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You inspired St Mary MacKillop to live her life faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and constant in bringing hope and encouragement to those who were disheartened, lonely, or needy. With confidence in your generous providence and joining with St Mary MacKillop, we ask that you grant our request …. (name your request). We ask that our faith and hope be fired a fresh by the Holy Spirit so that we too, like Mary MacKillop, may live with courage, trust, and openness. Ever-generous God, hear our prayer. We ask this through Jesus Christ.
A reflection on where we are - Gratefulness, Kindness and COVID-19
I feel grateful today. I should always feel grateful, but sometimes in the busyness of life and the stresses that are around me, I can forget. I work with an amazing group of adults and children every single day, doing what I love - bringing the fullness of life to them through faith, learning and relationships. I am part of a supportive Parish faith community which nourishes me and gives me a place to find peace. I have all the things I need to live a happy and fulfilled life, with family and friends who love me and would do anything for me.
Why am I telling you this? Because this week I was also quite sick and needed to stay home to recover. Despite the fact that I was certain I didn’t have COVID-19, I did “the right thing” and took a test so that I could be certain I could be around these amazing people (including all of you reading this) knowing I was not placing them in danger. I handled being sick, worked from home as best I could and even found the energy to keep my 6 year old daughter occupied when all I wanted was to lie down!
What I failed to be grateful for was that my negative result took 103 hours to come to me and I was stuck at home feeling terrible! I was frustrated with a system that I had no control over. I had to stop and remind myself that I should be very grateful that I was having my frustrated moments in beautiful Port Macquarie.
At the start of this school week, Principals in the Diocese of Lismore attended an emergency zoom video call with the Catholic Schools Office. This was in relation to the evolving situation in the Northern Rivers of NSW with a positive case of COVID-19 detected in a person presenting to the hospital for treatment. There has been much commentary shared across the week about the people involved in this, our disdain with their behaviour and many other situations around the country, as we hear of areas that are now in lockdown. I have friends, colleagues and family members who went from life as we know it right now, to complete lockdown within hours.
This scenario plays a part in our sense of uncertainty and worry, as it did in 2020 when we all were navigating this virus and what we largely didn’t know about it then. Fast forward 17 months and we know more about it, but still live with a degree of the unknown. What we have to keep in mind is what we have learned and what we need to remember to be as grateful and safe as possible.
The first thing that COVID-19 taught us last year, continues to be our first step this year. At all times, remaining calm and taking careful and considered actions towards challenges is our core starting point. The second thing to remember is that there are people every day working hard to make decisions for other people and to help contain COVID-19, without a crystal ball to guide them in what lies ahead. We may not always agree with them, as it affects our lives in ways we don’t like (such as my test frustration). But if we place ourselves in the position of people trying to make decisions in this way, we may understand the pressure that is there and how sometimes things won’t go as well as we hope. Currently we are still fortunate in our area to be free to do most of what we want to. If there comes a time when this changes, as it has in areas not so far from us, we will all do our best to work together to support each other.
In the meantime, we would all feel a whole lot better if we were able to think about what we are grateful for, which is of course sometimes easier to say than to do. However, we don’t know what battles other people are fighting that we can’t see, and we don’t always think about how acts of kindness and simplicity can make the difference to someone else.
This week, I ask you to pray for those who are sick, their families, those who treat them, those who are suffering difficulties in wellbeing and those who are just trying to do the best they can. We are all human and we are in this together. I also invite you to practice gratefulness and consider what act of kindness you could do for someone else. What could both of these actions do for our beautiful children as they live and grow in this world?
Tess Koning
Principal
Term 3 Prayer Dates
Prayer Service for the Assumption of Mary - Monday 16th August 9:05am (Hall).
Prayer Service for Father's Day - Friday 3rd September, 10:15am (MPA).
At this time we are unable to invite families to these.
Mary Mackillop Celebration
On Monday we celebrated the Feast of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop (8th August) in a whole school prayer led by our Year 5 team. The celebration recalled Mary MacKillop’s work to bring God to the poor and marginalised in Australia’s early history. Mary created the Josephite order, named after Saint Joseph, and her order spread far and wide, reaching Port Macquarie. In 1913, four Josephite sisters began our school, St Joseph’s. The values and charism of Mary MacKillop and the Josephites lives on in our school today with our staff and students dedicated to values of humility and compassion for those in need, with a view that all members of our community are ‘One in Christ’.
Please enjoy this beautiful song that contains footage from the year of Saint Mary’s canonisation as Australia’s first Saint.
The Assumption of Our Lady Celebration
This coming Sunday, 15th August is the Feast of the Assumption of Mary into heaven. This celebration highlights the Catholic teaching that Mary, the mother of our Lord and Mother of the Universal Church, was assumed into heaven body and soul. This celebration reminds us of Mary’s role in the salvation of mankind, evidenced by many approved apparitions such as Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal, 1917. Many of the Religious Education programs this term have included learning about Mary, our Mother as we seek to respond to the call to pray the Rosary. Please offer a prayer to Our Lady for our school and broader community for the protection during this pandemic, for those who are suffering mental health difficulties due to lockdowns and isolation and for all needs of those who are unwell at this time.
The whole school will gather to celebrate the Assumption of Mary on Monday 16th August in the morning.
Father’s Day celebration
A celebration has been scheduled for Friday 3rd September for fathers and father-figures in the lives of our children and staff. We endeavour to be as inclusive of our community despite the restrictions in place and appreciate your understanding.
St Joseph’s Winter Appeal
The Mini Vinnies Team are running our St Joey’s Winter Appeal. We are collecting warm clothes and blankets for those in need. Students can donate scarfs, beanies, jumpers or blankets by bringing them to school. This appeal will run until the end of Winter (August). We hope we can help our local charities such as St Vincent De Paul who take our donations to the people who need it. Many thanks in advance for your support.
More information can be found: https://catholicoutlook.org/vinnies-launches-2021-winter-appeal-to-support-homelessness/
Journey into the Faith
Nathan Porter
Assistant Principal Mission
ICAS Assessments
Over the next few weeks some of our students will be participating in the International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS). These assessments are designed to recognise academic excellence. Students are assessed on their ability to apply classroom learning to new contexts, using higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills. We wish all our students participating every success.
HEM Real Estate - Design SOLD Sticker
HEM Property 'Sold Sticker' competition is on again. The competition is open to all students for a chance to win a $500 prize pack for both themselves and the school.
This year's theme is "Design your Dream Home" and artworks can be painted, collaged, or drawn. The home could be an eco house, treehouse, underwater, in space; the opportunities are endless. Please see your class teacher or Mrs Howard if you would like to enter.
Jeannine Ucdereli
Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching
Talking to Children - COVID 19
Gratitude is good for kids, too!
Helping our children learn how to incorporate gratitude into their lives has many benefits for them, such as improved sleep, health and happiness. This was the topic of a recent Kids Considered podcast by Dean Blumberg, chief of pediatric infectious diseases, and Lena van der List a UC Davis Health pediatrician. Their tips include:
- Try asking your child each night at bedtime to list one or two positive things that happened that day. These can be very simple – a tasty sandwich, a fun story they read or a good night’s sleep.
- Help your children notice the things in their life to be grateful for and mark them. For example, if they receive a gift, ask them to reflect on how that makes them feel and encourage them to express their appreciation.
- Try meditation – just 3-5 minutes a day can make a big difference.
- Try simple, kid-friendly yoga.
- Be a good gratitude role model by expressing your appreciation for your children and other good things in your life.
- Encourage kids to openly express their gratitude. For example, by saying thank you to a friend for a fun play date.
- Consider getting your child involved in a volunteer opportunity, like cleaning up a local park, visiting a local nursing home (when it’s safe to do so) or tutoring younger children.
Kelly Russell
School Counsellor
National Science week is next week 14th -22nd August and the school theme for National Science Week 2021 is Food: Different by Design. It honors the United Nations International Year of Fruits and Vegetables and the International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development.
At St Joseph’s all students will be participating in a special ‘Immersive’ lesson around the theme throughout the week in their stages.
Stay tuned for more information! For more information please look at the following website. https://www.scienceweek.net.au/
Sarah Blundell
Leader of Digital Pedagogies/STEM
PBS (Positive Behaviour Support)
MJR REWARD
Congratulations to Zoe Lawrence (3D) who was awarded with an MJR certificate for being recognised in the way she Makes Jesus Real in our school. Well done Zoe.
Golden Wattle Seeds Have Landed!!!
Super exciting times for our students at St Joseph’s with the imminent arrival of our Golden Wattle Space Seeds which have been on the International Space Station. Below is a media release from The Hon. David Littleproud and The Hon. Christian Porter which has lots of new information on our seeds journey.
Space seeds start extra-terrestrial biosecurity clearance
An extra-terrestrial parcel of Australian Golden wattle seeds has returned safely to earth and is undergoing biosecurity screening following its journey into space.
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud and Minister for Industry,
Science and Technology Christian Porter welcomed the return of the seeds from the International Space Station “This is one small step for Golden wattle but one giant leap for biosecurity science and innovation,” Minister Littleproud said.
“The mission symbolises the flourishing Australia Japan bilateral ties, and agricultural trade relationship, with the value of our farming exports to Japan now in excess of $5.4 billion.
Many different areas of my department worked with external partners to help the seeds make this extra-terrestrial journey. Biosecurity science and innovation are critical to ensuring that the department’s biosecurity controls continue to stand up to evolving trade and emerging risks.
Biosecurity officers will now inspect the well-travelled Golden Wattle seeds to ensure that they meet biosecurity requirements and have not picked up any exotic pests and diseases on their journey.”
Minister Porter said that once the seeds had received biosecurity clearance, they would be released to the One Giant Leap Australia Foundation to distribute to schools across Australia for the inaugural Australian ‘Seeds in Space’ educational program.
“Now that these seeds have been to space, the next step is for our science superstars of tomorrow to see what effects the space journey has had on their germination,’ Mr Porter said.
It’s a fun and exciting project to engage the next generation in STEM as we approach National Science Week 2021.
Space is often called the final frontier and science is the key to understanding it and continuing to develop spaced-based technology.”
The Australian Ambassador to Japan, Jan Adams AO PSM, will be presented with some of the returned seeds from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency in a ceremony at the Australian Embassy in Tokyo. The space seeds will be planted in the embassy garden as a symbol of our growing relationship in this area.
The One Giant Leap Australia Foundation is supported by the Australian Space Agency on this project, in collaboration with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s Kibo Research Module on the International Space Station, which facilitates space-related educational projects.
Looking forward to their return and we will keep you posted on their journey!!
Sarah Blundell
Leader of Digital Technologies/STEM
Full details of the uniform change were emailed to families this week.
Dance Eisteddfod
The Dance Eisteddfod schools night is on Thursday 16th September at the Glasshouse.
A Ripper Aussie Collective
Our whole school concert at the Glasshouse has been postponed to 2nd November. Tickets are booked through The Glasshouse Box Office and we will inform you of the sale dates as it draws closer.
Watch out for the costume details to come soon.
Yours in Creative and Performing Arts
Leah Toole
Creative Arts Co-ordinator
Futsal Championships - Postponement
Our Boys U12 Futsal team that represented us at the Hastings School Futsal Titles on Thursday 29th April, has been invited to progress to Stage 2 of the School Futsal Program, the NNSW Champion of Champions event. The NNSW Champion of Champions event boosts the most successful teams from Hastings, Manning, New England and Coffs Coast school titles to play in a round robin day of Futsal. The team were looking forward to playing at Sportz Central in Coffs Harbour on Wednesday 25th August 2021. However due to current COVID-19 restrictions, it has been postponed to Tuesday 14th September. As time gets closer, this will be confirmed.
Martial Arts Champion
Over the weekend Lainey Campbell (5S) competed in the Australian Martial Arts championships held here in Port Macquarie. This was her second competition this year that she needed to place in the top ten to qualify for the state titles. She competed in the 13yrs and under boys and girls traditional weapons, placing 1st, the 10yr girls traditional forms, placing 1st and demonstrations coming in at 4th. After coming 2nd in the Coffs Harbour round she has now qualified for the state titles in September. Congratulations Lainey!
Grade Sport Uniform Days for Term 3
Leah Toole and David Lynch
Sports Coordinator and Assistant Sports Coordinator
Fruit for Crunch’n’Sip
Fruit can be ordered in a lunch order for Fruit Break (Crunch’n’Sip) but please remember to let your child know that it is part of their lunch order and that they will need to collect it from the Canteen. Fruit can be ordered with over the counter lunch orders or Flexischool online orders (preferred method).
CANTEEN REMINDERS
- Flexischools cut off time for daily orders is 8:30am. You can place your orders the day before, or at the beginning of the week, to make sure they are in on time. The cut off time is set to ensure that there is enough time to process, prepare and pack all of the lunch orders each day.
- Please remind your children if they have a hand written lunch order to drop it off first thing in the morning or if they need to pick up their fruit break items from the canteen.
- We do not offer an IOU service. If you don't use Flexischools and do not have cash for lunch orders you can pay in the office using EFTPOS. If there are any issues with providing lunch please call the office to discuss.
lunch orders
Canteen lunch orders can be placed via Flexischools or by dropping them in the basket on the counter each morning.
Flexischools is our preferred method for submitting lunch orders.
Reminder - Cutoff time for online orders is 8.30am.
- Download the Flexischools app from the App Store or from Google Play.
Note: for iPhone and iPad please select ‘Allow’ notification - Click “Register Now” to create account
- Top-up your balance
- Start ordering immediately
- Alternatively Go to www.flexischools.com.au or you can find the link on the school website.
Don’t forget you can place your online orders days or even weeks in advance, making the morning rush even easier!
Kim Goldie
Canteen Coodinator
Year 2 Had A Very Interesting Visitor
Year 3 Science
In Science and Technology this term, Year 3 has been investigating States of Matter.
As part of the children’s learning, they worked scientifically to create and complete an experiment to demonstrate changing states of matter. There were many inspiring and excited young scientists.
KBC | Brakkx Partridge | Elvis Scott | Cody Ylias |
KSC | Levi Widdison | Ayla Pipes | Isabelle Mat |
1B | Grace Gluckstern-Hill | Ashvik Thapa | James Thorburn |
1R | Anika Suveesh | Harry Herbert | Harvey Porter |
2S | Diane-Grace King | Izakk Partridge | Elsie Enriquez |
2T | Taylor Ashcroft | Talon Swaysland | Hudson Young |
3D | Kalani Berry | Harlow Maher | Lenny Dixon |
3H | Gemma Cooper | Jade Hanks | Toby Smurthwaite |
4MG | Olivia Austin | Rocco Davidson | Joel Crook |
Week 6 - Term 3 2021
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Sunday 15th August |
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Monday 16th August |
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Tuesday 17th August |
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Wednesday |
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Thursday 19th August |
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Friday 20th August |
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Week 7 - Term 3 2021
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Monday 23rd August |
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Tuesday 24th August |
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Wednesday |
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Thursday 26th August |
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Friday 27th August |
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Week 8 - Term 3 2021
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Monday 30th August |
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Tuesday 31st August |
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Wednesday |
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Thursday 2nd September |
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Friday 3rd September |
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Sunday 5th September |
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Week 9 - Term 3 2021
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Monday 6th September |
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Tuesday 7th September |
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Wednesday |
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Thursday 9th September |
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Friday 10th September |
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Week 10 - Term 3 2021 |
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Monday 13th September |
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Tuesday 14th September |
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Wednesday |
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Thursday 16th September |
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Friday 17th September |
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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 2021 school term dates are listed below. They are also located on our website. Click on the words “TERM DATES” on the home page.
TERM 3
Staff Development Day (Pupil Free) – Monday 12th July 2021
NO child minding available
Kindergarten to Year 6 commence classes Term 3 – Tuesday 13th July 2021
Kindergarten to Year 6 last day of classes Term 3 – Friday 17th September 2021
TERM 4
Staff Development Day (Pupil Free) – Tuesday 5th October 2021
NO child minding available
Kindergarten to Year 6 commence classes Term 4 – Wednesday 6th October 2021
Kindergarten to Year 6 last day of classes form Term 4 - Wednesday 15th December 2021
Other Holidays in 2021
Labour Day – Monday 4th October 2021 (Public Holiday)
Christmas Day - Saturday 25th December 2021
Boxing Day - Sunday 26th December 2021
SAPPS Uniform Change From 2022
Year 4 School Project Resources Request Term 3
COVID-19 Confirmed case in community - Lismore, Byron Bay, Casino, Ballina
COVID Update - Letter to Parents, Caregivers and Families (9 August 2021) - Armidale and Tamworth LGAs
COVID Update - Letter to Parents Caregivers & Families (9 August 2021) - Outside the Byron Shire, Richmond Valley, Lismore & Ballina Shire LGAs
Postponement - NNSW School Futsal Champion of Champions 2021, Coffs Harbour
Student School Reports Parent Portal - Parent and carers feedback
Student Leadership Positions for 2022
Year 2 School Project Resources Request
Year 5 Leadership Retreat 2021