Term Two - Week Four
Our Vision and Mission
Vision Statement
With Jesus Christ as their role model, all children can and will achieve.
Mission Statement
Inspired by Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop and in partnership with parents, our Parish and the wider community, we aim to impart a holistic education on all children in our school. We endeavour to live by the values of our school motto.
Learning, Understanding and Peace.
St Joseph’s is distinguished by a great sense of belonging, where each person is valued and where learning is enjoyable.
Prayer of the day
Acts 15:22-31. I will praise you among the nations, O Lord – Ps 56(57):8-12. John 15:12-17.
In essence – love
Lord, you’ve given it to us in a sentence: ‘Love one another, as I have loved you.’ It’s as simple as that, isn’t it? We get so caught up in our own thoughts, distractions and preoccupations that lead us astray. We complicate it all. But you insist, and repeat it a few lines later.
Holy Spirit, come along with me into the day as my friend and keep reminding me of the simplicity of this commandment.
SCHOOL NEWS
Mr French
Mr French has had a severe eye problem which has prevented him from being at school. The problem has stabilised and is improving. We have all missed him and hope his recovery continues to improve. He will return to school on Monday.
Welcome Our New Secretary Paige Bohringer!
We’re excited to introduce the newest member of our team Paige Bohringer, who will work alongside Renee each week in the office on Thursday and Fridays 8.30am - 3.30pm.
With a warm smile and a passion for helping others, Paige is looking forward to getting to know all of our wonderful students and families, and becoming a part of our vibrant school community.
Please take a moment to stop by, say hello, and help us give Paige a warm and welcoming start. We’re so happy to have her on board!
National Simultaneous Storytime
On Wednesday 21st May, all of the students gathered in the hall at 12 midday to participate in the National Simultaneous Storytime. This year the book was The Truck Cat written by Deborah Fenkel about a cat that lives in a long haul truck with his owner Yacoub. The children had the opportunity to listen to the author talk about inspiration for writing and the illustrator demonstrated how he drew the main character for the book. On returning to the classroom the children had the opportunity to participate in activities related to the story.
Celebrating Culture and Creativity with Aunty Karen
This term, our students have continued to work each week with Aunty Karen, whose passion for sharing Aboriginal culture has inspired creativity, connection, and deep respect for Country.
Aunty Karen has been working closely with students to create emu nests as part of a hands-on cultural learning project. Students gathered natural materials to build the nests, learning about the significance of the emu in Wiradjuri culture and its role in Dreaming stories.
Adding a vibrant artistic element, Aunty Karen guided students in decorating cardboard emu eggs using traditional dot painting techniques. Each egg became a unique expression of story and identity, with students learning about the meanings behind different colours and patterns.
“When we paint, we’re telling stories,” Aunty Karen shared. “These stories connect us to our ancestors, to the land, and to each other.”
The emu nests and painted eggs once finished will proudly be displayed in our classrooms, as a reminder of the importance of respect, creativity, and shared learning. We will also display them at the local show in September.
We thank Aunty Karen for her wisdom, and the beautiful way she brings culture to life in our classrooms.
Craft Club
Craft club was busy this week with our little crafters enjoying some knitting with needles and a round loom. They also practiced their finger crochet with t-shirt yarn and tried out the friendship bracelet machine. Outside we had Mitch and Lachie helping the infants' children hammer nails into timber blocks for a “String-nail art” project. They all did an amazing job! A special mention to Mrs Jac Ewin for coming along to help on Wednesday and Helen for her continued support on a Friday.
We would welcome anyone else who would like to come along for half an hour on Wednesdays and/or Fridays to help (1:25 - 1:50pm).
Jennie Corben
Call out for donations of unused push bikes
We would love donations of push bikes that you have lying around at home that are no longer used for the children to use at school. They must be in good working order. Please drop off at the container on the bottom field when you can. Many thanks in advance.
Healthy Harold
The Life Education Van will visit the school on the 27th & 28th May. If you wish to order something for your child, please see the flyer below for details.
Please note you can only order online and your must order before the 26th May. The school will not accept cash orders.
Student of the Week
ST JOEY'S COOKING CLUB
Cooking Club
Our garden club have been working hard in the veggie garden this term and our cooking club are reaping the benefits of their hard work.
Mrs Shannon and the children picked all the egg plants from the garden, so we put our thinking caps on and decided to make Baba Ganoush.
As we started our class most of the students did not enjoy the smell of the baked eggplant. After discussing and prepping the other ingredients we needed to add the aroma of the cooking area started to interest the students, and by the time we finished they all got to taste the delicious dip they had made, then low and behold they all started coming back for seconds!!
The next day all the students got to try the dip and surprisingly it was a hit.
These weekly experiences not only teach valuable cooking skills but also highlight the importance of growing and using fresh, healthy produce along with helping make treats for their lunch box's and also we are finding a lot of the children are trying new things.
We’re proud of our budding chefs and look forward to more tasty creations each week!
Recipe is below.
Mrs Bowman and Mrs Reid
Cooking Club
SPORTS NEWS
Athletics Carnival
What an incredible day at St Joseph’s Molong Athletics Carnival!
The energy, enthusiasm, and team spirit truly shone through as our children marched, ran, jumped, and threw their hearts out in the discus and shot put!
A huge shoutout to everyone parents, teachers, Grandpaents and friends-your support is invaluable!
Special mention to Mary, our beloved Molong matriarch and special marching judge, who brought her warmth and wisdom to this event—we couldn't have done it without you! Mary shared with us the many years of coming to the carnival with her own children and she couldn’t believe we still March to the same song!! It brought back lots of happy memories.
Thank you once again to all the teachers and parents for your unwavering support in making this a memorable and successful 2025 Athletics Carnival.
Congratulations to the following students who broke records at the Athletics Carnival:
Gilbert Dowling - 11 Yrs Boys 800m 2:48.37
Patrick Murphy - 8 Yrs Boys 100m 17.66
Congratulations to our Age Champions:
Sub Junior Girls
1st May Elliott
2nd Frieda Druve
Sub Junior Boys
1st Jack Jasprizza
2nd Henry Hobbs
Junior Girls
1st Georgie McKenzie
2nd Pippa Lawrence
Junior Boys
1st Lewis Elliott & Lachlan Haynes
2nd Sinclair Dowling
11 Yrs Girls
1st Bella Bowman
2nd Adelyn Wood
11 Yrs Boys
1st Gilbert Dowling
2nd Bill Ostini
12 Yrs Girls
1st Isabella Murray
2nd Georgie Bowman
12 Yrs Boys
1st Bryson Elliott
2nd Peter Fletcher
WINNING HOUSE………………………Mackillop
Boys Polding Hockey
Jock Lyons has had a fabulous time in Newcastle playing for Polding. They had 2 draws (one of these was a washed out) and 4 wins. Semi final was Thursday and they made the finals against South Coast where they went down 3-0. Well done on getting through to finals!!
FROM THE REC
Reconciliation
This week, students in Years 4–6 who have already received the Sacrament of Reconciliation were given the opportunity to celebrate this sacrament again after Mass. Reconciliation, also known as Confession, is an important part of our Catholic faith. It allows us to reflect on our actions, say sorry for the times we have done wrong, and receive God’s loving forgiveness. As a school, we provide students with the opportunity to attend Reconciliation once a term.
In Week 8, a group of students in Year 3 will celebrate their First Reconciliation on Wednesday 18th June, as part of their preparation for receiving their First Holy Communion. To support them on this journey, we have been exploring the value of forgiveness by learning about the parables of the Prodigal Son and the Lost Sheep. We have also been practising the Act of Contrition and thinking about areas in our lives where we may need to seek forgiveness.
Kindergarten Religion
This term, Kindergarten students have been engaging with the unit Easter Season. As part of this unit, they explored the story of Jesus’ appearance to the disciples after his resurrection.
At first glance, it seems like a simple story: some of the disciples spend the night fishing but catch nothing. Jesus appears on the shore and greets them. Following his guidance, they catch many fish. They then recognise that it is Jesus. He prepares a meal of fish and bread, and they share breakfast together.
In Kindergarten, the focus is on introducing this special moment in a way students can understand. It lays the foundation for learning about the Eucharist in later years. Just like the Last Supper, this story shows Jesus sharing a meal with his disciples. Students are encouraged to reflect on their own experiences of sharing meals, which often symbolise love and relationship. Jesus’ willingness to share meals—even with sinners and outcasts—shows his openness to friendship with all people.
To consolidate their learning, each student illustrated the story and wrote a sentence to retell it in their own words. Have a look at their amazing work!
Date to remember:
- Sunday 15th June, 10am - Sacrament of Confirmation
- Sunday 22nd June, 10am - Sacrament of First holy Communion
Upcoming Masses:
- Wednesday, 28th May (Week 5): Infants Mass – 9:30 AM
- Wednesday, 4th June (Week 6): Primary Mass – 9:30 AM
Miss Taylah Woodhouse
Religious Education Coordinator
STUDENT WELLBEING
This weeks resilience lesson covers an Emotional Literacy lesson for Year 1 students where they explore the importance of noticing and naming emotions as they experience them. Through stories and acting-out, students will practice identifying and naming emotions and thinking of healthy ways to express them.
P & F / CANTEEN NEWS
Hello families and friends.
See below some information regarding upcoming Parents and Friends Events.
- Pie Drive orders are due on the 26th of May. If you need a copy of the form please contact the school office.
- Save the Date for our Street Stall on June 27th. We will be calling for volunteers to work on the day and for baking closer to the time.
- We are looking for used bikes in ‘ride-able’ condition for use at play time on the newly rolled bike track. Please contact the school office if you can help!
PIE DRIVE
The annual pie drive is here, get your orders in to stock up your freezer for winter. All money raised will supply extra resources for your children.
Orders are due back to school by Monday 26th May.
Delivery date for pies is Thursday 12th June.
HEALTH MATTERS
COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
NSW Parliamentary Education Parli-Flicks Short Film Award 2025. The Award is open to Year 5 to 12 students in NSW. Students create a one-minute short film on this year’s theme: What do I value about democracy?
Entries close 8 August 2025. Click the link below for more deatils.
