuable way to deepen the partnership between home and school, and it was wonderful to see so many meaningful and affirming discussions taking place. Thank you to all our parents and carers for making the time to connect with teachers and support your child’s learning. We are proud of the growth our students have shown and grateful for the continued support and engagement of our families. Together, we are shaping a nurturing, faith-filled learning environment where every child can thrive.

As we head into the July school holidays, I hope all our students and families enjoy a well-earned break. This is a wonderful time to rest, recharge, and enjoy a slower pace away from the usual school routine. Whether you're travelling, spending time with loved ones, or simply relaxing at home, may the holidays bring joy, connection, and a chance to reset before the new term begins. 

Warm regards,

Kathryn Hill

Assistant Principal

As Term 2 comes to a close, I want to take a moment to thank the school community for the warm welcome and support I’ve received during my time here. It’s been a privilege to serve as Assistant Principal while on secondment, and I’ve really appreciated the opportunity to work alongside such dedicated staff, students, and families.

I’ve enjoyed being part of the many learning experiences and events that have taken place this term. The strong sense of community and commitment to student growth has been clear in everything we’ve done.

As I return to my substantive role, I leave with a sense of gratitude and respect for the work happening here every day. Thank you again for making me feel so welcome.

Wishing everyone a safe and restful break.

Warm regards,

Maryanne Hacker
Assistant Principal

News from the Religious Coordinator

Grandparents Day Celebration and Book Fair

Dear Families

This year we will combine our Grandparents’ celebration with our Book Week Book Fair. The Day will be celebrated on Wednesday 30^th July. 

1. Families are welcome to visit the library before school to purchase from the book fair.
2. The Book Fair will remain open from 9:00am until 10:15am.
3. At 10:15 we will celebrate a whole school liturgy on tar.
4. At approximately 10:45am when the liturgy ends families are welcome to visit classrooms and to visit the Book Fair.
5. Lunch will be at 11:30am and grandparents are welcome to stay for a picnic lunch.
6. During lunch the Book Fair will remain open.

We hope you can join us for this whole school celebration.

God Bless,

Clare Paff, Religious Education Coordinator

Primary Coordinator

PB4L Focus: Include Others
At St Joseph’s we are living like Jesus when we include others in games and experiences. Using kind words and being fair helps us remember that everyone has the right to be included. We have been talking about this concept over the last fortnight. Students have opportunities to include others in group work, on the playground and even in the Athletics Carnival.
Some examples of including others are:
• Inviting others to play in games and activities
• Not excluding others in games or play
• Sharing resources, eg. PE equipment, toys, textas/pencils
• Being fair with team choices and letting everyone join in
• Being a good sport
• Knowing that you need to be respectful and friendly even if you are not friends with all your classmates.
• Being an upstander (standing up for others) if you see others being excluded, even if you are not directly involved. Remember: being a bystander is watching but not saying anything and can indirectly exclude others.
Including others is an important part of feeling we belong to the St. Joseph’s school community. Student-led clubs are a wonderful way to include others from different grades at lunch and recess, and recently the Year 4 initiatives of a Rocket Science Club and Kids Club have really taken off!
Have a restful holiday break,
Frances Courtney

Office of Safeguarding

School Improvement Plan

2025 School Improvement: At St Joseph’s, we are committed to continuous improvement and growth in all areas of school life. In 2025, we will be focusing on our three School Improvement Goals, which will guide our efforts to enhance student learning, well-being, and engagement, ensuring the best possible outcomes for all.

Fees

Dear Families,

We hope this message finds you well.

Firstly, we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all families who have already finalised their annual school fees, your promptness and support are truly appreciated.

We also want to thank all families who are continuing with their regular payments, your ongoing commitment plays a vital role in supporting our school community.

As a reminder, today is the final day to pay the annual school fee. If you're unable to make the full annual payment, please contact the school office to change to weekly or fortnightly.

Thank you again for your continued support.

Amale Yi

HUB News

PRC 2025

Student Logins:

Please reach out to Mrs Gibson or Mrs Hoffmann if you would like your child to bring home their PRC login details and if you experience any issues with logging in.

An update of students who have completed the challenge so far in 2025:

Congratulations to the following students who have recently finished the PRC. These students have had their names added to the PRC display in the library and received their Gotcha ticket.

Elise M KB, Maxon N 5R, Claire M 2B, Emilia K 3B, Amy D 4B, Matilda G 4B, Emily M 4R and Olive H 5B.

Overdue Notices:

Library overdue notices are being sent home in Week 9. We greatly appreciate these books being returned promptly. Thank you!

Book Week:

Please see the attached information about our Book Week celebrations coming up early next term, Week 2 28-31 July. The theme for Book Week is ‘Book an Adventure’, which lends itself to endless costume options!

Happy reading!

Mrs Gibson – Teacher Librarian

Mrs Hoffmann – Library Assistant

Class News

PSSA Championships

Big congratulations to Cora P who participated in the PSSA Basketball Championships. 

Polding came 6th overall. They did so well against some incredibly tough competition!

Aboriginal Education

NAIDOC 2025
The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy
As we enter 2025, NAIDOC Week marks 50 years of honouring Indigenous voices, culture, and resilience.
This year’s theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy,” celebrates both the achievements of the past and the promise of the future—led by young leaders, shaped by community vision, and grounded in ancestral legacy.
What began as a movement for rights and recognition has become a powerful national celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander strength. As we reflect on this 50-year journey, we also look forward—guided by our Elders and committed to a future where Indigenous voices lead the way.
In 2025, the National NAIDOC Committee takes a vital step toward independence, embracing self-determination to inspire the next generation. With every story, tradition, and act of resilience, we honour a legacy that stretches from the past into the future.
This NAIDOC Week, we celebrate not just a milestone, but a growing movement—driven by community, inspired by vision, and carried forward by those who will shape what comes next.

Official NAIDOC Artwork. ‘Ancestral Lines’
Artist Jeremy Morgan Worrall
“Ancestral Lines is a visual representation of the lines and ties that follow a generation and the songs that come with it.
When I think of the next generation I think towards my Ancestor Lucy Wright, Enoch Wright, Nonie Wright, all the way from my Nanna Audrie to my Mother Vanessa.
When I look back at my mob it helps me see towards the future, it gives me hope and strength knowing what my mob have survived through and accomplished amid adversity.
Each person in the painting depicts a series of lines akin to songlines, that represent what they know, who they were and what they have passed on, the first being that of lore (interpretive), hunting, protecting, and tracking, the second of care, weaving, fishing, and love.
The third is when we see the two combine into one, and the last two take unfinished elements of them all, to show the passing down of knowledge and care.
Above them is the essence of the land they live and protect/care for. It is a depiction of my home the cold skies of Tenterfield with the swirling clouds and giant moon, a place around the fire is where the next Generation find their strength, vision and legacy”.
-Jeremy Morgan Worrall (artist)

The staff, students and St Joseph’s community are proud to honor and celebrate NAIDOC 2025 with another amazing NAIDOC day on Wednesday 6th August
Parents and friends are warmly invited to join us for the Morning Ceremony (9am – 9:30am) and Closing Ceremony (2:20pm-2:50pm).
We also extend heartfelt thanks to all families who have supported our tireless fundraising efforts to provide our students with another amazing NAIDOC day. Our McDonald’s Family Fun Night was a huge success, and students have loved munching on zoopa doopas each Monday and Tuesday lunch times. Last minute tickets are still available for purchase on QKR to go in the running to win some awesome prizes with our NAIDOC raffle.

Ticket sales close at 3pm today!! Our raffle will be drawn on Wednesday. Good luck!!

A big thanks to the below businesses who have very generously donated to our NAIDOC raffle
• Anaconda Bennetts Green
• BCF Bennetts Green
• Dullboys Warners Bay
• Harvey Norman Bennetts Green
• Hoyts Charlestown
• Kmart Kotara
• McDonald’s Charlestown
• Office Works Kotara
• Office Works Warners Bay
• William’s Chemist Charlestown
• Wilson’s Chemist Adamstown
We also thank the below businesses who have donated items to be used in our NAIDOC workshops
• Bunnings Bennetts Green
• Bunnings Kotara
• Office Works Kotara
• Office Works Warners Bay

Significant Cultural Events
Sunday 6th to Sunday 13th July: NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) Week recognises the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. You can support and get to know
your local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities through activities and events held across the country.
Click HERE for more information
12th July: Anniversary of the Australian Aboriginal Flag
The Aboriginal flag was first raised on 12 July 1971 on National Aborigine’s Day (a precursor to NAIDOC week) in Victoria Square, Adelaide.
The flag become a recognisable symbol of the Aboriginal people of Australia and is flown during NAIDOC Week and Reconciliation Week.
The Australian Aboriginal flag was officially declared a proclaimed flag of Australia on 14 July 1995, which means it holds special political and legal status.
Click HERE for more information

Happy Birthday to the following students

We wish the following students a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Story Dogs

Hall Of Fame

We love celebrating the achievements of our students both in and out of the classroom! If your child has recently accomplished something special in sports or any extracurricular activity, we encourage you to share their success with us. Whether it's a competition, performance, or personal milestone, we'd be thrilled to feature their accomplishments in our school newsletter. Please let us know so we can celebrate their hard work and dedication!

St Joseph’s Stars Shine in Moana the Musical!

Over the weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the Moana musical produced by The Hive in Charlestown—and what a spectacular performance it was! St Joseph’s was proudly represented by our very own Anna and Billie, who lit up the stage with their talent, confidence and joy. I brought along my four-year-old niece, and we were both absolutely captivated from the beginning to end. The production was vibrant, heartfelt and filled with energy—made all the more special by seeing familiar faces shining so brightly on stage. Congratulations to Anna, Billie and all involved on a truly impressive show!

Warm regards,

Kathryn Hill

FACE - Family and Community Engagement

Triple P Positive Parenting Program

Did you know that you can do FREE online parenting courses through Triple P Positive Parenting Programs? 

Triple P can help support parents with strategies to manage everyday challenges. There is also now a specific program for parents of neurodivergent children (ASD or ADHD) called Stepping Stones Triple P and offers effective parenting strategies to support your child’s behaviour, wellbeing and unique development.

Stepping Stones Triple P Online | Triple P

There are also lots of parenting resources, articles, and information to help during those tricky parenting times.

This program is currently funded by the Australian Government for all Australian parents to access.  It is research based and provides the most up to date current strategies for parents of babies through to teens.  It’s easy to sign up and use on your phone and did I mention it’s FREE!!!!

Canteen News

Kelly our Canteen Officer would love to see you if you have a spare couple of hours to assist in the canteen. Volunteers need to be registered with our CSO, by following this link: https://www.mn.catholic.org.au/people/volunteer/

Once cleared please sign up for a shift. The children love to see you here!

https://signup.zone/ZYkfNzsbws83p9yHM

Sushi Day Last Week: Thank you so much, Kelly, Amale, and Etsuko, as well as our three volunteers, for the incredible homemade sushi today - it was absolutely delicious! We truly appreciate the time and effort you put into it, especially after being at school from 6:30am on Friday. Your dedication and care did not go unnoticed, and we’re all so grateful for the amazing treat!

Uniform Shop

Normal Shop Hours - Every Tuesday and Thursday 8am-10am 

See Elaine and Ian from Wearitto for all your uniform needs. Our uniform shop is run by Wearitto: 

OOSH

The before and after school care at St Joseph’s is provided by St Nicholas OOSH, Diocese of Maitland Newcastle.  Open form 7am-8:30am and 3:00pm-6:00pm. 

Please contact Taylor for further information.  

Taylor Richardson  
NOMINATED SUPERVISOR | ST NICHOLAS OOSH    
P 0429 435 571     M  0429 435 571   
Email taylor.richardson@stnicholasoosh.org.au Visit us online www.stnicholasoosh.org.au