14 August 2024

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Welcome to Week 6.

Dear Parents & Guardians

It was great to see so many of our students wear a ‘Pop of Purple’ yesterday. Purple is now the hero colour of ‘BULLYING, NO WAY!’ week. 

This week we will be putting an emphasis on wearing purple as a way of representing peace, strength and empowerment to take a stand against bullying.  I am sure you will take some time to have a conversation with your own children regarding how they can positively navigate the challenges of this very important topic while also giving them a greater skillset to deal with difficult situations as they arise.

Book Week is next week.  Mrs Senini has sent out information on various events happening that week with the culmination as always being our Book Character Parade.  Please look out for more detailed information being sent home about the times of specific events.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank the parish and congratulate the staff and students on their wonderful behaviour and singing at last week’s Feast Day Mass for Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop.  St Mary MacKillop and her Josephite Sisters are immensely important to the charism of our school with the Josephite Sisters establishing Catholic Education in the Park Avenue area of Rockhampton in 1929.

The mass was a lovely celebration and a great way to honour Australia’s first Saint.

Well done to our senior rugby league team who won their Grand Final qualifier semi-final last Friday against Frenchville State School.  They will now play the blue-ribbon event and final game on Grand Final day at Rugby Park on Friday the 23^rd of August.  Best of luck to the team.

Congratulations to past Joey’s student Lillian Yarrow who this weekend past, made her Women’s NRL debut for the North Queensland Cowboys.  Well done Lilly, we know all the hard work has led to achieving this major life goal with the hope of many successes still to come.

Have a wonderful Week 6.

Don’t Forget …

• New Diocesan Director, Mr Michael McCusker School Visit. Wed 14^th August
• 2025 Prep Offers Sent Out. Friday 16^th August.
• Children’s Mass. Sat 17^th August @ 6:00pm in OLHC
• Week 7. National Book Week & Book Fair. 19^th – 23^rd August.
• Joey’s in Jamas. Tues 20^th Aug
• Book Week Parade. Thurs 22^nd August.
• Season B Sport Grand Final Day. Fri 23^rd August
• Pupil Free Day. Friday 30^th August.
• Father’s Day. Sunday 1^st September.
• Parent/Teacher Interviews. 2^nd – 6^th September
• RU OK Day. Thurs 12^th September.
• Term 3 Concludes. Fri 13^th September.

Have a great week.

Regards
Bernard Fitzgerald
Principal
St Joseph’s Catholic School, Park Avenue

St Joseph’s 2024 School Improvement Priorities:

• Christian Virtue – Dignity
• Increased Learning Gain & Achievement
• Learning Dispositions

CURRICULUM NEWS

Science Week

This week we celebrate everything science.  Thank you to all students who entered the science week competitions.  There were a lot of high-quality entries which made my job of choosing winners, very difficult.  I was blown away by the amount of effort the students put into their projects.  These entries will be on display in the library for all of this week for the student body to look at.

Congratulations to the winners:

Colouring Competition:

• Isabelle Platt (Year 2)
• Isla Stone (Year 1)

Endangered Species Project:

• Aurora Irving (Year 3)
• Olive O’Keeffe (Year 3)

Saving Habitats Project:

• Zane Barber (Year 5)
• Skylah McLean (Year 5)

Insert science competition photos

Book Week

Don’t forget that Book Week is coming up next week.  Lots of things happen in book week including Joeys in Jamas, Book Fair and Character Parade.

Joeys in Jamas:

Come along to the library in your pyjamas and spend time with your family reading books, playing games, cuddling guinea pigs and checking out the Book Fair.  Tuesday, 20^th August from 5pm – 7pm.

Book Fair:

Book Fair will be open throughout all of Book Week.  Purchases can be made before and after school as well as during first play.  Look out for more information on the Audiri app as the week draws closer.

Character Parade:

Students and staff are invited to come along to school dressed as their favourite book character on Thursday, 22^nd August.  Due to this being a PE day for some classes, we will hold the parade first thing that morning.  If your child has PE on that day, please ensure they can remove their costume to be able to participate in their PE lesson. The parade will start as soon as all classes have arrived to the MPA court and are ready to begin.  Please note that weapons are not acceptable parts of costumes on this day.

Premier’s Reading Challenge

THIS IS THE LAST WEEK FOR THE READING CHALLENGE

I am delighted to invite all students to join in the 2024 Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC).

The PRC is not a competition but a way to encourage students to develop a love of reading for life. Students are encouraged to select a range of fiction and non-fiction books suited to their reading ability and record books read during the reading period, from 7 May to 23 August. Attached to the newsletter is a reader record form to tally books read throughout the challenge.

To complete the challenge:

• Prep to Year 2 must read or experience at least 20 books
• Years 3 and 4 must read at least 20 books
• Years 5 to 9 must read at least 15 books.

Experiencing books can include shared reading, listening to stories, or reading picture books. The aim for the 2024 challenge is to encourage students to make time to read. Last year saw more than 110,000 children from around the state participate.

Book suggestions are available on the PRC website: 

Every student who completes the challenge, and returns the completed record reader form, will receive a Certificate of Achievement. I look forward to seeing as many of our students as possible take part in the 2024 Premier’s Reading Challenge.

Regards
Deanne Senini
Assistant Principal Curriculum

RELIGIOUS NEWS

The 19^th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jesus is the Living Bread.
John 6:41-51

Gospel Focus – Living Bread

There is an obvious connection between this week’s reading and the sacramental celebration of Eucharist. Jesus describes himself as living bread and then says whoever eats this living bread will live forever. These words capture the essence of the Church teaching about the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Jesus is present in several ways at the celebration of Eucharist, particularly present in the bread and wine that become his body and blood. Through our celebration of the Eucharist, Jesus offers us his continuing, enduring presence.

@Liturgy Help – by Greg Sunter

The Sacramental Moments of Everyday Life

This weekend, I spent time with my family and old friends. This included a family that has been a very significant part of my husband’s life for over 30 years. The patriarch of this family is unwell and in hospital. While visiting this no nonsense, hardened bushman, my son noticed the firm grasp he had on his Rosary Beads. “I’m praying all the time mate, for my salvation and for yours.” These words, I suspect will stay with my son always, they are likely the last they will share together. But more than that, the experience was sacramental.

Often, we don’t realise the significance of moments until we look back on them. As a Catholic, I believe each of us and the world in which we live have been given to us by the Grace of God. In saying this then, every encounter I have with others and the world around me can be divine.

There is a sacramental nature in our everyday reality. We are invited by Jesus to experience the presence of the Holy Spirit among us today. We are challenged to see beyond the ordinary in our experiences and recognise the divine presence interwoven in the fabric of creation. We are urged to find the extraordinary presence of God in our midst, in the everyday moments. As we do, we will experience the sacramental moments of everyday life.

Liturgical Celebrations Coming Up

*SJPA – St Joseph’s Park Avenue
*OLHC – Our Lady Help of Christians church (next to St Joseph’s, Park Avenue)
*MPA – Multipurpose Area (Basketball court)

Elizabeth Carter
Assistant Principal Religious Education

CLASSROOM NEWS

Yr 4

In Year 4, we have had an incredibly exciting and enriching few weeks, filled with creativity, exploration, and hands-on learning experiences. Here’s a recap of some of the highlights:

Design Day: Unleashing Creativity

Our Design Day was a smashing success! The students were given the challenge to design their own toys, and their creativity truly shone through. The classroom was buzzing with innovative ideas and collaborative spirit. It was wonderful to see the students applying their problem-solving skills and using various materials to bring their visions to life. The array of toys designed ranged from car launchers to vending machines, each one unique and reflecting the student's individuality.

Botanical Gardens and Zoo Trip: A Day of Discovery

Our recent trip to the Botanical Gardens and Zoo with Phil from Time Safari Tours was an unforgettable adventure. The students enjoyed a hands-on learning experience, exploring the diverse plant species at the gardens and observing the fascinating animals at the zoo. Phil, our knowledgeable guide, shared intriguing facts and stories that captivated the students' attention and enriched their understanding of the natural world.

At the Botanical Gardens, the students were particularly fascinated by the exotic plants and the serene environment. They learned about various species, their habitats, and the importance of conservation. The Zoo visit was equally thrilling, as the students got up close with animals. Students will apply their learning about water conservation, plants and animals as they design their own zoo enclosures in the coming days..

We are proud of the progress our students are making and the enthusiasm they bring to their learning. We look forward to sharing more exciting updates with you in the future.

SPORTING MATTERS

Rockhampton District Athletics 

Congratulations and good luck to Orlando (Year 4) and Tasharn (Year 6) who have been selected in the Rockhampton District Athletics team to compete at the Capricornia trials being held in Mackay next week.

Orlando will compete in the 10 years Shot Put & Discus and Tasharn will compete in 11 years 100m, 200m, Long Jump, High Jump and Tetrathlon. 

Touch Football Skill Session

Skills session with Jayden Benbow from QLD Touch.  Jayden has recently returned from the UK where he played for Australia in the World Cup.  

The session will be held on Tuesday 20th of August from 3pm till 4pm on our school oval.  Touch coaches will be present to help with the clinic. 

This Clinic is free and will be open to kids in all grades.

No RSVP is required. 

Interschool Sport

Congratulations and good luck to our 4 netball teams (Senior A, Junior A, Junior C and Junior E) who have made it through to the semi-finals this Friday.

The 6A Rugby League team have locked in a spot in the grand final next week at 2pm.  Their opponent will be decided this Friday.

Well done to all the students who have represented Joey’s playing either Rugby League, Netball or Hockey, we are so proud of all your efforts.

Rachael Duncan

Bullying – Important conversations to have with your child

This week, Joey’s is participating in the Bullying No Way: National week of action – 12 to 16 August 2024.

By working collaboratively within our community, we can collectively help reduce bullying.

Parents and carers play an important role in helping your child/children understand bullying and how to respond to it.

If your child tells you about things at school or you observe something in public that involves conflict or bullying, take the opportunity to talk about what bullying is. You can learn more about what defines bullying at bullyingnoway.gov.au.

Questions you could ask:

• What do you think bullying is?
• Have you seen it? How did you feel?
• Have you ever felt scared at school because of bullying?
• As well as me, who are the other adults you would talk to when it comes to things like bullying?
• Have you or your friends left other kids out on purpose? Do you think that was bullying? Why or why not?
• Have you ever tried to help someone who is being bullied? What happened? What would you do if it happened again?

Remind your child that bullying is never okay and discuss how they can respond safely if they experience or witness it.

Encourage them to seek help from a trusted adult and keep seeking support if needed.

By promoting open communication, we empower children to stand up against bullying and create a safer environment where everyone can feel that they belong.

For more information, visit bullyingnoway.gov.au.

Brooke Black
Pastoral Support & Wellbeing

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Congratulations to the following staff and students who will celebrate their birthday this week.  They are: Quinn C (Yr 1), Thomas H (Yr 6), Bailey S (Yr 3), Jimmy F (Yr 5), Mrs K Farr (Yr 1), and Mr Way.

Have a great day.

SCHOOL CROSSING SUPERVISORS

Celebrating Queensland's School Crossing Supervisors for 40 years of service

This year, Queensland’s School Crossing Supervisor Scheme celebrates 40 years of keeping kids safe as they travel to and from school.

We'd like to say a big thank you to our wonderful School Crossing Supervisors Janet Grainger and Malcolm Digby, for everything you do for our students and school community! You do a great job keeping our students and other pedestrians safe as they cross the road in peak drop-off and pick-up times.

Why not say a big thank you the next time you see them on duty! You can also show your appreciation for School Crossing Supervisors by slowing down, following directions and being courteous while travelling in our school zone.

Did you know?

• The School Crossing Supervisor Scheme is operated by the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
• There are more than 2000 school crossing supervisors who operate over 1300 crossings at more than 700 Queensland schools.
• There has not been a single fatality on a supervised crossing since the scheme started in 1984.

DRAKES SUPA IGA

Drakes Fundraiser for St. Joseph's Cathedral

I thank you for your support of this project which has raised over $40,000, of which the school community has played an important role.  Please continue to support the Cathedral by shopping at DRAKES using your key tag and receiving the benefits.

If you have not been part of this fundraiser you are invited to get a key tag from your local School or Church and shop at your local Drakes, one cent in every dollar you spend will go to the Cathedral.  No Fuss, only benefits.

Hoping to see you at Drakes 

Stay Safe
Shirley Hopkins
Co-ordinator, Drakes Fundraiser for St Joseph's Cathedral