From Mrs Scott's Desk

Friday 20th September 2024

Dear Parents and Carers,

 

As we wrap up Term 3, I am filled with gratitude for the vibrant learning experiences our students have enjoyed this term. It has been a time of growth, exploration, and celebration of achievements across all grade levels. From engaging in the classroom to our inspiring school events, I have witnessed our students shine, take risks with their learning, have fun and work diligently. Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community, which truly makes a difference in the education the students receive at St Joseph’s.

 

I’d like to thank all the staff at St Joseph’s for always giving. Our students are privileged to have such dedicated staff who have the students at the centre of all they do. I hope they enjoy their well deserved break over the holidays to rest and recuperate so they can be ready to launch into Term 4.


Jubilee Mass Fr Paddy

The school community are invited to join the Parish in celebrating Fr Paddy’s Jubilee Mass. Fr Paddy has been a priest for 30 years and we give thanks for his commitment to the Catholic faith, his spiritual guidance and proactive pursuit of catholic social teaching. We encourage students to join Mr Pratt in leading the music and singing at the mass. A special thank you to Mrs Salmon and Mr Pratt for their organisation and contribution to this very special mass.

 

As a school, we are so grateful for Fr Paddy’s active involvement in, and support of, our school. He is always present, interacting with staff, students and parents. His faith leadership guides us all and he gives witness to our school motto ‘Christ our way’. 

 

Congratulations Fr Paddy on this very special milestone. Your service and faith outreach has touched the lives of so many over the last 30 years and you truly deserve this special celebration.


Safeguarding September

The Diocese of Wagga Wagga and St Joseph's Junee are committed to the care, wellbeing and protection of children, young people and adults at risk in our community. In this National Child Protection Week, we renew our commitment to work together to ensure that every member of our community gets a fair go, is supported and feels safe.


School Excursions

Our Stage 2 students seem to be having a wonderful day in Beechworth today. We look forward to hearing all about their learnings and adventures when they return to school. A special thank you to Mrs Dowell, Mrs Makeham, Mrs Hart and Ms Virgona for supervising the students.

 

Next Monday our Stage 3 students will be heading to Canberra for their three day excursion. They are very excited and I know they will all have an amazing time.  A huge thank you to Mr Pratt who has organised the excursion and prepared the students. Mrs Maloney and Ms Moran will also be accompanying Mr Pratt and Stage 3 on the excursion. Stay safe everyone, learn lots and have fun! You can journey with the students and staff on excursion by viewing our school Facebook page next week.


Staffing Term 4

We welcome back Mrs Halliburton in Term 4 as she is returning from maternity leave. She will be teaching Year 2 on Thursday’s whilst Mrs Salmon is on REC release.

 

I want to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Blanchard for all her work in Year 2 whilst Mrs Halliburton has been on leave. We are fortunate that Mrs Blanchard will continue teaching at St Joseph’s in Term 4 every Wednesday in Year 1 and 2.


Tin Lids

We are requesting that tinned food not be sent into school for lunches as the sharp lids pose a safety problem. Please ensure the food is transferred into a container before packing it in lunch boxes.


Sign in for Canteen

We are very grateful for the parents who come in each Friday and assist Mrs Sweeney in the canteen. As part of our safe schools policy and procedures, we ask that you please sign in and sign out at the front office when you are working in the canteen. Thank you all for your assistance with this.


Centacare

The Term 4 Education Timetable is now available- see attachments and link below.  

 

Courses | Centacare South West NSW (centacareswnsw.org.au)

 

 Introducing our new course: Autism: What’s my superpower

  • 3-week online course designed to help parents and carers understand Autism.
  • Learn what Autism is, how it affects children and its impact on families and friends.
  • Strengthen family bonds, master parenting strategies, and support your child’s emotional and sensory growth.

Autism What Is My Superpower | Centacare South West NSW (centacareswnsw.org.au)


School Uniform

The students will return in Term 4, wearing their full summer uniform. We have new and second hand uniforms in our clothing pool. Please ensure your child has a school hat. Our policy is: 'No hat play in the shade’. Students are required to wear black school shoes with their school uniform not joggers.


Colour Fun Run

There is excitement in the build up to our Colour Fun Run next Friday 27th September. 

 

Thank you again to all the Year 1 parents for the organisation of this event and our families supporting it. Thank you to all our sponsors for their kind donations, and to Sam Perry from Junee Recreation Centre for his assistance in setting up the obstacle course. It will certainly be colourful and fun!  At this stage it is Miss Crane and myself getting slimed and maybe Mrs Huard. Bring on the Hazmat suits and goggles!


Pupil Free Days

Next term, the students will have 2 pupil free days - Monday 14th and Tuesday 15th October. Most of our staff will be at a 2 day retreat in Galong at St Clements Monastery. We will be joining the staff of St Michael’s at Coolamon. The front office will be open on those two days if you need to call or speak to Mrs Duck. All students will return to school on Wednesday 16th October.

 

Enjoy the holiday break everyone and stay safe.

 

God Bless

Angela Scott