WEEK 5 Term 4 2024
Dear Families,
Apologies for the delay in this Newsletter. It commenced in Fiji, as I was on a long-awaited for trip with my extended family. Unfortunately, there were connection issues and then I fell sick on my return. Fiji is a beautiful country and as I reflect on my time there, there are many learnings to be gained:
- The Fijian people, are kind, helpful and friendly people who acknowledge everyone and take time to get to know you.
- Their culture is one of patience, where nothing is hurried but always done extremely well.
- The Mass I attended was packed with whole families from babies to grandparents. The people are very reverent and their singing in Mass is something to behold. I was moved to tears.
- There is a gratitude for all they have, which in most cases is minimal and they appreciate and care for the beauty of their country.
- Spending time with family is incredibly important and nourishing to the soul
I feel we could learn much from these wonderful people. I want to thank Mrs Naomi O'Dwyer and the staff for looking after the school in my absence.
STAGE 3 CANBERRA EXCURSION
I was incredibly pleased to go on the Canberra Excursion in Week 4 with Stage 3 students and their teachers, Mrs Michelle Stormon, Mrs Sheree George and Mr Len Moran.
Firstly I want to congratulate our Year 5 & 6 students for being such wonderful St Joseph's ambassadors at all venues we attended and for taking turns to acknowledge and thank all we met along the way. The learning gained from being immersed in the workings and people of Parliament House, The Museum of Australian Democracy, The War Memorial, Questacon, The Electoral Commission, The National Art Gallery and all things Canberra can never be taught in a classroom. I will always be a strong advocate for our students to attend this important excursion.
A big highlight for our students this year was the invitation to breakfast at Government House from Her Excellency The Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General. The children were informed of the news the night before going and their incredible excitement and feelings of honour were palpable.
As the students walked down the long driveway to the beautiful Government House, feeling extremely special, they were warmly welcomed by Her Excellency who came to meet us with her Aide-de-Camp Beau. We were taken into the official dining room and provided with a scrumptious breakfast. The Governor General then spent some time talking with the children, about how proud she was of how they had come through all that had happened and the amazing futures that were possible for each of them. She spoke to them about dreaming big for the things they wanted to do going forward. Then she allowed the children to ask her questions about her role as Governor General. It was a bit of a quiet start, the experience surreal for them, but the children soon warmed up. We were then taken on a tour of the House and surprisingly all were presented with a beautiful gift from Her Excellency. We are so appreciative of the warmth and welcome we received from Her Excellency and her staff. It was definitely one visit that will be remembered and treasured by all.
The trip that kept on giving continued at Parliament House where the Hon Mr Kevin Hogan MP, met us and spent some time with us, and invited the Speaker of the House to visit us. Each student and staff member was then presented with a beautiful pen from Parliament. How lucky we were. We thank Kevin for making the time to be with us and making our visit very special.
CONFIRMED CASES OF WHOOPING COUGH AT
ST JOSEPH'S
We have received confirmation of a further case of Whooping Cough at our school.
What is whooping cough?
Whooping cough is an infection of the throat that can cause bouts of coughing, and sometimes breathing difficulties and vomiting. It can be a very serious infection in small children. The illness can last for many weeks. It usually starts with a snuffle or a cold.
What should people who develop whooping cough symptoms do?
If your child develops symptoms, please take them to your family doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor can advise whether the whooping cough is likely and arrange for early treatment if needed. Treating people who have whooping cough with antibiotics can stop the infection from spreading, but is more effective if started early.
To help prevent this infection from spreading, students who have been diagnosed with whooping cough can not attend school until they have completed the first 5 days of a course of the recommended antibiotics. If antibiotics cannot be taken, then they must stay away for 3 weeks after the start of the cough.
You will find attached the NSW Government Whooping Cough Fact sheet for your information. If your child is experiencing any cough or cold-like symptoms, please do not send them to school and please consult with your family doctor.
WELCOME TO EVE AND DRE DAVEY
A very warm welcome to the Davey Family who have joined us at St Joseph's. We appreciate that Bianca (mum) and Tyrone(dad) chose our beautiful school in their move from Sydney. We look forward to welcoming you to the St Joseph's family and getting to know and learn with Eve (Year 4) and Dre (Year 1).
WELCOME RONALD MAX MORAN
Congratulations to Lester and Sarah Moran, big sister Nancy, and big brother Lester on the birth of their beautiful baby son and brother Ronald Max Moran. We wish you much happiness in this wonderful time. We welcome Ronald to the St Joseph's family and can't wait to meet him.
Parliament and Civics Education Rebate (PACER)
tour of the national capital. Students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage, and democracy.
The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding to our school in the amount of $67.50 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program
towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.
UPCOMING DATES TO NOTE
IN WEEK 5 OF TERM 4 WE ARE TRULY GRATEFUL FOR:
- Our Year 5 & 6 Students for being wonderful St Joseph's representatives in Canberra.
- Our teachers Mrs Michelle Stormon, Mrs Sheree George and Mr Len Moran who worked diligently over the 4 days at Canberra to ensure that our students had a wonderful experience.
- Her Excellency The Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General for her warm welcome and invitation and for spending time with us at Government House.
- Hon Mr Kevin Hogan MP for taking time out to be with us at Parliament House.
- The Stage 2 Students who took on the leadership roles while Stage 3 were away.
- The Stage 2 students, Mrs Spencer, Mrs Waterfall and Mr Sandral for your wonderful assembly.
- Our Junior Joeys for completing your transition to 'big school'
Have a wonderful weekend!
Regards
Jeanette Wilkins
Principal
SUNDAY GOSPEL REFLECTION-The Feast of Christ the King
Gospel Reading
John 18: 33-37
Jesus is questioned by a scribe about the greatest commandment.
Pilate questioned Jesus about being the King of the Jews. Jesus explained that his kingdom is not of this world and that he came to testify to the truth.
The Solemnity of Christ the King Year B reminds us of the kingship of Jesus and His authority over all. This feast invites us to reflect on Jesus’ role as our leader and savior.
St Joseph's SPIRIT OF JESUS AWARD
At St Joseph's we remind our students that they are the living disciples of Jesus. We also encourage our students to look for the goodness in others. Our school Vice Captains-Mission this year Aya Stahl and Cooper Bailey have been responsible for helping to acknowledge students who demonstrate the attitudes and gospel values that show the Spirit of Jesus.
If we have the spirit of Jesus in our hearts, we are kind, compassionate, welcoming, cheerful, friendly, encouraging, giving, forgiving thankful, and respectful. The Spirit of Jesus Award will be presented from Week 6 this term with the return of Mrs Boyd.
SATURDAY -St John’s Catholic Church Wattle Street Evans Head at 5:00 pm
SUNDAY- St Joseph’s Catholic Church Coraki - 9:15 am
ALL WELCOME
The Power of Learning Through Play in K-2
At St Joseph’s School, we believe in the incredible benefits of learning through play. Play-based learning is more than just having fun; it’s essential to developing critical life skills and enhancing academic learning. When children learn through play, they build meaningful relationships, develop social skills, and strengthen connections to key learning areas in ways that feel natural and enjoyable.
Building Relationships, Social Skills and Social-Emotional Learning
Our "Get Happier" program teaches essential social and emotional skills, and play provides a wonderful space for students to put these skills into practice. Play-based learning creates a perfect environment for children to learn how to interact with others. Whether working in pairs or groups, children learn cooperation, negotiation, and effective communication—vital skills for their development. Through play, they learn to share, take turns, and resolve conflicts, strengthening their understanding of empathy and respect. Teachers connect the student’s social-emotional learning goals to play-based activities, reinforcing these lessons and growing their emotional resilience.
Linking to Key Learning Areas
Our K- 2 teachers look for links to inquiry learning through play and investigation in all key learning areas. While children might think they’re building a tower, investigating how toys move, or creating a story with friends, they’re also developing literacy, numeracy, scientific thinking, and problem-solving skills. For example, measuring blocks, following a sequence, creating a cafe, playing a dice game and designing a mini golf course connect foundational learning areas in engaging and hands-on ways.
Encouraging Creativity and Problem-Solving
Play opens up endless opportunities for creativity and critical thinking. As children engage in imaginative play, they experiment with ideas, make decisions, and explore solutions to challenges. This problem-solving promotes resilience and confidence—qualities that benefit them both in and out of the classroom.
Cooperation and Teamwork
Learning through play also fosters teamwork and cooperative skills. Children learn to work together toward a shared goal, practising patience, compromise, and mutual support. Whether building a structure, creating a group artwork, or participating in role-play, play encourages children to see the value of working together.
Learning Through Play Is Learning for Life
Last week, two teachers visited St Joseph’s Coraki to see how their play-based approaches are integrated into the curriculum. Mrs Jett and Mrs Nilon gained valuable insights but were affirmed by what is currently happening at our school. Our K -2 team values learning through play as a way for children to practice real-world skills in a supportive environment which helps our students build a foundation of strong relationships, creativity, and confidence.
We’re excited to announce that the Lego Club runs every Monday after school from 3:30 to 4:30 pm in the Library. This club is a fantastic way for students to tap into their creativity, where the only limit is their imagination! Each session allows students to socialise with friends, collaborate on builds, and solve problems in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Playing with Lego is more than just fun—it fosters critical thinking, fine motor skills, and patience as students experiment with designs and constructions. Whether building solo or working together on projects, the Lego Club offers an excellent way for students to make new friends and share ideas. We can’t wait to see what they create! All students are welcome to join.
Water Awareness
We have just finished our second week of water awareness. The teachers have been impressed with the students' knowledge and awareness of pool rules, the various safe ways to enter and exit the pool, how to use flotation devices as a safety tool and their enthusiasm.
For these sessions students will need:
- swimmers
- goggles
- towel
- rash shirt
Nominations for our school swimming carnival.
On Monday 18th November students from Year 1 to Year 6 took home nomination forms for our school swimming carnival. These forms will need to be returned by Friday 22nd November. This will allow time to place the students into their nominated races for our annual swimming carnival in Evans Head on Friday 13th December. The Compass event for our swimming carnival will be published on Monday 25th November.
Sport Dates
13th December - St Joseph’s Swimming Carnival - Evans Head
| Kindergarten | Lottie Duncan and Cruz Wimbus |
| Year 1 | Lachie Salmi, Tarlo Jensen |
| Year 2 | kobi Flanagan |
| Year 3 | Logan Riddle |
| Year 4 | Eve Davey |
| Year 5 | Canberra |
| Year 6 | Canberra |
CONGRATULATIONS
| Kindergarten | Roy Bennett and Louis Hutley |
| Year 1 | Dre Davey |
| Year 2 | Ilaria Morgan |
| Year 3 | Nancy Moran |
| Year 4 | Billie Johns |
| Year 5 | Lacey Foster and Caleb Doran |
| Year 6 | Trinity and Charlee Cook, Rose Quirk, Isabella Riddle |
FAMILY CONNECT IN ACTION
Hello there St Joseph’s Woodburn family, Cassie here from the Family Connect in School program. I'd like to introduce “Family Connect in Action’, a new addition to the school’s fortnightly newsletter. Each edition will give you links to information and resources to help you on your parenting journey.
My first edition is to let families know about the school Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) which can provide:
Free internet for eligible families
The Australian Government has introduced the School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) to provide free internet access to eligible families. The SSBI provides internet access to up to 30,000 families with school-aged children who are currently unconnected. The free internet access will be provided until 31 December 2025.
Am I eligible?
Eligible families:
- have a child living at home enrolled in K-12 at a NSW school
- have not had an active National Broadband Network (NBN) internet service for the previous 14 days. Having a mobile internet service does not affect eligibility.
- reside in a premise that can access a standard NBN service
- will undergo a suitability assessment conducted by the National Referral Centre (NRC). This is just a phone call or online application.
If you require any further information or assistance with an application, contact Cassie from the Family Connect in School program at 0427620667 or contact the National Referral Centre – run by Anglicare Victoria – on 1800 954 610 (Monday – Friday, 10am – 6pm AEDT), or visit: https://www.anglicarevic.org.au/student-internet/