Last week our school hosted a unique formation opportunity. Our school and Parish communities were invited to come and listen to Mr Barry Evans speak about his journey in the canonisation of St Mary MacKillop.

Our Year 6 students spent their afternoon session hearing from Barry and sharing in his incredible story. Barry’s wife was the second miracle that was confirmed by the Vatican, resulting in Mary MacKillop becoming canonised as a Saint.

Mary MacKillop’s path to sainthood began with the recognition of her life of heroic virtue. Following her death, the Vatican required two confirmed miracles attributed to her intercession—one for beatification and one for canonisation. The first involved the healing of a young woman with leukaemia, and the second was the miraculous healing of Kathleen Evans, Barry’s wife, from cancer. These miracles were thoroughly investigated and validated by the Vatican, leading to Mary’s canonisation by Pope Benedict XVI on October 17, 2010, making her Australia’s first canonised saint.

The story Barry shared was truly inspirational, and our staff and members of our parish enjoyed an afternoon of spiritual reflection and story sharing. We thank Barry for taking the time to travel to us and share his story and to Mr Buchtmann for organising such a special event.

Annual School Visit

Last week we welcomed members of the Diocesan Leadership Team and Catholic Schools Office along with our Business Partners, to our school for our Annual School Visit.

The Annual School Visit allows the school the opportunity to celebrate our school successes but also discuss the challenges that our school faces. The visit was very affirming, and we received some very positive feedback on the wonderful things that we do here at Wingham.

I would like to share what our Director of Schools, Jacqui Wilkinson, wrote in her weekly newsletter to staff as it sums up our day perfectly.

“Sincere thanks to Mel Hunt, Adam Buchtman, Shae Lapi-an and the dedicated staff of St Joseph’s Primary School, Wingham, for their warm hospitality during the Annual School Visit on Wednesday. Nestled along the banks of the Manning River, St Joseph’s continues to thrive as a vibrant and close-knit community. Despite the challenges brought on by recent floods, the school has shown remarkable resilience, maintaining its commitment to authentic, inclusive, and nurturing education for students from Kindergarten to Year 6. Staff and student well-being remain at the forefront of all its practices, ensuring a safe, supportive, and flourishing environment for learning and growth.

The review team was particularly impressed by the school’s strategic focus on learning. In Writing, students engage with clearly embedded Success Criteria and Learning Intentions, co-constructed with them to promote ownership and clarity. Peer feedback and student-led conferences with goal setting are embedded practices that empower learners. In Mathematics, the use of embedded strategies, data walls, and the Numeracy Progressions supports targeted growth. A case management approach, combined with a robust tracking and data analysis cycle, ensures programs are responsive and effective. Regular data celebration meetings further foster a culture of achievement and shared success.

St Joseph’s lives its motto, “Growth in Unity,” through strong relationships, inclusive practices, and a shared commitment to excellence. From classroom interactions to community engagement, the spirit of unity was evident throughout the visit. The school remains a place where students are known, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential.”

Congratulations Eleanor and Karlina

On the 12th of September Eleanor and Karlina travelled to Newcastle to represent our Diocese at the Polding Athletics Carnival. Eleanor competed in the 1500m and Karlina competed in the 200 metres. Both girls ran extremely well and had a great day. We are incredibly proud of both girls for their wonderful sportsmanship; it is a great achievement to make it to the Polding trials.

Exciting Times in Stage 3!

This year we have partnered with Naturally Brave and Maker’s Empire—a joint initiative by Bushfire Kids Connect, Makers Empire, and Growing with Gratitude. This project aims to build resilience in young people, preparing them for future challenges and stressors. Last week our new 3D printer was set up in the Year 6 classroom and our Year 5 and 6 students have started to work on their project, of designing something to assist the community during times of natural disaster. In November, our students will be showcasing their designs in Port Macquarie.

Regional Public Speaking Finals

Congratulations to Sienna Lapi-an, Ben Raison, Elke Axisa and Eliza Gaudron who represented our school in the Regional Public Speaking Finals. Our students spoke clearly and confidently in a very tough competition. A special thanks to Mrs Abbott for coordinating the finals and to Mrs Cornish-Allen our adjudicator for the day.

Well done to Sienna who competed at the Diocesan Public Speaking Finals today. Sienna spoke very well in a very competitive group.

As we prepare to have a two-week break, please join me in a prayer for our school staff, students and parents.

Loving God,

As we finish this term, we thank you for all that we have learned and for the friendships we have. We ask for your blessing as we enter these holidays. Please provide rest and refreshment for our minds and bodies and grant us joy as we spend time with our families and friends. Protect us from harm and keep us safe. May we return to school in the next term with renewed energy and a stronger spirit, ready for the journey ahead.

Amen

God Bless