Week 6 Term 3 2025

Dear Families, 

'Manners That Make a Difference'

Earlier this week, we had a casual teacher join us for the first time, a new face in a new place, which we all know can be a little daunting. Later in the day, I had a chance to check in with him and see how his day was going. His response? A smile and a story that instantly made me proud.

Within the first half-hour of playground duty, he told me, at least six students had approached him, not because they needed help, but to say hello, welcome him to the school, and ask if he was doing okay. 

“It made my day”, he said. “I’ve taught at a lot of schools, but I don’t think I’ve ever felt that welcome, that quickly.”

It reminded me that manners aren't just about politeness—they're about respect, kindness, and recognising the people around us. In a busy school environment, it’s easy to rush through the day without stopping to say 'please,' 'thank you,' or 'excuse me.' But those small words carry a big message: you matter, and I appreciate you.

This week, we've started to talk to the children about the importance of manners, encouraging our students to practise these habits—holding doors open, using respectful language, and showing care for one another. It’s a reflection of what’s being modelled at home and reinforced in the classroom. And it’s those little things that help shape a culture we can all be proud of.

We’re looking forward to celebrating our wonderful dads with a special Father’s Day Breakfast on Friday 5 September, from 7.30 am to 8.45 am, followed by a whole-school Mass led by Stage 3 and a Father's Day Stall.

We’d love to make the morning extra special, so if any mums are available to help with cooking the BBQ or serving breakfast, please add this to the Google Form. We’d really appreciate your support!

A Google Form to let us know your family’s breakfast needs has been sent home via Compass. We can’t wait to share this celebration with you—stay tuned!

The St Joseph's Community Forum have also organised a Father's Day Stall to be held on Friday 5 September 2025. If you would like your child/children to purchase a gift, they will be available for $5.00.  A big thank you to the  Forum for organising the gifts and the wrapping of the presents. 

Junior Joeys next Wednesday, at 9 AM!

The Junior Joeys 2025 Transition Program has been going for 2 weeks now.  Our new tiny brave people (we had a few children who couldn't make it)  gave it their all for their first couple of days at big school. They loved all that the morning held for them and had lots of fun meeting all the girls and boys and teachers when they explored the classrooms and offices. 

Junior Joeys will continue next week on Wednesday from 9 am until 11 am, we can't wait to see what they do next.

We want to remind all families that chewing gum is NOT ALLOWED at school.

Recently, we’ve seen an increase in the number of students bringing and chewing gum during the school day. While we understand that gum may be common in other settings, it creates a number of challenges within a school environment.

Gum can easily end up stuck under desks, on walkways, or on school furniture, creating hygiene concerns, additional cleaning responsibilities, and unnecessary damage to school property. It also distracts during class time and is not in line with our expectations around respectful and responsible behaviour.

We kindly ask for your support in reinforcing this message at home. Please ensure your child does not bring chewing gum to school.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain a clean, respectful, and focused learning environment for all students.

• Stage 2 for your amazing efforts at Camp Goodenough
• Stage 3 for being terrific St Joseph's ambassadors at the Evans River Challenge 
• Kinder, Year 1 and Year 2 for looking after the school while Stage 2 & 3 were away at their Multisport Gala Day
• The Multi Sport Gala Day
• Our St Joseph's Community Forum for organising the Father's Day Stall
• Thank you for your time with us, Miss George (Prac teacher Kinder). We wish you all the best for the future. 

Have a wonderful weekend

Principal 

Father’s Day Mass – All Welcome

We warmly invite all members of our school community to join us for our Father’s Day Mass, which will be held on Friday 5 September 2025 at 9.30am in our Church. 

Our Stage 3 students will lead this special celebration, as we come together to honour and give thanks for the fathers, grandfathers, and father figures who play such an important role in our lives.

We look forward to sharing this meaningful occasion with you.

First Eucharist Preparation

Preparation is well underway for our students who will be receiving their First Eucharist (Holy Communion) on Saturday, 20 September 2025, at St John’s Church, Evans Head, at 5 pm.

The students will participate in three preparation sessions with Ms Wilkins, followed by a final meeting on Monday, 8 September at 3.45 pm, which parents are invited to attend.

This year, we are proud to support the following students as they prepare for this special Sacrament:
Abaigeal Ashton, Nancy Butler, Phoebe Jett, Jackson Marsden, Poppy Parkinson, and Eli Walsh.

We keep these students and their families in our prayers as they journey towards receiving Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time—an important and sacred step in their faith lives.

Stage 2 and 3 students will be attending the Multisport Gala Day, which will be held in Lismore on Friday, 29 August at various venues. Permission notes will be issued next week.