General News 

Vale Miss Leonie Bashall

It is with great sadness that we inform our community of the passing of Miss Leonie Bashall last week. 

Leonie began her teaching position at St Joseph’s Quirindi in 1976.  She became Principal in 1987 and retired in 2004 after 28 years of dedicated service to our school community. Leonie set the benchmark for pastoral care in our school. She was a mentor and friend to all who knew her and she will continue to live on in our fondest memories. Leonie was a champion for each and every individual child and parent, and 'the wind beneath my wings' for many of us who had the pleasure and privilege to work with her. She was the epitomy of the word 'Team' when it came to leading our school and being inclusive came to her as naturally as breathing. She looked for the best in every person and encouraged all around her to follow their dreams and to be the best they could be. Our thoughts and prayers go to Leonie's family whom she absolutely adored.  We were very fortunate to have known this brilliant, gentle, beautiful person.

Thank you

As the school year comes to a close we reflect on the year that has been.  We cannot do the job we do without our whole team.  

This team includes; Fr Vince and parish secretary Bernie Press, The Catholic Schools Office, our staff, students, parents and carers, our service providers for speech, OT and counselling, members of the parish, PT&F and School Advisory Council, canteen volunteers, Impulsive Cleaning Staff, Greg Ford mowing and Handyman Services, Brian Smith Plumbing, Brett Holz Electrical, Werris Creek Community Shed, Quirindi Electrical and Air Conditioning, Steve Henderson Pest Control and Chris Martin Painting.  Without each and everyone one in this list, St Joey's would not have functioned so well in 2021.  

Thank you to Mrs Pauline Long for leading us through yet another challenging year of education and growth and moving ahead with the many school improvements we have achieved in 2021.  Your organisational abilities - and 'year at a glance' calendar - ensure that we all know what, when, how and why we are doing all the things we do each and every day!  

To the families who are leaving us for the final time tomorrow; thank you for all of your contributions, whether you have been with us for a short time or for the full 7 years and 1 Term of School readiness and K-6 schooling.  We will miss you all as we begin a new school year in 2022 but please know that having you as part of our school community has been truly special.  

School Reports

Please note that if your child is not moving on to a catholic school in 2022 you will no longer be able to access their school reports in Compass after December 15th.  As we do not print reports anymore, we recommend that you download all of your child's school reports to your own device for safe keeping. 

Swimming - Please ensure all swimming and bus money has been paid.

Swimming will be on again tomorrow for Kindy - Year 5. Students will need their swimming costumes, thongs and rashies at lunchtime and put their sunscreen on as well. They will also need a towel. Please make sure all items of clothing and swimming gear are clearly marked with your child's name to enable return if items are mixed up when changing.  

ICAS Assessments

Congratulations to Lincoln Darnell and Hayley Rheinberger for competing in the ICAS Maths and English competitions for 2021.  We are very proud of you both for participating and achieving the results you did, including both a Credit and a Merit.  

Compass is your one stop shop so please use it for the following applications;

• Explain absences within 7 days - this is a legal requirement
• Update all contact details: address, phone numbers, email addresses
• Stay in touch - find your newsletters and newsfeed items easily on your home page

School Calendar

Please click on this Parent Calendar to view all upcoming school events.  Details for events can be found in the calendar for your perusal.

St Joseph's Got Talent

Please enjoy the following Youtube clips of all the amazing finalists for this year's talent show.  They are in 3 clips:  Vocalists,  Variety & Dance Performances.

The Coolamon Challenge

Congratulations to the winners of our Week 10 challenges: Andy Bartholomew and Bella Brown. Enjoy your cold treat from The Coolamon!

These were the correct answers for last week's challenge: 

Infants: What animal am I? A: Lion

Primary: Solve to find ?   A: 15      (5 + (1x10)).

10c Bottle, Can and Juice Box Donation Drive

Mrs Hofman has been absolutely blown away by the weekly donations. Last week was another success, raising $31.20, bringing our total thus far to $99.90! After celebrating this success with the students at morning assembly, Mrs Thompson received a phone call from Mr Slade at Progress Rail who was on his way to donate a bag of bottles. We opened the side gate and in drove Mr Slade... with the biggest bag of bottles and cans anyone has ever seen! Thank you Mr Slade! 

Don't forget, Sports Day = Donation Day! 

Make sure you collect all of your cans, bottles, cartons and juice boxes over the festive season, making sure they have the 10c label. Keep an eye on the school's Facebook page for when donations can be dropped off to school during the January holidays. 

We are looking forward to using these funds to purchase STEAM resources for our school next year. 

Don't forget to like us on Facebook and tell your family and friends about our page too!

St. Joseph's Primary School Quirindi