Dear Parents and Carers,

After another week of extreme temperatures it has been nice to see a slight change today, and hopefully leading into the weekend. It has been another busy week as we head towards the end of the term.  Next week sees a number of important events take place and we are very pleased that parents and carers are able to once again attend these events.  Next week sees our school leader badge presentation and liturgy, St Joseph's Day and Interschool Swimming Carnival.  All very significant in their own way.  I certainly hope you are able to join us for one of these events.

This week has certainly been an interesting one and I am grateful for your discussions with your children about staying safe.  The incident on Monday is still a matter for the police and enquiries continue.  Please continue to talk to your children about remaining safe and help them to continue to identify adults they can trust and talk to should the need arise.

I would also ask that you assist me in dispelling rumours that are causing some students more distress.  A number of embellishments to the original incident are being discussed and it is important that these are not continued.  This is a common occurance when an incident such as this takes place.  Please reinforce that the incident took place away from the school, that there is no danger to students while they are at school, the police are very aware of the incident and actively involved, and the teachers and staff at the school are here to make sure students are safe at all times.

The false information being discussed has the potential to cause significant distress and we are hoping to avoid this further.  You assistance would be greatly appreciated.

We also want to wish the Cowboys all the best for their first home game this weekend!

Have a great week

Tim

World Day of Prayer

Last Friday, our school came together to pray and meditate on World Day of Prayer. Each class presented their 2022 prayer mat to create the focal space for meditation. 

World Day of Prayer is celebrated across the world to promote the power and value of praying together to create change. 

Thank you to Ms Paula Higgins for leading our school for Christian Meditation. 

Project Compassion

This fortnight, we learn about the stories of Biru from India and Janice from Australia. 

As a person with a disability living in remote India, Biru faced the prospect of a life of poverty and discrimination. With your support, he participated in entrepreneurship training and gained the skills to become financially independent. Click here to learn about the difference Caritas is making in India. 

A Wagilak woman, Janice is a traditional dancer who tells stories through movements handed down over generations. With your support, Janice and the Djilpin Arts Aboriginal Corporation support the community to generate income and employment, while keeping culture alive. Here is the clip of Janice's story and how Caritas Australia is supporting Australians. 

Today, students celebrated the first NQ Cowboys home game on Sunday by wearing their Cowboys jersey or the NQ Cowboys colours. From today's efforts, Joey's students raised over $300 to support Caritas Australia. 

A great start to our Project Compassion Fundraising in 2022. 

International Women's Day

On Tuesday, our school community celebrated International Women's Day. A day that celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality across the world. 

International Women's Day has occurred for well over a century, with the first gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. 

Our school captains, Audrey, Daniel, Indiana and Oskar delivered a small gift to all Joey's staff to mark the day. 

On Monday, a small group of Year Five students were interviewed by Jessica Naunton from ABC Regional Radio about International Women's Day. They were asked what they knew about the day, its importance to them as future young adults and women who inspire them each day. 

Lenten Message

Please click here to view Bishop Tim's Lenten Message for 2022.

Hope all have a wonderful couple of weeks, 

Trina

Congratulations to our students who celebrated their First Reconciliation on Monday, 7th March with Fr Rod and Fr Siby. 

Over the next few weeks, these students will continue with their sacramental journey in readiness for their First Eucharist and Confirmation Mass with Bishop Tim later in March.

Prayers and blessings for all as they prepare for the Sacraments of Initiation. 

Parent Information Evening - Tuesday 15th March

We are looking forward to meeting parents and carers at our Parent Information Evening on Tuesday 15th March. This is a great opportunity to meet your child's teacher/other families and be informed of curriculum matters, school events and other important information.  

5:45 pm Principal's address and introduction to teaching staff

6:00 pm - 6:25 pm  Session 1 in your child's classroom.

6:30 pm - 6:55 pm Session 2 in your child's classroom (Repeat of session 1)

Compass Parent Portal Login Letters

Please collect your login letters from the office to access the Compass Parent Portal. Compass is a platform we use to distribute your child's Semester Report and make bookings for Parent Teacher Interviews being held in Term 2.

Feedback Fairy

Did you know that St. Joseph's has a very special fairy that gives writing feedback?  With toucan feathers and a magical tiara, the Feedback Fairy enjoys visits by students showcasing their writing from the week.

Enjoy your weekend and I look forward to seeing you on Tuesday evening.

Dear Parents and Carers

It is my pleasure to let you know that registrations are now open for students to take part in Mulkadee 2022 - Into the Unknown.

The Mulkadee Youth Arts Festival is the only event of its kind in Australia and offers students from across the Townsville Diocese the opportunity to participate in a week-long program of artistic workshops in choir, dance, drama, band, guitar, and strings.

Students in Year 5 - 6 can register for Choir, Band, or Guitar. Students in Year 4 can register for Choir only. Instrumental Music students should check with their tutor regarding ability level before registering their interest.

Students can register at this link. Registrations are now open and will close on the 1st of April 2022. No late registrations will be accepted.

I am looking forward to a wonderful Mulkadee this year and I hope to see St Joseph's Catholic School The Strand well represented. Please reach out to me via email jbennett3@sjnwtsv.catholic.edu.au if you have any questions.

Kind Regards
Jason Bennett
St Joseph's Catholic School The Strand's Mulkadee Coordinator

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

Book Club: Book club may be slow to arrive due to floods.  Next term I will not be accepting cash for book club as online orders save me counting lots of money. If you missed book club this term you can catch the next one as we do approximately 3 or 4 a year. All profits go to purchasing new books.

Lunch times: Our junior librarians are busy organizing lunch time activities.  Some days are super busy especially with our heat wave at the moment.  This term we are looking at alphabetical order from library shelves to dictionaries.  There will be prizes at the end of the term for children who can recite the alphabet backwards. 

The children also enjoying puppets and storytelling which is a good foundation for writing their own stories.

Year 2s received their special diaries to start recording their life and times at school for the next 4 years.  They are welcome to come to the library and write in it at lunch or whenever they feel the urge to write their stories or about their feelings. 

Happy reading

Belinda Walker

Teacher Librarian