Foundation/Grade 1

Literacy

During literacy groups the Foundation/Grade 1 students have been using the letters they have been focusing on (m, s, a, t, p, f, i, r) to make and write words. Students have also been creating crafts that represent the letters and doing word sorts based on initial sounds. They continue to build on their letter recognition; as they are working towards an increase in reading skills.

Wellbeing Week

The F/1 students enjoyed the start to wellbeing week with listening to Felicity from Echuca Regional Health on Monday talk about healthy eating, and then a walk on the walk this way trail on Tuesday.

Inquiry

As part of our inquiry unit this term 'The Changing World', the F/1 students planted some seedlings in the school garden that they will observe and notice the change that happens across the term, with hopefully some produce at the end of the term. The students planted brussel sprouts, beetroot, parsley, carrots and spinach. Thank you to the parent volunteers that assisted the F/1 students to plant the seedlings.

Grade 2

Literacy

This week, we’ve been learning how to use a plan to help us write an imaginative story. We began by brainstorming characters and possible events, then each student chose their own problem and solution. After sharing ideas with one another, we moved on to the exciting task of bringing everything together to create a short story.

Here is the class, heads down in the planning phase of the task.

Grade 3/4

Camp Kookaburra

We had an incredible time at Camp Kookaburra! It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with the students outside the classroom and see them thrive in a new environment.

Throughout the camp, students took part in a wide range of activities, including the giant swing, the Kookaburra Trust challenge, bouldering, initiative games, the low ropes course, and archery. They also made the most of their free time, enjoying games like gaga ball, billiards, foosball, basketball, tennis, footy, giant chess, and much more.

As a group, we shared memorable moments during a night walk and a movie evening. It was inspiring to watch so many students step out of their comfort zones and embrace new challenges with confidence. Equally heartwarming was the encouragement and support they showed one another throughout the experience.

Our Grade 3 students did an outstanding job on their very first camp, and our Grade 4s shone as excellent role models. We're incredibly proud of all of them — and we’re already looking forward to our next adventure!

Grade 5/6

It’s been a vibrant few weeks in our 5/6 area, with our students immersing themselves in a variety of learning experiences and community celebrations! We kicked things off with the ‘Run for Mums’—what a fantastic way to honour the amazing women in our lives. It was heartwarming to see students, staff, and families out in force, showing their appreciation and energy, and some enjoying well-deserved sweet treats at the end of the run.

In the spirit of connection, we teamed up with our Foundation/1 buddies to make Hairy Harrys—our creative little grass-headed friends. The students showed patience, care and plenty of laughs as they worked side-by-side with their younger peers.

We welcomed back some familiar faces this week, as ex-students from St Joseph’s (now in Grade 7 at Rochester Secondary College) returned to speak with our Grade 5 and 6 students. They shared valuable insights into what life is like in high school — from the wide range of subjects and electives, to how they managed the transition from primary to secondary school. Our students really enjoyed hearing firsthand about high school experiences and asking thoughtful questions. It was a fantastic opportunity to ease any nerves and build excitement about the next stage of their learning journey.

Our students were also busy preparing something special for Mother’s Day—we even brought out the glitter! They were busy working with care and creativity on crafts to celebrate the mums, grandmas and guardians who support them every day and we hope you had the most fabulous Sunday to celebrate.

In the classroom, we’ve continued to explore 'The Black Cockatoo' and have been deepening our understanding of Mia and Jy’s story and learning more about Aboriginal culture and connection to Country.

We also participated in another Inform and Empower session around the safe use of devices and technology.

Finally, a big shoutout to our cross-country runners heading off to compete today—good luck!

Thank you for your continued support—what a special time of year to be learning and growing together!

St Joseph's PS Newsletter

PEOPLE OF STRENGTH - PEOPLE OF GENTLENESS

Term 2 Week 4 · 16 May 2025

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