Dear St Joseph’s Families,

Welcome to Week 4. We hold a heavy heart in our community this week, but we also share in many moments of pride and reflection across our school.

Condolences

We extend our deepest condolences to George Williams’ family and to his partner Mrs Dennis, on his passing, as well as our heartfelt sympathies to the Walford family on the loss of Winsome. Both George and Winsome shared long-term connections with St Joseph’s, and our entire community is deeply saddened by this news. We ask that everyone keep both families in their thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.

Faith and Religion

St Mary MacKillop Feast Day: Last week, our school community gathered for a beautiful liturgy celebrating the Feast Day of St Mary MacKillop (August 8th). We reflected on her incredible story, her motto—"Never see a need without doing something about it"—and her rich connection to our own school:

Our Walgett Roots: St Joseph’s School right here in Walgett was opened 130 years ago by the Sisters of St Joseph (the Josephites), the very order of nuns founded by St Mary MacKillop!
"Brown Joeys": Everyday Australians affectionately nicknamed the Josephites the "Brown Joeys" because of their simple brown habits and how they traveled all across the Outback to help kids.
Clearing the Way: Mary opened Australia's first free Catholic school in Penola in an old, disused horse stable—scrubbing out the leftover hay and manure before welcoming her first students!

St Carlo Acutis Exhibit Visit: Next week, we are privileged to host the St Carlo Acutis exhibit in our school and Parish. Students will attend a presentation exploring Carlo’s life and legacy, followed by a short time of reflection, prayer, and adoration. The exhibit will also be open in the Parish all day Saturday—everyone in our community is warmly invited to attend.

Year 6 Religious Education Test: Our Year 6 students will sit their Religious Education test this week. The results from this assessment provide our teaching staff with valuable data to guide and strengthen our teaching and learning processes in Religion lessons.

Sporting Achievements & Upcoming Events

Diocesan Athletics Carnival: Congratulations to all students who competed at the Diocesan Athletics Carnival last week. Every student represented our school with outstanding effort and immense pride!
- A special mention to Jess T., who qualified for the 11yr Girls 800m and 1500m.
- Congratulations also to George W., who qualified for the 10yr Boys 100m.
Shield Competitions: Good luck to all of our teams competing in the Ricky Walford and Jenny Wright Shields this Wednesday 12th August. Play hard, support one another, and enjoy the day!

Important Dates

12th August - Ricky Walford & Jenny Wright Shields
16th-26th August - Moorambilla Camps
21st August - St Carlos Acutis Exhibition
25th August - Brain Olympia
4th September - St Joseph’s Rugby Union Gala Day
7th September - Father’s Day Breakfast
9th September - Open Classrooms
10th September - Netball Regionals
15th September - Brain Olympia Finals
21st-25th September - Mobileyes - Mobile Optometrist visit
25th September - Last day for Term 3

Thank you for your ongoing support and prayers as we move through the term together.

Blessings for the week ahead,

Donna

Photos from School Events

Respect Safety & Learning Awards - Monday 3rd August and Monday 10th August 2026