Dear St Joseph’s Families,

It has been an incredibly busy and productive week here at school. From the sporting fields to the classroom, our students are showing exactly what it means to strive for excellence. I would like to extend a sincere thank you to the many parents who attended our recent Personalised Learning Plan (PLP) meetings. These meetings are vital for setting clear learning goals and ensuring that school and home are working in partnership. If you missed out, it isn't too late - please contact the school office to book a time with your child's teacher.

CARITAS Project Compassion Fundraising

During Week 9 students from Stage 3 will be hosting some fun activities to raise money for CARITAS Project Compassion, which runs throughout the season of Lent. Keep your eye out on Compass for advertisements detailing the event and the donation required to be involved. Some of the activities include the famous Sponge Throw (kids get to throw a wet sponge at a teacher), a Movie & Popcorn Session, Lucky Dip, Bake Sale, Ice Cream day, a Mufti Day (casual clothes) and a Disco (in school hours).

And don't forget our Mega Easter Egg Raffle. Thank you to the many families who have already donated chocolate eggs & bunnies. There is still time to donate something if you haven't already. Thank you also to the many families selling raffle tickets. The draw will be on Monday 30th March at our morning assembly, so get your tickets and money back as soon as possible. The student that has sold the most amount of tickets will get a bonus 50 tickets into the raffle

Diocesan Swimming Carnival

Congratulations to all our swimmers who represented us with such pride. A massive "well done" to George T, who has progressed to the Polding level for the 50m Freestyle! This is a prestigious achievement and we wish you the best of luck at the next level.

Diocesan Winter Trials

Well done to all students who participated in the Winter Trials. We are thrilled to announce that Oliver V.B has been selected to represent the Armidale Diocese in Rugby League. We are all cheering for you!

NAPLAN Update

NAPLAN testing for Year 3 and Year 5 commenced yesterday. While there were some initial technical issues across the ACARA platform, we can confirm these have been resolved. Testing has resumed smoothly, and we are proud of how calmly our students handled the minor interruption.

Open Classrooms

We are excited to welcome families into our learning spaces next Wednesday 18th of March!

9:00 AM: Gather in the assembly area. Mrs. Fiechtner will explain the morning’s focus.
9:15 AM – 10:15 AM: Observe and assist with your child’s learning in the classroom.
10:15 AM: Join the students for a "Fruit Break" before they head back to work.

Feast of St. Joseph

St. Joseph is a significant Saint for our school community and we will celebrate with a Whole School Mass at 10:30 am on Thursday 19th of March. Everyone is welcome to join.

Aboriginal Cultural Plans - Information Session

Aboriginal parents are invited to Aunty Fay’s room to learn about our Cultural Plans. Karen Tighe from the Armidale Catholic Schools office will be attending to explain the importance of these plans.

K–Year 2 Parents: 10:00 AM
Year 3–6 Parents: 2:00 PM

Sacrament of Confirmation

Next Sunday, 22nd March, several of our Year 5 and 6 students will be receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. This is a beautiful and important step in their faith journey. Please keep these candidates in your prayers as they prepare to be sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Save the Date: Upcoming Events

NAPLAN - 11th-23rd March
Open classrooms - 18th March
Cultural Plans - Information Sessions - 19th March
Sacrament of Confirmation - 22nd March
St Joseph’s Feast Day Mass - 19th March
Holy Thursday - 2nd April
Last day of term - 2nd April
Good Friday - 3rd April
Holy Saturday - 4th April
Easter Sunday - 5th April

Blessings for the week ahead,

Donna

Our Catholic Community

St Joseph's Feast Day Mass

Sacrament of Confirmation