P&F News

And just like that, another term is done!

A quick but big thank you to everyone who has supported the P&F, in any which way, throughout Term 3.

Now, onto Term 4… and we’ve got plenty planned!

~ TOGETHER ~

Next term is all about families, connection and community because, quite honestly, everything is better together.

We’ve got a great line-up of events and activities coming up — a bit of fun, a bit of learning and a bit of parent time — all curated in the spirit of togetherness.

This afternoon, you’ll find a printout of the P&F Term 4 events calendar coming home, ready to pop on the fridge and keep track of what’s coming up.

~ St Joseph’s Family Cookbook ~

This afternoon, you’ll also find a blank Family Cookbook recipe form. We’re inviting every family to share one of their all-time favourite recipes for the 2026 St Joseph’s Family Cookbook.

We’re talking about the recipe you just can’t get enough of! Maybe it’s a total winner with the kids, the cake everyone requests for birthdays, or a recipe that’s been passed down through generations and still makes a regular appearance. We want to see it, cook it and taste it!

Please return your recipe by Monday 19 October. Printed cookbooks will be available to purchase and, we think, will make a pretty special Christmas gift.

~ Council of Catholic Schools Parents NSW Conference ~

The Council of Catholic Schools Parents NSW is holding its 2026 conference, More Supporting Families, in Tweed Heads on Saturday 24 October.

The line-up of speakers looks set to cover so many of the topics and conversations at the forefront of parents’ minds as we navigate an ever-changing world — including consent and respectful relationships, cyber safety, resilience, managing anxiety, screen and brain development, and supporting learning at school and home.

I’m particularly excited to hear from Gen Muir — parent educator, obstetric social worker, author, mother and founder of Connected Parenting. Her book and High Low Buffalo cards are fantastic!

For more information and the full conference program:

2026 Conference – Council of Catholic Schools Parents NSW⁠

We appreciate that a day trip to Tweed Heads is a hefty undertaking, so to make it a little easier, the P&F will be providing support with transport. Depending on numbers, this may include hiring a bus.

If you’re interested in attending and would like transport, please email stjosephspandfgi@gmail.com to register your interest.

~ Real Talk – Parent Evening ~

Beautifully timed, we then get to back up some of that learning with a Real Talk parent session the following week, at 6pm on Thursday 29 October in the school hall.

The session will offer practical information and tips for navigating the ever-changing digital landscape with our kids and helping to keep them safe online and around technology.

These are particularly hot topics for families right now, and with things moving and changing so rapidly, this is a fantastic opportunity for parents, carers and grandparents to come along.

And because we really don’t want you to miss out, we’re putting on pizza and a movie for the kids. Evening sorted!

More details will come early next term.

~ Save the Date – Christmas Drinks & Raffles ~

We’ll finish our Together events with Christmas Drinks & Raffles at the New England Club on Friday 13 November, from 4.30–7pm.

Join us for an evening on the lawn. Nibbles will be provided, there’ll be great raffles to be won, and hopefully plenty of time to catch up before the end-of-year rush really begins.

We also warmly invite all of our 2027 Kinder families to join the St Joseph’s community for the evening, following their final transition day and Parent Q&A session.

Term 4 is shaping up to be a big one — but hopefully with a lot more good and a lot less chaos as we head towards the festive season.

Have a fabulous break. See you next term for lots of togetherness!

Brigitte