Principal's News
Dear Parents and Carers,
Celebrating the Legacy of St Mary MacKillop
Yesterday, we commemorated the Feast Day of St Mary MacKillop, a day of great significance for our school community and for all Australians. St Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first canonised saint, dedicated her life to the service of others, particularly those in need. Her legacy of compassion, education, and unwavering faith continues to inspire us all.
As I reflect on St Mary MacKillop’s legacy, I’m reminded of her courage and determination, qualities that I strive to embody in my leadership here at St Joseph's. Her vision of education for all, regardless of background, inspires me daily in our mission to provide every child with the opportunity to succeed.
St Mary MacKillop, together with the Josephite Sisters, founded schools across Australia, ensuring that children in rural and disadvantaged communities had access to education. Our own St Joseph's Wee Waa was established by the Josephites, and it is through their tireless efforts that our school was built on the values of faith, inclusivity, and a commitment to learning. These values are still at the heart of everything we do today.
On Wednesday, our school community came together to celebrate a special Mass in honour of St Mary MacKillop's Feast Day. It was a wonderful opportunity for us to reflect on her contributions to education and to renew our commitment to the mission she began. During our Mass, the beautiful rendition of ‘We are Many Parts’ by our school choir was particularly moving, reminding us of the unity and diversity within our community—a true reflection of St Mary’s spirit.
As we move forward, let us keep St Mary MacKillop's example in our hearts, striving to be people of service, compassion, and faith. May her spirit continue to guide us in our work and in our lives.
Throughout this newsletter, you will find some quotes and explanations attributed to St Mary MacKillop. These quotes are snippets of a Saint I admire, one who embodies the spirit of someone we can all look to for guidance in our lives.
"Be calm and full of hope." - St Mary MacKillop
I use this quote as a reminder to stay grounded and hopeful, even in challenging and uncertain times.
Attendance Reminders
Currently, our attendance rate is 88%, which has dropped a little in comparison to the beginning of Term 2. As a school within the Diocese of Armidale, we have a goal of raising our school attendance rates above 92%. Each school day is important.
However, I do understand that many in our community have experienced colds and the flu this winter, and I appreciate that you are looking after your children and helping others by not attending when symptomatic.
This is also a reminder that if your child has been absent due to sickness, we will require a medical certificate to be uploaded via Compass or sent/emailed to the school office.
Thank you to all the parents and carers who have made consistent efforts to ensure their children are attending school regularly. That is why it is important that every day your child is well and able to attend school; it remains a priority.
Let’s continue working together to reach our goal of 92% attendance, ensuring that every child benefits from the full learning experience. We want to maximise learning opportunities for our students, providing the best chance to grow literate and numerate students for a hope-filled future.
"Never see a need without doing something about it." - St Mary MacKillop
This quote captures St Mary MacKillop's proactive approach to helping those in need and can be a powerful reminder of our responsibility to care for others. It is a quote that is very familiar to our students and one that we try to instil in them each day.
Green & Gold Mufti Day
Last Friday, 2nd August, it was fantastic to see so many students come to school wearing Green and Gold to cheer on the Australian Olympic team. Our students have been getting right into the Olympic fever by completing Olympic-themed activities in Maths and English and cheering on Australia in daily highlights of the previous day’s performances. There is even a medal tally in Stage 1 recording how many medals Australia, South Africa, and Ireland have been winning, and of course, Australia is on top!
It’s events like these that bring our community closer together, fostering a sense of national pride and camaraderie among our students as they cheer on our athletes.
"Let us show love in our acts, bearing with one another, forgiving and forgetting." - St Mary MacKillop
What we do speaks volumes. How we act around others and with one another is very important. At school, I work with students to ensure that they are being the best versions of themselves
Netball NSW Schools Cup
Yesterday, Thursday, 8th August, students from Years 3 - 6 travelled to Narrabri to participate in the Netball NSW Schools Cup. It was a great day, and our Years 3 and 4 team played very well, improving with each game, especially when they came up against some well-drilled Year 5 and 6 teams in the social grade they were competing in. Meanwhile, our Years 5 and 6 Team ended the day at the top of the table with four wins and a draw, progressing to the next level. This will be held in Tamworth on Wednesday, 25th September. Well done!
A big thank you to Lucy Suttor for her organisation and to the staff and parents for your support.
ADPSC Athletics
Today, Friday, 9th August, nominated students travelled to Tamworth to participate in the ADPSC Athletics Carnival. It is the biggest sporting carnival that the Armidale Catholic Schools Office puts on each year, and it is very well attended. I know that our students will have fun and enjoy the competition.
The next step for these students, should they qualify, will be to attend the Polding Athletics carnival in Sydney. A massive thank you needs to be given to all of the parents and staff attending to help ensure the day runs smoothly. Results and photos will be put out via social media and our next newsletter.
"We must teach more by example than by word." - St Mary MacKillop
St Mary MacKillop values leading by example, which is particularly relevant in our school, I strive to consistently encourage students and staff alike to live out their values.
Wee Waa Show & Glow Stall (Volunteers & Donations Needed)
The St Joseph’s P & F will sell glow products at the Wee Waa Show next Friday, August 16th. EFTPOS will be available.
If you can volunteer on this day to help with the stall from 4 pm (even for an hour!), please complete the following form via bit.ly/3WzrwXj by selecting the event, date, and start time. Your help is greatly appreciated.
Our Glow Stall has been a highlight of the Wee Waa Show in previous years, and we’re excited to bring that joy to the community once again. Also, we kindly ask for your support in donating a few small items, such as bouncy balls, chocolates, lollies, matchbox cars, small toys, trinkets, hair clips, etc. These items will be used for our lucky dip for the children to purchase on the day of the show.
Please drop off these items at the school office by Wednesday, 14th August.
Thank you for your support!
"Courage, courage, trust in God who helps you in all things." - St Mary MacKillop
This quote inspires bravery and trust in divine support. We, as Catholics need to always reflect on this message. We need to have the courage to trust in God and understand where he intercedes in our lives.
P & F Meeting
Please note that due to illness and a number of our members away, our P & F Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, 6th August, had to be rescheduled. We will next be meeting on Tuesday, 27th August, at 6.00 pm in the staffroom. All parents are welcome to join us.
Next week, I am attending the board meeting of the Australian Catholic Primary Principals Association in Canberra. I have recently been made a board member to represent principals from NSW Catholic schools. It is an honour to be able to discuss the opportunities and challenges that our students in Wee Waa are presented with to a captive national audience.
I am always proud to discuss Wee Waa and the fantastic community that we have here. I will be back at St Joseph’s Wee Waa on Thursday, 15 August. In my absence, Kathlene Fenton and Karlee Hatton will be acting principal and acting AP.
I encourage you all to get involved in our upcoming events, whether it’s by volunteering at the Wee Waa Show or joining our next P & F meeting. Your involvement enriches our community and makes St Joseph's a place where everyone belongs.
Have a great weekend.
God Bless,
Alistair Stewart
Principal