Filter Content
TERM 3
Year 5 Greek Fest - Tuesday 16th September
Year 6 at Eisteddfod - Tuesday 16th September
Year 4 at Eisteddfod - Wednesday 17th September
Walla Cup Final - Wednesday 17th September
Prep Pizza Making at the Watermark - Wednesday 17th September
Last of Term 3 - Friday 19th September
Joey's Dance Troupe at Eisteddfod - Saturday 21st September
King's Birthday Public Holiday - Monday 6th October
Pupil Free Day - Tuesday 7th October
TERM 4
COMMENCES WEDNESDAY 8TH OCTOBER
Dear Parents and Carers
This week as part of Student Protection Week 2025, I am writing in relation to student safety on the internet, and in particular online gaming and social media. The school has on many occasions suggested to parents and carers the resources of the eSafety Commissioner, and once again, I am recommending that all parents and carers familiarise themselves with the content available on this site.
I realise that there are pressures on parents and carers for children to have online access to a host of things, and there are indeed some amazing resources available for children online. What I write to caution you about is the underage use of social media platforms and, indeed some online gaming environments. In recent weeks, I have been made aware of students accessing social media apps that can only be described as dangerous. This app and many others are environments filled with inappropriate content, pornography, pedophiles, radicalisation material, scammers and anything else that you could name. Like most sites, they are 13+ age restricted, however, our students are accessing these.
Even mainstream social media sites such as Instagram and TikTok contain material that is certainly not fit for young people. In the last week alone, uncensored videos of individuals being killed in the most graphic of ways have flooded these sites. The videos are not hard to find, but the content, I can assure you, is as graphic and disturbing as it gets. It is not something young people need to witness. If your child is accessing these platforms, if nothing else, over the coming weeks, please be aware of what they are seeing or accessing
While online gaming potentially has less visually graphic material, it is still an environment that needs to be monitored. At times, children are in contact with others whom they may not know. Again, the chat on these platforms can be sexualised, aggressive and inappropriate.
As adults, it is a challenge for us to remain current in this space, and students will openly share what they know among themselves, which inevitably puts them well ahead of what we may know. If we want to help and support them, then we at the very least need to do some of the following:
- Create an environment where if children experience inappropriate contact or are exposed to inappropriate material, they are able to talk with you or another trusted adult to raise their concerns.
- Be aware of your child's online activity, what they are playing, who they are talking to, and what sites or apps they are accessing.
- Be aware of how much time they spend on a device. Gaming and online addiction are real consequences.
- Resist the pressure for children to be on social media sites in general. These sites have age restrictions, and later this year, the Australian Government will look to increase these restrictions for anyone under the age of 16. There is a reason for these restrictions being put in place. The damage caused to young people through access to these platforms has proven to be catastrophic.
Please consider these suggestions, and if you want further advice or support, then please access the eSafety Commissioner website. To support and protect our students, we as adults need to remain informed and vigilant.
Have a great week.
Tim
Season of Creation
The Season of Creation is a time for Christians worldwide to come together in prayer and action for the care of Creation. It is celebrated from 1st September through to the feast of St. Francis on 4th October.
In recent decades, Christians have increasingly focused on the plight of our Earth under the threat of climate change. In 1989, Orthodox Christians proclaimed the Day of Prayer for Creation, an urgency reflected soon after by the World Council of Churches. In 2015, Pope Francis declared the Season of Creation, an annual time of “prayer and action for our common home”. The Season of Creation begins on September 1, the date of the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, and continues through to October 4th, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, who is the patron saint of the environment.
This initiative has evolved into an annual ecumenical event to encourage Christians and other interested groups to work together through prayer, practical action on sustainability, and advocacy, making a positive impact on the Earth.
Peace Within Creation has been chosen as the theme for 2025.
More information about the theme can be found here
Child Protection Week
Last week, our school had been focusing on the importance of keeping children safe, strong and connected. National Child Protection Week is a reminder that protecting children is everyone’s responsibility, parents, teachers, peers and community members. Through class discussions, Joey's kids revised the importance of respectful relationships, speaking up, and looking out for one another.
Next term on Friday, 31st October, Joey's will be coloured red as we recognise Day for Daniel - Australia’s largest child safety education and awareness day. On this day, students and staff are encouraged to wear red to honour the memory of Daniel Morcombe and to support the Morcombe Foundation’s message: Recognise, React, Report. These three simple words empower children and young people to trust their feelings, respond safely, and seek help from trusted adults.
Keeping children safe online has become increasingly more challenging.
Australia's E-Safety Commissioner has resources to inform and support parents to keep their children safe when online.
All St Joseph's parents and families have free access to SchoolTV, an online platform for parents to find up-to-date, expert advice on a range of topics, including cyber safety.
The SchoolTV site can be accessed via the school website.
Cohort Masses - Year 6 & Year 5
As the 2025 school year quickly flies by, our Year 6 and Year 5 students will celebrate their cohort Masses with Fr. Sylvester.
All are welcome to join us.
Optional Parent Teacher Interviews
A reminder for families who have booked a parent–teacher interview: these will take place on Tuesday (16th) and Wednesday (17th) this week.
Please note that if your child is in 1B (Miss Jeni) or 2B (Miss Stone), interviews will be scheduled in Term 4.
Student Free Day Tuesday 7th October - Preparing for New Education Guidelines
From Term 1, 2026, all Queensland non-state schools will move to updated curriculum requirements set out in the recently revised guidelines from the Non-State Schools Accreditation Board (NSSAB). The changes place a stronger priority on literacy and numeracy, with additional learning time allocated to English and Mathematics.
Our team at St Joseph’s will review our programs on 7th October and make adjustments to ensure we are well-prepared ahead of time.
Have a great week.
Julie Wallace
Assistant Principal - Learning and Teaching
Love |
Mason Macdonald |
Mason is a cooperative and attentive student who always strives to do his best. He listens carefully in class, follows instructions well, and shows a genuine commitment to his learning. We saw this with how well he did in our fractions unit! Mason also works positively with others, showing respect and consideration. His friendly and joyful smile brightens the classroom, creating a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. We are so lucky you're in our class. Thank you, Mason! |
Sonny Smith |
Sonny is a caring and compassionate member of our classroom. He consistently goes out of his way to make those around him feel safe, supported, and valued. On school camp, Sonny was thoughtful and respectful towards all students and adults, a great representation of our school. He has also entered into the Townsville Eisteddfod on behalf of Year 5, where he showed love and care for the art piece he created. Whether it’s offering a helping hand, showing love for the hobbies he enjoys, or making his friends laugh, his acts of kindness and love have made a lasting impact on our school community. Keep up the great work, Sonny! |
|
Faith Fisher |
Faith is a dedicated and hardworking student who shows deep respect to both her teachers and classmates. She is a kind and caring friend, always ready to support others with patience and gentleness. Her friendly nature and growing independence reflect her determination to do her best while showing love in her words and actions. Faith is an example to others of how kindness, respect, and perseverance can shine brightly in our school. Congratulations, Faith—you are a true witness to the Mercy Value of Love. |
|
Elizabeth Collings |
Elizabeth is receiving this award for her kind and caring nature. She shows genuine thoughtfulness towards others and always looks for ways to make people feel included and valued. Elizabeth demonstrates the value of love every day, starting with her big smile and she’s also great at drawing special pictures for others, just to let them know she cares. We’re proud of you, Elizabeth! |
|
Hannah Collings |
Hannah shows the Mercy Value of Love every single day. She is always looking for little ways to help her classmates without being asked. These small acts of kindness make a big difference to others. Hannah’s cheerful nature and bright smile light up our classroom and make everyone feel welcome. Her kindness and caring heart remind us what love looks like in action. Well done, Hannah! |
|
Arlo Reeve |
Arlo is receiving the Mercy Value of Love Award for the kindness and patience he consistently shows to others. He often goes out of his way to put the needs of others before his own. His gentleness and thoughtfulness make a positive difference in our class and are greatly appreciated. Arlo, your caring nature and consideration for others are wonderful qualities that reflect the true spirit of the Mercy Value of Love. |
|
Grace Wolanski |
Grace is a kind and conscientious student who consistently shows care for those around her. She is a well-respected member of 6A, always looking out for both her classmates and her teacher. Grace’s thoughtful and supportive nature brings a sense of comfort and warmth to our classroom. Her daily actions reflect the Mercy value of Love, making her a wonderful role model for others. Congratulations to Grace on being nominated for this award. |
|
Luca Pietrobon |
Luca brings great energy to 6A and shows his care for others in a unique and thoughtful way. His actions reflect a genuine desire to look out for those in his community, whether it be through support, encouragement, or small acts of kindness. Luca’s enthusiasm and generosity of spirit help create a warm environment in our classroom. Congratulations to Luca on being nominated for the Mercy Award of Love. |
|
Eleanor Griffiths |
Eleanor is a warm, friendly, and outgoing presence in our classroom. Her sense of humour and positive attitude consistently lift the spirits of those around her, creating a welcoming and joyful environment. Always ready to lend a hand to both staff and her peers, Eleanor truly lives out the Mercy Value of Love through her kindness, generosity, and care for others. |
|
Community |
Jayden Goodwin |
Jayden is receiving the Mercy Value of Community Award for his consistent reliability and quiet dedication. He always does the right thing, calmly getting on with his work and following the rules. Jayden is the type of student who can be relied on to help whenever needed, offering assistance to others without hesitation. His kindness, responsibility, and willingness to contribute to the class make him a valued member of our school community. Jayden, your steady presence and helpful nature are truly appreciated. |
|
Jackson Travers |
Jackson demonstrated the Mercy Value of Community during camp. He engaged wholeheartedly in all activities, offering support and encouragement to fellow campers. Jackson’s respectful participation in education sessions and thoughtful, insightful questions enriched the experience for everyone. His unique skill in whip cracking added excitement to the group, and his willingness to guide and assist others reflected true leadership and compassion. Thank you for contributing to a strong and inclusive camp community. |
|
William Daniell |
Will is a great example of a true Joey’s kid. He always follows the Joey’s 5Rs, consistently demonstrating what it means to be a positive role model in our school community. Your enthusiastic participation, school spirit, and dedication to making our school a better place have not gone unnoticed. Through your kindness, helpful nature, and polite manners, you have shown what it means to lead by example both in the classroom and beyond. Thank you for being a shining light in our school, your efforts truly make a difference. |
|
Lyla Ralph |
Lyla shows care for others in thoughtful and consistent ways each day. She notices when someone is feeling down and offers kindness and encouragement. She willingly helps her classmates with their work, tidies the classroom without being asked, and serves her school with joy. Lyla is a loyal and trustworthy friend, and she generously assists with important Year Six responsibilities such as sports trolleys, flags, and prayer. She is a reliable and valued member of our school community, living out the Mercy values through her actions and words. |
|
Darren Cunningham |
Darren would have to be one of the most considerate and reliable people in the whole school. He has a natural enthusiasm when it comes to helping anyone and everyone in the school community. Darren loves lending a hand, and no job is too big or too small when he is around. His positive attitude and kindness make our class and school a brighter place to be. Great job, Darren! |
|
Kody Gianni |
Kody is receiving the Mercy Value of Community Award for his respect and consideration for others. He always tries hard to follow our classroom rules and encourages his friends to do the same. Kody is always ready to help his peers during group projects and shows initiative in supporting staff whenever he can. His reliability and willingness to contribute make him a valued member of our school community. |
|
George Boucher |
George has developed a wonderful sense of mature responsibility that shines through in his daily actions. As one of our quiet leaders in 6A, he leads by example, showing thoughtfulness in the way he contributes to our class. His steady and dependable presence helps build a positive and supportive environment where others can thrive. Congratulations to George on being nominated for the Mercy Award of Community. |
Excellence |
Arlen Bowtell |
Arlen is a hardworking and determined student who approaches all tasks with focus and perseverance. He shows great rigour in finishing his work and takes the time to fully understand new concepts, particularly in mathematics. Arlen is very conscientious, ensuring his work is accurate and completed to the best of his ability. He is keen to learn and is willing to ask questions to further his knowledge and understanding. Congratulations Arlen! |
|
Myra Tamber |
Myra is a shining example of what it means to live out the Mercy Value of Excellence, always giving her very best in Technology classes. Her creativity, persistence, and positive attitude have helped her achieve outstanding results. Myra approaches each project with enthusiasm, embraces challenges, and strives for high standards in all she does. You should be very proud of your efforts, Myra! |
|
Audrey Schultz |
This excellence award is well deserved. Audrey, your improvement in completing your work and developing your reading skills this term has been wonderful to see. Your hard work and dedication are shining bright—keep up the fantastic effort! |
|
Leo Lombardi |
Leo has been outstanding this term with his focus and rigour towards his school work. He set himself a goal to improve his reading fluency and writing, and he has been working extremely hard at this. Leo has grown in confidence to tackle new and challenging tasks. Keep up the great work, Leo! |
|
Oliver Rowan |
Oliver has shown a focused and determined attitude to achieve his best. He has been paying close attention in class and shows persistence when faced with new challenges. Oliver demonstrates a genuine curiosity for learning and is not afraid to ask thoughtful questions to extend his knowledge and understanding. His positive attitude and improved work ethic make him a wonderful role model for his classmates. Oliver’s determination to succeed and his willingness to keep improving are qualities that will help him continue to grow as a learner. |
|
Edith Keir |
Edith is a wonderful student who shows a keen interest in improving and learning. Her friendly smile and positive attitude brighten the classroom and help create a welcoming environment for everyone. Edith works conscientiously, particularly in our fractions unit, giving her best effort and showing determination to improve. She listens carefully to instructions and to her peers, which helps her build a strong understanding and caring relationships. Edith’s commitment to her learning and ability to work well with others make her a highly valued member of our class. |
|
Willow Robinson |
This award is to recognise Willow’s recent achievements and growing confidence in Mathematics. Through ongoing determination, perseverance, and hard work, Willow has shown that effort truly leads to success. She exemplifies the Mercy Value of Excellence every day, striving to learn more, achieve more and consistently practising at school and at home. Her commitment to learning and striving for improvement has inspired us all. Congratulations, Willow—your achievements shine brightly and deserve to be celebrated! |
|
Olivia Rolley |
Olivia is receiving the Mercy Value of Excellence Award for her outstanding effort across all areas of school life. She is talented in sports, art, music, and her academic subjects, consistently giving her best in everything she does. Olivia’s dedication is reflected in the many achievements she has earned this year. Her commitment and positive attitude make her a valued member of our school community. |
|
Dallas Napier |
Dallas is receiving the Mercy Value Award for Excellence due to his effort and dedication to being a Joey’s kid. This term, Dallas has shown outstanding improvement in behaviour and effort. He has consistently demonstrated a commitment to making positive choices in the classroom. His determination and focus have led to greater success in his classwork. Dallas is to be commended for his rigour and responsibility. |
|
Jayden Heo |
Jayden is a committed and dedicated learner in 6A who consistently leads by example. His willingness to share his knowledge with others demonstrates both confidence and generosity, helping to lift the learning of those around him. Jayden approaches his studies with focus and determination, showing persistence in every task. His leadership through action make him a worthy recipient of the Mercy Award of Excellence. Congratulations to Jayden for this well-deserved recognition. |
|
Quin Bowtell |
Quin has demonstrated outstanding engagement and achievement in Mathematics. His consistent focus, effort, and persistence in every lesson have led to excellent results and personal growth. Quin exemplifies the Mercy Value of Excellence through his dedication to learning and his commitment to doing his best each week. He is a truly deserving recipient of this award. |
































Joey's Book Judging Panel Chooses Book of the Year
This term, a group of Year 2 and Year 5 students formed our Book Judging Panel for the 2025 Book of the Year. Over several lunch breaks, they read the shortlisted CBCA Picture Books, considering the cover, blurb, illustrations, and storyline.
Their winner was A Leaf Called Greaf by Kelly Canby, a touching story of a bear learning to let go of his leaf, Greaf. Our judges felt it was special for its “heartwarming” message and how it showed the bear’s grief, yet it ended with the idea that love stays in your heart forever.
By taking on this role, the judges represented all of Joey's students, ensuring that student voice was heard and sharing an appreciation for stories that the children themselves had selected.
Joey's GEMcasts
Parent Hub
The Resilience Project site has a wonderful resource, Parent & Carer Hub, where you can find the evidence based strategies taught in the classroom that can be complemented at home. The GEM Chats help families practice The Resilience Project’s principles, offering a simple wellbeing check-in while building stronger connections through daily conversations.
The Hub can be accessed via the secure link below, with no account setup or login required: https://theresilienceproject.
Parent Information Night
We recently held our annual TRP Parent Information evening here at Joey's. A special thanks to the parents who were able to make it. The session allowed parents to hear why the program is so important to our students, how it works at Joeys and more about the principles of Gratitude, Empathy, Mindfulness and Emotional Literacy.
There were practical ideas to take away that can be implemented at home.
Eisteddfod - 2025
Last week, our school choir performed at the Townsville Junior Eisteddfod for the first time since 2019. The choir competed in two sections: Choral Unison and Folk Singing.
The choir performed superbly and earned a third place in the Folk Singing section.
A heartfelt thank you to Ms Fiona Moran for teaching and leading the choir each week and to Mr Mark Wyer for being their accompanist.
Congratulations to all!
Many of Joey's students will be performing and competing at the Townsville Eisteddfod over the coming weeks.
If you wish to share details about your child's efforts, please email enquiries@sjnwtsv.catholic.edu.au
All Eisteddfod competitors will be mentioned in the first newsletter of Term 4.
Winter is finally over.. and this September - we are turning up the HEAT!!
Right now is the perfect time to rally your supporters as we are live with our DOUBLE DONATIONS until the end of the month!
40% instead of 20% towards your cause? Yes please!
Every 25 Memberships sold raises $350 for our cause.
Click here to buy your Membership
Entertainment Memberships really do help us help each other – you save on the things you love, and we keep supporting our community with the funds raised.
I can’t wait to thank you personally and hear all about your Entertainment adventures!
St Mary's Primary School Time Capsule Opening
In 1995 St Mary's Primary School closed, students buried a time capsule and this year on October 6th the are opening it.
Keep up to date with this event via the St Mary's Primary School Facebook page.
.
"Sharks Camp 2025 - September/October. GET IN QUICK LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE!! Sharks Camp is a four-day volleyball camp designed to cater to athletes of all skill levels. With elite development opportunities available and pathways into club and state-level volleyball, this camp has something for everyone!
The Dates:
30th September | 1st October | 2nd October | 3rd October
We usually hit capacity pretty quickly, so if you're interested sign up today to secure your spot!!
YEAHHHH SHARKS!!
Visit our website for more information https://
Ferry Details: Friday 26th September departing Tsv at 8am and departing Palm Island at 4.15pm Friday afternoon.
Cultural dances
Local stalls
Historic tours of the island
Historic tour of the knowledge/library centre
Art and craft activities
TCC Festive Flags Competition
Townsville City Council is calling on our local young artists to help us dress the city for Christmas.
This year’s theme is North Queensland Christmas.
Click here for more information