Dear Parents and Carers,

There have been a number of reported events across Queensland in recent weeks that have in these instances, raised questions regarding the safety of students and the measures that are in place to ensure transparency and compliance with legislative requirements.  There are times when media reports, misinformation within the community and speculation lead to incorrect assumptions and concern.  

At St Joseph's The Strand, during my time as principal, we have always had and promoted an open-door policy, meaning that parents and carers are welcomed and encouraged at any time to discuss any concern or issue.  This has not changed, and open, transparent and respectful communication remains foundational to the success of our school community.

With good reason, reported events in the media raise questions and concerns for parents and carers around student safety.  As always, I am happy to meet and discuss the procedures and practices in place to help ensure the safety and well being of students and families.  This is also true of other members of our school leadership - Trina Neilsen - APRE and Julie Wallace - CTD and teachers within the school.

If you or someone you know, have questions relating to the measures we undertake to ensure the safety of students and families, then I would encourage you to contact me or Trina to discuss.  

As with all things, unfortunately, there are times where the actions of some erode the work undertaken by others, to the detriment of all.  In these instances, it is crucial that we ensure that we are correctly informed of, and engaged with the practices and procedures that facilitate transparency and accountability.  

Again, should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss.

Have a great week.

Tim

Christian Meditation

Today, we began our day with whole school meditation. Students from Year 1 to Year 5 came together to pray, be still, and reflect upon their day. 

John Mein, priest and founding teacher of WCCM, describes meditation as the act of silence and letting go of thoughts. Stillness means letting go of desire. Simplicity means letting go of self-analysis. (Simple isn’t easy)

Christian meditation is different from other forms of meditation as those participating in Christian meditation do so with others and begin and end the meditation with prayer. Meditation begins with the ancient Christian prayer word- Maranatha ~ 'Come, Lord Jesus.' 

Our students participate in Christian meditation regularly with their classroom peers. 

Thank-you to Ms Paula Higgins for organising today's meditation. 

Mary Mackillop 

This Sunday, 8th August, we celebrate the Feast of St Mary of the Cross, Australia’s first Saint, Mary MacKillop.  

Mary Helen MacKillop was born in Fitzroy, Melbourne on January 15, 1842.  Together with Fr Tenison Woods, Mary founded the Congregation of the Sisters of St Joseph in 1867, an Order dedicated to the education of poor children.  Mary faced many challenges, not least of which was her (questionable) ex-communication by Bishop Shiel in September 1871. Her ex-communication was lifted five months later. 

By 1891, there were three hundred sisters working in nine dioceses in Australia and New Zealand.  An ordinary Australian woman, yet a woman of heroic holiness, goodness, warmth and determination, Mary died on August 8, 1909. 

On October 17, 2010, Mary MacKillop – Saint Mary of the Cross, was declared a Saint by Pope Benedict XVI.  One of her best-known sayings is ‘Never see a need without doing something about it!’  Visit:  http://www.marymackillop.org.au/ 

Transfiguration of the Lord

Today Friday, August the 6th, is the day the Church celebrates the Transfiguration of the Lord.  This unique event in the Gospel occurred when Jesus took his three closest companions, Peter, James and John, up a mountain and was transfigured:  ‘His face shone like the sun and his clothes became as dazzling as light.’  This event is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke.  

Hope all have a wonderful week, 

Trina

Olympics Live Townsville

On Tuesday, our Year 4-6 students attended The Australian Olympic Committees Olympics Unleashed session on The Strand. We were privileged to be invited and enjoyed this unique opportunity.

Former Olympian Brooke Hanson shared her personal journey and experiences that we are sure will inspire, motivate and encourage our students to be their personal best and unleash their potential. The athletes’ stories demonstrated the lifelong benefits of goal-setting, developing resilience and pursuing their passions – whether that’s in the classroom, the playground, the sporting field or at home.

COFFEE VAN

A great way to start our day! Wattles & Wagtails will be visiting every Tuesday morning from 7:30 am located at Fryer Street Entrance.

DAD'S GOLF DAY

The SJS P&F Presents The Joey's Dad's, Step Dad's, and Grandad's Golf Day! 
Ditch the office, couch, or job site on Friday, August 27th from 12.00PM to enjoy an arvo on the course with mates and a few cold ones.  

Tickets are $50.00 Per Player

Your ticket includes: 
- Buggy Hire... Need we say more?! 
- BBQ Lunch 
- Good fashion fun 
- Optional extra of Golf Club Hire $10.00 each. 

Join us in celebrating all the Dads, Stepdad’s, and Grandads a little early this Father’s Day.

On Friday 27^th August 2021 at 12:00 PM onwards.

Book your ticket ASAP as limited spaces are available: https://www.trybooking.com/BTGTH

LOCATION
TOWNSVILLE GOLF CLUB
BENSON STREET, ROSSLEA, QLD 4812