Term 4 Week 4

What's on at St Joey's

Principal's Messages

Dear Parents and Carers,

It’s hard to believe we’re already beginning Week 4 of Term 4! The start of the term has been busy — filled with learning, events, and excitement as we make the most of these final 6.5 weeks together at St Joey’s for 2025.

Finding Hope – St Joey’s Musical 2025 This Week!

At the beginning of 2025, Pope Francis called all Christians to be “pilgrims of hope” during this Jubilee Year — a time to renew our trust in God’s love and mercy. As a Christian school community, we reflected on what it truly means to be a pilgrim of hope. Each class was invited to answer the question, “What do you hope for?” The responses were hilarious, inspiring, and deeply heartfelt. From these reflections, every class crafted a unique script — each one a window into the hope and joy of our students.

We are incredibly grateful to have partnered with the ASPIRE team. A special thank you to Anna Kerrigan for weaving our wild ideas into imaginative scripts, Jess Lopez for composing five original songs with lyrics that had us all singing along, Lauren Harvey for her amazing choreography, Lara Crocket for her creative prop designs, and Luke Baker for managing behind-the-scenes logistics. Your expertise and support of the arts across our Diocese has been invaluable. We also extend heartfelt thanks to Trinity College for the use of their facilities, and to Sarah Simpson and her sound, lighting, and logistics team for their professionalism and generosity.

A HUGE SHOUT OUT to Karyn Savage, Candice Gibson, Frances Courtney and the entire Musical Team for the endless hours, heart, and creativity they’ve poured into this production; our first school musical in seven years! To our incredible St Joey’s staff — thank you for going above and beyond to bring this production to life. And finally, to our families, thank you for your support, costume contributions, and encouragement. This production is a true reflection of who we are: a community of faith, creativity and hope. It certainly takes a village, and what a joyful, hope-filled village we are at St Joey’s Charlestown! I look forward to sharing this incredible Musical with you all this week.

Kindergarten Play and Learn – A Wonderful Start to the Journey

A heartfelt thank you to our Kindergarten teachers for organising such a warm, welcoming and well-run Play and Learn session. The morning was filled with smiles, curiosity and connection as our newest Joey’s students took their first steps into school life. Our Year 5 students shone as leaders and caring buddies, guiding and encouraging their new friends with pride. We also extend our thanks to the CSO personnel who supported the event and helped ensure everything ran smoothly. What a beautiful beginning for our 2026 Kindergarten class!

FACE: School Expenditure Priorities

Thank you to everyone who shared their ideas in our recent FACE (Family and Community Engagement) survey. Your input is helping shape our 2026 fundraising and expenditure priorities, ensuring funds are directed to projects that matter most to our families. The survey highlighted: Outdoor Spaces: Parents value continued improvements to our play and learning areas, including resurfacing playground markings and enhancing shade for Kinder and Year 1 students. Wellbeing (PB4L): Suggestions focused on visual reminders of our values through refreshed signage, class projects, and murals celebrating respect, safety, and responsibility. Learning: Families highlighted the importance of hands-on learning, recommending resources such as STEM kits and manipulatives to strengthen students’ mathematics problem-solving skills. Catholic Identity: Priorities include investing in Scripture resource kits, liturgical items, and formation experiences that deepen faith and connection.

 Thank you for guiding our FACE direction — together we’re creating meaningful improvements that enrich learning, wellbeing, and faith at St Joseph’s. Our next Meeting is Wednesday 19th November 5pm in the HUB, all welcome.

Outstanding Staff Survey Results

We are proud to share the results from our recent Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle Staff Engagement Survey, which highlight the incredible sense of purpose, wellbeing and progress across our school community.

• Engagement: 96% of staff indicated they feel engaged and committed to their work at St Joseph’s.

• Wellbeing: 88% of staff reported feeling well and supported in managing their work and wellbeing.

• Progress: 96% of staff agreed that our school is moving forward successfully and achieving strong outcomes.

These exceptional results reflect a shared dedication to our mission, a strong sense of belonging, and the collective effort of staff who live our values each day. Thank you to our amazing team for the passion, professionalism and care you bring to St Joseph’s.

Warm regards,

Kathryn Hill

Please consider supporting this initiative for children in foster care as we approach the Christmas season. Gifts can be left at our school office (unwrapped and with the age intended please). Thank you!

Assistant Principal

MUSICAL NEWS

It has been a hive of excitement and busyness at St Joseph’s these last few weeks, with students and staff preparing for the school musical. We are looking forward to bringing you our original show ‘Finding Hope’ in this Jubilee Year of Hope. A special thanks to the ASPIRE team for creating it with us, to our Music Teacher Karyn Savage and Librarian Candice Gibson for all their tireless work on this project and to Kathryn Hill for supporting this wonderful initiative. 

On Wednesday, 5^th November, all participating students will be heading to the Factory Theatre, Trinity College Adamstown, via bus to practise their performance on the stage and orientate themselves with the location before the concert day. It is important your child attends school this day to build confidence and have a final rehearsal.

On Thursday, 6^th November, all participating students will perform two shows at 12pm and 6pm at the Factory Theatre, Trinity College. We realise this is a big day for everyone, so plenty of rest, healthy food and water is needed. All the information you need is on Compass, and in a note going home early this week.

Please note photography and video is not allowed during the performance, we have many kids without photo permission and wish for everyone to enjoy the show. Staff will take some photos to capture the moment.

We look forward to sharing our musical with parents and family members!

YEAR 6 DEBATING NEWS

On Friday 24^th October, two Year 6 teams represented St Joseph’s in the Primary Regional Debating at St Paul’s College Booragul. They had some solid competition across 8 teams on topics such as ‘Exams are not a fair way to test students’, ‘Students should be allowed to grade their teachers,’ Libraries are no longer necessary in schools’ and ‘Climate change is the most important issue facing young people’.  

The students did a wonderful effort with their persuasive arguments and teamwork, successfully winning all their debates. Adjudicators declared St Joseph’s both the winner and runner up based on points. Well done to the runner ups Isabella, Daisy, Evie N and Eli. Congratulations Ruby, Will, Elise and Daniel who have made it through to the next Diocesan round. We are proud of you all!   

Thank you to the parents who transported the kids and came to watch the debates and to the Year 6 teachers for preparing the students.

Frances Courtney - Assistant Principal

Farewell Mrs. Drake

A special Farewell Liturgy for Mrs. Kate Drake will be held on Friday, 28th November at 2pm in the TAR. We warmly invite all past and present families and members of the school community to join us in thanking Mrs. Drake for her 10 years of dedicated service at St Joseph’s, celebrating her vision and the many achievements under her leadership.

If you would like to please contribute to a gift from the school community, donations of $5 can be made via QKR before 14th November. This contribution is entirely optional. You will find this on QKR under School Events & Fundraisers. Thank you.

We look forward to coming together to honour Mrs. Drake and her remarkable impact on our school.

Office of Safeguarding

Regular attendance at school is essential for students to achieve quality life outcomes.  Every day counts, as regular attendance helps students:

• Develop a sense of belonging
• Develop and maintain friendships
• Be more engaged at school
• Progress with their learning

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.

News from the Religious Coordinator

Socktober- Update

Last Wednesday we held our Socktober event day raising money for Catholic Mission to support the country Zambia to provide sustainable farming options and educational opportunities. Fundraising efforts were outstanding. As a school we raised $1343.15. Kinder raised the most with $312.75 and had the heaviest sock, so they have received an ice block treat, and they will receive a pizza lunch next Tuesday, 11^th November 2025. Well done everyone.

All Saints and All Souls

Last week we celebrated two Holy days in our liturgical calendar: All Saints and All Souls Day on the 1^st and 2^nd of November.  All Saints’ Day is a day to remember all saints throughout Christian history who continue to be role models and pray with us and for us to our Lord. All Souls' Day, the following day, is a day to remember those souls who have passed away and to pray for their eternal rest.

November 11, Remembrance Day

On Tuesday the 11^th Of November we will mark Remembrance Day with a service at school at 11am. Please join us if you can. Lest we forget.

SVDP Christmas Appeal

As Christmas approaches, we are getting ready to help those in our community who are less fortunate to show our love for humankind.

Thank you for those who have already contributed. It is not too late, please look at the list below and donate. On the 27^{th of} November, our final day of our appeal, children are welcome to wear Christmas clothes to celebrate.

Thank you for your support.

God Bless

Primary Coordinator

PB4L Core Value: Strive High  

Focus: Make Good Choices – Respecting Others  

This fortnight, our PB4L focus is “Make Good Choices by Respecting Others.” 
At SJC, we are learning that respect is shown through our words, actions, and attitudes every day. Making good choices means thinking before we act, listening to others, and treating everyone with kindness and care. 

Students are exploring what respect looks like in the classroom, playground, and online, by using polite language, including others in games, and taking responsibility for their behaviour. Together, we’re building a caring and respectful school community where everyone feels safe and valued. 

 ASPIRE WOW Artwork: Finding the “WOW” in the Everyday! 

Our talented students have truly embodied the spirit of creativity through their ASPIRE WOW artwork entries! Giving up their lunch times, they showed incredible dedication and imagination as they created artworks that capture the “WOW” in ordinary moments. 

A huge congratulations to Evie N, Evie C, Evie M, Willow Mac and Elise C on their outstanding creativity and for representing our school in the ASPIRE WOW Gallery. Your work truly inspires others to see the wonder in the world around us. 

Aspire WOW Gallery

Come experience an immersive gallery comprised of artworks created by students of the Maitland-Newcastle Catholic Schools. Students were asked to create artworks based their personal interpretation of ‘Finding WOW in the Everyday - How ordinary moments can be extraordinary.’ 

A sensory room is also available for visitors to explore and express themselves. The experience will run in 30-minute sessions over the 2 days. 

The exhibition will then be open to the public from 3:00pm till 6:00 pm. 

At Lake Macquarie Multi-Arts Pavillion - 12-13 November 2025. 

Class News - Year 5

3D Printer Fundraiser Success!

Thanks to the incredible support and enthusiasm from our students during the Water Bombing Fundraiser in Term 3, we’re excited to share that we’ve raised enough money to purchase a brand-new 3D printer for our school!

Mr Watts has already begun experimenting with the printer, exploring creative ways for students to use it to enhance their learning and develop skills in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The 3D printer will provide exciting opportunities for hands-on learning, design, and problem-solving across a range of subjects.

A huge thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to this initiative, your efforts have made a lasting impact on our school’s learning resources!

Aboriginal Education

It is wonderful to be back at school with our lovely St Joseph’s students!!

St Joseph’s Junior AECG

We recently held elections for our St Joseph’s Junior AECG executive positions.

Congratulations to the below students who will represent our Junior AECG in these important roles during 2026.

St Joseph’s Junior AECG President:  Airlie Wilcher

St Joseph’s Junior AECG Vice President:  Aisha Lundy

St Joseph’s Junior AECG Secretary:  Rocky Gavin

St Joseph’s Junior AECG Assistant Secretary:  Addison Stack

Jubilee Pilgrimage

During the holidays, I was extremely lucky to be part of a Maitland-Newcastle Catholic Schools Diocese Pilgrimage following the journey of St Paul. I joined 38 other pilgrims from our Diocese, along with Bishop Michael on this life changing experience.

St Paul was a devout Jew and Roman citizen whose encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus in 30AD transformed his life. After his conversion, he became a leading figure in early Christianity, spreading the Gospel across the Roman Empire.

As our pilgrimage followed in St Paul’s footsteps through Greece and Turkey, we encountered cities steeped in both biblical and historical significance. Our pilgrimage then finished in Rome – a highlight being in the presence of the Pope and visiting numerous beautiful basilicas.

Joining the Jubilee Pilgrimage offered a chance to form meaningful connection to the resilience of St Paul. Reflecting on his journey is especially powerful when we also honour the rich truths and histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures. Just as Australia’s First nation’s peoples have shown remarkable resilience and endurance as the world’s longest-living civilisation, St Paul’s faith and determination continue to inspire and shape the spirit of our Church today.

Significant Cultural Events

26^th October : Uluru returned

In 1985, the traditional owners of the lands of Uluru – the Ananga people reclaimed ownership of Uluru and surrounding national park. On 26 October 1985, the Governor-General of Australia returned the title deeds to the park to the Aṉangu people in a handback ceremony in the Muṯitjulu community.

In return, the Aṉangu community leased the land to the Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service for 99 years. Uluru continues to be jointly managed by Aṉangu people and Parks Australia.

Click HERE for more information

28t^h October : Pinjarra Massacre

The Pinjarra Massacre was one of the most brutal and notorious attacks on Aboriginal peoples in Australian history. It took place in 1834 in the town of Pinjarra, about 83 km south of Perth in Western Australia. 15 to 30 Binjareb men, women, and children died in the massacre. The British lost only one of their men.

Click HERE for more information

30t^h October: Racial Discrimination Act

The Racial Discrimination Act takes effect in 1975. The Racial Discrimination Act (RDA) makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person because of his or her race, colour, descent, national origin or ethnic origin, or immigrant status.

Click HERE for more information

Danielle Shaw

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Education Teacher

FACE - Family and Community Engagement

Our next FACE meeting will be 5pm Wednesday 19th November in our staffroom at SJC. We hope to see you there!

Volunteering at SJC

We regularly need volunteers for various roles within our school. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at our school, please follow the instructions on the link below:

Volunteer - Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle

Gratitude: A Daily Practice to Improve Your Wellbeing

Gratitude is a powerful emotion that goes beyond simply saying “thank you.” It is a deep sense of appreciation for the positive things in our lives, both big and small. Gratitude helps us recognize the value of what we have and fosters personal growth. Being grateful means acknowledging the good in our lives, understanding that these things are blessings, and appreciating the continuous support and kindness we experience in everything we do.

Benefits of Practicing Gratitude

Gratitude offers numerous benefits that can greatly enhance our overall well-being. Research has shown that people who regularly practice gratitude experience higher levels of happiness and better resilience in managing daily stress and challenges. By focusing on the positive aspects of life, we are less likely to fixate on negative emotions and more likely to foster a hopeful and optimistic mindset. This shift can have a profound impact on our mental, physical, and emotional health.

How to Practice Gratitude Daily

Incorporating gratitude into our daily lives can be simple and rewarding.

• Keeping a gratitude journal where you write down three things you are grateful for each day. This practice helps shift focus from what is lacking to what is abundant in our lives.
• Children can write thank you notes to their teachers, friends, or family members. This can be a powerful way to express appreciation. It not only brightens someone else’s day but also reinforces the habit of gratitude.
• Creating opportunities to take a few moments each day to reflect on the blessings of the day i.e. can be done in the morning, at the end of the school day, or before bed.

These are just a few examples of ways we can easily incorporate gratitude into our daily lives.

Practicing gratitude can significantly enhance our wellbeing by promoting a positive mindset and emotional resilience. Gratitude also encourages us to look beyond ourselves and acknowledge the contributions of others. This outward focus can strengthen our sense of community and belonging.

So, let’s ask ourselves…. what am I grateful for today?

School Fees

Dear Families,

Thank you to all families who have already paid or finalised their school fees for this year your prompt attention and

continued support are greatly appreciated.

We would like to remind all families that all outstanding school fees are due in 3 weeks. Please ensure that full payment is made by this date.

Please note that after November, the Catholic Schools Office (CSO) will also take responsibility for all outstanding accounts

and will contact families directly regarding unpaid fees.

If you are experiencing financial difficulties or require assistance with a payment plan, please contact the school office as

soon as possible we are here to help.

Thank you again for your cooperation and ongoing support of our school community. 

Warm regards

Amale Yi

Happy Birthday to the following students

We wish the following students a very Happy Birthday!

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

Lunchbox Snack Ideas

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.

We currently have a large tub filled with lost uniform items, many of which do not have names on them and are therefore difficult to return to their rightful owners.

To help reunite these items with your children, we will be placing the tub outside the office today.

Please take a moment to have a look, especially if your child is missing any uniform pieces.

We kindly encourage all families to please clearly label uniforms moving forward, as it greatly helps in returning lost items.

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 OOSH for further information: 

Georgina Beavis:  Georgina.Beavis@stnicholasmn.org.au

Area Service Manager

Phone: (02) 4979 1110  Email: oosh-charlestown@stnicholasmn.org.au

Catholic Schools Code of Conduct