28th August, Week 6, Term 3

From Our Principal - Mrs Kristie Coster

Dear St Joseph’s Community,

We recently received some overwhelmingly positive feedback from our families about the welcoming, friendly, and inclusive community here at St Joseph’s. This is something we value deeply and continually strive for, as it forms the heart of who we are as a school family.

Building and nurturing strong community ties is essential to the success of both our students and our school as a whole. A supportive and connected community helps every student thrive academically and personally while fostering a deep sense of belonging for our students and families alike. Two initiatives at St Joseph’s to support community connections are the Baptist Care Coffee Van and Cuppa and Catch Up afternoon tea.

It has been wonderful to see so many parents and students coming together for the Baptist Care Coffee Van on Wednesday mornings from 8:15 to 8:45 am. We hope this initiative continues to foster family connections and friendships over a warm cup of coffee, while also encouraging timely student arrival and attendance. Additionally, we’ve added a new bench seat in our entryway, providing a spot for parents to sit and chat during afternoon pick-up. Looking ahead, we’ll be hosting informal Cuppa and Catch Up afternoon teas from 2:30 to 3:00 pm on select days, offering parents a chance to enjoy a snack, make a cuppa, and catch up with one another. Keep an eye out for upcoming dates—we’d love to see you there!

We’re excited to announce that we will be hosting a School Disco for our students on Tuesday, 9th September! The disco will run from 4:30 to 5:00pm, followed by a sausage sizzle from 5:00 to 5:30pm. It’s sure to be a fun-filled afternoon of dancing, music, and great food—don’t miss it! This is an event for our school families only. All students must have a designated parent/guardian at school for the duration. Further details to come.

Last week, St Joseph’s came alive with the joy and creativity of Book Week 2025! Students and staff embraced this year’s theme, Reading Opens Doors.

A highlight of the celebrations is always the much-anticipated Community Book Week Character Parade, where we’re joined by families, friends, the CWA Preschool, and MRNC Playgroup. Creativity, colour, and imagination were on full display as students and staff proudly paraded for the audience, dressed as their favourite book characters in celebration of the joy of reading.

A big thank you to Mrs Verrall and staff for ‘dressing up’ our beautiful school and to our students, families and extended community for making Book Week a memorable and inspiring event. Every book is a new adventure—and this week reminded us just how magical reading can be!

Stage 2 and 3 Camp 

We’re very excited for our Stage 2 and Stage 3 students as they head off to Camp Goodenough next week! This is a wonderful opportunity for students to build independence, develop teamwork skills, and create lasting memories with their peers. With a range of fun and challenging activities planned, the camp promises to be both an adventure and a valuable learning experience. We look forward to hearing all their stories when they return!

Blessings for a safe and happy weekend!

Kristie Coster

Assembly Awards

Mission News

Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Meals played an important role in the society in which Jesus lived. More than a time for sharing nourishment, they were a time to share ideas and to model different aspects of social relationships. In Luke's Gospel, the places that a person ate (at the home of a tax collector, 5:29), the people with whom a person ate (sinners, 5:30), whether a person washed before eating (11:38), and, as is the case here, the place that a person sits while eating are all important. The narrator says Jesus tells a parable, but it is really wise advice to both guests and hosts about finding true happiness at the heavenly banquet.

Season of Creation

The Catholic Season of Creation is an annual ecumenical observance from September 1st to October 4th, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. It is a time for prayer and action to care for our common home, reflecting on our role as stewards of God's creation and addressing environmental challenges.

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.

We invite all members of our school and wider community to celebrate with us on this day. 

We pray for Braxton, Jacob, Isabelle, William and Patrick as they prepare to receive the Sacrament for the first time. 

Term 3 Celebrations

Friday September 5 Father’s Day Breakfast and Liturgy

Friday September 19 End of Term Mass 9:30am

Sports News

NSW Touch Football carnival
Congratulations to Kyden Bolt who represented Polding at the recent NSW PSSA Touch Football carnival in Dubbo. Thirteen regions, both Catholic and public, from around the state competed in these championships representing the best school-aged touch footballers in the state.Kyden and Polding finished a creditable 5th overall. On Tuesday Kyden represented the Richmond region at the Lismore Diocesan Athletics carnival at Coffs Harbour. Kyden competed in the 12 years 100m and 200m. Congratulations Kyden on all of your recent sporting achievements.

Zone Gala day

Tomorrow, Friday the 28th of August, Stage 2 and 3 will be travelling to Hepburn Park in Goonellabah to participate in the Richmond Zone Multisport Gala day. The students will have the opportunity to experience rugby league, AFL, soccer, futsal, hockey, table tennis, rugby union, touch football and tennis. We hope they have a fabulous day.

General Business

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

Mr Farr, William Gollan

Book Week

Barbara Wells - Library Award - Izabell Stevens

Canteen News