Week 6 Term 4 - 2022

Dear Families,

Last Sunday 13 November 2022 was World Kindness Day.

World Kindness Day is an international day that was formed in 1998, to promote kindness throughout the world and is observed annually on November 13 as part of the World Kindness Movement. It is observed in many countries including the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia and the U.A.E. World Kindness Day presents us with the opportunity to reflect upon one of the most important and unifying human principles. 

Parent Engagement Meeting 

Consultation Process-Vision for the Future

We are currently working with the Catholic Schools Office, Capital Insight, and the Flood Commission to plan the consultation process as we look to the future at St Joseph's. 

Part of this process is ensuring that we all have an opportunity to have our voice heard as we work together to make informed decisions for our vision moving forward and opportunities to continue to strengthen our work here at St Joseph's.

Our initial engagement session will be held in Week 7- Wednesday 23 November 2022 at 6 pm.  I hope that as many families as possible are able to attend to be a valued part of shaping the decisions made for our community. PLEASE NOTE THAT WE WILL ORGANISE A MOVIE IN ONE OF THE CLASSROOMS- BRING THE CHILDREN. 

Together we have worked through what has been a very challenging year. I am very aware that for many of our families those challenges continue.  However, with the support of each other and much love and support from schools and communities all over Australia, we have made it through to this point.  We have relocated, set up a new temporary school, focused on learning and student wellbeing, and supported our families as much as we could. 

Whilst we haven't been able to offer everything during this time, we have focused on the priority of learning and wellbeing and we are excited to look forward to the future and hear your thoughts about where to next and opportunities for 2023 and beyond. 

I would like to thank all families who have stood by us during a very challenging year. It is when times are tough and we are forced to face challenges that we never dreamed of that we find out what we are truly made of.

I am so proud of our school community and we look forward to planning our future together with you.

 A message from the Regional Service Leader (CSO)

Mr John Wilson

Hello, St Joseph’s parents and families. As you will be aware, consultation with the St Joseph’s community will take place next Wednesday, 23 November. This is an opportunity for us to share information and gather your thoughts about what the next steps are for St Joseph’s. I hope to see many of you there however if you’re unable to attend, information and questions from the session will be shared with all parents in the newsletter.

The Lismore Diocese School Review Commission, or LDSRC, continues to meet fortnightly and is now working in consultation with the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation BuyBack Scheme. You can read the media release about it here. 

CHRISTMAS GET TOGETHER

12 December 2022

This year we will come together for our Christmas celebration on Monday 12 December 2022 (Week 10).  It will be adapted to fit in with our current site and held outdoors (weather permitting). We will commence with a Sausage Sizzle at 6 pm followed by the children's presentation at 6.30 pm. We look forward to seeing you there.

 

STAGE 3- $20 BOSS DAY

Yesterday Stage 3 students had the opportunity to be involved for a day in a design thinking challenge run by Jeff Mesina from the Young Change Agents. The children had to identify an issue in the local community and come up with possible causes of the issue and then create a solution to the problem. They also started the day designing and creating prototypes for a bridge or bicycle for people with special needs. Some great learning, creative thinking, collaboration, problem-solving, and ingenuity resulted. Thank you to Jeff and the Young Change Agents. Special thanks also to JJ Purton Jones, Catholic Schools Office, Lismore for organising and funding the amazing day. 

The Term is racing by and we have a few important events happening at our school throughout Term 4. Please be aware there is a Pupil Free Day in Week 8 on Wednesday the 30 November, staff will be completing a full day of First Aid.

Upcoming Events

November

December

Tuesday 22 Apple Activity Day - Ipad session with all stages Wednesday 23 Parent Engagement Meeting Wednesday 30th PUPIL FREE DAY - STAFF FIRST AID COURSE

Monday 5 Year 5 Leadership Speeches  Tuesday 6 Intensive Swimming Evans Head Aquatic Pool  School Leaders Thank you Afternoon Tea at 2 pm Wednesday 7  Wildfire- Lismore Diocesan Worship Band workshop with the students. Afternoon liturgy.  Thursday 8 Swimming Carnival Evans Head Aquatic Pool Reports are published on Compass Monday 12  2023  School Captains and Vice Captains announced Christmas Celebration 6 pm  Thursday 15 Graduation Dinner Friday 16 Graduation Mass Last Day of School for 2023 for all students Saturday 17 Woodburn Carols by candlelight 6 pm

Have a wonderful weekend!

Principal 

SUNDAY GOSPEL REFLECTION: 

Gospel Reading: The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (Thirty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time), Year C
Luke 23:35-43
Jesus is crucified under the title King of the Jews.

In this week's Gospel, we read that Jesus is King, but not the kind of king we might have imagined or expected. In his day his kingship was hidden from many, but those who had the eyes of faith were able to see.

As modern disciples of Jesus, we, too, struggle at times to recognise Jesus as King. The Gospel invites us to make our own judgments. With eyes of faith, we recognise that Jesus, the crucified One, is indeed our King and Savior. Jesus is often called "The King of Peace" so therefore we are called as Christians to be advocates for peace in our families and community.

 STAGE TWO  SCHOOL MASS

The next school Mass will be held on Friday 25th November at 9:30 am in the Anglican Church next door to the school. Stage Two has chosen the theme "Following Jesus." To prepare for this Mass the students have been discussing in class what it means to be a disciple and follower of Jesus today. All family and friends are very welcome to attend.

St Joseph's Woodburn - SPIRIT OF JESUS AWARD

Last term our school was visited by Mr Peter Mitchell "Mitch" who

wrote the "Making Jesus Real" books. He spoke to our students about the Spirit of Jesus and how we can be living disciples of Jesus. He explained that "spirit" can sometimes be a difficult word to understand but the spirit of Jesus is something that we can feel in our hearts and see through other people.

If we have the spirit of Jesus in our hearts, then we are kind, compassionate, welcoming, cheerful, friendly, encouraging, giving, forgiving thankful, and respectful

Our SPIRIT OF JESUS award recipients this week are Odyn Wimbus and Kobi Flanagan.

Today Stage 2 shared their learning with their peers. In Religion they have been learning about giving thanks. Stage 2 presented their prayers of thanks and gratitude for the life they have. 

In Geography Stage 2 discovered different parts of Australia using Alison Lester's book 'Are We There Yet', they looked at different temperatures throughout the year and were able to share their learning through a class movie. 

In Science Stage 2 have been learning about erosion in our river systems. They have been exploring ways to prevent erosion and will be designing and making models to demonstrate possible solutions.

Water Awareness Program.

The students will participate in a Water Awareness Swimming Program at the Evans Head Aquatic Pool. The four sessions will occur on Tuesday 1st November, Tuesday 8th November, Thursday 10th November and Tuesday 6th December 2022. This program develops the children's water awareness strategies which are aligned with the PDHPE syllabus. Parent helpers are more than welcome to assist, please contact the office to leave your name and the classroom teacher will be in contact. Unfortunately, younger siblings will not be able to attend if you are helping a group.

All students will need a permission note and payment completed on Compass before Tuesday.

If you are experiencing difficulties please call Gayl in the office - 66822468

Important Dates

Water Awareness - Tuesday 6th December - Evans Head Aquatic Pool 

Swimming Carnival - Thursday 8th December - Evans Head Aquatic Pool 10am

We are fortunate at St Joseph's to have Wendy Jansen working with our school community to support families to access services.