Dear parents and carers,

We have a lot to celebrate at St Joseph’s School. Our school really is a special place to be. Our evidence-based programs such as InitiaLit give our students the foundational literacy skills to set them up for success, and the intervention programs that work alongside them (MiniLit and MacqLit) provide the support required for all students to achieve success in literacy. The extensive refurbishment to the top classroom block, and the furniture which will complement this refurbishment will give the school a whole new feel. The NAPLAN results demonstrate growth for all Year 5 students and the Year 3 cohort has achieved well above the national average results in Reading, Writing and Spelling. To top off all of this good news, I am happy to announce the return to 3 class groups for 2022. 

To celebrate all of this good news, and the return to face-to-face learning, I invite you to join us for a ‘WELCOME PARTY’ at the Bowling Club on Monday evening. This evening will also be an important opportunity for us to welcome prospective new families for 2022 into the St Joseph’s School community. Please join us if you can. The full invitation is attached to this newsletter. I would also ask you to reach out and make sure that people you know are made aware of this opportunity. We do not want to miss anyone! Please be aware that Covid rules apply and all adults will need to show proof that they are fully vaccinated. 

Congratulations to the following students who won their year group competitions for public speaking at the Young vs Grenfell level and will now progress to the Western Region Public Speaking Competition on Friday.

Year 4- Camilla Gibson

Year 5- Emma Clifton

Yet another fine achievement for our school, which demonstrates that we may be small in numbers but we are also mighty in determination!

It has been a while since we have been able to offer the students a ‘gold reward’ opportunity so I am offering one early in the term (Week 3) for those students who have already earned a gold token and would like to take part. Each student will be able to tie-dye one side of a shirt, mask,  or other small, light-coloured fabric item. If your child chooses to take up this offer, he/she will need to bring a small item from home to tie dye.

Kind regards,

Leslie King

Acting Principal

Catholic Mission Month - Socktober

Catholic Mission is the international mission agency of the Catholic Church in Australia. Compelled by the message, life and love of Jesus Christ, Catholic Mission forms Australians for mission and raises funds for mission—in Australia and around the world. 

Catholic Mission supports children, communities and Church leaders around the world, including remote Australia. 

Grassroots needs are identified by local Catholics to give all people the opportunity for a full, enriched life–physically and spiritually–regardless of race, religion, gender or stigma. 

Locally and globally, we answer the call to love God and love our neighbour by serving people in need. We engage in mission when we proclaim our faith through our words, actions and lives. 

“Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” John 13:34 

We share in God’s mission to reach out and give life by sharing our personal and financial resources. 

“I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” John 10:10

Socktober Progress Update

Thank you to those students/ parents who have already signed up and raised money for Socktober, to help support children in need in Thailand. Remember to share your page using social media platforms to help realise the chosen goal amount. 

In class, the students will soon commence making their very own ‘sockballs’ and excitement is building. This will culminate in a Socktober Event Day later this month. Our aim is to raise awareness and much needed funds for those in need. We ask that you support us in this endeavour by providing used t-shirts and socks, plastic bags, packaging paper, Styrofoam, bubble wrap and string. 

Prayer for Mission

Dear Lord,

Help me to continuously be aware of all people around me every single day.

Where there are people, there are needs.

Give me Your eyes to see some of those needs and the wisdom to know how to help as well.

Help me to be your hands and feet as I serve others.

And allow them to see Your light in my life as I do work in your name.

Amen 

To find out more information about Socktober and how you can support the school-based engagement program visit socktober.org.au.

Danielle Schneider

Acting Religious Education Coordinator