Week 10 Term 3 - Friday 26th September 2025
- FROM OUR LEADERS
- Principal's Message
- Prayer Focus
- FOR ACTION
- Parent Community Group (PCG)
- Parish News
- FOR INFORMATION
- Parent Education
- SPORT
- OUR LEARNING JOURNEY
- Year 2 Barn Dance ♫ ♪
- Port Macquarie Dance Eisteddfod
- Speech and Drama Eisteddfod
- WHAT'S ON
- Dates for your Diary
- FROM OUR COMMUNITY
- Billboard
FROM OUR LEADERS
Principal's Message
Year 5 Retreat
Last week, our Year 5 students headed off to Bonny Hills for their much anticipated Year 5 Retreat and what an unforgettable experience it was!
From the moment the bus rolled in, the students were buzzing. They quickly settled into their cabins, explored the beautiful grounds and embraced the sense of community that the retreat fosters each year.
Across the three days, Year 5 engaged in a variety of activities designed to build leadership, teamwork and faith. They took part in leadership sessions, guided reflections and group challenges - all of which encouraged them to grow in confidence and responsibility as leaders of our school.
What would a retreat be without fun? The beach activities, scavenger hunts and water sock challenges were definite highlights. Evenings were filled with lots of fun and laughter – from a lively PJ Disco to marshmallows around the campfire, complete with storytelling and songs.
Students also enjoyed quiet times of reflection, taking the opportunity to think about the type of leaders they want to be, inspired by the example of Jesus. The retreat reminded us that leadership is not just about responsibility but also about service, kindness and courage.
We are so proud of our Year 5 students for the way they embraced every challenge with enthusiasm and supported one another with compassion. They returned home tired, with big smiles and a renewed sense of what it means to be leaders in our Catholic community.
A huge thank you goes to our staff and Year 10 student mentors who guided the activities and to our families for supporting this important milestone.
Day 1 - Games and Beach
Day 2 - The Water Sock Challenge and Glow Disco
Day 3 - Leadership Activities, Campfire and Movie
Build the Habit of Regular Attendance - What do you miss out on if you don’t attend school every day?
Attending school regularly is essential for primary students.
If your child has attendance challenges, it’s important to address these issues promptly. Maintaining open communication with the school can help identify and resolve any underlying concerns.
Artist Hannah (11 years old)
Staff Development Day - Pupil Free
Grandparents Day - Save the Date
Prayer Focus
FOR ACTION
Parent Community Group (PCG)
Special PCG Parent Tech Information Session - All Welcome!
Join us for our next extra special PCG meeting on Wednesday, 22nd October (Week 2 Term 4) from 5:30pm – 6:30pm here at Joey's.
See the flyer for details and booking link - We'd love to see you there!
We’ve attached the minutes from our last meeting, feel free to have a look.
After School Activities Program
Did you know that there is a wide range of local activities available to your children before and after school that are either on site or supply school drop off and pick up support? St Joseph's Parent Community Group (PCG) has gathered the info to help your family find a before or after school activity to suit your families schedule. Go to your Compass portal / School Documentation / Parent Resources to see the flyer with all the details. Please note costs apply for activities and transport. Please contact the organisation directly for more information.
Parish News
Journey into Catholic Faith for Adults
FOR INFORMATION
Parent Education
NSW CCSP Parent Conference
A Conference for Parents and Carers of Children in Catholic Schools in the Jubilee Year of Hope. On Saturday, 25th October, the Council for Catholic School Parents (CCSP) is hosting a special anniversary celebration conference for all NSW/ACT parents and carers with children in Catholic schools! Expert presenters will support parents bravely in a modern world:
Find out more information on our website here.
Buy a ticket: Supporting Families: Working Together in a Modern World Registration, Sat 25/10/2025 at 8:30 am | Eventbrite
Date/Time: Saturday, 25 October 2025 8:30am - 3:30pm AEDT. Doors open at 8:00am
Location: Novotel Sydney, 350 Church Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150
Contribution: $30.00
Contact CCSP at the office on office@ccsp.catholic.edu.au or 02 9287 1514
SPORT
St Joseph's Girls Crowned Inaugural Paul Wilson Cup Champions
On Wednesday 24th September, history was made with the first ever girls Paul Wilson Cup Final held in a gala day format in Grafton. The event brought together the champion girls soccer teams from each Diocesan Zone, creating an exciting and competitive atmosphere filled with school spirit and great football.
The four qualifying teams were:
- St Joseph’s Primary (Hastings)
- St Anthony’s (Tweed)
- St Francis Xavier (Clarence)
- St Carthage’s (Richmond)
Blessed with perfect weather conditions, the day saw competitive matches played in great spirit. Every team gave their all, representing their schools with pride and enthusiasm.
In the third-place playoff, St Francis Xavier took on St Anthony’s, with the Clarence Zone team earning third place honours after a strong performance.
The grand final featured a tough contest between St Joseph’s (Hastings) and St Carthage’s (Richmond). After an intense and skillful match, St Joseph’s came away with a 2–1 victory, maintaining an undefeated record throughout the day to claim the title of inaugural champions.
Paul Wilson Cup Champions
St Joseph's Dominate Mid Coast Futsal Tournaments
Congratulations to our students from Years 3–4 and Year 6 who proudly represented St Joseph’s in the Mid Coast Futsal Tournaments, held on Thursday 11th September (Years 3–4) and Thursday 18th September (Year 6) at the Port Macquarie Indoor Stadium.
Across both tournaments, our students displayed exceptional school spirit through out the competitions. The encouragement and teamwork on and off the court were a true reflection of our school values.
We are thrilled to share that St Joseph’s were victorious in both tournaments, achieving a clean sweep across all participating primary schools. This outstanding result is a testament to the students’ dedication, teamwork and sportsmanship.
Well done to all involved and thank you to the staff and families who supported our players on these exciting days of competition.
Year 6 Futsal Champions
Sam Taylor
Sports Coordinator
OUR LEARNING JOURNEY
Year 2 Barn Dance ♫ ♪
Year 2’s Creative Arts Dance Program culminated in a Bootscootin’ afternoon of dance and laughter.
It was an opportunity for the students to showcase the dances they have learnt this term and was wonderful to have so many parents put on their dancing boots and join in the fun!!
Port Macquarie Dance Eisteddfod
Our Dance Eisteddfod teams proudly took the stage yesterday at The Glasshouse for the 2025 Dance Eisteddfod. This year we were lucky enough to enter four teams representing St Joseph's - a Boys team, Stage 1 Girls, Stage 2 Girls and a Stage 3 Girls team. Each group has shown amazing dedication, rehearsing every week throughout Terms 2 and 3 to prepare their performances. Their teamwork, energy, and creativity have shone through as they have learned, practiced and perfected their routines.
We are so proud of all the students for their commitment and enthusiasm as they represented our school with confidence and joy.
As we were unable to photograph the dances at The Glasshouse, please enjoy some photos below from our dress rehearsal at school this week.
Matt Gourlay
Eisteddfod Groups Coordinator
Speech and Drama Eisteddfod
Our talented after school drama students delivered outstanding performances at the recent Speech and Drama Eisteddfod.
The students excelled in their categories, achieving amazing results and showcasing their creativity, confidence and teamwork. Our Stage 1 and 2 groups competed in front of a large and appreciative crowd. They brought energy and enthusiasm to the stage, making us all incredibly proud.
Whilst there are too many individual placings to announce, we would like to acknowledge the following students for their outstanding achievements and major awards:
Congratulations to all involved – what a fantastic achievement!
If you are interested in joining after school drama, please contact Lisa Gilchrist on 0401 306 040.
Lisa Gilchrist and Sandra Thompson
WHAT'S ON
Dates for your Diary
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Please note these dates can change from time to time due to unforeseen circumstances and we will endeavour to advise you of any changes at the earliest possible opportunity. Our school Google calendar can be accessed via this link for additional advanced dates.
For your convenience 2025 school term dates are listed below. They are also located on our website. Click on the words “TERM DATES” on the home page.
Term 4 2025
Staff Development Day (Pupil Free) - Monday 13th October
Kindergarten to Year 6 commence classes for Term 4 - Tuesday 14th October
Kindergarten to Year 6 last day of classes for Term 4 - Wednesday 17th December
Staff Development Day (Pupil Free) - Thursday 18th December
Staff Development Day (Pupil Free) - Friday 19th December
Other Holidays in 2025
Labour Day – 6th October (Public Holiday)
Christmas Day - 25th December (Public Holiday)
Boxing Day - 26th December (Public Holiday)
FROM OUR COMMUNITY
Billboard
We would like to extend a huge thank you to Ken Little's Fruit & Veg and Bakers Delight Settlement City for your generous support of our Breakfast Club. Because of your contribution, we're able to provide nutritious breakfasts to students twice a week. This support does more than just fill hungry stomaches, it helps our students start their day focused and ready to learn.
Thank you for helping us give every student the best possible start to their day.
