Term 2 Week 10, 2025
From our Leadership
Welcome
Dear St Joseph’s Community,
As we wrap up another successful term, we extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you—students, families, staff, and community members-for your hard work, support, and commitment. This term has been filled with growth, learning, and memorable moments, and none of it would have been possible without your continued involvement and enthusiasm.
Whether it was in the classroom, on the field, at events, or behind the scenes, your contributions have helped make this term one to remember. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together and excited for the opportunities ahead.
Enrolments 2026
We are pleased to share, that 25 Kindergarten enrolment positions for 2026 have/will be offered, following a terrific level of interest from families in our local community. This strong response is a testament to the wonderful reputation of our school, and we sincerely thank our parents for your continued support and for the many ways you advocate for St. Joseph's School.
Initiative
This week, two Stage 3 students approached us about organizing a dance group for the school. They had a well thought out plan, which included raising funds for an air mattress. To this end we have had a very successful bake sale! Thank you girls and everyone for supporting this student lead initiative.
Semester 1 Reports
To access your child’s report in COMPASS please follow these steps;
- Open the app
- Click on chronicle
- Click on reports
Family Teacher Interviews
Please contact your child’s teacher via email or by phoning the School Office if you would like to make a meeting to discuss your child’s Semester 1 report.
Tinnies 4 Vinnies
Our Year 6 student Mission Leaders organised a wonderful PJ and Tinnie day on Tuesday, collecting an enormous amount of food to donate to our local St Vincent de Paul chaplain, who will distribute it to those members of our community doing it a little tough this Winter.
Well done students!
Staff News - Term 3 Leave
We would like to let our school community know that Anne Forwell will be taking leave for Term 3. Anne will be travelling to Scotland with her family, to cheer on her daughter, who will be dancing in the World Championships.
During this time, Tess Armstrong and Caitlin Bowen will be teaching Anne's classes. Both are regular casual teachers at our school who know our students and routines very well.
The Assistant Principal role will be shared across the Term:
- Week 1 to 5 Matthew Green
- Week 6 to 10 Brooke Donaghue
We are also excited to share that Kristina Sanne, our Kindergarten Teacher Assistant and the dance teacher of Anne's daughter, will also be travelling to Scotland with 5 of her dance pupils. They will also be competing in the World Championships! Kristina will be away from Week 3 to 7; her role will be covered by Ellie Metcalfe and Cooper Brown, both familiar and valued Teacher Assistants.
We know the students will continue to be well supported by our wonderful team during this time. We wish Anne and Kristina safe travels and look forward to welcoming them back upon their return.
Yera 4 Accendere
On Monday of this week, our Year 4 students attended their first discipleship program, Accendere, which means to ‘switch on’ or spark the flame. Students engaged in a variety of activities aimed at exploring what it means to be a true friend, just like Jesus. The day finished with a lovely liturgy, prepared and led by the students themselves.
Principal-Danny Rankin
Assistant Principal-Anne Forwell
Leader of Learning - Brooke Donoghue
Leader of Evangelisation - Matthew Green
Sport Coordinator - Caitlin Crispin
Zone Athlets Carnival
The Clarence Zone Athletics Carnival was held yesterday, at the Coffs Harbour International Stadium. Our students showed their amazing sportsmanship, supporting each other and trying their best.
Congratulations to Noah, Kendall, Aaliyah, Henri and Ana who will all represent our school at the Diocesan Athletic Carnival. This event will be held on Tuesday, 26 August at the Coffs Harbour International Stadium.
Congratulations to all our Athletics Carnival place getters, who received their ribbons and medals at a recent Assembly. Our winning House was CRAIG!
Gumbaynggirr Language - Liz Hegedus
Ginnagay Ngujawiny - Hello You Mob,
Well we made it to the end of Term 2!
Some of the many topics we learnt about during our Indigenous history lessons (HSIE) include:
- The 1967 Referendum
- National Reconciliation Week
- Mabo Day
- The Koala Habitat Project shared with Gilwingga Public School
During the school holidays, Australia will celebrate NAIDOC week. Every year the NAIDOC theme changes to reflect the issues and events important to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This allows us as Aboriginals to focus on specific aspects of our culture, history and any current challenges that have risen, which ensures the celebration is relevant and impactful.
The theme for NAIDOC Week 2025 is The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy. The artist for the official 2025 NAIDOC Week poster is Jeremy Morgan Worrall. His artwork, titled "Ancestral Lines," honors the knowledge and cultural strength passed down through generations.
The theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, focuses on celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of young leaders, the vision of communities, and the legacy of ancestors. The theme also emphasizes the importance of listening to the next generation and honoring the legacies that came before.
Jeremy Morgan Worrall, a proud Ngarbal/Gomeroi man, created the poster artwork. "Ancestral Lines," a digital artwork that represents the knowledge, care, and cultural strength passed down through generations. The artwork features individuals with lines akin to songlines, symbolizing the knowledge, experiences, and cultural practices passed down through families. The poster also includes the names of Jeremy's ancestors, Lucy, Enoch, and Nonie Wright, as well as his Nanna Audrie and mother Vanessa.
Darrundang Ngiinda - Thankyou
Miss Liz Hegedus - Aboriginal Education Worker
School Notes
SCHOOL OFFICE HOURS
Please be advised our School Office is open between 8.20am and 3.20pm daily.
UNIFORMS
The school uniform is available to purchase through the Compass app.
Orders will be sent home with your child, please advise the Office you would prefer to collect it.
Uniform collection times are Tuesday and Thursday between 8.30am - 8.45am & 2.30pm - 3.00pm.
MEDICATION
If your child is currently taking medication at school, parents are now required to complete the Medication permission form available through the Compass app.
If you have previously provided a paper copy, you will need to complete the online form to meet the new 2025 requirements.
ABSENCES
Only full day absences are to be entered into Compass, for partial absences - arriving late or leaving early please phone the School Office to notify.
Late arrivals - Parents are reminded to accompany your child to the Office to provide the reason for your child's late arrival.
Change to afternoon travel arrangements may be emailed to the school if before 12.00pm sjpgraf@lism.catholic.edu.au
After 12.00pm please phone the School Office on 6642 2899 with any changes.
Please notify the School Office if your child will be absent for an extended period of time, Principal approval may be required.
SCHOOL FEES
BPay is the preferred payment method for school fees.
Scheduled payments can be set up using BPay. The Biller Code and your personal reference number can be found on your Fee Statement.
Paying through BPay ensures that your payment goes directly to your account. Any enquireies please contact the School Office.
Uniforms
Merit Awards
Congratulations to the following students who received a Merit Award.
ES1: Joziah, John, Lucy
Stage 1: Madison, Azahlia, William, Nate
Stage 2: Ashton, Summer P, Aria, Emily, Maddelyn
Stage 3: Lochlann, Ethan, William, Charlotte, Prisca, Heidi
School Calendar
TERM 2 2025
Week 10
Thursday, 3 July - Last day of Term 2 for students
Friday, 4 July, - Staff Development Day (Pupil Free Day)
TERM 3 2025
Week 1
Monday, 21 July - Students return Term 3
Week 2
Monday, 28 July - Friday 1 July - NAIDOC Week
Monday, 28 July - Intensive Swimming (Kindergarten, Year 1, 2, 3,4)
Friday, 1 August - School Assembly 2.15pm
Week 3
Mondy, 4 August - Intensive Swimming (Kindergarten, Year 1, 2, 3,4)
Friday, 8 August - St Mary MacKillop Feast Day
Week 4
Monday, 11 August - Intensive Swimming (Kindergarten, Year 1, 2, 3,4)
Friday, 14 August - Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary
Friday, 14 August - School Assembly 2.15pm
Canteen
Canteen Open every Wednesday and Friday
Canteen orders are placed through the Compass portal prior to 8.30am. Our menu has been updated and the following new items are now available to order:
- Banana Bread (gluten free)
- Fried rice with meat
- Chicken nuggets (gluten free)
- Frozen pinapple rings
- Jelly cup (diet)
Volunteers are always welcome, please leave your details with the School office if you're able to assist.
Community Notices
