Principal's News

Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope everyone had a fantastic week. As Week 7 approaches, our school has many events planned over the next two weeks.

We would like to extend our best wishes to all our Year 3 and Year 5 students who will be undertaking their NAPLAN assessments over the next couple of weeks. 

Additionally, we have some exciting Easter events planned, including an Easter Hat Parade and Holy Week celebrations. We will be providing more information about these events in our upcoming newsletter.

Today is International Women's Day. I would like to wish all of our fantastic women connected with our school, a fantastic day. Regina Menz, the Director of Armidale Catholic Schools, sent all staff an email this morning highlighting this special day. She stated:

Today we celebrate International Women's Day and it is a great day to acknowledge and give thanks for the contribution women make in our lives, the Diocese and society as a whole. The United Nations Theme for 2024 is 'Invest in women: Accelerate progress'.

Many of our schools in the Diocese were founded by women in Religious orders who left their homes, many to never see their families again. We thank and acknowledge them.

Our schools and offices are filled with women who are passionate about creating the conditions for our young people to realise a hope-filled future. We thank and acknowledge them.

For our young girls and women in our schools, our future leaders. May we continue to nurture them to realise a hope-filled future.

ADPSC Swimming

Last Friday, 1st March, students travelled to Gunnedah to participate in the ADPSC Swimming Carnival.

Well done to all the students for their efforts and sportsmanship, and a big thank you to the parents and staff for your support.

It was a fantastic day, and we are thrilled to announce that several of our students qualified for Polding. We are very proud of their achievements.

Edward C (🥇11 yrs Boys 50 m Freestyle, 🥈 11 yrs Boys 50 m Breaststroke, 🥈 11 yrs Boys 50 m Butterfly, 🥇11 yrs Boys 50 m Backstroke), James G (🥈 11 yrs Boys 50 m Freestyle,🥇 11 yrs Boys 50 m Breaststroke, 🥉 11 yrs Boys 50 m Butterfly), Junior Boys Relay Team 🥈 (Charlie W, Toby D, Leyton C, Henry W), Quinn T (🥉12 yrs Girls 50 m Freestyle) and Charlie W (🥈 8 yrs Boys 50 m Freestyle)

Also, a special mention goes to Edward Carolan, who was awarded the 11 yrs Boys Champion, and James Gleeson, who was awarded the 11 yrs Boys  Runner-Up. An outstanding achievement!

See our Facebook page for more information.

Yuga-Li Yulu Dance Rehearsals

“Last week, students from St Philomena's School Moree, St Francis Xavier's School Narrabri, St Joseph's School Walgett & St Joseph's Primary School, Wee Waa gathered and commenced Yuga-Li Yulu dance rehearsals for the Catholic Schools NSW Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Education Conference - “Spirit On Country: Learning Together, then, now & always” in October”

See our Facebook page for more information.

Best Start Assessment Interviews

Earlier this week, Best Start Assessment interview bookings for Kindergarten families were made available via Compass under conferences. These will take place next week. Available dates and times vary. Please see Compass for further information.

Junior Joeys

Congratulations to the following students who have been elected as Junior Joeys representatives. We cannot wait to see what they accomplish this year:

Welcome BBQ

On Wednesday, March 6th, the St Joseph’s P & F hosted our annual Welcome BBQ for new and existing families. It was great to see so many attend, and a big thank you to the P & F for their help and organisation.

ADPSC Winter Trials

Today, Friday, 8th March, students travelled to Tamworth to participate in the ADPSC Winter Trials.

Well done to all the students for their efforts and sportsmanship, and a big thank you to the parents and staff for your support.

It was a great day, and we are excited to announce that a number of students qualified for Polding. Further information will be communicated next week.

NAPLAN

This is a reminder that our Years 3 and 5 students will be participating in NAPLAN Online between Wednesday, 13 and Monday, 25 March. We wish them all the best.

Please see the following for individual test dates:

Writing: Wednesday, 13 March

Reading: Thursday, 14 March

Conventions of Language: Tuesday, 19 March

Numeracy: Wednesday, 20 March

Please see Compass for further information.

Easter Hat Parade

This year, our annual Easter Hat Parade will be held on Wednesday, 27th March, at 9:15 am. All students are invited to participate by showcasing their Easter hat creations. To celebrate this special day, children are also welcome to wear Mufti clothes to school and are asked to bring in a gold coin donation, with all funds raised towards our 2024 Caritas contribution.

There will be several prize categories in each class, including Tallest Hat, Best Religious Theme, Best Easter Theme, and Most Creative. We will also have some special judges on the day. 

All are welcome to attend.

Additionally, we ask that families bring in a small Easter gift, such as Easter eggs, etc., to be put towards the Easter Hat Parade prizes and for a raffle we would like to draw the same afternoon. Further information regarding the raffle will be communicated closer to the date.

If you would like to contribute Easter gifts, they can be dropped off at the school office anytime between now and Tuesday, 26th March. Thank you for your support.

Have a great weekend.

God Bless,

Alistair Stewart

Principal