Dear Parents and Carers

Once again I would like to sincerely thank all those who have assisted in helping St. Joseph’s families and staff over the last 10 days.  Such an amazing response, and on that has made such a difference to so many.  There are so many people to thank for their kindness and support of our school community.  From donated goods, cooking, washing, cleaning, moving and so much more, the response has helped many families in need.  Over the weekend many families took advantage of the care provided in our hall to clean, move and pack things from houses.  A group of volunteers visited homes to assist with this work.  I would like to take this chance to thank the many families and staff who have assisted over this period and continue to do so this week.  Your support has been amazing. 

I would like in particular our tuckshop coordinator, Arlene Curley and our P&F led by the president Bronwyn Reguson.  Arlene has worked tirelessly to not only ensure our school tuckshop operated but cooked and coordinated meals for the many families affected.  Our P&F has led the way in supporting our community. I could not be more thankful for what they have done and continue to do for our families.  Once again thank you for your amazing generosity and assistance this week.

Over the coming weeks and months as people begin the rebuilding process remember that if you need help, please ask.

Some of our planned events were postponed last week and have been rescheduled.  Thanks for your patience as we restart the year.  Swimming will begin this Friday and Parent/ Carer Information  nights will take place next week.  Please check our term calendar for current dates for events.

Have a great week

Tim

Classroom RE in the Spotlight

Cameron - I am walking in Jesus’ sandals when I help others.

Matthew - I am walking in Jesus’ sandals when I help the poor.

Edward - I am walking in Jesus’ sandals when I help my parents.

Brooke - I am walking in Jesus’ sandals when I am kind and help other kids and animals.

Zoe - I am walking in Jesus’ sandals when I do the dishes for my mum so mum doesn’t have to do them every day.

Ava - I am walking in Jesus’ sandals when I go to Church.

Quaid - I am walking in Jesus’ sandals when I help my mum and dad.

Tristan - I am walking in Jesus’ sandals when I help mum and dad. I will also pray everyday because I love Jesus and God.

Sacramental Program

If your child will be in Year 4 or above in 2019 and you wish them to participate in the Sacramental program, please see the dates for the program below.   Please note that the date for the Compulsory Parent Information Session is Tuesday 19th February.

Beginning of Year Mass

On Wednesday 27th February we will be celebrating our Beginning of Year Mass and Commissioning of Student Leaders.  This Mass will be held in Bishop Putney Hall starting at 9am. You are warmly invited to join us for this special event.

Mass_invitation_families.pdf

St Valentine

Saint Valentine was a priest in Rome. He helped prisoners who were awaiting martyrdom during the persecution under Claudius II. During his ministry, he was seized and ordered to deny his faith in Christ. Valentine refused, and was sentenced to be beaten and beheaded on February 14th. It seems rather strange that a martyr would be so well known on a day devoted to love. It is fitting, though, that a man who loved and cherished Christ and his faith enough to die for them is entwined with a day dedicated to love and devotion. Saint Valentine is the patron saint of engaged couples, happy marriages, and love.

https://www.smp.org/resourcecenter/resource/7484/

Valentine's Day reminds us that we are loved.

https://catholic-link.org/

I thought I’d also pass on a message from Pope Francis to Bishop Tim Harris in regards to the recent flooding we have experienced in Townsville.  Over the past two weeks there has been such amazing community spirit and unity despite such a difficult time for so many of our families.  It is wonderful to know that Pope Francis is keeping all of Townsville in his thoughts and prayers. 

Have a wonderful week.

Take care and God bless

Amanda

Awards will be presented at Assembly on Wednesday 20th February at 2pm

Class in the Spotlight will be 5D

Our mighty Year 6 leaders enjoyed their leadership day on Wednesday. Students participated in many activities including; a liturgy, team building games, brainstorming ideas in their pastoral groups, working on their pledge, listening to guest speakers and learning how to prepare for assemblies. The students are well and truly prepared to serve their school in 2019.

Library Matters

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

Junior Librarians: Every year children in Years 4-6 have the opportunity to apply for the position of Junior librarian.  They are responsible for assisting with lunchtime activities and classroom borrowing.  Children have until Friday to apply

 Library borrowing days:

Book Club:  Brochures will be given out mid-March.

Readers Cup:  We take pride in our reading.  In the last 2 years our school has won the regional reading competition and gone onto Brisbane state finals. Children in Year 6 who love reading are invited to try out for the reader’s cup team during March.  At this time we will have an in school competition to select our team.  They will be asked to read a novel in a week and answer questions.

Before school:  Children and parents can pop in before school every Friday to read or borrow.

Happy Reading

Belinda Walker

(Teacher Librarian)

Swimming@Joey’s

We have an exciting time ahead for swimming. It begins with lessons (Years 4-6) and our annual carnival (8 – 12 Years). The Swimming Carnival program can be found here.

Carnival

Who: Students turning 8 years - 12 years in 2019 (Year 2’s turning 8 this year are invited and encouraged to attend)

Prep to Year 2’s (not involved in the carnival) will have ‘Wet Day’ activities @ The Water Park. Information to follow.

When: Friday 22 February (9.00am - 12.00 noon approx)

Where: Tobruk Pool

What: Annual Swimming Carnival (Freestyle & Relay Events - including parent, staff, student relay).

If any parents are able to assist, it would be greatly appreciated. The success of the carnival is reliant on parental support. Please advise the office or email Anthony Meekin (ameekin@sjnwtsv.catholic.edu.au) if you are able to assist with one of the jobs listed below. Parents are encouraged to walk to the carnival from St Joey’s at 8.30am if able.

This year parents/caregivers are not needed to sign a permission note for events where students leave the school grounds, as permission has been granted when signing section #26 (Student Enrolment Application). Information regarding all events will be communicated to parents/caregivers in advance and if a student is unable to participate the school needs to be notified.

Lessons (Year 4-6)

As part of our schools HPE program, the students in Years 4-6 will begin swimming lessons this term. Lessons will be conducted with qualified instructors at Tobruk Pool every Friday, commencing next Friday 15/2 (Week 3) and concluding Friday 22/3 (Week 8). Our St Joey's Swimming Carnival will be held on Friday 22 February (Week 4). Classes will walk to their lessons each week and parents are needed to assist with the supervised walk. If you are able to help, please contact your child's classroom teacher. The cost of the lessons will be added to Term 1 school fees. Please note that the lessons are Sunsafe and sun shirts are required.

Volunteers Needed:

7.00am - Set Up (Tobruk), Judges, Marshalling, Caps (for each House),

12.00 - Pack-up

Help Needed

If anyone has a ute/trailer and is able to assist in transporting our new Joey's tents to Tobruk Pool on Thursday 21st February (after school), please contact Anthony Meekin (ameekin@sjnwtsv.catholic.edu.au).

Prep to Year 2 Wet Play Day

Our St Joseph's Wet Play Day for Prep to Year 2 (those not attending the carnival) is Friday 22nd February at The Strand, Waterpark.

All students must wear sunsafe swimming clothing and may wear easy to slip on shoes to walk to and from the Waterpark (but must have their closed in shoes for school). They are to wear their full school uniform before and after the Waterpark visit. Parents are more than welcome and encouraged to assist in walking to the Waterpark.

Times:

Prep - 9.00am- 9.40am 

Year 1 - 9.40am- 10.20am 

Year 2 - 11.00am - 11.40am

Tuckshop 

Due to our Joey's Swimming Carnival and Wet Play Day (Friday 22nd February), our tuckshop will not be operating at first break. It will be open as normal for second break. 

TUCKSHOP NEEDS YOUR HELP

A call out to Parents/guardians

Tuckshop is looking for volunteers for 1 to 2 hours once a month. Please see Arlene @ tuckshop. Children are really excited when they know their parent will be helping at the tuckshop for the morning. Volunteer and make their day.

Due to our Joey's Swimming Carnival and Wet Play Day (Friday 22nd February), our tuckshop will not be operating at first break. It will be open as normal for second break. 

Thanks

Arlene

This week one of our students has lost her hearing aid and glasses;

The sound processor is a small magnetic round device about the size of a 20c piece with a yellow cover on it that looks like LEGO it also has a safety hair clip attached, there were also some purple glasses with it.

If anyone has seen or has any information regarding the device or the glasses could you please contact the office as soon as possible.