Dear Parents and Carers

This week we had the privilege of celebrating the career of  Mrs Helen Cirrani as she retires from teaching.

Pentecost Sunday

Pentecost Sunday marks the end of the Easter Season on the Church Calendar.  In John’s Gospel, Jesus comes to his small group of terrified disciples, hiding in a locked room and offers peace with the gift of the Holy Spirit.  This peace transforms the disciples into a community of believers who go forth to preach to the world the very mission that had led to the crucifixion of Jesus!  Pentecost is a good time to stop and acknowledge the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, to take stock of how we are using our gifts and talents to the very best of our ability.  

Our Lady Help of Christians

This coming Monday we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lady Help of Christians. This special lady has a very special place in the hearts of Australians, as she is our Patroness. 

The feast day to Mary Help of Christians has been celebrated in Australia since 1844 but the history to this day dates back to the start of the 1800’s.

Help of Christians, guard our nation,
That it be a place of peace,
Where the love of Christ unites us
And all racial tensions cease.
Help of Christians, lead us forward,
With this dream in ev’ry heart:
To create a place of welcome
Where injustice has no part.
Help of Christians, chosen patron,
Of this fair Australian land,
You have shown a way to follow,
True to all that God has planned.
May our lives like yours be faithful,
May our loving be as true,
Till we see our God for ever,
Who has done great things for you.

Source Unknown

Reconciliation Week

Reconciliation is a journey for all Australians – as individuals, families, communities, organisations and importantly as a nation. At the heart of this journey are relationships between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

This week, Miss Annette has been leading, teaching and developing our students' understanding of Reconciliation Week and its importance for all Australians. 

Next week, is the beginning of Reconciliation Week and our school community will mark this important week with a range of activities and whole school liturgy. 

All are invited to attend on Wednesday, 26th May at 2pm on the school oval. 

Hope all have a wonderful week,

Trina

NAPLAN

Our Year 3 and 5 students worked incredibly hard during their NAPLAN tests and must be commended for their efforts.  Results will be distributed in August/September.  Thank you to all teachers involved in the first NAPLAN online testing at Joey's.

SEMESTER REPORTING

Presently, teachers are beginning to gather information for Semester One Reports.  These reports will be published via Compass on Friday 25th June.  You will need your Compass username and password to access these reports.  Please see the office if you do not have this information. 

http://readiscover1.blogspot.com.au/

National Simultaneous Storytime: Today we travelled into space to have the reading experience of a lifetime together on assembly. Our Junior librarians, dressed as NASA astronauts floated in with a range of astronomy books.  A lost alien wandered around the hall and sat down.  He had never seen a book before, so the astronauts tried to coax him to read.  Afterwards a real astronaut from the International Space Station read the book ‘Give Me Some Space’ by Phillip Bunting, to all children around Australia.  One of the themes explored was ‘Is there life in Space?’

In the library, children can measure themselves to see if they are tall enough to be an astronaut.  There are also a variety of space-themed activities. 

Year 3s used information books and pastel to create their planets.  Kyan and the preps created a space scene after reading the book "Give Me Some Space" by Phillip Bunting.

You have to be at least 157 cm and have 20/20 vision to go to space.  Henry is nearly there.  Abagail is measuring Maisie?

Donation: Thank you to Patricia Mullen from RSL Care who donated 2 picture books at our assembly focusing on Anzac Day.

Readers are leaders: Congratulations to our year 1 students who have borrowed 25 books

Book Club: Book club will be coming out to students this coming week.

1 Million Reading with National Simultaneous Storytime

Belinda Walker

Teacher Librarian

Our focus for Beachathon is about what kids CAN do to make a difference. 

St Joey’s kids CAN make a difference in our school through Love, Community and Excellence; our Mercy Values.

Over the three weeks leading up to Beachathon Day (Friday 25 June), each year level will host a fun activity during school hours.

These activities will be organised by students and teachers of each year level.

KIDS CAN ACTIVITIES

Students will host an activity that will see their efforts give back to the community.

Activities will include; a marketplace/stall, art exhibition, pyjama party, karaoke concert and more.

Depending on the activity - parents, families and students from other classes will be invited to attend (a timetable of activities will be distributed to all families soon and displayed on posters around the school).

GIVING BACK

There is no external fundraising for Beachathon this year, alternatively, students will bring a gold coin donation if they attend an activity, or they will be able to purchase goods at the market stalls. 

All monies raised will be donated to the Vinnies Winter Appeal – providing emergency relief through blankets and warm clothing for children experiencing homelessness this winter.  Joey's kids CAN make a difference.

BEACHATHON DAY – JUNE 25

Following the walks along The Strand and Pallarenda, students will return to school to enjoy a sausage sizzle and ice block.

To celebrate the success of the student activities and Joey’s contribution to the Vinnies Winter Appeal, prizes will be drawn from the KIDS “CAN”.

All student names will go into a draw to win prizes, every student will have the chance to win!

PRIZES FOR BEACHATHON DAY

If a family within the school owns their own business and would like to donate a prize/s for Beachathon Day, please email the Beachathon Coordinator at: beachathon@sjnwtsv.catholic.edu.au

All prizes would be gratefully received.  To acknowledge your donation, your company will be promoted in the school newsletter and on our Facebook page.

LOGO DESIGN

Beachathon 2021 is about what students CAN do.  The design of the logo will be used for all communications.  All entries can be submitted to the office by 25th May. 

Stay tuned for more information about the student activities and any assistance we may require from parent helpers.

Regards, 

Beachathon Committee 

100^th Anniversary 1921-2021   St Joseph’s Church, The Strand

This July the current St Joseph’s church will be 100 years of age.  Join in celebrating this marvelous structure in a 3 course dinner to be held on 24^th July 2021 and with Bishop Tim presiding at Sunday Mass at 08:30am on 25^th July . Tickets are now selling for the dinner contact the Parish Office for more details stjoeys@tsv.catholic.org.au