31st July, Week 2, Term 3

From Our Principal - Mrs Kristie Coster

Dear St Joseph’s Community,

Welcome to Term 3; we hope everyone enjoyed a relaxing and enjoyable holiday break. 

It is with deep sadness that I share the news of the passing of Mary Howard, beloved wife of Mr Dom Howard. 

Mr Howard has been a dedicated and much-admired member of the St Joseph’s school community for many years. His warmth, generosity, and commitment have touched the lives of many.

Mary, too, was deeply devoted to Catholic education, serving with passion and purpose in her vocation as a teacher and leader at Xavier Catholic College, Skennars Head. Her impact on students, staff, and the broader community will be long remembered and deeply cherished.

Mary’s funeral will take place on Monday 4 August. As many of our staff members will be attending Mary's funeral and the wake to honour her and support Dom, it will be supervision only at school on this day. A small number of staff will be onsite to offer supervision of combined classes but there will be no programmed learning and teaching.

Please note: The Kindergarten 100 days celebration will now be held on Tuesday 5 August.

We extend our heartfelt prayers and sympathy to Mr Howard and his family during this time of great sorrow. May Mary rest in the eternal peace of Christ.

School will return to normal operations on Tuesday 5 August.

School Values: Self Responsibility and Respect

At St Joseph’s, we believe that the words we choose matter—not only because they affect others but because they reflect the love and dignity God calls us to share. This term, our school is placing a strong focus on using respectful language in all areas of school life—inside the classroom, in the playground, online, and beyond.

Respectful language is more than just being polite; it’s about showing kindness, understanding, and valuing others. Whether we're speaking to teachers, classmates, or members of our school community, using considerate words helps create a safe, inclusive, and positive environment for everyone.

Beginning next week, we will be reflecting with our students during assembly on how language impacts those around them to build awareness of how language choices can either uplift or harm. In doing so, we are living out the Gospel values of love, compassion, and respect for the dignity of every person. 

This focus supports our school values of self responsibility, safety and respect. Together, we’re working towards a culture where everyone feels heard, respected, and valued—because every voice matters, and every word counts.

We would greatly appreciate it if families could take the time to discuss the importance of using respectful language with their child, helping us work together in partnership. Let’s continue to speak with care and lead with respect.

Good Sleep Habits Make A Difference!

Healthy sleep plays a critical role in a student’s overall wellbeing, impacting not only on their physical health but also their ability to focus and function emotionally at school.

Establishing healthy sleep routines plays a vital role in supporting regular school attendance. When children get enough rest, they are more alert, focused, and ready to engage in learning. A consistent bedtime and wake-up schedule helps students arrive at school on time each day and in the right frame of mind to participate fully in the day. Poor sleep habits can lead to tiredness, difficulty concentrating, and increased absences. By prioritising good sleep at home, families can make a big difference in helping their children feel their best and make the most of each school day.

We value our partnership with parents and carers, and by working together, we can support improved attendance and give every student the best opportunity to succeed. Please reach out if you’d like to speak with your child’s classroom teacher or other staff member about how to encourage healthy sleep habits and good school attendance.

We look forward to a term filled with rich learning, spiritual growth, and the joy that comes from being part of our vibrant school community.

Blessings for a safe and happy weekend!

Kristie Coster

Acting Principal

Mission News

The Feast of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop- August 8

The Feast of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop holds significant importance for Australian children as it presents a powerful example of faith, dedication, and service. Saint Mary MacKillop, Australia's first canonized saint, dedicated her life to the education of poor children in rural Australia and New Zealand, establishing numerous schools with her Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart.

Her life teaches us about the value of perseverance in the face of adversity and unwavering trust in God. She embodied virtues such as openness, hospitality, generosity, and justice, particularly towards the needy and those unfairly treated. Her feast day serves as an inspiration to embrace our Christian heritage, work for a better society, and act with courage and commitment wherever there is poverty or injustice. 

Sacrament of First Eucharist

The Sacrament of First Eucharist will be celebrated on Sunday, September 14. This significant sacrament marks the final Sacrament of Initiation in the Catholic Church.

Students in Year 4 and above who have already received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Reconciliation are warmly invited to participate.

Please keep the children preparing for this special sacrament in your prayers.

Term 3 Celebrations

Friday August 15 Mass for the Feast of the Assumption 9:30am

Friday September 5 Father’s Day Breakfast and Liturgy

Friday September 19 End of Term Mass 9:30am

Sports News

Zone Athletics Carnival

The new date for the Richmond Zone Athletics Carnival has now been confirmed. The carnival will take place on Wednesday, 13th August, at St John’s College, Woodlawn.

Good luck to our Zone Athletics squad, Mason, Bodhi, Kyden, Chase, Chloe, Blake, Airies, Braxton, Flynn, Macen, Abel, Zain, Pip, Noah, Charlee, Jack, Cally, Kelsi, AJ, Tokobi, Indie, Leo, Taylor.

Kyden - NSWPSSA 

Huge congratulations to Kyden! Making the Polding NSWPSSA State Touch Team is an amazing achievement. We’re all so proud of you!

Library News

‘Book an Adventure’ is our Book Week theme this year. Our shortlisted CBCA books will be with us soon and on display for anyone who would like to read them. Our annual Book Fair helps us raise money for new books, either through purchase or donations which is always appreciated.

Mrs Verrall

Happy Birthday to the following who have celebrated their birthday since our last newsletter:

Kyden Bolt, Rayan Mabood, Leo Verrall, Jack Powell

Canteen News

We are still looking Canteen volunteers for Term 3. Without volunteers we are unable to offer the full canteen menu. Please keep an eye on Compass for any menu changes.

Book Parade, Wednesday 20th August we will be having a Hot Dog Lunch. This is a special menu and no other menu items will be available. Hot Dog Lunch Packs with a drink & a snack will be available for $5.00

For catering purposes, please return your pre-ordered form and money by Mon 18th Aug.

Parents/Grandparents/Friends are most welcome to join us for lunch.