Week 10, Term 2 2025

As we finish up Term 2 this week, I have been reflecting on the year so far which has been filled with growth, learning, community spirit, and many achievements. Our commitment to a faith-filled environment has remained at the heart of everything we do, and this has been evident though the introduction of our Community Prayer on Wednesday mornings across each term, as well as our Project Compassion and St Vincent de Paul appeals, and our recent walk for National Reconciliation Week.

Many of our students have taken part in sports carnivals including swimming, soccer, and netball and experienced significant successes.

Our students have engaged in a myriad of learning activities and all have experienced progress and achievement. Student Semester 1 reports were distributed this week and having read each one of them, I know you each have milestones and successes to celebrate with your children. Parents and caregivers are invited to meet with their child’s teacher/s in Week 2 next term for a further learning conversation. Bookings will be open prior to the beginning of Term 3, and we ask that you please keep aside some time for the week beginning 28 July for these important conversations.

As our amazing Year 5 and 6 choir continues to prepare for the upcoming Catholic Schools Music Festival, we are thrilled to announce that our very own School Captain, Grace, has been selected as a co-compare.

This is an incredible achievement and a testament to Grace’s confidence, leadership, and vibrant stage presence. As a member of our school choir, Grace has shown remarkable dedication and enthusiasm, and we are so proud to see her talents recognised on such a significant platform.

We know that Grace will represent our school with pride and will do an outstanding job. Well done, Grace – we can’t wait to see you on stage at the event in Term 3, Week 10!

Our Preschoolers from both the Blue and Gold groups have graduated over the past weeks, celebrating the completion of their 12 months of preschool by sharing some highlights, masterpieces, and some songs! It has been wonderful to see their progress and growth during their time with us and we look forward to welcoming back most of you as brand new Receptions next term.

Following the retirement of Fiona Rixon, we are happy to welcome back Denise Tarrant to the St Joseph’s School staff as Work Health Safety Officer. We also look forward to officially welcoming Maria Coppola to our staff as the Mid-Year Reception teacher next term. Maria has been engaged where needed as a TRT this term giving her a chance to get to know students and staff in our community.  

It was wonderful to see our students proudly wearing a traditional costume or flag colours to represent their family’s country of origin at our recent Interntional Day celebration. The colours and vibrancy of our many cultural costumes helped us to appreciate more fully that ‘we are one, but we are many’ here at St Joseph’s School.  

Many thanks go to Nicole, mother of Azalia and Siana, and Alexia, mother of Stefan, who lead our students and staff in learning the Zorba, a traditional Greek dance which was so much fun!  Our students were also intrigued to learn more about henna designs and had the opportunity to create their own with Rajpreet, mother of Ashlyn. 

As a part of our day, our Preschool to Year 5 students attended the ‘Into Italy’ show featuring stories, songs, dances, and games that celebrated Italian customs and traditions. Following this, our students engaged in a picnic lunch together with buddies on the oval accompanied by some piano accordion music by Lino Cardone.

We will finish this term in style on Friday with a Pyjama Day as a way to recognise the generous donations students and families have made to the Vinnies Winter Appeal.  

Also, please remember that school starts back on Tuesday 22 July as our school and OSHC will be closed on Monday 21 July for a whole staff retreat.  

Wishing our families a happy and healthy holiday break. 

Marianne Farrugia
Principal

We have been overwhelmed with the wonderful generosity of our entire school community during the Vinnies Winter Appeal. Thank you to everyone for your generous donations that will no doubt go a long way to support those who need it in our community. As a thank you, students are invited to wear their pyjamas to school on our final day of term, Friday 4 July.

Last week was a very special one for our Reception Farina class as they ran their first Community Prayer. They showed great courage in reading, singing, and dancing in front of a large crowd and did so in a reverent and prayerful manner. We are all so proud of them!

This week, 1/2BR led us in a themed Mass on ‘growth.’ As we reach the halfway point of our year, it gave us all an opportunity to reflect on how much we have grown so far, and for our Year1/2s it was a celebration of the considerable growth they have made this year. 

Finally, I pray that you all have a wonderful term break and use the time to connect, refresh, and recharge. For those who are travelling, we hope you return safely and we look forward to seeing you all again next term.

God bless.

Josh Rouse
Assistant Principal Religious Identity and Mission

NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) Week is celebrated annually from 6 to 13 July. It is a week that recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, contributions and achievements.

This year’s theme is, ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy'. Recongising not only the achievements of the past but the bright future ahead.

National NAIDOC Week is also an opportunity for our school to reflect on our ongoing commitment and respect of Australia’s First Nations peoples. Staff will continue to raise awareness of and promote cultural understanding of this significant Indigenous event by ensuring students continue to build on their exiting knowledge and develop a deeper understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rich cultural history and contributions to Australian society. 

This term in Year 1/2, we have been learning about the past and how things have changed over time. Last week, we were fortunate to visit St Joseph’s Museum of Ancient Artefacts. Students had the opportunity to view objects from a range of historical eras. They closely observed the artefacts, created detailed sketches, and asked thoughtful questions throughout the session. It was a wonderful experience that helped bring our history learning to life!