Dear Parents and Carers, 

Over the past three years, our Strategic Improvement Plan has placed a strong emphasis on Formation. During this time, we’ve created meaningful formation experiences for our students, including dedicated formation days that invite reflection, discussion, and spiritual growth. 

Last week, our Year 5 students took part in their formation day, centered on the theme Jesus as a Leader. This powerful topic sparked thoughtful conversations about the qualities of effective leadership and encouraged students to reflect on how they wish to be seen as leaders, especially as they prepare to step into their roles as school leaders next year. 

When asked what they learned, their insights were both profound and inspiring: 

• Isaac shared, “Anyone can be a leader.”
• Tommy reflected, “True leaders are humble.”
• Sienna observed, “Not all leaders lead at the same time.”

And of course, when asked about their favourite part of the day, the unanimous winners were… hot chips and Zooper Doopers!  

Thank you to Mrs Abbott for facilitating such a reflective and enriching experience for our students. 

 

The Resilience Project 

Last week we launched our partnership with The Resilience Project and Coles to increase mental health and wellbeing and reduce anxiety for our students. We were incredibly lucky to welcome Hugh van Cuylenburg, founder of The Resilience Project and the podcast, The Imperfects to speak to our school. This program included support and learning for students, staff and parents and we are looking forward to beginning the program next year. 

Environmental Learning 

Last week, we had the pleasure of welcoming Whizzy the Waterdrop and the Environmentors to our school! These engaging programs are dedicated to helping students understand the vital role water plays in our lives and the importance of protecting this precious resource. 

Through interactive activities and fun-filled learning, our students explored how small actions can make an enormous difference in caring for our environment

Congratulations Roman 

Last term, our talented Year 5 and 6 students took part in the Newcastle Permanent Maths Competition, an annual challenge that puts their problem-solving skills to the test. 
We are thrilled to announce that Roman Falzon was recently invited to the 2025 Award Ceremony to receive a District Award in recognition of his exceptional performance. 
This is a remarkable achievement, and we could not be prouder of Roman and the brilliant mathematician he continues to be. Congratulations, Roman! 

Cooking with Mrs Hunt 

Congratulations to Sabellah, Charlotte, Karlina, and Eli who selected cooking as their PB4L award activity! 

They rolled up their sleeves and whipped up a delicious spread of mini pizzas, frozen banana treats, and watermelon smoothies—sharing their creations with classmates and spreading joy through food. 

What a fantastic way to celebrate positive behaviour!

Last Friday, we celebrated World Teachers’ Day—a special moment to reflect on the incredible gift of our educators. 

At St Joseph’s, we are truly blessed with teachers who go above and beyond every day, nurturing a school community rooted in growth, faith, and inspiration. Their dedication shapes not just minds, but hearts. 

Let us come together in prayer, giving thanks to God for the extraordinary blessing of our teachers—the guiding lights in our students’ lives. 

Loving God, 

We thank You for the gift of our teachers, for their wisdom, patience, and unwavering dedication.  Bless them with strength, joy, and continued inspiration as they guide our students in faith and learning.  May they always feel appreciated and supported 

in the sacred work they do each day. 

 

Amen 

God Bless 

Mel Hunt

Prime Minister Award

‘Being a steward of creation’, ‘Trying your best’, ‘Speaking with kindness’ and ‘Being a responsible learner’ are some of the qualities that teachers consider when awarding ‘Prime Minister’ at our weekly assembly. It is an acknowledgement of the student’s efforts and they have the privilege of wearing the badge with honour, of suggesting a focus the school can work on, award Gotchas to other students at lunch time as well as earning Gotchas for themselves. Congratulations goes to Samuel Ungaro (Week 3)

MJR Awards

As part of our MJR system, we acknowledge that the following students, Sabellah Reynolds has reached 100 Gotchas. Charlotte Hughan has reached 300 Gotchas and Karlina Stoehr has reached 400 Gotchas. Well Done! 

Outdoor Play-Based Learning

On Tuesday 21st October our Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 students commenced engaging with outdoor play-based learning. Students were thoroughly immersed in their introductory activities and are already indicating where they would like to direct their focus during week 4’s outdoor play-based learning.

A few reflections from our Kindergarten friends....................

I liked dressing up as Elsa and a unicorn and I really enjoyed playing in the mud – Armani

I liked that I could dress-up and I dressed up as a scary wolf – Eliza

I liked bubbles and dress-ups and putting bows in my hair. I liked free play with mud – Maia

I liked building a house with the boxes. I liked the mud – Chloe

I liked the one with the water because it was hot. I also liked the bubbles and the dress-ups – Grace B

Year 1 reflections.......................

I was happy to do outdoor learning – Summer, Fletcher, Liam and Will

It made me really excited! – Emmett, Claire, Thomas

I feel grateful – Arlo

I was excited to get outdoors and explore – Darcy

It was lots of fun – Mason, Jarmirrikai, Miranda, Jesse

It was the best day of my life! – Kai, Archie, Luxie, Sammy

Year 2 reflections.....................

Mud kitchen was fun and messy – Ella

Mud kitchen was messy and lots of fun – Zoe

Mud kitchen was very fun - Sione

Mud kitchen was fun - William

Mud kitchen was awesome – Kyron

Drama dressing up was fantastic – Meesha

I liked dress up, it was fun - Ryleigh

Box building was fun – Edward

Bubbles making was magnificent - Krystela

Bubbles were really, really fun – Ava B

Bubble making was really fun - Alice

We were exploring using our imagination with the activities, it was amazing! – Elke

Year 5 Formation

Last week, our Year 5 students participated in a meaningful Formation Day focused on the theme of servant leadership. The day was filled with engaging activities and thoughtful reflections as students explored what it means to be a great leader. Drawing inspiration from the life and teachings of Jesus, they considered the qualities that make a leader truly impactful—such as compassion, courage, humility, and service to others. It was wonderful to see our students so involved and reflective, growing in their understanding of leadership. 

SOCKTOBER

Our Socktober event was a wonderful success, with students showing great generosity and spirit to support World Mission Month. Donations collected will help mothers in Zambia feed their children and build a brighter future.

School Uniform Increase 

Due to an increase in manufacturing of uniforms, we wish to advise that there will be a slight increase on some school uniforms, effective from 1st January 2026.