Dear Parents and Carers

It's hard to believe that we only have 3 weeks of the term remaining.  It has been another fantastic term with so much still to happen.  Joey's at Sunset, Eisteddfod, Parent/ Teacher interviews to name a few.

This week we celebrate Book Week and again I know that Mrs Walker and the staff have some terrific activities planned.  We are indeed fortunate to have such a positive reading culture here at St. Joseph's.  Reading is certainly the foundation of all our subject areas and it is very pleasing to see reading as a priority in our school.  I am looking forward to seeing what this year's book week has instore.  

This weekend we also celebrate Father's Day.  On Wednesday we hosted our annual coffee and croissant morning followed by a Fathers Day liturgy in the Hall. We had  many of our fathers and father figures attend. I sometimes struggle to reflect on Father's Day, often instead I end up looking more at what sort of son I have been over the last 12 months.  I probably don't call enough, I don't get to see him as often as I would like and sometimes our conversations are rushed.  This doesn't change how he feels or acts despite my sometimes less than stellar efforts.  I know that he will always have time for me, whether it be a few minutes or an hour.  He isn't great at showing emotion but gives freely of anything he can, advice, time, and an uncanny knack to fix almost anything.  I am incredibly lucky and on Father's Day remind myself of how fortunate I am to have that in my life.  I hope that this Father's Day all our fathers and father figures are reminded of the important role they play in our lives and that we celebrate all they do for us.  I hope you have a great Father's Day.

In other good news this week, Naplan results were published yesterday.  While Naplan is currently receiving heavy criticism in the media, it nevertheless remains part of life for schools across our country.  As a point in time test for students, it provides some information for schools to consider when planning to assist student learning.  It is a small part of a much larger picture, in providing students with opportunities to engage in and develop their learning.  Our 2019 results were very pleasing and St Joseph's is the highest performing primary school in our Diocese in Naplan.  More importantly, the data has shown significant educational growth in our Year 5 group from their last Naplan results in Year 3.  What is most pleasing is that these results point to the positive work that is taking place in our classrooms on a daily basis.  Our classes do not spend countless hours preparing for this test so as to ensure a single impressive result.  Our teachers use what they know about their students to target their learning and to develop their skills. The result is of this is reflected in these results.

While the Naplan results are pleasing, they are as I said a small positive part of a much bigger picture.  Our school this year has excelled in many areas.  Our students have achieved sporting and academic excellence. Our school offers exceptional opportunities in music and technology and as evidenced earlier this year has an outstanding community spirit.  I could not be more proud of our school, our staff and most importantly our students.

Finally this week, I just wanted to thank all our families for your patience and vigilance in our drop off and pick up areas.  I know there has been increased traffic and will be for some time to come, but am very grateful for your understanding in this matter.

Have a great week.

Tim

Sunday’s Gospel

Luke 13:22-30 - People will come from north and south, east and west, and take their place in the Kingdom of God.

Families take advantage of certain days throughout the year to celebrate individuals in the family and to make sure that they know that they are not taken for granted. As a family, recall all of the days that someone in the family was celebrated in the past year—birthdays, Mother's Day, Father's Day, anniversaries, graduations, and so on. Next, challenge each individual to recall what gifts were received on the day(s) on which he or she was celebrated.

Emphasise that these days are intended to express appreciation in a special way but are not meant to replace the appreciation that we should always show. Point out how, at times, families can take one another for granted. Explain that in this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus tells a story about some people who took something for granted and paid a price. Read aloud Luke 13:22-30. Explain that, in this story, some people took it for granted that they could enter the house whenever they wanted, but the master locked the gate and would not let them in after hours. Point out that Jesus was warning his listeners not to assume that they will have eternal life in heaven and not to take this invitation for granted.

As a family, commit to showing appreciation for one another in the days ahead, striving to not take for granted any of the many things that family members do in their roles as parents and children.

https://www.loyolapress.com/our-catholic-faith/liturgical-year/sunday-connection/21st-sunday-in-ordinary-time-c-sunday-connection

Wellbeing of Prayer

Prayer promotes the relaxation response.

Prayer releases control to something greater than oneself.

Prayer enhances a person's hopes and expectations, and that, in turn, can positively impact health.

Prayer brings a sense of a spiritual or loving presence and alignment with God.

Prayer elicits feelings of gratitude, compassion, forgiveness, and hope, all of which are associated with healing and wellness.

Prayer reduces stress and promotes healing.

Creator, lift me up for Your blessings. I pray that you will anoint me with strength and self care today, tomorrow and always. Amen.

http://bcewaystopray.weebly.com/week-27-25-31-aug.html

Father’s Day

Yesterday we celebrated Father’s Day with a very special Liturgy hosted by 1M.  We hope that all of our St Joey’s Dad's and those that take on a father figure role have a wonderful Father’s Day this Sunday.

Dear Significant Men in the lives of children, keep on doing whatever those “big” things are that you do to show your kids you love them, but don’t overlook the “little” things that show your love for them.  After all, the little things ARE the big things.

Have a wonderful week

Take care and God bless

Amanda

Book Week is here:  We start tomorrow morning at 8.40. Most children have been borrowing books this week that they can carry with them as they parade their favourite character. This is a wonderful way to promote reading to their friends. Check out this site for some ideas of characters and costumes.

  Author Visit: Our visit by Sally Odgers was fabulous.  She talked to the children about how her passion for writing started in year 4.  During her lifetime she has published 400 books. She donated some writing books to our school which I look forward to sharing any of her writing tips.  This Friday year 2 are meeting the author Aleesah Darlison.

Raising readers: Participating in book week will drum up some curiosity in reading as it is so much fun.  

Happy Reading   

Belinda Walker 

(Teacher Librarian)

Our 2019 Festival of Sport Day was another resounding success. Last Friday, our Year 6 students participated in an action packed, fun filled day of sport including; Netball, Futsal and Oztag. The emphasis was on demonstrating excellent sportsmanship in a team game. In Oztag, Ryan defeated our St. Joseph's - The Strand team (1) in the final, with our other two teams improving with each game. Miss Dani reported that our Netball also improved with each game and showed great spirit. Our boys Futsal team managed to win all of their pool games and made it through to the final. They were narrowly defeated by one goal in a tough match. Medallions were awarded for outstanding sportsmanship and St. Joseph's winners were; Alby Wulf, Ava Verzeletti, Harry Ashfield, Frankie Donovan and Sienna Miller. It was pleasing to get feedback from all sports that our students were well behaved and exemplary with their sportsmanship. We look forward to our 2020 Festival of Sport events.