Opening Mass 

It was incredibly special to join as a school community yesterday to ask for God's blessings for this new school year. We blessed the new student leaders for 2025 and welcomed new students and staff members.

There are special traditions at St Joseph’s which connect us with each other - including the Star Banner and “I Have Called You By Name” song. These personal touches are a reminder of how lucky we are to be part of this warm and caring community.

It was lovely to have Fr Jiss, parents, family and parish members join us for morning tea after the event. It was a joyous occasion that has set the tone for a wonderful year ahead.

Thank you to Fr Jiss for presiding over the mass for us. Thanks also to Mr King for assisting him as acolyte, Mrs Best for her work in preparing the mass, and Mr Martens for his technical assistance.

Appointments 

Parents are most welcome to speak to the principal or teachers on any matter relating to school. It is usually best to ring the school office on (02) 6343 1514, or email office.stjosephsgrenfell@cg.catholic.edu.au to make a convenient appointment time, as staff are busy with playground duty, lesson preparation and marking before and after school. 

Parents are reminded that classes should not be interrupted during lesson times, no matter how brief the message is. All visitors must come to the school office. Parents are also requested to respect the private lives of the staff by not telephoning teachers at home, on their mobiles or via social media for school related matters. Thank you for your understanding.

NAPLAN

Please read further on in the newsletter for information to parents and caregivers regarding NAPLAN for students in Years 3 and 5. 

MPS Visits

Class visits to the Grenfell Multi-Purpose Service commenced this week, with Year 5/6 visiting the elderly residents to enjoy a game of cards with them. This is a great opportunity for students to do good in the community and to understand the importance of positively contributing to the lives of others. A huge thanks to Ms Washbrook and Mrs Best for accompanying the students on this very worthwhile endeavour. Each class will take turns to make monthly visits to the residents.

Girl Guides Presentation

Felina French, Membership Development Officer for Girl Guides NSW, ACT and NT, will visit our school on Monday March 3 to provide a presentation to girls in Years 1, 2 and 3 about what Girl Guides do. For further information about Girl Guides.

Sport: Jed Metcalfe - Basketball representative 

The Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn primary Basketball trials were held at Canberra in November last year and our very own Jed Metcalfe took the time to participate in the trials. Jed was selected to play in the MacKillop trials to be held in Wollongong this Friday the 21st of February. We wish Jed all the best and we look forward to hearing all about it. We know he will make the St Joseph’s community proud. 

Uniforms 

Wearing the correct school uniform is required because we feel it is positive for children to develop loyalties to their school and to identify with an organisation to which their peers also belong. We encourage children to be proud of their school, and through genuine school spirit, communicate this pride of belonging to the community. School uniforms also assist home routines and avoid last minute ‘what to wear’ decisions. As of this week students will be introduced to a raffle system and they will be rewarded for wearing the correct uniform with pride. A winning raffle ticket will be drawn at each assembly with a prize to be presented to the winner. 

Please be reminded that no jewellery, other than a wrist watch and one pair of stud earrings or plain sleepers may be worn at school. Joggers are strictly not permitted to be worn with the school uniform - these are only worn on sports day. Furthermore, all children with long hair ( Kindergarten to Year 6), must have it tied back at school, in a ponytail, plaits, or pigtails.

The school runs a uniform pool where parents are able to obtain clothing for their children. Please enquire at the school office. Please also consider donating uniform items which your children have outgrown. Thank you for your support.

Swimming Carnival

What a fabulous day we had for the Swimming Carnival last week. We were most fortunate with the beautiful sunny weather. Students demonstrated excellent participation, both in the competitive events, novelty events, and also in cheering on their Houses - Dominic, Augustine and Xavier..

A big thanks to Leann and her staff for accommodating us at the Grenfell Aquatic Centre, our parent and high school volunteers that were able to assist with timekeeping, Ms Washbrook for organising the event, staff for ensuring everything ran smoothly and encouraging all of our students, and to Simon Rolls, for driving students to and from the pool.

We are pleased to congratulate the following Swimming Champions for 2025:

Senior Girl - Emily Protheroe

Senior Boy - Charlie Knight

11 yrs Girl - Arabella Batnich 

11 yrs Boy - Jack Fanning 

Junior Girl - Trinity Mason 

Winning House - Dominic 

Staff Professional Learning

Last Wednesday, as part of our commitment to professional learning, staff worked alongside Bryce Kennedy from COGlearn to develop our

and high impact teaching practices. We also had the opportunity to observe Bryce model lessons utilising these practices in literacy and spelling. Overall, it was an invaluable opportunity for staff, and we look forward to applying our skills and continuing professional development in this area.

Joey’s Playgroup                    

Joey’s Play group commenced this year with a number of parents/ carers and their children joining Mrs Metcalfe for a fun and relaxed morning of activities. Please encourage anyone you know who may be interested in bringing their child/ren to Joey’s Playgroup to come along and join in the fun!

Playgroup will not be on this Friday however, it will resume next week on the 28th February. 

Kind Regards,

Danielle McFarlane & Chelsea Harveyson

Co-Acting Principal