Term Two - Week Seven
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
St Anthony of Padua
2 Corinthians 4:7-15. To you, Lord, I will offer a sacrifice of praise – Ps 115(116):10-11, 15-18. Matthew 5:27-32.
Discipleship requires radical commitment
Jesus is calling his disciples and us to a deeper faith, not just in action but in our heart. We are reminded that thoughts become words, words become actions, actions become habits, habits become character and our character shapes our relationship with others and with God. At first glance, Jesus’ words about cutting off a hand or plucking out an eye may seem extreme, but they highlight the urgency of removing anything that leads us away from God. True discipleship requires radical commitment, choosing love, faithfulness and self-discipline over fleeting temptations. Jesus calls us not just to avoid sin but to embrace holiness. In a world that often distorts love and commitment, we are invited to witness to the sacredness and dignity of every person.
SCHOOL NEWS
Book Club
Book club is due next week. If you would like to order online please do so by 17th June.
Project Elevate
Royal Life Saving NSW is offering St Joseph’s the opportunity to participate in Project Elevate: School Learn to Swim program! Research shows that many Australians do not meet minimum National Benchmarks for swimming and water safety, even after lessons, while others miss out entirely. To address this, Project Elevate will follow Royal Life Saving’s Swim and Survive Program, Australia’s leading water safety initiative with over 40 years of experience. Aligned with NSW and Australian Health and Physical Education Curriculums, it provides a clear pathway for students to reach national swimming and water safety benchmarks. Each participating student will receive the equivalent of 10 x 45 minute Learn to Swim lessons to help them achieve the National Benchmarks for their age. If you are interested in this program for your child/children, please contact the school for further information.
Pupil Free Day
Staff at St Joseph’s will attend a Professional Development day on Friday, 20th June. This will be a pupil free day
Craft Club
The crafters have been enjoying hammering nails into wood in the recent weeks. They have made string and nail designs or key holders to take home. Many are just enjoying the opportunity to use hammers and nails.
WE ARE IN NEED OF SOME DONATIONS OF TIMBER - SOFT TIMBER LIKE PINE (NOT TREATED) AND WITHOUT ROUGH EDGES (SPLINTERS).
If you can help with this it would be greatly appreciated if you could drop off your pieces of timber to the hall - just outside the main door, or to the front office.
We are going to start scrapbooking in the coming weeks so we encourage any interested students to bring in a photograph that they wish to work around, to school. If you are unable to provide a photo, please send a digital copy to school and I will endeavor to print it out, but it will only be on paper.
Thank you in advance for your support. Don’t forget that we would love some volunteers to help the children with their creative pursuits, especially as we start to think about entries for the Molong Show.
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.
Student of the Week
ST JOEY'S COOKING CLUB
On Thursday at lunch students enjoyed toasted cheese sandwiches that have been kindly donated by Eat up who are the only Australian charity providing free lunches to school children on a national scale. We are very fortunate to be apart of this scheme. The students enjoyed the delicious treat on such a cold day!
SPORTS NEWS
Polding Cross Country
Georgie Bowman and Gil Dowling represented the Diocese of Bathurst at Polding Cross Country on Wednesday in Sydney. This is a wonderful achievement and one we are very proud of. Congratulations, Georgie came 17th and Gil came 19th.
Southern Region Athletics
St Joseph’s will be hosting this year’s Southern Region Athletics Carnival on Friday, 1st August. The Carnival will be held in Canowindra. From the Southern Region Athletics, successful students will qualify for the Diocesan Carnival which will be held on Friday, 22nd August in Dubbo.
FROM THE REC
First Holy Communion
Next weekend, Sunday 22nd June 2025 at 10am Mass, six Year 3 students will receive the Sacrament of First Holy Communion.
First Holy Communion is a very special moment in a child’s faith journey. It is the first time a person receives the Eucharist which is the heart of our Catholic life.
The Eucharist is the sacrament that completes Christian initiation. In it, we remember and celebrate the life, death, and Resurrection of Jesus. It is more than a memory—it is a sacred meal where Jesus is truly present with us.
The word Eucharist means “thanksgiving” in Greek. During Mass, the bread and wine are consecrated and become the Body and Blood of Christ. By receiving Communion, we are nourished spiritually and become more united with Jesus and with one another as the Body of Christ.
This sacrament reminds us that we are part of the Church community and are called to live like Jesus—with love, faith, and service to others.
Let us keep our Year 3 students and their families in our prayers as they prepare for this sacred and joyful occasion. We invite all members of our school community to join us at Mass and be part of this special celebration.
The Four Parts of Mass
In Year 3 Religion lessons, we have been supporting our students as they prepare to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion by exploring the four parts of the Mass. Students have been reflecting on what they already know about each part, while learning about the signs, symbols, and significance of each section.
Year 3 now understand that the four parts of the Mass include:
- The Introductory Rites – This is the opening part of the Mass, where we gather as a community, sing together, and ask God to forgive our sins so we are ready to listen to His Word.
- The Liturgy of the Word – In this part, we listen to readings from the Bible. We hear stories from the Old and New Testaments, including the Gospel, and we respond in prayer and reflection.
- The Liturgy of the Eucharist – This is the heart of the Mass, where the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus. We give thanks, remember the Last Supper, and share in Communion together.
- The Concluding Rites – At the end of Mass, we are blessed and sent out to live as followers of Jesus, sharing His love and message with others.
In class, Year 3 have also been practising the responses we use during Mass each week and discussing the sacredness and deep meaning of the Liturgy of the Eucharist. We will continue to explore and prepare over the next two weeks as the students look forward to receiving the Eucharist for the first time.
Upcoming Masses:
- Wednesday, 18th June (Week 8): Primary Mass & First Reconciliation (Year 3) - 9:30 AM
- Wednesday, 25th June (Week 9): Infants Mass – 9:30 AM
Miss Woodhouse
Religious Education Coordinator
STUDENT WELLBEING
THE KIDS WELLNESS PODCAST
Teaching Mindfulness That Sticks
Learn how to make mindfulness more engaging and meaningful for children with expert insights from Dr. Chris Willard. We explore creative tools, real-life applications, and how to nurture a lasting practice
P & F / CANTEEN NEWS
Hello families and friends.
See below some information regarding upcoming Parents and Friends Events.
- 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!
HEALTH MATTERS
COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
Dear Friends,
YOU’RE INVITED!
Parents and carers of tweenagers and teenagers, these two webinars are for you!
PLEASE JOIN CCSP’S FREE WEBINARS IN TERM 2
Register using the link - see you online!
PARENTING TWEENS: WHAT KIDS NEED NOW, BEFORE THE TEEN YEARS
For parents and carers of primary school students 8+
Presented by Michelle Mitchell
Tuesday 24 June
7pm - 8pm
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR PARENTING TWEENS
PARENTING TEENS: STAYING CONNECTED THROUGH THE TEEN YEARS
Parents of high school kids 12+
Presented by Michelle Mitchell
Wednesday 25 June
7pm - 8pm
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR PARENTING TEENS
Regards,
Cath Garrett-Jones
Executive Director
Call health direct campaign – campaign resources found here
NSW Health is pleased to share with you the new call health direct Campaign toolkit. The campaign aims to promote the health direct number as the first step to access health advice, care and treatment for non-life threatening conditions.
When you call health direct, you’ll speak to a registered nurse who will help you get the care you need. They can find you a nearby doctor, pharmacist, urgent care service, or even connect you to specialist virtual care. We’re encouraging people to save this number, 1800 022 222, for free, easy access to health advice and care whenever they need it.
The key links are:
- For more information about health direct:
- Campaign launch Ministerial media release:
Vaccination education campaign
NSW Health is pleased to share with you the 2025 Vaccination Campaign toolkit. This campaign aims to raise awareness, support and encourage proactive information-seeking so individuals can make informed decisions about immunisation. These materials are evergreen and can be used throughout winter and beyond.
The key links are:
- For more information about vaccinations:
- Translated information about vaccinations:
Thank you for your ongoing support to help protect the NSW community.
2025 Influenza Vaccination campaign – campaign resources found here
NSW Health is pleased to share with you the 2025 Influenza Vaccination Campaign toolkit. This campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of flu vaccination during winter, to help increase uptake of the flu vaccine among all of population in NSW, particularly at-risk audiences. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over and offers the best protection from getting really sick.
The key links are:
- Book a flu vaccine:
- For more information about influenza:
- For more information about respiratory illness:
Thank you for your ongoing support to help protect the NSW community.
2025 Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) campaign
NSW Health is pleased to share with you the 2025 Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Campaign toolkit. This campaign, which runs until the end of winter, includes budget-friendly and accessible ways for families to:
Eat healthily – tips to eat healthily and drink water, including free low-cost winter recipes and lunchbox ideas
Get active – ideas and tips to help you stay active during winter such as at-home exercises or connecting with nature
Support – free programs to help you and your family keep up healthy habits.
The key links are:
- NSW Healthy Eating Active Living website: