Dear parents and carers,

Thank you to everyone for your support during recent times, there have been numerous challenges across different areas, and your support is greatly appreciated.

Tomorrow is the Feast Day of St Joseph.  Obviously, our school is named for him.  Joseph was known as Jesus’ earthly father and a worker, but he did not speak directly in any of the scriptures.  However, he is known as being

…a parent…

…gentle…

…a teacher…

… a dreamer…

…a protector…

…loving…

… faithful…

These elements are terrific qualities for us to aspire to.

Yesterday we held our Cross-country carnival for 2021.  It was terrific to be able to hold the event at the Grenfell Country Club!

Thank you to the team from Hennessy who joined us and acted as marshals and timers and supports for our runners.  You did an excellent job, and your assistance is greatly appreciated.

Thank you to all family members who were able to join us for the morning – your help with timing is greatly appreciated.  We hope that you enjoyed the opportunity to spend some time with us at a school event.

Congratulations to all of the children on their efforts, you did a terrific job!  Well done to those who were the winners on the day.

The Western Region Cross Country event is set down for Tuesday March 30 at Boorowa.  Information for those involved will be sent home in the coming days.

The first LwMD (Lunch with Mum and Dad) event is scheduled for next week.  Parents, grandparents, and family are welcome to join us for lunch at 1:20pm.  We will be following covid social distancing/sign in protocols on the day.  We look forward to seeing you or grandma/pa/family for lunch on the 26^th.

Interim Reports - the Interim Reports were sent home earlier this week.  These reports are designed to give you some feedback on how the year has begun.  Thank you to those families who have already followed up with class teachers and planned for interviews.

NAPLAN – preparations for the 2021 NAPLAN program are underway.  Children in years 3 and 5 will participate in the during May (11-21).  If you wish to withdraw your child from this process, please contact Therese Clancy.

The Parent Commitment Agreement developed by Catholic Education was sent home earlier this term for you to sign and return to school. Thank you to those families who have already returned this document to school.  If you have any queries, please make contact.

Uniform – now is the time to start thinking about winter uniforms.  Clothing that was ordered earlier this term now arriving and will be sent home you over the next few weeks.

Please be reminded that all parts of our school uniform can be purchased through school – branded or labelled shorts are not part of the uniform.  If sizing is an issue, we can source larger sizes.  Thank you to those who are wearing the correct sports uniform and socks to school on Wednesdays.  Many of the children have been supplied with short navy sports socks, as we are aware that it can be difficult to source them at times.

Thank you to those families who have ensured that school jumpers are clearly labelled. This is very helpful when trying to return jumpers to the right family.

NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge – Please record your child’s reading online.  The children can include challenge books that have already read this term. 

Our goal is for all children at school to complete this year’s challenge!

If you have questions about the challenge, please contact Therese Clancy at school.

Book Fair – Thank you to everyone for your support of the bookfair – we have added another 14 new titles to our shelves through your generosity!

Easter Egg Raffle - It is time for us to start preparing for the annual Easter Egg Raffle.

We are asking all families to donate Easter Eggs.  These donations will be used to make up prizes for the raffle.

Thank you to everyone who has already sent in some eggs for the prize pool.

Please send your egg donations to school by Friday March 26.  

Take care and stay safe,

Sacramental News

This year, St Joseph’s Parish will be celebrating the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation. The meetings for the Confirmation candidates will begin early in Term 2. The preparation for Reconciliation and First Holy Communion will take place later in the year.

Children in Years 5 and 6 (or older) who have already received the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion will be eligible to join the Confirmation preparation group. As I need to order books for this group, could you please call the school or email me and leave the name of the child who will be preparing for this sacrament. The number is 6343 1514 and my email is leslie.king@cg.catholic.edu.au.

May the peace of Christ find a special place in your heart during the Lenten season.

Pope Francis has declared 2021 to be the’ Year of St Joseph’. As tomorrow is the feast day of St Joseph, we will be marking this occasion with a prayer celebration in the library. The prayer celebration will commence at 9:10 and will last for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. The students will be presenting the readings and prayers. Parents are most welcome to attend. 

We hope that you will be able to join us tomorrow for our St Joseph’s Day prayer celebration.

Peace and blessings,