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TERM TWO
SJS Field Events - Monday, 9th & Wednesday, 11th June
(for children 8 Years & older)
School Photos - Tuesday 10th June
SJS Athletics Carnival - Friday 13th June
Beachathon Class Fundraising Activities
Tuesday, 17th June to Thursday, 26th June
Beachathon - Friday 27th June
Term Two Ends - Friday 27th June
Term Three begins - Monday 14th June
Dear Parents and Carers
As we enter the last 4 weeks of the term, we begin our fundraising as part of Beachathon 2025. This year, we are raising funds to put towards a new playground. We have already had many generous donations, and for that I am very grateful. Today, students received their individual sponsor forms to bring home and over the coming weeks, are asked to seek support for their walk on the last day of term.
In the last 2 weeks of this term (weeks 9 and 10), classes will also host their own fundraising activities prior to Beachathon day. A big thank you to our P&F for getting this underway and supporting such a valuable project in our school.
On Friday, the P&F held their first Trivia Night, which was a lot of fun. There was lots of fun and laughs, mixed in with some questionable answers (the people involved know who I am talking about!!) Overall, it was a great night and one we hope can happen again. All the funds raised will go toward our beachathon total.
Over the last few weeks, we have had a number of academic and sporting highlights at the Interschool Cross Country and the Young Speechmakers competition. As always, our students gave of their best, and while not all achieved a place, they all deserve our congratulations for an amazing effort. Thanks also to the many staff who have assisted in preparation for these events.
Teachers are currently in the process of preparing reports for Semester 1. These will be available via Compass in Week 10 of this term. There have been some changes to our reporting format across the Townsville Diocese, and information regarding these changes can be found in the Learning and Teaching section of this newsletter. As always, should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss.
Have a great week.
Tim
Sacrament of Initiation - Confirmation
Last Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, several of our Joey's students, alongside other children from the Cathedral Parish, received the Sacrament of Confirmation—the second of the three Sacraments of Initiation in the Catholic Church. This sacrament strengthens the gifts of the Holy Spirit received at Baptism, empowering individuals to live as faithful witnesses of Christ.
The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit
During Confirmation, individuals receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which include:
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Wisdom: The ability to see things from God's perspective.
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Understanding: Grasping the truths of the faith more deeply.
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Counsel: Right judgment in making decisions.
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Fortitude: Courage to stand firm in the faith.
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Knowledge: Awareness of God's plan and our role in it.
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Piety: Reverence and devotion to God.
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Fear of the Lord: Awe and wonder at God's greatness and love.
These gifts empower the confirmed to live out their faith with greater conviction and purpose.
A Special Thanks
We are grateful to Bishop Timothy J. Harris for presiding over the sacrament and to all members of the Cathedral Parish for their support in making these evenings memorable for all the children involved.
Looking Ahead: First Eucharist
The children will now begin preparation for the Sacrament of First Eucharist, which will be celebrated on Sunday, 22nd June. This sacrament marks the culmination of their initiation into the Catholic faith, inviting them to share in the Body and Blood of Christ for the first time.
Mary, Help of Christians Feast Day
On Friday, 23rd May, our school community gathered for Christian Meditation for Prayer across the Diocese to celebrate the feast day of Mary, Help of Christians. Mary is the patron saint of Australia.
Thank you to Miss Jeni Gillman for preparing and leading our Christian Meditation.
Reflecting Together: Reconciliation Week
On Friday, 30th May, Joey’s students and staff gathered in unity to observe National Reconciliation Week, reflecting on our shared histories, cultures, and the ongoing journey towards reconciliation. This year's theme, "Bridging Now to Next," calls upon all Australians to build strong, respectful relationships that honour the truths of the past while paving the way forward
Following the liturgy, the St Patrick’s College dance group graced us with a vibrant performance of traditional dances, enriching our understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
The week’s meaningful activities were made possible through the tireless efforts of Ms. Paula Higgins. Her dedication ensured that Reconciliation Week fostered a spirit of unity and respect within our community.
Celebrating Pentecost: The Birth of the Church
Pentecost, celebrated this Sunday, 8th June, marks the 50th day after Easter and is one of the most significant feast days in the Christian calendar. It commemorates the moment when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, empowering them to spread the message of Jesus Christ.
Pentecost is often referred to as the "birthday of the Church" because it signifies the moment when the apostles were equipped with the Holy Spirit to carry out their mission. The Holy Spirit continues to play a vital role in the lives of Christians, guiding and empowering them to live according to God's will. The celebration of Pentecost serves as a reminder of the ongoing presence and work of the Holy Spirit in the world.
Around the Classrooms - Year 1
Last week, Year 1 joined Fr Sylvester at St Joseph's Church to participate in the Sacrament of Initiation - Baptism.
Fr Sylvester spoke to the students about the Oil of Catechumens, Oil of Chrism and how priests pour water over the baby's head to baptise them.
Hope all have a wonderful week,
Trina
Semester One Reports – Key Changes
Semester One Reports will be published via Compass on Friday 27th June at 3pm. You will need your Compass username and password to access these reports. Please see the office if you do not have this information.
Townsville Catholic Education (TCE) has introduced updated formatting and content for Semester Reports across all schools in the Townsville Diocese. These changes will be reflected in our Semester One Reports. Below is a summary of key updates:
Application to Learning Scale
The effort scale is now titled Application to Learning and uses a 4-point scale:
Excellent – Consistently demonstrates an exceptional application to learning.
Very Good – Usually demonstrates a strong and consistent application to learning.
Satisfactory – Generally meets expectations in their application to learning.
Needs Attention – Sometimes meets expectations in their application to learning.
General Comment
Reports now include a single General Comment. Subject-specific comments for Religion, English, and Mathematics have been removed.
Achievement Standard Indicator
A statement is included indicating that ‘Working With – WW’ or a ‘C’ represents the expected level of achievement by the end of the year.
Attendance Information
Any attendance concerns, such as frequent lateness or absences, will be noted in the General Comment.
Prep Reporting
Prep students are assessed and reported on in Religion, English, Mathematics, and Health and Physical Education. While students continue to engage in Science, Technologies, The Arts, and HASS, these subjects will not appear on the Prep report.
Learning Statements
Our school has also updated the way learning statements are presented. They now appear as summary dot points outlining key learning for the semester.
If you have any questions regarding the new format, please don’t hesitate to contact me at jwallace@sjnwtsv.catholic.edu.au.
Have a great week.
Julie Wallace
Assistant Principal - Pedagogy and Learning
Love |
Freddy McKeown | Freddy is a caring and kind friend who consistently displays the Mercy value of Love. He has shown this value by taking great care of his belongings and showing respect for shared spaces. He sets a wonderful example by ensuring all sports equipment is returned to its correct place after lunch, helping to create a tidy and welcoming environment for everyone. His thoughtful actions show responsibility and care for our school community. Well Done Freddy, you are a true Joey’s kid! |
| Beau Storey | Beau noticed a toddler upset in the kangaroo feeding area during our excursion to Billabong Sanctuary. He was concerned that the toddler no longer had food to feed the kangaroos and asked if he could go and offer his animal food to them. Beau, how you showed gentleness in the way you spoke, love and concern for another was a fine example of showing love in the Joey’s way. The family with the child were very grateful for your actions. Well done and thank you, Beau. Spreading Joey’s love throughout the community is something you should be proud of. | |
| Ellie Clair | Ellie is a kind and caring member of our class, who displays the Mercy value of Love in many ways. She is a true example of what it means to perform acts of kindness by always looking out for her peers. When Ellie sees someone who requires help or a friendly smile, she is the first person to offer assistance. She is often found comforting her peers that are feeling sad, or becoming friends with students that are alone. Thank you Ellie, your friends appreciate the love and compassion that you share with us every day. | |
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James Kuit |
James shows kindness, care, and a big heart to everyone in our class. He treats his classmates with respect and is always willing to help, especially during lunchtime when he takes everyone's lunchbox out of the fridge. James is ready to assist a friend, share a smile, or offer a kind word. When someone is upset, he is often one of the first to lend a helping hand. Thank you for helping our classroom be such a wonderful place, James! |
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Hannah Campbell |
Hannah shows the true meaning of love through her daily actions in our class. She genuinely cares for those around her and often goes out of her way to make others feel included, valued, and supported. Her kindness isn’t just something she shows from time to time, it’s part of who she is. Hannah’s openness to showing compassion is inspiring and brings a sense of warmth to 6A. Congratulations to Hannah on being nominated for the Mercy Award of Love. Your caring heart makes a big difference. |
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| Oscar Sloan |
We are very grateful to have Oscar in our school community, always sharing a smile and a good morning to make everyone feel welcome. Oscar shows compassion and kindness to others when they are feeling worried or upset. Recently, Oscar was seen to be offering support and encouragement to a younger student when they were feeling upset. He calmly talked them through their feelings and stayed with them until they felt better. Oscar’s ability to share a sense of calm when others are in need shows that he is a worthy recipient of the Mercy Value Award for Love. |
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| Milani Kelly | Milani is a kind and caring classmate who brings positivity to our classroom every day. Her patience shines through in group activities, where she takes the time to listen and support others to have a go. She is inclusive of all her peers and has a positive attitude towards learning, even when the topic is challenging. Her kindness and empathy elevate the classroom, making it a place where everyone feels safe to learn, grow, and belong. Thank you for showing Love in 4A, Milani! | |
| Franco Carini | Franco is a thoughtful and caring student who consistently includes his classmates in games, making sure everyone feels welcome and valued. He shows maturity by asking for help when needed and always follows instructions carefully. Franco regularly shows acts of kindness and is genuinely caring toward others, creating a positive and supportive environment in the classroom and playground. His inclusive and respectful nature makes him a wonderful role model. Keep it up, Franco! | |
Community |
Sidney Keir |
Sidney shows the Mercy Value of Community by always looking out for his classmates and helping around the classroom. If a friend is feeling sad, he gives them a kind smile and asks if they need help. He loves working together with his friends and making sure everyone feels included. Sid also takes the initiative to keep our classroom neat and organised, making it a welcoming space for everyone. His kindness, teamwork, and willingness to help makes our classroom a wonderful place to learn and grow. Thank you, Sid! |
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Brody Stocks |
Brody demonstrated an outstanding sense of community during the Amazing Race. When he noticed that another team needed an extra member, he selflessly chose to swap teams to ensure a fair and balanced competition. Brody displayed not only fairness and teamwork but also great resilience and humility. He put the needs of others before his own, showing what it truly means to live out the Mercy Value of Community. Well done, Brody! |
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| Hunter Doig |
Hunter is a valued member of 6A who lives out the Mercy value of Community each day. His genuine politeness and kind manners set a positive tone in our classroom and beyond. Hunter consistently shows strong school spirit and a willingness to contribute in meaningful ways. His respectful and thoughtful nature helps create a welcoming environment for everyone. Congratulations, Hunter, on being nominated for the Mercy Award of Community. Your quiet leadership and care for others make a real difference. |
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| Leo Illman |
Leo displayed an amazing sense of Community by representing the school in Young Speech Makers. Your willingness to bravely step up, express your ideas, and give your best effort is truly commendable. Public speaking takes practice and heart — and you demonstrated both. You should be incredibly proud of your effort, and keep sharing your voice with confidence. |
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| Madeline Bowrey |
Madeline demonstrated the Mercy value of Community when representing our school in Young Speech Makers. She worked hard on her speech and tackled the task with great enthusiasm. She offered up many of her lunch breaks to practise, and gave her absolute best. Madeline, you should be so proud of yourself for the confidence you displayed and your wonderful delivery of your speech. Keep speaking, keep growing, and always believe in the power of your words. |
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| Jesse Roveglia |
Jesse is a valued member of our 4A class and contributes positively to the school community. Always willing to lend a hand, he helps both classmates and teachers alike, fostering a spirit of teamwork and cooperation. His calm, focused presence helps maintain the flow of learning, even during busy or challenging moments in the classroom. Through his thoughtful actions and consistent support, he sets an example of kindness and responsibility for his peers. |
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Maisie Lando |
Maisie is always ready to serve the school community. She contributes in many small ways to make a big difference. Maisie frequently contributes to class discussions, participating with enthusiasm and demonstrating the Joey’s 5R’s. She is welcoming of others and goes above and beyond to make sure everyone feels encouraged and included. Maisie even picks up rubbish that is not her own to keep our school clean and tidy. Thank you for contributing so positively to our school community Maisie. |
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Lucy Robinson |
Lucy is a warm and welcoming student who never hesitates to lend a hand. She demonstrates the Mercy Value of Community every day as she helps to clean up the classroom and includes others in activities. Lucy is a patient and thoughtful contributor to classroom discussions and always works hard in the classroom. She helpfully reminds others of routines and rules and sets an excellent example for others to follow. Thank you Lucy, we appreciate you. | |
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Zakk Myhill |
Zakk is receiving the Mercy Value of Community Award for his dedication and strong school spirit. As a junior librarian, he consistently does his best, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Zakk's attention to detail in class is impressive, as he remembers even the smallest things. His responsibility and initiative are qualities that make him a valued member of our school community. Zakk, your commitment to supporting others and contributing to our school environment is greatly appreciated. Well done! | |
Excellence |
Skylar O’Neil |
This award is presented to Skylar for always giving her best. No matter the challenge, she approaches each task with determination and resilience. Skylar is a shining example of the Joey's 5Rs, always giving her best effort and seeking ways to improve. She should be proud of her hard work and positive attitude. Congratulations, Skylar, for showing excellence in all that you do! |
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Harvey Menkens |
Harvey shows excellence through his enthusiastic participation in class discussions. He is always keen to share his thoughts and ideas with his classmates. Lately, Harvey has been thinking deeply about the picture books we’ve been studying, offering thoughtful insights about the characters, themes and illustrations as we prepare to write our book reviews. His curiosity and positive attitude are a great example to others. Keep up the wonderful work, Harvey! |
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| Olive Cato |
Olive is a shining example of what it means to strive for excellence every day. She consistently puts in her best effort and remains focused on all learning opportunities in 6A. Olive shows dedication, respect, and responsibility in everything she does, living out the 5Rs with quiet confidence. Her steady commitment to learning and personal growth makes her a deserving recipient of the Mercy Award of Excellence. Congratulations, Olive. Your hard work and positive attitude do not go unnoticed. |
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| Evelyn Maguire |
Evelyn demonstrates the Mercy value of Excellence by always putting forth her best effort in everything she does. She approaches her learning with a positive attitude, dedicates herself fully, and takes pride in her work. Evelyn listens to feedback and uses it to continue growing and improving. Your determination, focus, and willingness to learn from mistakes are commendable, Evelyn. Keep up the amazing work! |
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| Maddie Knott | Madeleine is an exceptional role model for her classmates in 4A. She consistently completes her work to a high standard, showing a deep understanding of our learning topics. By staying focused and engaged she helps to support a fantastic flow of learning in the classroom. Her positive contributions to class discussions enrich the learning of all those around her. Maddie strives for excellence in everything she does, including going above and beyond in her role as a Junior Librarian. Well done Maddie! | |
| Isla-Blue Schneider | Isla-Blue consistently demonstrates a vibrant curiosity and a genuine passion for learning. She eagerly explores new ideas, delving deeply into her studies with enthusiasm and focus. Isla-Blue generously shares her discoveries with her peers, enriching classroom discussions and inspiring those around her. Her infectious love of learning brings great energy to 4B, and we are all the better for it. Well done, Isla-Blue! | |
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Patience Reddy |
Patience is a thoughtful and engaged learner who approaches her studies with focus and determination. She listens attentively, reflects deeply, and courageously applies new concepts and skills to her work. Her inquisitive nature and willingness to ask insightful questions reflect a true love of learning. Through her hard work and perseverance, Patience continues to grow and thrive. Congratulations on your exceptional effort and dedication, Patience! | |
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Georgia Fletchett |
Georgia is a hardworking and dedicated student who always gives her best in every lesson. She listens carefully, completes her tasks with care, and shows a positive attitude towards learning. Georgia is also a kind and thoughtful friend who is always willing to help other students when they’re stuck or need support with classwork. Her helpful nature and strong work ethic make her a great role model in the classroom. Her effort and commitment do not go unnoticed. Keep up the fantastic work, Georgia! |
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| Freja Lando | Freja is a committed and enthusiastic learner who always tries her best with her classwork. She shows rigour when tackling new and challenging concepts, never giving up and always asking thoughtful questions for her to grasp a stronger understanding. Freja approaches each day with a smile, positive attitude and consistently demonstrates the 5Rs. Her passion for learning and determination to improve makes her a fantastic role model in the classroom. Well done, Freja! | |
| Reggie Cooper |
Reggie’s enthusiastic attitude to learning is very deserving of the Mercy Award for excellence. He can always be counted on to ask thoughtful and interesting questions and add to classroom discussions respectfully. Reggie puts an impressive effort into everything he does. Whether solving clues or cheering on his mates, Reggie brings energy, teamwork, and fun to all he does. Well done Reggie. |
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| Arlo Furst | Quiet and hard-working, Arlo is a dedicated student who is well prepared and quick-thinking. He is a superstar learner and listens to teachers respectfully. Arlo attempts all classroom tasks with enthusiasm and never gets disheartened when learning a new or difficult concept. His efforts in the classroom do not go unnoticed and he is very deserving of The Mercy Award of Excellence. Well done Arlo. | |
| Bavleen Tamber | Bavleen is being recognised with the Mercy Value of Excellence Award for her consistent effort and commitment to her learning. She listens carefully to instructions and consistently completes her work with great detail and insight. Bavleen is always striving to improve, seeking ways to enhance her work and ensure she’s giving her best. Her commitment to excellence and her thoughtful approach make her a true role model to others. Bavleen, your hard work and determination inspire those around you, and we congratulate you on this well-deserved recognition. |
As featured in The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald or Brisbane Times, the study found that, after six years, students at The Resilience Project schools saw:
Program implementation is also key. The mental health outcomes of high-quality program
This is a huge milestone, not just for us, but for each of our partnership schools striving to build resilient school communities. It's clear that your dedication is making a big difference in the lives of your students, your staff and your families. We hope you're feeling incredibly proud, and we're so grateful to be on this journey with you.
A very big thank you to Dr Roshini Balasooriya, Monash University and Resilient Youth Australia for making this independent evaluation possible".
Click here to watch a full interview with Dr Roshini and Hugh or read the full report.
Recording.
Here is the link to the recording as promised for distribution to parents and carers at our school. Please note that this link will expire on the 13th June.
Fundraising for Beachathon 2025 : Playground Possible has begun!
Each class will participate in fundraising activities over the last fortnight of Term 2.
See the planner of events below. All students are invited to participate in all activities.
Our two enthusiastic Readers Cup teams have been working incredibly hard in preparation for the upcoming North Queensland competition on Monday 16th June, which will include over 50 teams from across the region. Each team has read and studied five books in depth, focusing on understanding every detail to be ready for the challenging quiz questions. They have been showing outstanding commitment, meeting twice a week to practise and build their teamwork. We are so proud of the way they are representing St Joey’s with their excellent reading skills, cooperation and determination. Go Joeys!
New to Little Athletics? Come try it at the 2025 Coles Winter Carnival in Townsville!
You don’t have to be a Little Athletics member to take part — this carnival is open to ALL kids aged U7–U17, so if your child loves running, jumping, or throwing, this is their chance to give athletics a go in a fun, friendly environment!
When: 28–29 June 2025
Where: Townsville Sports Precinct, Burke Street, Townsville
Who: Open to all U7–U17 athletes — no LAQ membership required!
It's the perfect way to try athletics, stay active, and enjoy the Queensland sunshine during the Winter school holidays. All welcome!
Register now through our NEW Sport:80 platform:
https://laq.sport80.com/public/wizard/e/3/home
Need help registering as a non-member?
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide: https://bit.ly/431jBoS
Come for the PBs or just for the fun — either way, it’s a weekend you won’t forget!
More details: https://laq.org.au/coles-winter-carnival/