Term 2 Week 8

What's on at St Joey's

Principal's Messages

Dear Families,

It’s hard to believe we’re approaching the end of another busy and rewarding term at St Joseph’s! I want to take a moment to thank our staff, students and families for the many ways you continue to contribute to the vibrant life of our school.

One of the key highlights over the past fortnight was our Annual School Visit. We were pleased to welcome representatives from the Catholic Schools Office, who spent time in classrooms, met with staff and leadership, and provided affirming feedback about our learning culture, student engagement and community spirit. Their reflections highlight what we already know — that St Joseph’s is a thriving, inclusive and dynamic learning community.

We’ve also had many opportunities to celebrate the diverse talents of our students across a variety of events:

🌟 Congratulations to the students who represented our school in the Lakes Region Spelling Bee and Maths Bee: Aurora, Zivah, Jeremy, Henrik, Salvatore and Eli. Your courage, preparation and positive attitude were wonderful to witness — we are so proud of you.

🏃‍♂️ A huge congratulations also goes out to our students who qualified for the Polding Cross Country: Cora, Aria, Spencer, Darcy and Eli. This level of competition is a real achievement and reflects your dedication and perseverance. Well done!

♟️ Last week, St Joseph’s proudly hosted the Lakes Region Chess Tournament. The day was filled with strategic thinking, teamwork, and concentration. Thank you to all who helped make the day such a success and well done to our student participants! Well done to our Team players: Alex, James, Adelina, Olive, Sadie, Hunter, Carter, Oscar, Ashlyn, Spencer, Ogni, Charlie, Ana, Christiano, Jesse and Nolan. Thank you to Mrs. Gibson for organising this. 

🎶 A special shout-out to our school choir, who performed at the Civic Theatre: Sienna, Evie, Emily, Macy, Amelia, Lucy, Mia, Amy, Madeline, Lily, Koa, Aurora, Florie, Liliana, Belen, Madelyn, Scarlett, Anna, Talia, Faith, Grace, Matilda, Evie, Eamon, Siobhan, Bronte, Wyatt, Maisie, Claire, Ellie, Abby, Tilly, Arabella, Bonnie, Lani, Isabelle, Nicco, Isabelle, Alyvia, Evie and Airlie. Their voices were full of joy and spirit, and it was heart-warming to see them shine on such a professional stage. Thank you to our choir director Mrs. Karyn Savage for her passion and guidance.

Despite some wet weather and chilly winds, our Catholic Schools Week celebrations were joyful and meaningful. It was wonderful to welcome families into classrooms and celebrate our shared faith and commitment to Catholic education during our liturgy. Thank you to all who joined us in recognising the unique gift of Catholic schooling.

🏅Today, we held our Annual Athletics Carnival, and what a brilliant day it was! A huge thank you to Mrs. Davis and her team for their planning and organisation — the day ran smoothly and was full of energy and sportsmanship. We again remind families that, due to the complexity of organising a carnival of this scale, it remains an event for students in Years 2–6. The introduction of new safety and risk requirements has also meant that this year we were required to run all field events, including shot put and long jump, at the carnival, rather than at school as we have in the past. Thank you for your understanding and ongoing support. We look forward to our Kinder and Year 1 carnival on Friday 30th June beginning at 2pm. The school will cheer our infants' children on in their races and participate in the colour house chants. We invite you all to attend this event. 

As we approach the end of term, I’d like to remind you that Semester One Reports will go home this Friday. These reports offer a valuable insight into your child’s progress, and I encourage you to take time to read through them with your child, celebrating their growth and setting goals for the second half of the year. Following the reports, we will offer Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences in Week 9. These conferences provide an important opportunity to reflect on achievements, discuss areas for growth and strengthen the home-school partnership that supports each child’s learning journey. Booking information will be sent home shortly.

Thank you, as always, for your partnership, trust and commitment to our school.

With gratitude and blessings,

Kathryn Hill

The Poppet Head recalls the mining history of the Charlestown area.

The SJ represents the Sisters of St Joseph of Lochinvar, who have worked in the Charlestown area since 1927.

The Waterfall reminds us of the Flaggy Creek waterfall above Glenrock Lagoon, a beauty spot of the local natural environment.

The ‘M’ symbolises the Charlestown parish of St Mary Immaculate.

Binding together all these elements is the large sign of Christ and the motto reads:

In Christo Veritas — Truth in Christ

Assistant Principal

As we approach the end of Term 2, the school is buzzing with activity. Our Year 4 and Year 2 students have been diligently completing their CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) assessments. These tests help us better understand each student’s learning profile and support their academic growth.

In addition, teachers have been hard at work finalising student reports, which will be released this Friday. These reports provide a comprehensive overview of each child’s progress and achievements throughout the term.

To help families interpret the reports, here’s a more detailed explanation of the A–E grading scale used in NSW schools:

• A – Outstanding Achievement: The student has an extensive knowledge and understanding of the content and can apply this knowledge in a wide range of contexts. Their work demonstrates a high level of independence and originality.
• B – High Achievement: The student has a thorough understanding of the content and can apply their knowledge in most situations. They demonstrate strong skills and consistent performance.
• C – Sound Achievement: The student has a sound understanding of the content and is working at the expected level for their year group. This is the standard most students are expected to achieve.
• D – Basic Achievement: The student has a basic understanding of the content but may require additional support in some areas. They are working below the expected level.
• E – Limited Achievement: The student has a limited understanding of the content and requires significant support. They are working well below the expected standard.

It’s important to remember that these grades reflect achievement against the expected outcomes for the year level, not effort or improvement. A ‘C’ grade means your child is right where they should be for their stage of learning.

I encourage you to read your child’s report when it is released and take the opportunity to book a Student/Parent/Teacher Conference to discuss your child’s learning goals.

Enjoy the last few weeks of term!

Office of Safeguarding

News from the Religious Coordinator

Sacramental News

This coming weekend, children involved in the sacramental program will participate in their final sacrament of initiation- Holy Communion or Eucharist. Here children will be able to partake in the special and sacred meal which Jesus began at the Last Supper. Please keep these children in your prayers as they make this important faith step.

Bishop’s Appeal for the Manning – Cake stall and out of uniform Tuesday 17th

The Mini Vinnies will be holding a cake stall and an out of uniform day on Tuesday 17th June to support people from the Manning area devastated by the recent floods. Children are asked to bring a gold coin for being out of uniform and some additional money for treats.

Thank you for your support.

Praise and Worship Event

Please consider attending the Praise and worship event organised by the Mackillop Parish.

It offers a contemporary way of participating in praise and worship. The first event was very successful, and more events will be happening.

Coming up – Pyjama Day 1st July

We will be having a pyjama day on the 1st of July to support the local St. Vincent de Paul Society. Students are asked to wear their PJs and either bring in a not needed warm blanket or warm clothes which are not needed or else bring in a donation. Your support will make life easier for those doing it tough this winter.

God Bless,

Clare Paff - Religious Coordinator

Aboriginal Education

SAVE THE DATE!!   

St Joseph's NAIDOC Day - Wednesday 6^th August

Families are warmly invited and encouraged to join us for our NAIDOC Morning Ceremony (9am-9:30am) and our NAIDOC Closing Ceremony (2:30pm-3pm)

Our NAIDOC Day celebrations will honour the local Awabakal Country, aligning with the 2025 NAIDOC theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy. Students will participate in a variety of workshops designed by Mrs Shaw and Stephanie Phoenix, of the Gringai clan, Wonnaruah nation.

The day will begin with a meaningful Morning Ceremony, led by Stephanie Phoenix and Worimi man, Mauri Perry, featuring a traditional smoking and dance display. We are also hoping to have a performance by students from Belmont High School’s Didge Group. 

Students will then participate in numerous hands-on workshops led by local Aboriginal presenters which celebrate Aboriginal cultures and the 2025 NAIDOC theme.

Our celebration will conclude with a Closing Ceremony, bringing together the experiences of the day, led by a selection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander presenters.

Significant Cultural Events

28^th May: Anniversary of the Bridge Walk for Reconciliation

On Sunday 28 May 2000, more than 250,000 people walked across the Sydney Harbour Bridge in support of Indigenous Australians

Click HERE for more information

29^th May: NSW Indigenous Veterans Ceremony

The NSW Indigenous Veterans Ceremony commemorates the service and sacrifice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who have fought for Australia in every major conflict since the Boer War.

Click HERE for more information

29^th May: Anniversary of the Torres Strait Islander Flag

The Torres Strait Islander flag was designed by the late Bernard Namok of Thursday Island. The flag symbolises the unity and identity of all Torres Strait Islanders.

In 1992 the flag was recognised by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) and given equal prominence with the Australian Aboriginal Flag.

Click HERE for more information

3^rd June: Mabo Day

Mabo Day commemorates Eddie Mabo, a Torres Strait Islander who fought for recognition of the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional owners of their land.

The Mabo decision was made by the High Court on 3 June 1992 and helped establish a legal framework for native title claims.

Click HERE for more information

Primary Coordinator

As we move into winter, we are focusing our school expectations on Striving High by Caring for Your Appearance with our winter uniform. At St Joseph’s, we take pride in wearing a uniform in a tidy manner and setting a positive example to one another. This includes wearing the school tie correctly and keeping our shirts tucked in during class time. Just a reminder that no painted nails, costume jewelry or accessories are to be worn at school except a watch and small stud or sleeper earrings.

We have noticed that some children have been cold in the early morning and at assemblies, before the sun warms up. We ask that students wear or bring their jumper or jacket each day and have some wet weather protection in their bag. We sort out a moderate amount of lost property at St Joseph’s every day and your child’s full name on hats, jumpers, jackets, lunchboxes and drink bottles makes this task much easier. Thank you for your support.

Here are or beautiful choir and Stage 2 students wearing their uniform with pride:

Teacher Professional Development – PB4L and Maths Fluency
Last Friday, our dedicated teachers spent the day learning about the importance of embedding Maths fluency in the daily routine, what this could look like, and the latest research around how students learn best to be fluent with facts in Mathematics. The second half of the day was PB4L focused by reviewing our St Joseph’s values and looking at different student behaviours at school and reviewing our staff expectations. There were some very valuable staff discussions that took place. More to come on this topic text term.

Kind regards,

Frances Courtney - Primary Coordinator

Class News

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.

School Fees

Dear School Community,

We would like to sincerely thank you for your continued commitment and timely payments of your fees. Your support is valuable in helping us maintain the high quality of our school function.

For those who have chosen the annual payment option, please kindly note that the payment is due by the end of June. We appreciate your attention to this matter and encourage you to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance.

Thank you once again for your ongoing support and making St Joseph's a wonderful school.

Warm regards,

Amale Yi

Happy Birthday to the following students

We wish the following students a very happy birthday!

NAIDOC Raffle

Hello St Joseph's families

Our wonderful Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Teacher, Mrs Shaw, is running a fundraiser to help support our school Aboriginal education! There are plenty of prizes to be won in our NAIDOC Raffle - see the flyer below.

Tickets are $1 for 1 ticket and $5 for 6 tickets available on QKR. The raffle will be drawn in Week 9 at assembly.

Make sure you don't miss out on getting your tickets!

FACE - Family and Community Engagement

Term 2 Face Meeting: Wednesday 4th June:

At our recent FACE meeting, we explored a range of topics including school learning goals, uniform matters, upcoming sporting events, the Father’s Day Stall, and future fundraising opportunities. It was a productive and positive gathering, reflecting the strong commitment of our parent and carer community.

FACE is built on the principles of collaboration, inclusion and shared responsibility. It encourages open communication and a variety of ways for families to engage with the school—whether through regular involvement or occasional support. A key feature of FACE is the flexible structure it offers. Rather than a formal committee, FACE provides the opportunity for parents and carers to form teams around specific activities or events—such as the Easter raffle, Mother’s and Father’s Day stalls, and community social gatherings. There’s no expectation to take on everything—just an invitation to help where and when you can. Thank you to Vanessa Bulloch who is leading the organising of the Father's Day Stall. We will be in need of Volunteers to run the Store on Wednesday 3rd September from 9-11. More information to come.

By welcoming input and involvement from all corners of our community, the FACE model aims to enhance student outcomes, foster connection and belonging, and strengthen our positive school culture. We’ll be sharing more information about the FACE model and how you can get involved in the coming weeks. In the meantime, we thank everyone who has already participated and encourage all families to join in—every bit of help makes a difference.

Canteen News

NEW CANTEEN MENU - WINTER SPECIALS

Due to the great response with our delicious Butter Chicken, we’re offering another yummy Winter Special at our school canteen! A warm, hearty meal perfect for the colder days.

Homemade Chicken Fried Rice -  $7.00

Available: June 19th only

Get your orders in! Chicken Fried Rice closes on the 17th.

Be on the lookout for our Homemade Sushi - Chicken and Vegetarian options - $4 each.

Made fresh on the day! Order on QKR for Friday 26 June.

Subway Day 1st July! Order on QKR.

Thank you for supporting our school canteen, we know the students will love these delicious winter meals.

School Holiday Programs

Music Tuition

Uniform Shop

Normal Shop Hours - Every Tuesday and Thursday 8:00am - 10:00am 

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

OOSH

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

Healthy Options