Fathers Day Celebrations

What a joyful end to last week (week 8) with our Father’s/ Special Friends breakfast and assembly. Thank you to Dave Kahan and Casper's Pies for the delicious breakfast and to our team of mums (pictured above) for setting up, serving and clearing up afterwards. The Year 2s presented the assembly and liturgy beautifully, managing to combine the reverence of prayer, the joy of a good song/ dance and some excellent dad-style jokes. I hope the special men in the lives of our children enjoyed the class-made gifts and the celebrations on Sunday. By all accounts, the dinner was a great success and I thank David B and Peter P for organising the event.

Dendy District Athletics

Well done to our athletes who competed in the Dendy District Athletics Carnival last week. Exceptional sportsmanship and representation of our school made us very proud- well done all!

Congratulations to...

Beatrice in Grade 2B, whose gymnastics team recently received 2nd place at a regional gymnastics event; Bea was fortunate enough to meet Australian gymnast and Olympian, Amy Whitehead, during the competition. Well done, Beatrice, we are so proud of you!

Callum in Y4D recently competed in the Swimming Nationals, representing St Joseph's in the Team Vic Swim squad. Callum wrote the following about his very memorable experience:

"Last week I travelled to Sydney for Nationals swimming. The Olympic Stadium was massive and the atmosphere was amazing! I felt really proud representing St Joseph's in Team Vic.

We started each day with a Team chant ("Team Vic are hot to go....H O T T O G O!") and it was fun to meet the other swimmers and make new friends.

On Sunday, I swam in the boys medley relay and the mixed medley relay. On Monday, I came 3rd in my heat for the 100m freestyle and 7th overall in the final. On Tuesday, I came 3rd in my heat for the 50m freestyle and 10th overall in the final. I also swam in the boys freestyle relay.

I felt really excited when I was on the blocks before my events and I loved the feeling of diving into the pool and being able to swim every day. Thankyou to my classmates, Ms D, Mrs Moore, and the whole school for wishing me well!"

Ava in Y3H participated in the Audrey Nicholls Grade Awards - Ballet Class Competition at the Australian Ballet School on Sunday 3rd September 2023.

This competition was open to students preparing for their RAD Grade Examinations and featured more than 60 participants. Ava performed exceptionally well, and we are very proud of her accomplishments!

All Stars Karate

I happened to be in the hall on Thursday morning setting up for a session with our preps, when I was able to watch the karate session with teacher, Andrew, and students from across the school. What a great instructor Andrew is, with the children following instructions attentively and showing great skill and determination. It was also great to be there as achievement awards were given out....bravo!

Confirmation Retreat Day

Today our Year 5 and 6 students participated in their Confirmation retreat day, led by Ms Cleere, Mr Cleary, Mrs Jackson and Therese Proy (Parish Associate). For many weeks, the children have been preparing for this final Sacrament of Initiation and today was an opportunity to come together to share their learning and also to meet Bishop Ireland, who will be celebrating the Confirmation Mass on Thursday next week. The children also had the opportunity to have a run-through of the mass with Monsignor Stuart.

We keep the children in our prayers as they take this next step in their sacramental journey.

Teddy Bear's Picnic

The pre-prep playgroup is going from strength to strength and on Thursday we held our first official prep orientation with our Teddy Bear’s picnic. The teachers were super excited to meet the two new prep classes for 2024. Whilst a few students were unable to attend as they are currently interstate or overseas, it was lovely to see the newest members of our community come together. Once again, I’m certain that the playgroup has assisted our pre-preps in developing an early sense of belonging and connection to our school community. Thanks to Miss Victoire, Mr Butler, Miss Stacey, Mrs Jackson, Miss Jo, Lynnette and Isabelle for organising a very enjoyable day for the newest members of our community.

MACSSIS Surveys by Orima

This week many randomly selected families will receive links to our annual survey issued by MACS. The data from these surveys assist us in strategically planning for 2024 and beyond. The students in Years 4-6 will complete these anonymous surveys next week and staff are in the process of completing theirs. We ask that families complete their surveys before the holidays begin.

Stage Left Performing Arts Program

It was great to have Martin from Stage Left come and visit during this morning's assembly. This worthwhile program begins at St Joseph's next term and will take place each Tuesday afternoon, from 3.30pm until 5pm.

Martin would like our parent community to know that the first session is free, so a 'try before you buy' scenario.

If you are interested in signing up your Year 1 to Year 6 child for the program, please follow this link: https://www.stageleft.com.au/sites/default/files/information_sheet_term_4_2023_stage_left_at_armadale_ps.pdf

(ignore the Armadale PS!)

Volunteers- forward planning

I'm mindful of potential volunteer fatigue, especially after the Studio 54 extravaganza (I still can't believe over $25k was raised!) and also with parents assisting Miss Karen with our Nemo costumes. We do have a few events coming up that require volunteers:

Next Friday we have our end-of-term cake sale, this time hosted by our Year 1 and Year 2 families. Use the following link to sign up to bake, help on the day or both:https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094FABAC22A6FAC07-stjosephs4
St Joseph's has been nominated as a voting centre for the upcoming 'Voice' referendum on Saturday 14th October. Of course, we will be providing the usual menu of 'democracy' sausages and Michael and the P+F team will send out a signup form for helpers when we return in Term 4.
We will also be on the lookout for bar helpers for the two nights of 'Finding Nemo Jr', which will take place on the 1st and 2nd of November. Again, keep an eye out for the signup sheet closer to the time.

Week 10- almost there!

Just a few dates/ reminders for next week and Term 4:

Monday 11th September:

Prep and Year One class liturgies and open book afternoon for parents, starting at 2.45pm

Tuesday 12th September:

Year 5 and Year 6 class liturgies and open book afternoon for parents, starting at 2.45pm

Wednesday 13th September

Year 3 and Year 4 liturgy and open book afternoon for parents, starting at 2.45pm

Thursday 14th September

Year 2 liturgy and open book afternoon for parents, starting at 2.45pm
Sacrament of Confirmation for Year 5 and Year 6 at 5pm at St Joseph's Church

Friday 15th September

Footy Colours Day, starting with assembly at 9am (All welcome) then rotational activities throughout the day.
Special hot lunch- orders must be put through Operoo
School concludes at 3.30pm for the holidays.
Cake stall hosted by Year 1 and Year 2

Monday 2nd October

School returns for Term 4
Finding Nemo Jr tickets will go on sale during the first week back

Students and teachers are working hard in rehearsals and the costumes are coming along nicely- thanks Miss Karen and the team!

As this is our final newsletter for the term, I wish you a relaxing and restful holiday ahead. May the sun shine wherever you are!

Thank you for all your support this term, in whatever capacity, and we look forward to a wonderful Term 4 with you all.

Michelle

Pre-Prep in Terms 3 & 4