PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Term 3 Highlights
We have much to celebrate as our students have shown fantastic academic growth, particularly across our K - 2 classes with strong early reading progress, this is a reflection of our high density of skilled helpful adults supporting the morning InitiaLit session as part of the uninterrupted English block. We encourage our students to continue reading during the holidays. It may be a book from school, the town library, a recipe, comic or even a list. Ensuring access to literature supports our young people to realise a hope-filled future.
Our student leaders have stepped up with great pride running our weekly Monday morning assemblies, our special Friday assemblies and communicating upcoming events, and embodying our core values.
The expansion of our Joey Awards as part of the "Living Well, Learning Well" framework has continued to foster a positive, supportive environment where students feel safe, valued. respected and cared for, engaged in their learning, and eager to participate every day.
Students represented our school with high spirits and exemplary sportsmanship at our local and combined athletics carnivals as well as regional events.
Thank you to the staff, parent helpers, and community volunteers who dedicated time to organising and supporting our young athletes.
Kindergarten Transition
We were thrilled to welcome prospective families and our newest little learners during our school transition mornings. We are excited to continue these sessions again next term to support our newest learners.
Warialda Off Road 200
Our students who did not attend the soccer gala day has the privilege of attending the Meet and Greet and Warialda Town Square. They were able to ask questions about the buggies and had the opportunity to have a closer look. Some students were even able to sit in the drivers seat and they sure looked the part!
Sami Bayly Visits
I would like to extend a huge thank you to the wonderful support of the Creative Arts. Through Armidale Catholic Schools we received a grant to be able to invite Sami Bayly as a resident artist at St Joseph's for two days.
This initiative was designed to integrate student learning with the annual Warialda Honey Festival. Building upon the students' enthusiasm for the books of author/illustrator, Sami Bayly, the initiative provides a unique opportunity to explore the world of bees and insects at a deeper level. Our 3 - 6 students have taken a deep dive into Sami's books through their English Writing unit and have studied these creatures closely. This week they have learnt to draw or paint them under Sami’s guidance, drawing inspiration from her professional work and creative process. Sami has connected so well with our students.
We thank Sami for her time at St Joseph's and we hope to see you visit gain one day!
Save the Date: Grandparents Day
Please mark Thursday, 22 October in your calendars for our annual Grandparents Day celebration! We look forward to welcoming our wonderful grandparents and special friends into our school to celebrate the vital role they play in our students' lives. Further details and timing for the day will be shared closer to the date.
Weeks 8 & 9 Joey Award
A massive congratulations to Eylah for Week 8 and Janis for Week 9!
The Joey Awards recognise students who consistently demonstrate our core values:
- I am Safe
- I am Valued, Respected and Cared For
- I am a Learner
Throughout the term, staff catch students “doing the right thing” and enter them into our Joey Award recognition pool.
In addition to regular milestone draws each week, we track this positive data to host a special end-of-term celebration, honouring students who have consistently lived out our school values.
Uniform
We will now be in our Summer Uniform for the remainder of the Year.
Please check uniforms and come to our school office if you need to purchase larger sizes.
We have a small handful of second hand uniforms still in good condition.
School Hats: Students are required to wear their school hat during all outdoor activities and break times.
Please check that your child's hat is clearly labelled with their name.
Honey Festival
We are grateful to our P & F for their support of purchasing an oven for school! Mrs Brooks has been baking with small groups as they prepare to enter the Warialda Honey Festival Cooking Competition.
Our students will be performing at the Honey Festival.
We are also having a stall with lots of treats available along with The Cake Ladies!
2027 Enrolments
As we start to plan for the 2027 school year we invite all families with students planning to commence school in 2027 to please complete the new online enrolment form.
Be sure to share if you know of anyone interested in joining our school community next year! Contact the school if you have any questions.
https://stjosephswarialda.catholic.edu.au/enrolment-information/
Thanks for Term 3!
Thank you to our wonderful staff for your tireless effort, ongoing collaboration, and unwavering commitment to nurturing each students unique potential and making them welcome and part of our school team.
Thank you to our families for your active partnership, whether attending assemblies, supporting fundraisers, or volunteering your time. A strong partnership between home and school ensures our students thrive.
The upcoming spring break is a well-deserved time for rest, recreation, and spent quality time with family and loved ones.
I encourage all our students to put down their schoolbags, enjoy the outdoors, and recharge their batteries for an exciting Term 4 ahead. Please stay safe on the roads if you are travelling.
We look forward to welcoming students back safely for the final term of the school year on Wednesday 14 October.