Term 3 Week 2, 2025
From our Leadership
Welcome
Dear St Joseph’s Community,
Welcome to Term 3; we hope everyone enjoyed a relaxing and enjoyable holiday break and is ready for the learning, spirituality and joy that awaits us throughout Term 3.
This week we celebrated NAIDOC Week, a time to recognise and celebrate the rich culture, history, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This annual observance is not just a week; it's a profound opportunity for all Australians to reflect, learn, and come together in unity.
This year's theme is "The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy." This theme celebrates the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week and acknowledges the achievements of the past while looking forward to the future, emphasising the role of the next generation, who will continue to shape our nation.
Throughout NAIDOC Week, students engaged in meaningful conversations, attended events, and were immersed in Indigenous art, music, dance, and storytelling. Together, let's honour NAIDOC Week, as we strive towards a future of unity, respect, and reconciliation.
The Feast Day of our only Australian Saint, Mary MacKillop, is celebrated on 8 August. On this day, we celebrate the important role she played in making education accessible for all children in our country.
God of the Pilgrim,
Mary MacKillop trusted your guidance in her journey of life
and deepened her confidence in your will
May we renew our trust in your Providence to lead us in hope.
May we relish the sacred in the ordinariness of our lives.
May we grow in the fullness of your love and the depth of your mystery.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, the way, the truth and the life.
Amen.
Tell Them From Me
We are pleased to share that the results from the 2025 Tell Them From Me parent survey have now been returned. A sincere thank you to the parents who took the time to complete the survey—your voice is valued and plays a vital role in shaping the future of our school.
Once again, the data highlights many areas of strength and growth within our school community, and we are grateful for the feedback received. In the coming weeks, we will take the time to engage deeply with the results, looking closely at areas that present opportunities for further improvement and development.
Below is a summary graph of the key findings. The survey includes seven separate measures, which were scored on a ten-point scale.
Thank you for partnering with us in the vision of St. Joseph’s—living and growing.
Teaching and Learning
DIBELS- Middle of Year Assessment
Throughout Weeks 1 to 3 of this term, students from Kindergarten to Year 6 will complete the DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) Middle of Year assessment. This important assessment measures key components of reading development such as phonemic awareness, fluency, and comprehension.
The data gathered will be used alongside InitiaLit assessments to help teachers tailor learning experiences to meet individual student needs. This may include targeted reteaching, focused small-group work, and additional check-ins to ensure every child continues to grow in their reading journey.
The results will also affirm and reflect the implementation of recent professional learning by our teachers, helping to evaluate its effectiveness and inform our next steps for teaching and learning priorities.
Following the completion of the assessments, a summary of your child’s progress and achievement will be sent home to keep you informed and engaged in their learning.
We appreciate your support as we continue to build strong foundations in literacy for every student.
5 Questions to Ask Your Child About Their Learning: Learning Intentions and Success Criteria
At school, we use Dr. Lyn Sharratt’s “5 Questions” to encourage students to become independent, thoughtful learners who understand their own progress. These questions come from the Assessment Waterfall Chart, a tool that supports meaningful reflection on learning for both teachers and students.
You can also use these 5 questions at home to support your child’s learning for their groups Learning Intentions and Success Criteria below. To guide your conversations, use the image shown.
Learning Intentions and Success Criteria- Writing
Learning Intentions and Success Criteria- Mathematics
Gardens
Thank you to Brett Nay and his team, your time and generosity in the rejuvenation of our gardens is much appreciated.
Our new gardens are looking fabulous!
Courses for Parents: ADHD and Autism
ADHD: This short course was developed with the help of Parents for ADHD Advocacy Australia (PAAA). This course is aimed at supporting the parents and carers of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Other people may also find it helpful, such as other relatives, teacher assistants, and teachers.
Autism: This short course is directed at parents and carers of children with autism. Other people may also find it helpful, such as other relatives, teacher assistants, and teachers.
Parents of children who’ve been identified on the autism spectrum have been interviewed to identify the issues that concern them the most. This is reflected in the videos throughout this short course.
Please find more information about the courses on the OLT platform linked here.
Principal-Danny Rankin
Assistant Principal-Anne Forwell
Leader of Learning - Brooke Donoghue
Leader of Evangelisation - Matthew Green
Book Club
Book Club Issue 5 is out now! If you would like to order through the school, please return your orders to school by Monday, 11 August. Please note the date on the booklets sent home is incorrect.
Remember you may also order online through the link below.
https://mybookclubs.
Gumbaynggirr Language - Liz Hegedus
Ginnagay Ngujawiny - Hello You Mob,
This week is NAIDOC Week at St Joseph's. There are many different activities the staff and students will be involved in such as: Visit from the NSW Grafton community Aboriginal Police Liaison Officer Jazmine Brown and Grafton Police Officers, Aboriginal Dancing with 'Pop' Michael Woods, Visit/talk from community Aboriginal elders and other Aboriginal members, NAIDOC Assembly, whole school BBQ lunch and painting boomerangs.
The theme for this year is 'The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy' celebrates not only the achievements of the past, but the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of our young leaders, the vision of our communities, and the legacy of our ancestors.
We are also acknowledging the past 50 years of NAIDOC. Every year the NAIDOC theme changed, to reflect the issues and events that were important and affected the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
On Monday Jazmine Brown (NSW Grafton community Aboriginal Police Liaison Officer) along with 2 fellow police women, came and spoke about their roles in the NSW Police Force. Jazmine's role is to liase with the community on any issues in regards to the NSW Police. Her job is to help bridge the gap between Aboriginal communities and various institutions, including police, hospitals, SES, ambulance, local businessess, schools, Fire Brigade, Aboriginal Medical centres and Legal services.
Jazmine has to facilitate communication, build relationships, and ensure that Aboriginal people have access to culturally appropriate services and support. Her job is of high maintance and she has to be very strong minded and physically capable to fulfil her job. The two fellow police women, spoke about what they have to wear for every duty, their vest that can weigh up to 20kg. The shoes that they wear also weigh up to 7 kgs. The students also had the chance to look up close and personal at a patrol car. With sirens blaring and lights flashing, we were able to place some of the senior students in the back of the paddy wagon, along with Mr Cooper! I take my hat off to the NSW police force and Jazmine you are all doing a wonderful job.
Tuesday, was dancing with 'Pop' Michael Woods. Michael is a Yaegl man from Maclean and his grandchildren attend our school. Michael is very proud of his Indigenous Culture and is happy to share his knowledge. The students had a great time learning about the different types of animal dances, and how important it is to show respect. Respect for yourself, family, community and country. I thank Michael for his constant help and knowledge.
Week 4 Newsletter will provide more information on other exciting activities our students participated in during NAIDOC week at St Joseph's.
Darrundang Ngiinda - Thankyou
Miss Liz Hegedus - Aboriginal Education Worker
School Notes
SCHOOL OFFICE HOURS
Please be advised our School Office is open between 8.20am and 3.20pm daily.
UNIFORMS
The school uniform is available to purchase through the Compass app.
Orders will be sent home with your child, please advise the Office you would prefer to collect.
Uniform collection times are Tuesday and Thursday between 8.30am - 8.45am & 2.30pm - 3.00pm.
MEDICATION
If your child is currently taking medication at school, parents are now required to complete the Medication permission form available through the Compass app.
If you have previously provided a paper copy, you will need to complete the online form to meet the new 2025 requirements.
ABSENCES
Only full day absences are to be entered into Compass, for partial absences - arriving late or leaving early please phone the School Office to notify.
Late arrivals - Parents are reminded to accompany your child to the Office to provide the reason for your child's late arrival.
Change to afternoon travel arrangements may be emailed to the school if before 12.00pm sjpgraf@lism.catholic.edu.au
After 12.00pm please phone the School Office on 6642 2899 with any changes.
Please notify the School Office if your child will be absent for an extended period of time, Principal approval may be required.
SCHOOL FEES
BPay is the preferred payment method for school fees.
Scheduled payments can be set up using BPay. The Biller Code and your personal reference number can be found on your Fee Statement.
Paying through BPay ensures that your payment goes directly to your account. Any enquireies please contact the School Office.
Uniforms
School Calendar
TERM 3 2025
Week 2
Friday, 1 August - School Assembly 2.15pm
Week 3
Mondy, 4 August - Intensive Swimming (Kindergarten, Year 1, 2, 3,4)
Friday, 8 August - St Mary MacKillop Feast Day
Week 4
Monday, 11 August - Intensive Swimming (Kindergarten, Year 1, 2, 3,4)
Friday, 14 August - Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary
Friday, 14 August - School Assembly 2.15pm
Week 5
Monday, 18 August - Intensive Swimming (Kindergarten, Year 1, 2, 3,4)
Saturday, 23 August & Sunday, 24 August - Sacrament of Holy Communion Commitment Masses
Week 6
Monday, 25 August - School Photo Day
Monday, 25 August - Intensive Swimming (Kindergarten, Year 1, 2, 3,4)
Tuesday, 26 August - Parent Group Meeting, Mercy Hall 6.00pm to 7.00pm
Wednesday, 27 August - Year 4 - 6 Touch Gala Day, Rushforth Park
Friday, 28 August - School Assembly 2.15pm
Week 7
Monday, 1 September - School Photo catch up day
Monday, 1 September - Intensive Swimming (Kindergarten, Year 1, 2, 3,4)
Friday, 5 September - Father's Day Celebration
Week 8
Wednesday, 10 September - Book Club due today
Thursday, 11 September - Public Speaking School Finals Years 3, 4, 5 & 6
Friday, 12 September - Colour Fun Run
Friday, 12 September - School Assembly 2.15pm
Saturday, 13 September & Sunday, 14 September - Sacrament of First Holy Communion
Week 9
Monday, 15 September to Wednesday, 17 September - Stage 3 Camp, Coffs Coast Adventure Centre
Thursday, 18 September - Term 3 Celebration, Disco and Family BBQ in the evening (Further details to be provided)
Week 10
Thursday, 25 September - Last day of Term 3 for students
Friday, 26 September - Staff Development Day (Pupil Free Day)
Canteen
Canteen Open every Wednesday and Friday
Canteen orders are placed through the Compass portal prior to 8.30am. Our menu has been updated and the following new items are now available to order:
- Banana Bread (gluten free)
- Fried rice with meat
- Chicken nuggets (gluten free)
- Frozen pinapple rings
- Jelly cup (diet)
Volunteers are always welcome, please leave your details with the School office if you're able to assist.