St Joseph's Catholic School The Strand eNewsletter

TERM ONE DATES

Last Swimming Lesson (Year 4-6) - Wednesday 2nd April

Holy Week Liturgy - Friday, 4th April - 8:45am

Bill Nettle Cup & Netball Challenge (Year 6) - Friday 4th April

Last day of Term One - Friday, 4th April

TERM TWO

Monday, 21st April - PUBLIC HOLIDAY

School begins Tuesday, 22nd April

Thursday, 24th April - ANZAC Day Liturgy - 8:45am

Friday, 25th April - ANZAC DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY

Parent Teacher Interviews - 29th - 30th April

(Bookings open on the 22nd and close on the 25th April)

Friday 2nd May - Student Free Day

Monday 5th May - PUBLIC HOLIDAY

P & F Mother's Day Stall - Wednesday 7th May

Mother's Day Liturgy & Breakfast - Friday 9th May at 8.45am

P&F Mother's Day Lunch - Saturday 10th May - Touch of Salt

The Amazing Race - Yr 3 & 5 - Tuesday 13th May

Cross Country - Friday 16th May

School Photos - Tuesday 10th June

SJS Athletics Carnival - Friday 13th June

FRIDAY, 2nd MAY is a student-free day.

Please make arrangements for your child/ren to be cared for.

Dear Parents and Carers

It has certainly been a disrupted beginning to the year, and with more rain predicted this week, it will possibly be a soggy end to the term. The weather has resulted in a number of events being cancelled, and while this is disappointing it is at this time unavoidable. We hope that when the weather improves, alternative dates for these events can be found.

I would like to thank you for your patience and support this term. The weather has made life at school more difficult than normal and I am very appreciative of your continued understanding. As we move into Term 2, I hope that we can have a more settled term.

Thanks again to our amazing students and staff for thier efforts throughout the term as well. It hasn't been easy but they have been awesome (as always).

You will have noticed over the last 4 weeks that we are again taking enrolments for Prep 2026. If you or someone you know has a student looking to enrol in Prep for next year please encourage them to make contact with the office as soon as possible. Interviews begin very early in Term 2 and places will fill quickly.

Finally, I hope you all have a safe and Happy Easter. I hope the break is an enjoyable and hopefully dry one. If you are travelling please stay safe these holidays. I look forward to seeing you all again in the coming term.

Have a great week.

TIm

PROJECT COMPASSION

Project Compassion Fundraising ends on Easter Sunday. Thank you to all for your ongoing support.

A special mention goes to Hutton Ralph, who has sought ways, with the support of his family, to raise over $1500 towards Project Compassion.

Hutton wished to raise enough funds to install a new water tank in a remote village through the work of Caritas Australia.

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His extraordinary efforts, together with the funds raised by our Year 6 Faith and Service group, will see a new water tank installed.

All Project Compassion collection boxes are to be returned to school by this Friday, 4th April.

CELEBRATING EASTER

As we embark on the Easter journey - a time of renewal and hope - let us think about how we can make changes in our own lives that will enable us to bring the joy and mercy of Christ's message to the world that surrounds us today.

Sometimes, Easter can be a very busy time in our lives with visiting friends, making special meals and travelling to different places for a holiday break, not to mention the ‘chocolate!’ Taking time and ‘calling to mind’ the Death and Resurrection of Jesus is central to our Catholic faith.

Just as Jesus showed compassion to the outcasts of society and to those who suffered oppression and discrimination, it is also relevant for each of us to consider how we can meet these same challenges that we face in our daily lives.

Do I alienate others? How do I relate to others?

Am I forgiving? Do I exclude others?

Do I show compassion and kindness to others?

Am I the best person Jesus wants me to be?

Holy Week Liturgy will be celebrated on Friday, 4th April at 8:45am. All are welcome to join us as our Year Five students lead the liturgy.

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM - FIRST RECONCILIATION

Congratulations to Joey's students, who made their first reconciliation on Thursday evening with the support of their parents and families.

These students will continue their sacramental journey as they prepare for their Confirmation and First Eucharist after Easter.

Thank you to Fr Gideon, who presided over the liturgy and all the priests present from the Townsville Diocese.

ANZAC DAY

As it is the St Joseph's tradition, students in Years 3 to 6 are invited to march in the Townsville City Council Parade on ANZAC Day. Please complete the form emailed to families by Friday if you wish your children to participate.

We hope to see many younger students and families cheering along the Strand as we march past.

Our school community will come together on Thursday, 24th April at 8:45am to commenrated ANZAC DAY.

Our Year Two students will lead the liturgy. All parents and families are invited to join us.

If you or a family member are a current or past serving member of the Defence Force and would like to be a part of our ANZAC Day liturgy, please contact the school office.

Hope all have a wonderful few weeks and joyous Easter break,

Trina

Parent Teacher Interviews

Parent-teacher interviews will take place in Week 2 of Term Two. We warmly encourage all parents and carers to attend, as these meetings provide valuable insights into your child’s learning and progress. Students in Years 1 to 6 have worked with their teachers to set learning goals, and these, along with samples of their work, will be shared during the interviews.

Interviews will be held in the hall for 15 minutes on the below dates:

Tuesday, April 29th, 3.15 pm -7:15 pm

Wednesday, April 30th, 3:15 pm -7:15 pm

Bookings can be made via the Compass Parent Portal. Bookings will open Tuesday 22nd April 8:30 am and close on Friday 25th April 3:00 pm. If you do not have access to your Compass Parent login, please contact the school office.

See the attached for instructions regarding how to book your interview time.

Parent_Teacher_Interview_How_to_book.pdf

Parent_Teacher_Interview_How_to_book _pdf 485.10 KB

Amazing Race - Year 3 and Year 5

This term, students have actively participated in Maths Attack (Year 5) and Number Ninjas (Year 3). These specialised maths lessons have targeted mathematical concepts and common misconceptions while explicitly teaching problem-solving strategies.

To celebrate the effort and application of students, we are holding St. Joey's version of "The Amazing Race". Usually this race occurs in Term 1 but we have moved it to Term 2 due to the weather.

Please find the new dates and times below:

When: Tuesday Week 4, 13th May

Yr 3 8:45am - 10:00am. Winners will be announced at 2:30 pm in the hall.

Yr 5 11am - 12:15pm. Winners will be announced at 2:30 pm in the hall.

NAPLAN - Year 3 and Year 5

Over the past couple of weeks, our Year 3 and Year 5 students have participated in the national NAPLAN testing program. NAPLAN involves four assessments and provides a snapshot of each student’s literacy and numeracy skills at a point in time.

A huge thank you to our dedicated teachers for their flexibility in preparing students calmly and supportively without placing pressure on the testing process. We also acknowledge the incredible behind-the-scenes work to ensure devices were ready, training was completed, and everything ran smoothly. Your efforts have given our students the best chance to approach the tests with confidence and ease.

Young Speechmakers

This week, students in Years 4, 5, and 6 have nominated themselves to audition for the Young Speechmakers Competition.

With a field of over 30 keen applicants, only six students will be selected to represent our school. We’re looking forward to hearing a diverse range of speeches as students prepare to showcase their public speaking skills during auditions.

Semester Reports

Townsville Catholic Education has recently updated the format and requirements of Semester Reports. Further information about these changes, including updates to the reporting format and scales, will be shared with families next term.

Have a lovely week.

Julie Wallace

Assistant Principal - Pedagogy and Learning

Love	Isabelle Storey	Isabelle is a kind, caring and loyal friend to others. She goes about her day in a quiet manner and is willing to share her skills with others who require help. Isabelle is a humble person who never boasts about her achievements or strengths. Her calm nature helps those around her to feel at ease and she is able to support her friends when they are feeling upset. Thank you for making our classroom a more loving place Isabelle.
	Nixon Reinke	Nixon is kind and thoughtful and his positive attitude means he is always surrounded by friends. He demonstrates the Mercy Value of Love by being kind, considerate and fair with everyone in our classroom. Nixon has a quiet and comfortable presence and is respectful of others. You will usually find him with a smile on his face and a laugh to share. Thank you Nixon, we are so happy to have you in 3A.
	Ben Beasley	Ben is a kind and caring member of our classroom. He always looks out for his mates and shows compassion towards them. Within our classroom, Ben ensures he is encouraging and supportive of everyone, and participates thoughtfully in his work. On the playground, he always includes others and helps people when they need help. Ben has had a great start to grade 5 and is a wonderful member of 5B. Thank you, Ben!
	Mia McLennan	Mia is a shining example of kindness and compassion in 6A. Her constant smiles light up the room, bringing joy to those around her. Mia is always thinking of others, often putting their needs before her own, which shows her genuine caring nature. Her selfless actions embody the true spirit of the Mercy Award of Love, making her a beloved member of our school community. Mia’s heartfelt generosity and care are truly inspiring.
Community	Evie Wake	Evie is a kind, considerate and patient member of our Joey’s community. She always participates enthusiastically in classroom discussions and is very helpful during group work. Evie waits patiently for her turn and listens respectfully when others are speaking. She responsibly helps in the classroom, setting up for people in the mornings and again in the afternoons. Thank you Evie, you make the room a friendlier and happier place to be!
	Rosa Pietrobon	Rosa is a wonderful member of our school community and we are so lucky to have her in 1B. She is a student who is always ready to help others both in the classroom and the playground. Rosa has a kind heart and takes time to teach others things they may need guidance with. She always displays a positive attitude towards her schoolwork and sets a great example with her behaviour. Thank you for being a part of our Joey’s community, Rosa. We are truly blessed.
	Matilda Beetham	Matilda Beetham is a wonderful example of community spirit in our class. Not only is she excellent at organising herself, but she truly excels at the end of each day when she quietly and calmly helps to pack up. Matilda has a keen eye for what needs to be done and takes the initiative to ensure our classroom is always neat and tidy. Her actions make a difference and set a wonderful example for her classmates. Congratulations Matilda for receiving the Mercy Award of Community.
Excellence	Amelia Knott	Amelia goes above and beyond in everything she does. She consistently participates in class discussions. Amelia is a diligent worker who seeks clarification if unsure. She is curious and enthusiastic about new topics. Amelia checks her answers for accuracy and this is evident in her results. She is an amazing role model for others. Keep up your amazing work Amelia.
	Harriet Willey	Harriet is a hard worker who works diligently and responsibly. She follows classroom routines and always participates in classroom discussions with appropriate questions and useful information. Harriet sets a wonderful example in the classroom, and even better than that she positively influences others around her. A very worthy recipient of the Mercy Value of Excellence Award, well done Harriet.
	Quinn Jurss	Quinn has worked extremely hard this term displaying a keen interest towards his learning. He is continually striving to achieve his best and has shown great determination to improve his handwriting. Quinn remains resilient and keeps going, even when tasks become more difficult. Keep up the amazing work Quinn!
	Amelia Murphy	Amelia brings a bright and friendly personality to our classroom and always strives to do her best. She is an excellent listener and tries hard to put her best effort in. Amelia sets a wonderful example not only with her schoolwork but also with her behaviour. She is a caring friend who goes out of her way to help others. Thank you, Amelia, for making our classroom such a lovely place to be!
	Harrison McDonald	Harrison is a determined learner who always tries his best. He understands how important it is to have a good flow of learning and he strives to understand topics deeply. Harrison is a self-starter and asks for help when he gets stuck. This positive and resilient attitude towards learning is how Harrison shows excellence. Great job, Harrison!
	Maggie Denmead	Maggie is a dedicated and efficient learner who approaches every task with focus and determination. She consistently gives her best effort, ensuring that her work is thorough, thoughtful, and completed to an excellent standard. Beyond her own learning, she contributes positively to the classroom environment by staying engaged, encouraging her peers, and helping to maintain a smooth flow of learning. Well done on your excellent start to the year, Maggie!
	Eva Vincent	Eva is a diligent student whose excellent bookwork reflects her strong attention to detail and commitment to learning. Her responses in class discussions are always thoughtful, demonstrating a deep understanding of the topics and a willingness to engage in learning. Eva takes pride in her work, ensuring every activity is completed carefully and accurately. Her dedication helps maintain a smooth and productive flow of learning, benefiting both herself and our whole class. Great work, Eva!
	Amity Smith	Amity is a standout example of excellence in keeping with the Joey’s 5 R’s. As a quiet achiever, she has grown to demonstrate a determined work ethic and a commitment to her academic pursuits. Her recent impressive performance in the Maths tables test is a testament to her dedication, rigour, and hard work. Furthermore, Amity's willingness to continually develop her skills is commendable. Congratulations, Amity, on persevering and pushing on to reach new highs!
	Kyan Colahan	Kyan Colahan has demonstrated a wonderful commitment to extending himself with his learning. He listens well and is attentive in lessons making full use of every learning opportunity. He is willing to ask questions if he needs to. His achievements in Mathematics have highlighted his desire to do well and serve as a great example to his classmates. Thank you, Kyan.
	Alfred Dowd	Alfie has excelled in creative writing this term in 5A. His exceptional use of ambitious vocabulary and his mastery of sentence construction have dazzled us all. Alfie's thrilling stories capture the imagination and showcase his remarkable talent as a young writer. With his impressive skills, there is no doubt that his works could one day be published. Congratulations Alfie for receiving the Mercy Award of Excellence!
	Madilyn Wiltshire	Madilyn has consistently shown the Mercy Value of Excellence in our mathematics lessons. She stays actively engaged and works diligently, maintaining focus throughout each class. Madilyn tackles every challenge with determination and collaborates well with all staff members. Her dedication and effort have contributed to a fantastic start to the year. Keep up the great work, Madilyn!
	Tom Andrews	Tom has exemplified the Mercy Value of Excellence by working diligently to catch up on missed lessons. He displayed resilience and dedication in both Maths and English, collaborating effectively with staff. Tom actively participates in class discussions and volunteers to read, consistently staying engaged in his learning. Keep up the great work!
	Eloise Woodhouse	Eloise has shown independence in her learning throughout the term. She is always organised and ready to learn. Eloise works quietly and demonstrates her ability to always try her best, even if the work is tricky. She asks for help if needed and is proud of her efforts. Well done, Eloise. Continue to work hard and reach for the stars.
	Harrison Chandel	Harrison's natural curiosity and enthusiasm for learning bring a wonderful richness to 6A. His dedication to excellence is evident in every task he undertakes, inspiring his classmates with his commitment and positive attitude. As a role model, Harrison demonstrates the importance of hard work in achieving great results. Congratulations to Harrison for being nominated for the Mercy Award of Excellence. His influence and drive make our classroom a better place for everyone.
	Alec Verzeletti	Alec has engaged in the Year 1 learning with rigour and enthusiasm. He has grown in confidence to tackle tricky tasks and to share his knowledge by contributing to class discussions. Alec has worked hard in Sounds Write and has grown his independence to blend words when reading. Well done on all your hard work, Alec!

Invitation:

We are pleased to announce that the Resilience Project is offering a Building Resilience at Home Webinar with Luke on Tuesday 13th May, 6:30-7:30pm (60 minutes) AEST.

What the webinar will deliver
A whole school approach is key to enhancing student wellbeing. This workshop is designed to empower parents and carers by equipping them with practical strategies to practise Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness (GEM) at home. Please see the flyer below for more details.

You can register for the webinar using this link. You will then receive the Zoom link and a calendar invite.

FAQs
Will it be recorded?
Yes. The link will be sent to those who cannot make it or would like a recap.

Breaking News:

Joey's is about to launch in Term 2, a brand new initiative that links the principles of The Resilience Project with literacy. It is called Reading Mindfulness. Research tells us that the benefits of being mindful include stress reduction, improved focus, enhanced emotional regulation, and a greater sense of well-being.

What better way to demonstrate Mindfulness than with some Mindful Reading. Year levels will take turns in sharing our Reading Mindfulness box. It contains a collection of books that relate to our GEM principles of Gratitude, Empathy, Mindfulness and Emotional Literacy. Thanks to Mrs Sloan for seeking out the appropriate books from the library. We can't wait to start!

Surprise Visitor:

We were so lucky to have a surprise visit from TRP partner and lead facilitator, Martin Heppell (aka Rac). Martin managed to visit our Year 6 classes, during his busy corporate day in Townsville. He is well known from our TRP videos, so it was great to meet him in the flesh. His energy and passion for mental well being is inspiring.