Week 8 Term 1 - 2023

Dear Families,

Last Monday we were so excited to be able to once again join the students and staff of  St Joseph's Coraki to celebrate St Joseph's Day. We began with a beautiful Mass to acknowledge the wonderful traits of St Joseph and then walked to the Evans Head Aquatic Centre for a day filled with fun activities.

It really was a special day and one that we treasured, particularly as we were finally able to be together again, after 3 years.  A big thank you to Mrs Boyd for organising and preparing the Mass and working with Mrs Cronan and Mrs Reese to organise the day at the pool. Thank you to the students and staff of St Joseph's Coraki for being with us. We loved our day together!

It is important that we as a school ensure that all the St Joseph's happenings are communicated to provide information, invitation and welcome. Our current forms of communication to update you on upcoming events and the happenings at the school include:

• The Newsletter (The most comprehensive)
• The Compass App, and
• Facebook

The SeeSaw App used individually within each classroom shares the learning within that classroom and/or special information in relation to each Stage.  Please don't rely on this App as the provider for updates on all school activities.

You are invited to our Spirit of Jesus teams (formally known as BFF Groups) on Tuesday 28th March from 2:05 pm until 2:40 pm.

• Tuesday 28 March                -St Joseph's Cross Country
• Wednesday 29 March           - Sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation)
• Sunday 2 April                     -Palm Sunday
• Monday 3-7 April                 - Holy Week 
• Wednesday 5 April               - SRC Fun Day (Theme TBA)                  
• Thursday 6 April                  - HOLY-WEEK JOURNEY (All are invited). LAST DAY OF TERM 1
• Friday 7 April                       - GOOD FRIDAY
• Sunday 9 April                    - EASTER SUNDAY

TERM 2

• Monday 24 April                   - Staff Development Day (Pupil Free)
• Tuesday 25 April                  - ANZAC DAY - Students represented in the Dawn and 10 am Services at Evans Head and Woodburn respectively
• Wednesday 26 April              - All students return to school

• The Student Representative Council for their ongoing organisation of this term's Fundraiser.
• St Joseph's Day, the beautiful Mass, the Fun Day. 
• Mrs Boyd, Mrs Cronan and Mrs Reese
• Being together again with St Joseph's Coraki
• Our students preparing to make their First Reconciliation, we are keeping you in our prayers. 
• Our weekly Award Winners- because they are amazing!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Jeanette

Principal

5th Sunday of Lent: Gospel Reading: John 11:1-45

Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead

When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, he showed his love and his power over death. We believe that through Jesus’ death and Resurrection, he conquered death and won eternal life for us. Our faith tells us that those who are like Martha and Mary—people who believe that Jesus is the light for our world, bring love, comfort and peace to others.

Sacrament of Penance - Celebrating First Reconciliation

We believe that the p assing on of our Christian faith, values and traditions are a true gift that our parents can share with their children. Parents of students preparing for the Celebration of the Sacrament of PENANCE are invited to the four sacramental family meetings on Saturdays at the School at 3:45 pm. These gatherings will be held at the school, and after the sessions, you will be encouraged to attend the Parish Mass which starts at 5:00 pm.

 The final Sacrament of Penance meeting dates are:

Session 4 - Saturday  25th March

Please keep in your prayers the families and the following students who are preparing to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance: Caleb Doran, Rita Murada, Sullivan McCabe-Dobbie, Lotte Duignan and Thomas Walsh.

The celebration of the Sacrament of Penance will be on Wednesday 29th March at 6 pm in the Anglican Church Evans Head. All are welcome to attend.

History and Traditions of St Joseph's School Woodburn

FUN FACT JEOPARDY QUIZ 

This year as part of our Annual School Improvement Plan:

Improve our students and staff's understanding of the Catholic Values on which our school was built by ensuring they are visible in actions, words and physical symbols

To support our school improvement plan, during Term 2 we will have a Spirit of Jesus Fun Fact Jeopardy Quiz for all students.

Students will be organised into their Spirit of Jesus teams and answer questions about our history and traditions. 

Each week our Vice Captains Beau Jubber and Charlotte Robinson share at the Monday morning assembly questions that will be asked during the quiz.

St Joseph’s Spirit of Jesus

Fun Fact No 2 

What is the very heavy white symbol saved from the school at Woodburn?

Answer: Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop statue

PROJECT COMPASSION 2023

The theme of Project Compassion is ‘For All Future Generations’. The good that we do today will extend and impact the lives of generations to come. It is also a call for all of us to play our part in making the world a better place by working together as sisters and brothers in finding long-term solutions to global issues.

Each class was given a Project Compassion Mission Box and students have also been given a mission box to take home. If you would like to donate to Project Compassion this year your support would be most appreciated.

Please return the Project Compassion Mission Boxes by Friday 31st March 2023.

SPIRIT OF JESUS AWARD

At St Joseph's we encourage our students to look for the goodness in others. Our school Vice Captains-Mission this year Charlotte Robinson and Beau Jubber have been given the responsibility of 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 when we are kind, compassionate, welcoming, cheerful, friendly, encouraging, giving, forgiving thankful, and respectful.

This week the Spirit of Jesus award was presented at our assembly to Tarlo Jensen.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Sacrament of Penance - Wednesday 29 March at 6 pm  - Anglican Church Evans Head

Holy Week Presentation - Thursday 6th April a liturgy and reflection involving all students  - school playground at 2 pm. All Welcome.

Sacrament of Confirmation - Monday 26th June 6 pm  -Anglican Church Evans Head

Year 6 Graduation Dinner - Thursday 14th December 6pm

Year 6 Graduation Mass - Friday 15th December 10:15 am

We are once again looking to have a Class Parent for each class in our school. Being a class parent involves being part of a friendly, helpful group of parents who are available to lend a hand when needed. Class Parents’ duties include welcoming new families to the school and being a point of contact for parents in the class for information about different school activities.

Class Parents’ Role Description: 

• Liaise between parents and teachers 
• Provide Pastoral Care support to families in the class by way of organising card/food drive, etc in times of need and or celebration. 

• Support and organise class/grade social activities to build community within the school 
• Support social activities among parents 
• Include all parents as much as possible in the life of the class 
• Care for the children and teacher 
• Exhibit complete confidentiality and professionalism 
• Refer any mediation issues to the Principal or Assistant Principal

We meet, on average, once a term and the main purpose is to strengthen the class/school community and keep parents informed of class events, changes etc., usually through emails or texts. If you are interested in helping out and becoming a Class Parent, please complete the google form below.

If your child is attending Lego Club please pack an extra snack or piece of fruit for the afternoon. We look forward to sharing our lego creations.

St Joseph’s School Cross Country 

St Joseph’s Cross Country Carnival will be held on Tuesday 28th March, at Stan Payne Oval, Evans Head. The school will walk to and from the oval. Races will commence at 9:45am.

The aim of the carnival is to encourage children to participate and gain points for their House. The race results will determine the St Joseph’s Cross Country Team to participate in the Richmond Zone Cross Country Carnival on Wednesday, 3rd May, at Hepburn Park, Goonellabah.

Students may wear their House colour t-shirt for their Cross Country race and change into their sports shirt back at school. All students will need to bring their own water bottle.

Medallion, ribbons and the winning colour Sports House will be announced at a special sports assembly on Tuesday afternoon at 2:40pm.

Distances for the Cross Country are:

• 3000 metres  (3 kilometres) for 11 and 12  year old boys and girls
• 2000 metres (2 kilometres) for 8,9 and 10 year old boys and girls
• 1000  metres ( 1 kilometres) for 7 year old boys and girls
• 500 metres  ( 0.5 kilometres) for 5 and 6 year old boys and girl

We are still in need of parent helpers for the cross country.  If you can assist please call Gayl at the office on 66822468.