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Dear Parents and Carers,
Swimming Carnival
What a fabulous day we had for the Swimming Carnival yesterday. We were so fortunate to complete the day before the wild weather set in the afternoon. Students demonstrated excellent participation, both in the competitive events, novelty events and for cheering on their houses.
A big thanks to:
- Leann and her staff for accommodating us at the Grenfell Aquatic Centre
- Frank for being our Starter for the day
- Our parent volunteers that were able to assist with timekeeping
- Mrs Harveyson and Mrs Best for organising the whole day
- Staff for ensuring everything ran smoothly and encouraging all of our students
- Mr Sinclair, for driving students to and from the pool, to save their little legs
- Harry Forde for your wonderful time keeping
We are pleased to congratulate the following Swimming Champions for 2023:
Senior Girl - India
11yrs Boy - Jack R
11 yrs Girl - Saskia McLelland
Junior Boy - Charlie
Winning House - Xavier
Staff Professional Learning
On Tuesday, as part of our commitment to professional learning, staff worked alongside Alice Smith from COGlearn, and Bernadette Rayner from the Canberra-Goulburn Catholic Education Office, to develop our understanding of the science of learning, evidence-based instruction, and high impact teaching practices. We also had the opportunity to observe Alice 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 learning in this area.
School Board Parent Member Nomination
In last week's newsletter I announced that a position for a parent member on the School Board has become vacant and so we are calling for nominations.
Parents - both new and existing - are invited to nominate. We have very exciting plans for our school community and would love to have someone who is keen to help our school flourish and grow.
School Board members take on an advisory role and meet twice per term, on a Monday evening, to work together to provide leadership to the school community.
If you would like to nominate, please email me (melissa.hotham@cg.catholic.edu.au) by 9am Thursday 16th February (date has been extended). Nominations will be seconded by the School Board Chair, Rob McLelland or another member of the Board. The list of nominees will be published in this week's newsletter with details on how to vote.
Don’t be shy, we would love to have you! Please contact me if you would like more information or have any questions.
Kind thoughts,
REC News
All students have continued to settle into their school routines this week, demonstrating an eagerness to learn and take part in all classroom activities. In Religious Education, Kindergarten and Year One have been focusing on prayer, including making the Sign of the Cross and setting up their classroom prayer space. A great prayer that, as parents, you may like to do with your children is the Pope Francis Five Finger Prayer. This prayer is a great way to remember who to pray for. Give it a try!
Opening School Mass
Please be advised that next week we will celebrate our Opening School Mass for 2023 with Fr Jiss. This mass will be held on Wednesday the 15th of February at 10 am at St Joseph’s Church. This is a special mass for all St. Joseph’s School Primary School community members, and is particularly special for the Kindergarten students, as they are officially welcomed into the St. Joseph’s School family. The School Captains, Sport House Captains and the Student Representative Council members for 2023 will also be recognised, as they will receive their badges.
If your child is a leader for 2023 (School Captain, Sport House Captain or Student Representative Council member) and you are unable to be in attendance, please arrange for someone to come along to pin on your child’s badge. It makes for a very memorable occasion!
A big welcome is extended to all family members and friends of the St Joseph’s School community to attend this special celebration. Please also join us for morning tea afterwards.
Parish Thank You to Leslie King
This Sunday the Parish are holding a very special thank you during Sunday Mass, to acknowledge Leslie for her contribution to the role of Sacramental Coordinator and for her many years of service. Everyone is most welcome to attend at 8am.
Prayer for Turkey and Syria
The news from Turkey and Syria grieves us. A series of earthquakes in parts of Turkey and Syria in the early morning of February 6 have created massive destruction and killed many people.
Rescue workers are operating in terrible winter conditions to pull casualties from the rubble.
Today, we pray for those affected, as we continue to monitor the situation and seek the best way to support survivors.
Lord,
You made yourself small and the subject of your own creation.
You know our despair and anxiety, our devastation and our anger.
Be present with those who suffer today in Turkey and Syria.
Teach us how to pray, and show us how to act, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Prayer source: https://www.allwecan.org.uk/earthquake-a-prayer-for-syria-and-turkey/
Weekend Parish Mass
Sunday
8 am Mass
St Joseph’s Church, Grenfell
Please note that a Mass will be held on the second and fourth Sundays each month. There is a Celebration of the Word with Holy Communion, not a Mass, on the first and third Sundays of each month. Everyone is welcome to attend!
Yours in Faith,
Danielle McFarlane
Religious Education Coordinator
