Hello Families.

I am presently in Cairns attending the 2025 Australian Catholic Education Conference. With the theme ‘hope, anchored in faith’, the conference focus is on the strategic vision and mission of Catholic education across three key areas – Faith, Excellence and Access. There are a broad range of speakers, presentations and workshops focused on Catholic identity, mission and formation; learning and teaching; leadership and governance; parent engagement; parish and community engagement; resourcing and infrastructure and advocacy and marketing. In my absence this week, Megan Barber will be the Acting Principal. Please contact her at mbarber@ssorrento.catholic.edu.au if there is a need.

Book Week

I am disappointed to be missing Book Week celebrations. Thank you to our wonderful Mel McFayden for organising the activities for the week, for keeping the St Joseph's Library so well resourced with wonderful books and creating an engaging place to be.

Confirmation

It was a wonderful celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation at St Patrick's Cathedral. I was so proud of our students who participated reverently and confidently in the ceremony. Congratulations on this special step in your faith journey: Gus, Maggie, Billy, Zara BR, Mabel, Isabella, Maisy, Zara H, James, Hamish, William, Charlie, Viv, Patrick, Flynn, Clarke, Evie, Alex , Ivy, Olivia, Alex, Jack, Harriet, Billie, Edith and Indie. Thank you to Jacqui Hayes and 5/6 teaching team who prepared students and organised the celebration. Thank you families for your support.

Bullying No Way Week

Last week we acknowledged Bullying No Way - National Week of Action through various activities, including a free dress/dress up day.

The theme for Bullying No Way Week, “Be Bold. Be Kind. Speak Up”, reminded me very much of Mother Teresa’s (St Teresa of Calcutta) quote: “Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.”

Student Action Council

Student voice is crucial in schools because it fosters a more engaging and effective learning environment. When students feel heard and valued, they are more likely to be motivated, participate actively, and develop a sense of ownership over their education. It also develops a more positive school culture. One way we do this is through students being elected by their peers to be on the Student Action Council . Congratulations to the students who received their badges at last Monday's assembly: Mabel, William, Harriet, James, Knox, Aleesha, Hamish, Chloe G, Eddie, Savannah, Willow, Hugo Ca, Ava J and Charlie K.

St Joseph's Award

Congratulations to Emerson and Hao Hao who received the St Joseph's Award last week, for consistently upholding our school values and behaviour expectations of being respectful, being safe and being a learner.

Lunch Orders

Thank you to Rose and Happiness First for supplying healthy lunch orders each week. Many families have taken up the opportunity. Due to a number of factors, lunch orders will now be supplied on Wednesdays rather than Thursdays. Orders will need to be in by 3:00pm Tuesday.

Fun Food Fridays

Is back this Friday! Please have $3 this Wednesday if you would like to order a hot dog for this Friday. Thank you to the Student Wellbeing Action Team for organising this.

Term Three Closure Day

Next Monday 25th August, staff will be participating in a professional learning day on the explicit teaching Writing. Please email me if you are finding supervision of your child/children challenging.

Father's & VIPs Breakfast and Stall

Father's Day is fast approaching. We invite all our Dads and Very Important People to an Egg & Bacon Breakfast on Friday 5th September. Our Father's Day Stall will be held on Thursday 4th September.

School Counsellor

Unfortunately we have found it difficult to replace our school counsellor, due to our location. We will have an Art Therapist beginning at St Joseph's shortly. Please let me know if you would like your child to access this service.

The next fortnight @ St Joseph's

Fri 22 Book Week Celebration day

Fun Food Friday - Hot dogs

Mon 25 School Closure Day

Tues 26 Gymstars Competition

Fri 29 Canteen

Have an enjoyable week. Please let me know if I can assist you in anyway.

Many thanks,

Monica

moshannassy@sjsorrento.catholic.edu.au

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