National Child Protection Week (1st to 7th September) and R U Ok Day (12th September)

The first two weeks of September recognise two important awareness days in Australia, Child Protection and R U OK? Day. In light of this we will be spending some time focussing on the importance of being well and safe. During this time we will continue to build awareness of how important it is to feel safe, heard and respected.

These two days are focused on developing skills and strategies to assist children in building confidence and resilience, and how they can help to keep themselves safe.

A Community Approach to Behaviour Management

This week we launched the first of our parent information sessions. Our focus was on developing our skills in embedding ‘A Community Approach to Behaviour Management’. 

One of our priorities at St Joseph’s is to continue building positive relationships through exemplary behaviour. As a Catholic school with the Mission to “enable all students to achieve the fullness of life”, we identify that Primary students are in a time of developmental transition. There are expectations for them in their school, family and community settings around how they relate to the world around them. As such, we believe that it is important that we support our students and families in this crucial time and ensure that they are prepared for the challenges ahead.

These sessions were well attended and our intention is to run further sessions on a range of topics each term. Our next session will be held Wednesday 11th September. We will run two identical sessions: 7:45am - 8:30am & 2:15pm - 3:00pm. Information about this session will be shared with a google form attached to register your interest.

We are super excited for next Friday’s Father’s Day celebrations and Colour Run.

Don’t forget today is the last day for Father's Day breakfast orders via Flexischools or by handing to the Office Aunties your order form with the correct money enclosed.

Also on Colour Run day …

What to Bring - Students can come dressed in their colour run clothing with a hat for sun protection and they MUST bring a change of clothes to change into after they have completed the run. They MUST also bring in an old towel and plastic bag to place soiled clothes in. Parents and friends are welcome to join us on the day as either a spectator or in the colour run. Please sign in as you arrive via the school front gate. Colour Run spectators are asked to head to the steps at the back of the Library and are welcome to bring a chair if they like.

What to Wear - Ideally the students would wear an old white t-shirt as the colours show up best on white. Although the powders clean off clothes easily it is advised not to wear your most expensive clothes, hat or shoes on the day. Students are encouraged to dress up in their craziest outfit.

Canteen and Lunch Orders - Our normal lunch orders and canteen will be available for students. We are not holding a shared lunch on this day. The morning of fun finishes for families at 11:00am. We are unable to cater for lunch for any visitors/spectators on the day so please remember to bring water and snacks for yourself if you are going to be here for a little while on the day.

Please re-familiarise yourself with the details of the day in the Compass Portal Event. The ‘Outline of the Day’ in the Parent Resources will give you a guide to the running times.

Looking forward to a morning (7:30 - 11:00am) of participation and fun, to celebrate our dads and lads at this great community event!

The St Agnes’ Foundation (SAF) continues to find ways to promote its good work in our community and raise much needed funds.

Any small donations really can make a big difference in the lives of the individuals and families we serve in our broader community.  We are therefore asking for your help to increase their fundraising efforts. A SAF Gold Coin Donation Tin has been placed on the school front desk and we greatly appreciate your help with a donation. All funds will be used to assist the most vulnerable persons, particularly as the weather cools, with warm meals, food supplies, clothing, laundry and shower facilities and blankets.

Any queries can made to the Parish Administration Centre on 6588 7444 or email enquiries.saf@stagnesparish.org.au.

We sincerely thank you for your continued support.

At our last meeting, we tentatively scheduled our next gathering for 21st August. However, with the Parent Information Sessions and Colour Run powder bagging happening this week, Glasshouse concerts in Week 7 and the Confirmation Sacramental program taking place in Week 9, we will reschedule our PCG meeting. The next meeting will now be held in Week 2 of Term 4, on Wednesday, 23rd October, from 5:00 to 6:00 pm at Joey's.

Our PCG at Joey's is open to all parents and plays a vital role in supporting the mission of our Catholic school. It strengthens family-school partnerships, fosters parent connections, and ensures effective communication about parent body initiatives within our community.

We would be delighted to have you join us!

Entering Attendance Notes in Compass

Parents are no longer able to submit a partial absence in Compass for when a child is arriving late to school or will be collected early.

All attendance notes entered can only be for a full day. All partial attendances will be recorded at the time of signing your child in or out of school at the front office.

If you have any questions regarding this, please contact the Office Aunties.

Breaking Point Webinar with Justin Coulson

The Council of Catholic School Parents is hosting a FREE parenting webinar with parenting speaker and author, Justin Coulson. This webinar will unpack:

• The root causes behind the deteriorating state of mental health, and who (or what) is responsible.
• The tools you need to reverse this trend for your children.
• Realistic approaches for managing screen time in a way that protects your child's wellbeing.
• Creating margin in your home and family life to protect and promote mental wellness.

Understanding how to support your child with online gaming

Suitable for parents and carers of children and young people in primary and early secondary school.
Tuesday, 3 September, 12:30pm
Register here

Consent and online boundaries: How to support your primary aged child

Suitable for parents and carers of children in primary school.
Tuesday, 13 August, 12:30 pm
Wednesday, 11 September, 12:30 pm
Register here

An introduction to online safety and emerging technologies

Suitable for parents and carers of children and parents in primary and secondary school.
Thursday, 5 September, 12:30pm
Register here

Expect your child to be at school every day

Setting the expectation for your child to be at school every day is a fundamental aspect of fostering a positive attitude toward education and establishing good attendance habits. 

Clearly communicate to your child that attending school regularly is a top priority. If your child faces challenges related to attendance, such as reluctance or anxiety about going to school, address these issues promptly. Open communication with the school can help identify and resolve any underlying concerns.

You can seek advice free from NSW ParentLine 1300 1300 52.

St Agnes Parish Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) Education Event

CTE education event on Brain Health in Sport will take place on 21st September during Dementia Action Week 2024.  The cost is $55.00 per person and spots can be booked via the QR code in the below flyer.

Supporting Mental Health Wellbeing of Children and Young People

Research into how to best support children and young people with mental health challenges is critical to ensuring that as a society we have evidence-based, best practice support strategies for our young people. Southern Cross University is offering parents of children aged 10-13 with mental health needs an opportunity to access a high quality online education program as part of a research project. Further information is available in the below flyer for those parents/carers who would like to learn more or apply to be a part of this research project.

During Week 3 our K-2 classes attended the BraveHearts Ditto Show. Students learned about how to recognise when they are feeling unsafe, who their trusted adults are and how ask for help.

Zone Athletics 

Congratulations to all the students who attended the Hastings Zone Primary School Athletics Carnival!

St Joseph's was proudly represented by over 50 student athletes who embodied our school values both on and off the field. We are incredibly proud of their sportsmanship and achievements.

A special congratulations goes to Keilah Long for winning Age Champion and to Saxon White for setting a new record in shot put!

Well done to all our athletes! Keep up the fantastic work.

Diocesan Athletics 

Congratulations to the following students who earned the opportunity to represent St Joseph's at the Diocesan Athletics Carnival in Coffs Harbour: Dustin Clement, Rhys Cutler, Diane-Grace King, Harry Lawrence, Zoe Lawrence, Keilah Long, Yzekiel Neiva, Josie Shipp, Emily Smith, Bronte Sprague and Saxon White.

These students faced tough competition and performed exceptionally well, proudly representing our school. Their dedication and effort did not go unnoticed, and we commend them for their achievements at the Diocesan level.

Well done, athletes!

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 2023 school term dates are listed below. They are also located on our website. Click on the words “TERM DATES” on the home page.