Dear Parents and Carers, 

On World Teachers Day we acknowledge the amazing work that our teachers do.  We are incredibly blessed at St Joseph’s to have such a dedicated staff who are always willing to give extra time and effort for the benefit of our students.  This year our teachers have faced the added pressure of adjusting to online learning which they approached with enthusiasm and continually strived to present engaging online lessons for their students.  I would like to say thank you to our dedicated and professional teachers and those who support them.  If you get the opportunity, please take time to simply say thank you. 

As we move towards the end of the year, speculation of arrangements about classes and teachers for the next year often becomes a topic of conversation.  Arrangements for 2021 are currently under discussion and will be communicated to families as soon as possible. As Tim has said in previous years, there is no secrecy around arrangements, other than to ensure the arrangements that are made are as firm as possible before being communicated to families.  We appreciated your patience while we finalise our staffing needs for 2021.

Compiling class lists each year is a complex and time-consuming process.  A lot of thought is given to balancing genders, abilities, needs, behaviours, personalities etc across the classes.  Requesting a teacher based on an older child’s experience or hearing certain feedback about a teacher is not grounds for a request.  Teachers know their students very well and always strive to place them with other students and a teacher who will help them grow and develop not only as a learner but also as a person.  Our teachers are very professional and always have the students’ best interests at heart.  If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know.

If your child isn’t returning to St Joseph’s in 2021 (other than our Year 6 students), could you please let the Office know as soon as possible.  This will assist us in our planning for next year.  Just a reminder that the 2020 school year finishes on Friday 4th December at 12pm.  

There has been an increasing number of students arriving at school very early.  Please remember that there is no supervision of students until 8am. If you need to drop your child/ren off early please contact OHSC to arrange before school care.  This is a matter of safety for our students. Thank you for your cooperation regarding this. 

Have a wonderful week

Take care

Amanda

November begins with the feast days of all Saints and All Souls. These two days remind us that God has a special plan for everyone.  When we were baptized, we became part of a special family called the communion of saints, who share in Jesus’ gift of His holiness. The saints are people who said “yes” to God’s plan for them. On All Saints Day we praise and thank God for what He has done for us through these holy people.  We ask the saints to pray for us that we might love our God and neighbour the way Jesus taught us. On All Souls Day, we pray for all people who have died. May God lead them to the joy of heaven and send us his comfort and peace.  

Prayer for All Souls Day

Jesus, our Saviour,

on this day we prayerfully remember

all our loved ones who have died.

Please give them comfort and hope and may they be at peace, 

knowing that they will rest in God’s arms eternally.

Thank you for our memories of them  

and for the good times we shared.

We ask You, please,

through their intercession,

to deepen our faith,

strengthen our hope and

increase our love

that we, too, may someday

stand before You,

ready to enter Your Holy Kingdom.

Amen

Today, for All Saint’s Day we joined together for whole school meditation, a special time of stillness and silence.

Year 1 Religion

Our Year 1 students are learning about the Sacraments of Baptism and First Eucharist. Last week, they visited the church and Fr. Siby explained the steps and symbols involved as he baptised a baby doll. Some of the students acted as the parents and godparents of the child. The classes were very excited to see Fr. Siby bring their classroom learning to life.

Also, all St Joseph’s classes were very grateful to Fr Siby for leading the Rosary with them last week. 

Thanks, Fr. Siby!

Have a great week.

Take care and God bless.

Jan

A watch has been found between the parish office and church.

If you're missing one please drop into the office.