General Information
Book Week & Grandparent's Day
We are looking forward to celebrating Book Week and Grandparents' Day this Friday, 28th August. See the Library section of the Newsletter for further details on the Book Fair. Character Book Week Parade. Parents are also welcome to attend on the day. We look forward to seeing you there!
School Disco
Father's Day BBQ & Liturgy - Save the Date
St Joseph's Learning Fair
My School Survey
An annual satisfaction survey of parents, students and staff will be conducted on behalf of all Catholic schools in the Diocese this term. The surveys are designed to gather feedback from parents, staff and students about our school and will be used to inform school improvement. Responses are confidential, and individuals can not be identified. The surveys will be launched via email today, Monday, 24 August 2026 using the email addresses supplied to the school. If you do not receive an email with a link to the survey, you can access and complete the survey via the following link.
https://www.research.net/r/StJosephsTamworthPARENT2026
The survey will close on Wednesday, 2 September 2026.
Mobile Phones and Other Electronic Devices
At St Joseph's we acknowledge that parents may wish their child to carry a mobile phone for personal safety reasons however, once students arrive at school they must hand in their mobile phone, smart watch or other electronic device at the school office. Devices will be returned to students at the end of the day. All electronic devices that are brought to school are at the owner's risk. No liability will be accepted by the school in the event of loss, theft or damage of the device.
Transition - Kindergarten 2027
The dates for this year's Transition are:
Term 3
Tuesday, 15th September - 9:00am - 11am
Tuesday, 22nd September - 9:00am - 11am
Term 4
Tuesday, 13th October - 9:00am - 2:30pm
Tuesday, 20th October - 9:00am - 2:30pm
Tuesday, 27th October - 9:00am - 2:30pm
Connecting with Bricks Workshop
Last week our students were fortunate enough to participate in a Connecting with Bricks Workshop to coincide with National Science Week. This activity was run by Tania Longmire and her volunteers from Connecting with Bricks Inc.
The goal of this workshop was to provide enjoyable and immersive STEM based learning experiences that inspires creativity, collaboration and critical thinking.
A voucher was kindly donated to the school by Sophie Taggart McKay and our P&F also contributed to the cost so that all students could participate.
Thank you to Sophie and our P&F for arranging the kind donation. A special thank you also to Mrs Kylie Dewhurst for making the day happen and run so smoothly.
Chess Club
Chess Club has recommenced and last week Mrs Simmons had 17 Stage 2 and 3 Students participate. Chess is one of the most powerful educational tools available to strengthen a child's mind. Chess can enhance concentration, patience and perseverance. Chess Club is available for Stage 2 and 3 students and runs each Thursday at lunch time under the guidance of Mrs Simmons.
Student Support
School TV
Now available on SchoolTV: ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting attention, impulse control, and activity levels. Beyond typical distraction or restlessness, ADHD involves ongoing patterns that impact a child's learning, organisation, and relationships.
It is a neurological condition - not a result of poor effort or discipline. With proper support, structure, and strategies, children with ADHD can build confidence, improve emotional regulation and thrive. Explore this edition of SchoolTV to learn how to help your child navigate everyday challenges.
http://stjosephstamworth.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/adhd-au
Additionally, we have a selection of child-friendly books available for parents to borrow to help guide supportive, age-appropriate conversations about ADHD with children at home. Please contact our Inclusion Support Teacher, Emily Sullivan, via the school office to arrange borrowing.
Australian Teacher's Aide Appreciation Week
Next week our school is proudly celebrating the amazing work of our Education Assistants. Throughout the week we will be recognising the dedication, care and professionalism they bring to our students and school community every day.
On behalf of our school community - THANK YOU Mrs Wadwell, Miss Hewitt, Mrs DeSilva, Miss Taggart, Mrs Mood, Mrs Vile, Miss Meares, Mrs Whitney, Mrs Davies and Mrs Simmons who make such a positive difference in our school.
Cultural Groups
Stage 3 Cultural Groups
Our Stage 3 Indigenous students are looking at different forms of Aboriginal Art. We have covered Rock Art, Sand Art, and most recently, Bark Art. Exploring different ways to draw or paint onto different textures was interesting for all the students, and they have had a lot of fun doing so.
Stage 2 Cultural Groups
Stage 2 students are continuing to look at this year's NAIDOC Week theme '50 Years of Deadly'. They are making timelines of significant events from the past 50 years in both History and their families. They have also looked at the many ways someone can be Deadly through dance and song!
Sport News
Tennis
Congratulations to William who was Runner Up in the Under 9's at the Tennis Regional Matchplay Series held recently. A shout out to Mitch from Perform with Power who is William's Coach.
Netball
Congratulations to Averie for being invited to join the Wanderers Australia U13/14 Girls Netball Touring Squad travelling to Fiji in December 2027. Well done Averie!
Library News
2026 Book Week and Book Fair
St Joseph’s annual Book Fair will once again be held in conjunction with our Book Week celebrations. The Fair will be held in the hall during lunch this Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and after the Book Parade on Friday.
Should your child wish to purchase a book from the book fair, it may be done in one of three ways:
Make a secure credit card payment online (instructions will be detailed on the back of your child’s wish list)
Send the money into school in a sealed and labelled envelope or zip lock bag on either Tuesday August 25th, Wednesday August 26th, Thursday August 27th or Friday August 28th for students to purchase their books.
Eftpos available at the Book Fair
As always your participation in the Book Fair is entirely voluntary.
Book Character Parade
Our eagerly anticipated Book Character Parade on Friday, August 28th at 10:30am. To celebrate all the wonderful stories we regularly enjoy, all students from Kindergarten to Year 6 are invited to come to school dressed as their favourite book character from any adventure story, or as their favourite author. This year’s theme, "Symphony of Stories," will allow our imaginations to run wild! Students can dress up as individuals or partner up with a sibling or friend.
Students may come to school dressed in their costume (please ensure your child knows the name of their book character and which book they are from); however, if your child chooses not to come dressed as a book character, sports uniform must be worn. Please ensure that clothing is appropriate for the weather conditions and the school environment and that appropriate footwear is worn (enclosed shoes – no heels or thongs). Students must wear their school hats on the day. If alternate hats and shoes are required to complete your child’s costume, please bring them to school in a separate bag and they may be worn just for the parade. Any props that may prove dangerous, for example swords etc, please secure them in a separate bag and ask your child to hand them to the class teacher for safe keeping.
Book Week Colouring in Competititon Winners
Congratulations to the following students who were the winners of our Book Week Colouring Competition:
Kindergarten - Elsa
Stage 1 - Archie
Stage 2 - Isabella
Stage 3 - Kaile
P&F News
P&F Meeting
The P&F plays an important role in building community by organising social events and supporting the school through fundraising activities. We encourage everyone to become involved in the P&F Association. We have a wonderful committee so we encourage our parent body to come along and support our marvellous P&F this year.
Our P&F Meeting is next Tuesday, 27th October at 5:30pm in the staffroom.
School Fees
A reminder to all families/carers that school fee installments are due on the 21st of each month from February to November.
Thank you to those families who have already made payments. BPAY details can be found on emailed statements and we have EFTPOS facilities available at the school.
As always, please feel free to contact the school if you would like to discuss your account or to arrange a payment plan.
Living Well Learning Well
