Principal's Report

Dear Parents and Carers

The students have come back to school looking refreshed and well-rested after the break. It is wonderful to see them return with such enthusiasm, and they appear truly ready for another term of learning and growth. As a school community, we are looking forward to the opportunities and achievements this term will bring for all our students. I say this all the time but each term is full with plenty happening and Term 3 will be no different!

I invite you all to continue to communicate with your child’s class teacher to discuss your child’s progress, but also if any issues arise that may be affecting your child’s learning and participation at school. Every child’s wellbeing, safety and learning is paramount to us here at St Joseph’s.

Condolences to the Hart Family

Our sincere condolences to Bernard Hart and his family on the passing of Bernard’s wife, Mrs. Anne Hart. Anne was a former teacher at St Joseph’s, and her children and grandchildren are past students.

Anne gave so much to the Junee and surrounding communities. May she rest peacefully now with her Lord.

Legends of League Day

Yesterday, our Yr 3-6 students participated in the local Rugby League and League Tag Competition. Although it was very cold, a good day was had by all and our students showed wonderful sportsmanship.

A huge thank you to our parents who assisted in the canteen for this event. We appreciate the time and effort gone into organising the food and rosters for the canteen by Melissa Skewes, Lisa Oliver and their team. We are very grateful that the proceeds of this canteen will go to St Joseph’s students and resources. 

Grandparents Day/Feast of St Anne and St Joachim

Today, we joyfully celebrated the Feast of St. Anne and St. Joachim, honoring Mary’s parents and Jesus’ grandparents. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Father Paddy for celebrating our whole school Mass this morning. It was wonderful to see so many grandparents and special friends join us to share in the students' learning within their classrooms.

Following Mass, our community gathered in the hall for a lovely morning tea, made possible by the kind contributions from our families. The day was filled with joy, smiles, and love. At St. Joseph’s, we are deeply grateful for the ongoing support and love our grandparents contribute to our school community.

Showcase 2026

This year St Joseph's will be hosting our inaugural Showcase at the Athenium Theatre on Thursday evening 17th September at 6.30pm. In the coming weeks you will hear more about this event from class teachers and your children. The evening will showcase the performing arts and every child from Kinder to Year 6 will be performing.

This event brings our Creative and Practical Arts curriculum to life, fulfilling key requirements of the NSW curriculum. At St Joseph's, we believe in nurturing the whole child, and this Showcase provides a meaningful opportunity to foster creativity and self-expression, allowing every student to explore their artistic potential. To prepare for this exciting evening, we have scheduled a tech rehearsal for 15th September and a full dress rehearsal on 16th September at the Athenium before the final performance on 17th September. Stay tuned for more information!

School/Parish Mass

On Saturday 8th August, Stage 3 will be hosting the Parish Mass at 6pm in the church. The mass will be in honour of our Australian Saint Mary of the Cross Mackillop. All families are welcome to attend and we look forward to joining with the Parish and Fr Paddy for this special liturgy.

Just a Farmer - Movie, Q& A and BBQ at the Athenium

This event will be held at the Athenium tonight Friday 24th July and is about bringing people together, creating space for important conversations around mental health, and strengthening connection in rural communities.

Along with the screening of the film, Just a Farmer, there will be a  special guest Leila McDougall (film writer and executive director) and a great cross section of mental health support programs along to share resources and be part of a Q&A panel at the end of the screening. These include:

• Rural Adversity Mental Health Program
• Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network – Suicide prevention team
• Active Farmers
• Rural Aid
• Rural Financial Counselling Service
• Murrumbidgee Health Farm Counsellor

Enjoy a free community BBQ from 6pm and at 6.30pm MC will kick off the evening with guest speakers and then the film screening. This will be followed by Q&A panel discussion with supper provided.

It has been great to see so many of our local organisations and rural businesses financially support and spend time to bring this event to bring it to the Junee and surrounds community.  

People are encouraged to register to help prepare sufficient seating in the Athenium and assist with catering: https://www.trybooking.com/DNNCP

NAPLAN Results for Year 3 & 5

Parents and carers of students in Years 3 and 5 who participated in the NAPLAN tests back in March will receive their child's individual reports next week. These will be sent home with your child in a sealed envelope.

NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) is an annual assessment for students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9 which tests the types of skills that are essential for every child to progress through school and life, such as reading, writing, spelling, grammar, and numeracy. Please remember that these results provide only one view of your child’s progress at a specific point in time and should not be viewed as the sole measure of their learning journey.

In closing, I want to remind you that if there is anything you would like to discuss, please don't hesitate to speak with me in person or send an email to: scotta3@ww.catholic.edu.au

Our school thrives when working in partnership with parents and carers to deliver a high-quality Catholic education.

Have a wonderful weekend, and be sure to stay warm during this cold weather!

God Bless,

Angela Scott

Principal