Week 10 Term 3 2025

Dear Families, 

As we come to the end of Term 3, I want to sincerely thank you for your continued support throughout the term. It has been a bit of an up-and-down term, with the rain playing havoc with some of our plans, but we got there in the end. While we had to postpone the Cracker Night Community Fair and a few sports events, I truly appreciate your understanding and flexibility.

Despite these setbacks, we can still look back on Term 3 and celebrate the many wonderful moments we've shared, including Book Week, Father’s Day, Kellie Coates and the ‘Girls Can Play’ initiative, 'Rainbow Roos' for the boys’ sportsmanship skills, Multi-Sport Gala Day, Stage 2 Camp Goodenough, whole school Masses, First Holy Communion, Assemblies, and of course, our Junior Joeys program.

This term has been full of fantastic learning, creativity, determination, and the building of strong friendships. I’d also like to acknowledge you, our incredible parent community. From running the canteen and participating in the Community Forum, to supporting Father’s Day as chefs and waitresses, organising and running the stall, and attending Book Week events, Masses, and Assemblies — we truly couldn’t do it without you. THANK YOU!

A huge thank you also goes to our wonderful students for your ongoing efforts in both learning and friendship, and to our dedicated staff for inspiring the best in all of us. What a term this has been!

It's always exciting to hear great news about our past students, and we have fantastic news to share about a former St Joseph's star!

A very proud grandma recently visited us to share that Ashlyn Stevenson, currently in Year 12, has received confirmation of an early offer for further study at university, along with a prestigious scholarship to help her on her way!

Ashlyn has secured an early offer entry to the Australian National University (ANU), where she will be pursuing a double degree in Political Science and Business Administration.

Recognising her exceptional academic record, Ashlyn has also been awarded the 'Bright Horizons Scholarship' for high-achieving students.

These offers are a wonderful recognition of her hard work, dedication, and commitment to learning over many years.

We are incredibly proud of Ashlyn and wish her all the very best as she continues her journey!

Last Friday, Stage 2 proudly shared their fantastic learning in Art, Writing, and Poetry. They also reflected on their wonderful experiences at Camp Goodenough, where they participated in fun group challenges to further help develop their skills in communication, problem-solving, cooperation, negotiation, respect, care, and physical activity.

The assembly was a great chance for the children to proudly share and talk about their amazing achievements. A big thanks to Stage 2, Mr Sandral and Mrs Spencer for all their hard work. And thanks so much to the parents who came along to join us!

Congratulations to our Junior Joeys who have made it through the 5 weeks of the Term 3 transition program. They really have slotted into the way of life at 'Big School' so easily. 

Junior Joeys will continue next Term commencing in Week 2 on Wednesday 22 October 2025.  We can't wait to welcome you back 

What an amazing couple of hours we had at our SRC Mini Fair Day on Thursday! Our students really embraced the Pink and Yellow theme, turning the school into a vibrant sea of colour to support the Cancer Council.

Throughout the SRC time, the children were enthusiastic and very determined to complete every activity.

The Student Representative Council went above and beyond, not only organising the event but also leading each of the fun activities. Highlights of the day included:

• The tricky Frisbee Throw and the classic Egg and Spoon Novelty Relays.

• The brave attempts at the Ping Pong Dare Challenge.

• The mental and physical workout of the Snakes and Ladders Number Challenge Board.

• The high-energy Freeze Dance Game, and

• The focused concentration required for the Cup Stack Challenge.

The culmination of the fair was a brilliant incentive system. Once the children completed all the activities, they traded their signed coupons for a raffle ticket.

After recess, some very excited children presented their tickets to receive a prize from the fantastic Tombola Store. This was a wonderful finish to our fundraiser, rewarding every student for their incredible effort and generosity.

The children truly shone, not just in their fun participation, but in the way they embraced the theme and donated so generously to such a good cause.

A huge thank you and congratulations must go to our Student Representative Council. Their leadership, hard work, and commitment ensured the day was smoothly run and packed with fun.

Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed! Every dollar raised goes directly to the Cancer Council to help in their vital work.

• Our Mini Fair
• The Student Representative Council
• Our students' enthusiasm, participation and generosity for a great cause. 
• Our First Eucharist Students Abaigeal, Phoebe, Jackson, Poppy and Eli- Congratulations.
• Stage 2 students for their terrific Assembly
• Our Junior Joeys for the amazing 5 weeks they have put in at 'Big School'
• Our students' determined efforts to complete the Premier's Reading Challenge
• Watching the movie 'Moana 2' as a treat for completing the PRC.
• For all that we've achieved and done in Term 3 
• HOLIDAYS!

Thank you for your ongoing support this term. Have a wonderful and safe holiday. 

Principal 

Congratulations to Abigeal Ashton, Phoebe Jett, Jackson Marsden, Poppy Parkinson and Eli Walsh, who received the Sacrament of the First Holy Eucharist last Saturday at St John's Catholic Church at Evans Head! It was a beautiful celebration and the culmination of their initiation Sacraments. We were so proud to share it with them, their families and the parishioners.

The children have spent several weeks preparing with great reverence and enthusiasm, learning about the meaning of the Eucharist and what it means to become a full participant in the Mass.

It was a joy to see the excitement and anticipation on their faces as they reverently approached the altar on Saturday night.

We thank Fr Peter Jones and the many family members who supported the children on this special path.

May this Sacrament continue to strengthen their faith and draw them closer to God throughout their lives. Well done, everyone!

Evans Head-Casino Nippers 

Register in person at the surf club on the 27th September 9am-11am.

Nippers is a beach safety program that encourages/guides children in building skills associated with teamwork, water safety, healthy habits, future lifesaving, problem solving as well as building knowledge and understanding of our community and environment. This is an opportunity for children and parents to be involved on our beautiful coastlines in a supportive environment. Please see the attached flyer for details.

Congratulations to Thomas Bailey, who has been recognised with a medallion for his selection in the Polding team for Hockey in 2025. Thomas attended the Polding selection trial in May at Bathurst, where he gained selection into the Polding team to attend the NSW PSSA Hockey Championships in Newcastle. At these championships, Thomas’ team had a very successful campaign, winning five games and 1 draw. This placed Thomas' team in the grand final against a strong South Coast team. Thomas’ team came away with a silver medal. What a fantastic achievement, Thomas’

Richmond Valley Aquatics ( Evans Head and Casino) are now taking bookings for swimming lessons and squad for Term 4. Please see all the information in the flyer. 

IMPORTANT SPORTS DATES

Friday 17th October	Touch Football Gala Day Years 4/5	(Summer Sports Trial Selection)
Tuesday 4th November	Summer Sport Trials	Tennis (12 pm) and Basketball (4 pm) Yr 4/5
Friday 5th December	St Joseph’s Swimming Carnival	Evans Head Pool