Congratulations Grace Montgomerie - The winner of the Easter Basket Raffle  

Dear Parents and Carers

What a whirlwind ten weeks it has been for the school community.  I would once again extend my sincere thanks to you all for your generosity and support of our families affected by the severe flooding.  While it has been and continues to be a difficult time for people as they put lives back together, the sense of community, the genuine care and concern and the level of support offered by our school has been amazing.  I cannot thank you enough for what we have achieved together.  

As Easter approaches I would also like to thank our students and staff for their amazing efforts in raising over $2000 dollars for Project Compassion.  The Faith and Services group have worked hard to add to this total by selling icy cups over a number of weeks.  In addition to this many students have made many small sacrifices, saving money to give to those less fortunate.  A wonderful effort overall.  Congratulations!

In our Lenten reflection this week we looked at the gospel story from John where a sinner was brought to Jesus by the Pharisees (high priests) for judgement.  They were testing Jesus by bringing her before him.  According to their law, she was to be stoned to death. Jesus didn't fall into the trap and told them, 'Let anyone among you who is without sin throw a stone at her.'  Not happy with his answer or able to comply, the Pharisees left. The reflection on the Gospel asked us to consider the blame and shame culture that exists today and how do we counteract that culture.  

If we are very honest, it is pretty easy these days to throw stones at other people. We have the technology and the platforms to throw them considerable distances. Should I choose I can weigh in on any global news item shared on social media. Everyone seemingly has an opinion and many are only too willing to share theirs without wanting to accept the opinion of others. 

It is a hard thing to not to comment or judge sometimes.  Spend 10 minutes watching the news or on any social media platform and it is very difficult not to want to weigh in with a particular viewpoint. No one is perfect, we all make mistakes and we always will because of that imperfection.  The problem is when we start criticising others for mistakes they have made and remain oblivious to our own.   The willingness to judge others for their choices or to blame others for the choices we make is something that is a growing problem, and one our children will need skills and support navigate.  How do we do this?  

Two things I believe we do well are to encourage our children to compassionate and to be honest.  Compassion allows us the space to look at other points of view, consider circumstances, to understand and empathise.  It helps us refrain from immediate judgement or from only considering one viewpoint, our own.  Honesty allows us to accept that we are not perfect, we make mistakes and when we do we accept what comes next.  At St Joseph's, these are important goals for our students and for our community.  I think honesty and compassion are two of the key elements in changing this negative culture.  It can be difficult to always have these as our touchstones.  I know I struggle when I am frustrated, tired or overwhelmed not to judge quickly by my standards.  I know that at times it is hard to deal with the consequences of not being honest, particularly with ourselves.  I have heard the voice in my head convince me that those deep fried plates of deliciousness are totally good for me.  Cholesterol, phffft as if?  

The challenge this week is how do I be the change I want to see in the world?  What are my children learning from me about honesty and compassion?  Something to consider as we head into Easter.

I hope everyone has a great Easter break. If you are travelling on the roads please take care.  I am looking forward to another wonderful term when we return.

Have a great week

Tim

Project Compassion

A huge thank you for your participation in Project Compassion 2019.  Your kind and generous support of our fundraising efforts this Lent has helped us raise $2150 to help support the world’s poor.  Thank you to my many icy cup helpers, your generous giving of your time and assistance is greatly appreciated. If you still have Project Compassion boxes at home with money in it, could you please return it to school either tomorrow or at the beginning of next term.  Thank you.

I hope that you and your family have a happy, holy and safe Easter season.  I look forward to seeing you all again on Tuesday 23rd April.

Have a great week

Take care and God Bless

Amanda

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

April 4th

National family Reading Month: Every year in May we celebrate reading together with National simultaneous reading time where the whole of Australia reads the same story together. This year we will launch reading month Friday May 3^rd 8.35am with a school reading challenge.  What is the challenge? To have as many parents possible in our school reading to children. Please mark it on your calendars now. There will be more information after the holidays.

Words Wednesday: Students in years 4-6 are invited to team up and participate in a fun quiz each week. The team with the highest points will win a book prize.

Our winning team is: Pup Squad with Madison Schell, Aria Bennett, Zahra Bligh and Tyler New. Runner up was Team Smarties with Julia Richardson, Greta Sloan, Tom Griffiths and Harper Weekers.

Readers Cup: This year we will select 2 teams to represent our school. Here are our winners after participating in our in-school competition. Congratulations to Gemma Morris, Gemma Warburton, Meg Burbidge, Keira Wallace, Gwyneth Barton, Alby Wulf, Max Richey, Riley Hibble, William Smith, and Thomas Wilkinson.

Borrowing: Children are welcome to borrow over the holidays as in general we all have extra time. Time to read and relax!! Parents are welcome to come and join our library Friday mornings and you can borrow 10 books over the holidays to read with your children.

Happy Reading

 Belinda Walker (Teacher Librarian)

North Queenland Touch

Congratulations to Erica Round, Kiera Wallace, Nicholas Barr, Toby Kennedy and Anthony Roveglia when representing Townsville at the recent NQ Trials. Erica and Kiera were selected in the NQ Touch team that will contest the Queensland championships in Longreach. Also well done to Nicholas on progressing to the possible v probables selection. Go Joey's, this was a remarkable achievement for all concerned.      

St Joey’s 2018 Cross Country Carnival & Fun Run

Our annual Cross Country was once again held at the stunning Anzac Park. We are so fortunate to have this incredible park on our doorstep and allowed to use it. The day began with spirited cheering all the way to the event, led by our enthusiastic year 6 leaders. Despite some early nerves, our competitors overcame any doubts and acquitted themselves with great persistence and endurance. It was inspiring to see fellow competitors supporting each other to complete the course. After our races, we marched back to school knowing that everyone had given their best and enjoyed the event. Our presentation was held in our Bishop Michael Putney Hall, where Faulkner were presented the Aggregate trophy and Benjamin received the Spirit trophy. Our preps to Year 2 students enjoyed their ‘Fun Run’ on our schools ‘Townsville to Cairns’ circuit. A big thank you to the numerous parent helpers and to our staff who embraced both events. We wish our St. Joey’s Putney Cross Country Team all the best when they represent our school at the Townsville Schools Cross Country Carnival on Tuesday 7th May.

 St. Joey’s Putney Cross Country Team

Tarj Galletta, Will Finucane,  Nicholas Wilkinson, Charli Russell, Estella Smith, Lua Jennings, Quinn Pascoe, Riley Flanders, Riley Hibble, Sophie Hannay, Milla Hannay, Erica Round, Nicholas Barr, Jy Gasa, Thomas Wilkinson, Elise Piper-Green, Rosa Nzeakor, Scarlet Gallagher.

Beachathon Is Coming!

Beachathon now in its 32^nd year, is the biggest fundraiser for St Joseph’s School, The Strand.

Monies raised through fundraising provide improvements to the School for technology, learning resources or playground equipment.

This year monies raised will be used to purchase flexible learning furniture, that can be utilised across all classrooms.

Preparations for Beachathon are underway and the Beachathon Committee (volunteer parents)

are calling for a couple of extra helpers to assist with roles where we need more help.

Roles include: preparing for assembly prize draws, making props, assisting on Beachathon Day with activities for the students.

If you are able to assist, please join us at our first meeting:

Tuesday 26 March, 6pm in the school staffroom.

Key dates: 

Beachathon Launch:  Wednesday 22 May (at School assembly)

Beachathon Day:  Last day of term 2 - Friday 28 June

Keep an eye out in future newsletters for more information about Beachathon

and the launch!

If you have any queries, please email: info@joeysbeachathon.com

Regards,

Beachathon Sub-Committee