Dear Parents and Carers,

What another beautiful week of warm weather and sunshine that we have enjoyed. The students have been making use of our beautiful, large playground and enjoying each other's company.

NAPLAN

NAPLAN has commenced this week, with the Writing test taking place yesterday morning and Reading this morning. Tests are being administered in the morning, straight after fruit break and roll, so it is important that your child arrives on time.

There are two tests remaining: Conventions of Language tomorrow and Numeracy on Monday.

If your child is absent for the tests, they can be made up if they return during the testing window (by Friday for Writing and 24th March for other tests).

Illness

There are a number of illnesses going around at the moment - especially gastroenteritis and Covid. Please ensure that if your child is unwell they remain home to stop the spread. More Covid tests are available, please contact the Office if you would like some.

Interim Reports & Interviews

Term 1 Interim Reports will be sent home with students on Friday 24th March. This report provides an opportunity for parents to see how their child has started the new school year and areas for development. 

Parents will be invited to attend an interview with their child’s teacher on Tuesday 28th March, with timeslots from 3:30pm-5:30pm. Information on how to book a time will be sent via Compass next week. If the provided times do not suit please contact your child’s teacher directly to book an alternative:

chelsea.anderson1@cg.catholic.edu.au

lachlan.martens@cg.catholic.edu.au

danielle.mcfarlane@cg.catholic.edu.au

If you have difficulties making the booking on Compass please contact the Office: office.stjosephsgrenfell@cg.catholic.edu.au

Catholic Leader’s Day and Principal’s Retreat

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the Catholic Leader’s Day and Principal’s Retreat in Bowral. Time was spent exploring principals as learning leaders and the implementation of high impact teaching practices (HITP) in our schools. 

During the retreat we examined ourselves in the image of God, considering our purpose as humans. I would like to share the final prayer from the retreat:

We have a call,

To be loved,

And to love.

To be shown mercy,

And to show mercy.

To be forgiven,

And to forgive.

To receive hope,

And to offer hope.

To know joy,

And share joy.

To feel peace,

And bring peace.

To be made whole,

And offer wholeness.

We have a call,

Listen…..

Listen….

Do you hear?

Kind thoughts,

Melissa Hotham

​Principal

Feast Day of St Joseph

March 19, is the Feast Day of St Joseph. However, this year we will be recognising the day on March 20, due to March 19 being a Sunday.

The Feast Day of St Joseph honours the patron saint of our school, St Joseph. St Joseph was a faithful man who did God’s will. He cared for Mary and Jesus. St Joseph was also a hardworking carpenter and taught Jesus to be a carpenter as well. Kindness, trustworthiness, compassion, and faithfulness are qualities St Joseph modelled for Jesus and Jesus’ mother, Mary.

St Joseph is a role model for millions of people around the world, by his faith and commitment to family life. The Feast Day of St Joseph is a special day to think about the way St Joseph responded to God’s call, and to recognise that Joseph continues to inspire people to become closer to God and closer to one another.

At our liturgy service on Monday, commencing at 11:45 am at St Joseph’s Church, the students in each class will contribute an image or symbol which represents Joseph. After the liturgy service, there will be rotational activities and a special shared lunch. Parents, family members and friends are all invited to join us for this special occasion.

We are planning to have a special lunch order option on the day consisting of a hot dog, packet of chips, and a poppa for $5. Please send the correct money in a paper bag/or the reusable lunch pouch by Friday, if your child/ren would like the special lunch. We would also appreciate parent helpers to prepare the lunch order special, so please let myself or Mrs Hotham know if you are able to do so. 

A Prayer to St Joseph

St. Joseph,

You were receptive to God working in your life. Help us by your prayers at this time of trial. You kept Jesus and Mary under your watchful care: may your prayers assist our local Church to respond to those in need.

You taught the Christ Child your trade and prayers: help us to follow his example of love.

You were part of God’s plan for all humanity: assist us to be vigilant and responsible this day.

You spent your life in service: may we be mindful of others, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, caring for them in these difficult days.

You trusted in the clear primacy of God over all history and every situation: help us to grow in faith and pray to the Father, Thy will be done.

Amen

Sacramental Program

We are in the process of finalising dates with Father Jiss for the 2023 Sacramental program. We will keep you informed as more information comes to hand.

Lenten Reflection

For those of us living in the Southern Hemisphere, Lent heralds the beginning of Autumn. With it comes colour change and the falling of leaves.

Lent, like Autumn, is the season of fulfilment and a time of turning from things not so good for us. It is also time for the beginning of the process of renewal of life. Lent is a time to observe nature and to move into alignment with it.

The journey of Lent brings self-examination, repentance and acts of loving-kindness.

Lenten Prayer for Spiritual Renewal

God of love,

bring me back to You.
Send Your Spirit to make me strong
in faith and active in good works.
May my acts of penance bring me Your forgiveness,
open my heart to Your love,
and prepare me for the coming feast
of the Resurrection of Jesus.

Amen

Parish News

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!

The Parish would love to welcome more children to be involved in Mass on weekends. There are many opportunities for involvement, including doing the readings. If your child can participate in any way, please let me know.

Yours in Faith,

The Year 2/3/4 and Year 5/6 students have been learning a lot about how a library is organised during their library lessons. They have also had some important information provided to them about cyber safety and the importance of recognizing and avoiding ‘fake’ information when doing research online.

Last week they started to design posters to entice others to read their favourite book or series of books.

Asthma and Allergy Plans

Please make sure you provide the school with an Asthma or Allergy plan from your GP if necessary for your child. Remember these need to be updated every year.

Term 1 School Fees

School Fees for Term 1 are now due.

Please pay immediately unless paying by Bpay instalments.

Our P&F Meeting has been postponed. It will now be held on Tuesday 28th March at 7pm in the School Library. We are excited to be able to meet face to face again, however you can also join via Ms Teams from the comfort of home.

Click here to join the meeting

All are welcome, we would love to see you there!

Positive Behaviour focus for last week- Using good manners

Our award winners for week 6 were, India, Jed & Lettie

Well done students!