Dear Parents and Carers,

Attached this week is an article from Ken Warren about the importance of forgiveness and letting go.  I found it very interesting reading and has some great points that would be beneficial to children as they encounter difficult situations.  Helping them to develop some of these skills can only help them as they grow and move through the different stages of their lives.

I hope you enjoy the article.

Have a great week.

Tim

Beginning of Year Mass

Thank you to everyone who was able to join us yesterday as we celebrated our Beginning of Year Mass and Commissioning of Student Leaders.  It was a wonderful celebration of the Eucharist and it is always incredibly special when we can gather as a whole school to celebrate our faith.  A special thank you to Fr Siby for presiding over our celebration and to Seana for always being there to lend a hand.  

Anniversary of the Apology to Australia's Indigenous People

On February 13, 2008, the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, delivered an apology to Australia's Indigenous peoples in the Parliament of Australia House of Representatives

Prayer for the Journey of Healing 

Almighty and loving God, you who created ALL people in your image, lead us to seek your compassion as we listen to the stories of our past. 

You gave your only Son, Jesus, who died and rose again so that sins will be forgiven. We place before you the pain and anguish of dispossession of land, language, lore, culture and family kinship that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have experienced. We live in faith that all people will rise from the depths of despair and hopelessness. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families have endured the pain and loss of loved ones, through the separation of children from their families. We are sorry and ask God’s forgiveness. 

Toughen the hearts of the broken, homeless and afflicted and heal their spirits. In your mercy and compassion walk with us as we continue our journey of healing to create a future that is just and equitable. Lord, you are our hope. Amen. 

National Council of Churches in Australia (NATSIEC)

Have a great week

Take Care and God Bless

Amanda

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). With Tobruk Pool under redevelopment, we will be conducting Swimming lessons and our carnival in Term 1 at Kokoda Memorial Pool, Mundingburra.

Lessons (Year 4-6)

As part of our schools HPE program, students in Years 4-6 will begin swimming lessons this term. Lessons will be conducted with qualified instructors at Kokoda Pool every Friday, commencing Friday 14/2 (Week 3) and concluding Friday 20/3 (Week 8). Our St Joey's Swimming Carnival will be held on Friday 28 February (Week 5). Classes will be transported by bus to the lessons each week. 

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. 

We trust that the lessons will be an enjoyable learning experience for all.

Lesson Timetable:

Carnival

Who: Students turning 8 years - 12 years in 2020 (and 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 28 February (9.30am - 12.30 approx)

Where: Kokoda Memorial  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/caregivers do not need 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.

The carnival will conclude by approximately 12.30 pm and children may be collected by parents at Kokoda or return by bus to St Joseph's to be supervised until 2.50pm.

Volunteers Needed:

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

12.30pm - Pack-up

Wet Play Day

Our St Joseph's Wet Play Day for Prep to Year 2 (those not attending the carnival) is Friday 28th 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). Students (Year 2) are to wear their full school uniform to school. Prep and Year 1 students may come to school ready in their swimming gear, then get changed into their uniforms after the excursion.  Parents are more than welcome and encouraged to assist in walking to the Waterpark. Please advise your child’s teacher if you can attend.

Times:     

Prep - 9.00 - 9.40am  

Year 1 - 9.40 - 10.20am                                                                 

Year 2 - 10.20 - 11.00 am

Enquiries and enrolments are now open regarding the Sacramental Journey for 2020.

The first meeting will be held Monday 2nd March 2020.

  To obtain your information Booklet and Enrolment Form please email St Joseph's Parish Office, stjoeys@tsv.catholic.org.au