Dear Parents & Carers,

A Heartfelt Thank You for a Wonderful Family BBQ & Classroom Visit

Thank you to all the families, student leaders, and staff who came together this week for our Family BBQ and Classroom Visits. It was fantastic to see our school community gathering to connect, share, and celebrate the start of the year.

A special thank you to our dedicated staff and student leaders who warmly welcomed both new and returning families, showcasing what makes St Joseph’s such a special place. Their enthusiasm and hospitality created a welcoming atmosphere, helping families feel at home while exploring classrooms and engaging with teachers.

Many thanks also to the staff and student leaders who cooked and prepared the food—your hard work behind the scenes ensured that everyone enjoyed a delicious meal and a relaxed, social evening.

Events like these strengthen our school community, and we appreciate everyone who took the time to join us. We look forward to more opportunities to come together throughout the year!

A Special Thank You for Our Amazing New Mural

If you attended our Welcome BBQ, you may have noticed the incredible new mural on one of our external walls. We are thrilled to have this beautiful artwork as a permanent feature in our school.

A huge thank you to Austin and Monique from NITSUA for their outstanding work in bringing this vision to life. The mural serves as a daily reminder of our patron saint, St Joseph, and the inspiring St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. Their presence in our school playground encourages us to reflect on their values and the ways we can continue to "Make Jesus Real" in our daily lives.

We are so grateful for this meaningful addition to our school, which will inspire students, staff, and families for years to come. Be sure to take a moment to appreciate its beauty and the message it carries!

Come and Join Us

We are excited to invite you to our first School Community Council meeting of the year, taking place next Tuesday, February 25th at 7:00 PM.

All parents and carers are welcome to join either in person in the Open Learning Space (Library) or virtually via Teams. This is a great opportunity to stay informed, share ideas, and be involved in shaping our school community.

If you’d like to join us online, please use the Teams link in the community council section of the newsletter.

A FEW FURTHER REMINDERS

Privilege Students

Congratulations to Cydi F, Millie C, Kadie R, Peppa H, Patrick C and Jordan A.

May God bless you and your families

Matthew Mullins,

Principal

Religious Life of the School

Gospel

7th Sunday of Ordinary Time 

Luke 6:27-38  Jesus teaches his disciples to be merciful as God is merciful.

This week we continue to hear Jesus' Sermon on the Plain. These words from Jesus' teaching are familiar to us. They constitute the crux and the challenge of what it means to be a disciple: Love your enemies, turn the other cheek, give to those who ask, do unto others, lend without expecting repayment, judge not lest you be judged.

Sacrament of Reconciliation

** Please enrol. Late enrolments will need to make the Sacrament in 2026**

The enrolment night for the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be held at 6.00pm on Thursday 27^th February at Our Lady of Fatima. This will be for Year 3 and above students (students who may have missed it in previous years)

Enrolment and payment is now available on “Qkr!” under "Goulburn Mission". To access:

• Select Goulburn Mission (you may be prompted to add a profile)
• Then on the menu Select Mary Queen of Apostles Parish Goulburn
• Then select ‘Sacraments’ and then select MQA Confirmation 2025 $50.

The sessions will be held Thursdays (4pm to 5pm) 6^th, 13^th, 20^th & 27^th March, at St Brigid’s (old building next to the Cathedral).  A retreat/reflection day will take place on Wednesday 2nd April, with the Sacrament of Reconciliation being made that evening at Ss' Peter & Paul’s Cathedral on Thursday 3rd April.

Remember, Sacraments are PARISH BASED, the school and teachers assist the Parish on a volunteer basis.

Please contact the Parish Office for more information, visit mqagoulburn.org.au or email goulburn@cg.org.au .

Shrove Tuesday

The meaning of the word, SHROVE comes from the word SHRIVE which means absolution following confession. Christians traditionally visit their church on Shrove Tuesday to confess their sins and clean their soul, thus being shriven (absolved) before the start of Lent. In some Christian countries, especially those where the day is called Mardi Gras (or a translation thereof, carnival day), the last day of "fat eating" or "gorging" before the fasting period of Lent.

During the liturgical season of Lent, believers have historically abstained from rich foods such as meat, eggs, dairy, and alcohol. The tradition of pancake breakfasts during Shrovetide, owes itself to this practice of "using up the surplus eggs, milk and butter" prior to Lent; giving the modern name of Pancake Tuesday.

Shrove Tuesday serves a dual purpose of allowing Christians to repent of any sins they might have committed before the start of Lent on the next day, Ash Wednesday, and giving them the opportunity to engage in a last round of merriment before the start of the somber Lenten season, which is characterised by making a Lenten sacrifice, fasting, praying and engaging in various spiritual disciplines, such as marking a Lenten calendar, fasting, abstaining from luxuries and giving to those more needy (like Project Compassion).

Shrove Tuesday Activities

Mini Vinnies will be organising and running some activities to raise money for Project Compassion. These will include: Pancake House Races, Pancake Toss, as well as selling piklets at 2nd break.

The activities will take place on Lagoon St, just near the infants grass so all students can watch. Tables will be set up in the 3 eating areas of 2nd break, so Infants, Stage 2 & Stage 3 will have designated areas to purchase their piklets. Due to time restraints, the piklets will be sold with toppings eg: butter, jam etc. Piklets will be 50c each.

Ash Wednesday

Primary will be travelling to Ss' Peter & Paul's Cathedral for Ash Wednesday Mass, on Wednesday 5th March. Mass will begin at 10am. Ash Wednesday is a day of Solemnity (previously known as a day of Holy Obligation) where all Catholics are expected to attend Mass. Members of our school community are welcome to attend this Mass, which is designated as a School Mass for us and Ss' Peter & Paul's Primary - this means there is very limited seating, and if they are put out, you may need to sit on the black seats towards the side of the Cathedral.

Altar Server Training

If your child has made their First Holy Communion (so, Year 5 & 6 students at the moment), are Catholic and interested to become an Altar Server, then the Parish is collecting names of children.

In planning and preparing to teach children to be an Altar Server, please email the Presbytery on goulburn@cg.org, or myself sasha.cady@cg.catholic.edu.au and I will pass on:

*your child's first and last name,    *date of birth,     *parent's name,    *address, *email,     *mobile number and    *what Mass your child would be interested/prefer to serve at eg: Saturday Vigil (6pm/5pm), Sunday 8am at OLOF, Sunday 10am at SPP Cathedral, or even at Taralga or Crookwell.

Our next Community Council Meeting

Our next meeting will be next Tuesday 25th February at 7 pm in the Library. All are welcome.

https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NDAzNzc4MDYtZGJkYS00MTk3LTk4YWEtMmY1MDBjZjdhZWNh%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%229ba8c2d6-be27-4583-a686-5c6f5c4a9e97%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22065e6947-80d6-4de5-b151-f3be1d9a1cba%22%7d

Canteen Roster

Term Dates for 2025

TERM 1

Tuesday, 4 February 2025 - Thursday 10 April 2025

Good Friday, 18th April 2025

Easter Sunday, 20th April 2025

TERM 2

Tuesday, 29 April 2025 - Thursday 3 July 2025

TERM 3

Tuesday, 22 July 2025 - Thursday 25 September 2025

TERM 4

Tuesday, 14 October 2025 - Thursday 18 December 2025

Kinder Rest Days

Wednesday, 5th Feb

Wednesday, 12th Feb

Wednesday, 19th Feb

Wednesday, 26th Feb

Week 4, 2025

Tuesday, 18th February

CG / Wollongong AFL trials

Open classrooms 3.10 to 3.40pm

Wecome BBQ 3.40 to 4.20pm

Wednesday, 19th February 

Kinder Rest Day

CANTEEN CLOSED TODAY

Thursday, 20th February

NR Swimming Queanbeyan

Friday, 21st February

MacKillop Basketball and Tennis, Beaton Park

Year 1 and 2 intensive swimming 9.20 to 12 noon

Week 5, 2025

Tuesday, 25th February

Community Council Meeting in the Library 7pm

Wednesday, 26th February 

Kinder Rest Day, our last one

CANTEEN CLOSED TODAY

Friday, 28th February

Swimming Awards

Year 1 and 2 intensive swimming 9.20 to 12 noon

Week 6, 2025

Shrove Tuesday, 4th March

Pancakes sold at second break 50 c each

Wednesday, 5th March

Ash Wednesday Mass Year 3 to 6 10 to 11am

Ash Wednesday Liturgy Kinder to Year 2 11.45 to 12.15pm

CANTEEN CLOSED TODAY

Thursday, 6th March

CECG swimming Boorowa

Reconciliation Prep

Friday, 7th March

Year 1 and 2 intensive swimming 9.20 to 12 noon

School Assembly Year 6 Red 11.45am in the hall

Week 7, 2025

Tuesday, 11th March

Hockey trials TBC

Wednesday, 12th March

NAPLAN 3 and 5

Thursday, 13th March

NAPLAN 3 and 5

Reconcilation Prep

Friday, 14th March

NAPLAN 3 and 5

Year 1 and 2 intensive swimming 9.20 to 12 noon

2B assembly 11.45 am in the hall

Week 8, 2025

Monday, 17th March

NAPLAN 3 and 5

Tuesday, 18th March

St Joseph's Feast Day Mass OLOF 9.30 to 10.30am

Friday, 21st March

Cross Country - School Grounds

(back up Tuesday 25th March).

Year 1 and 2 intensive swimming 9.20 to 12 noon

Other Important Dates for Term 1

Friday, 4th April

Athletics Carnival- Hudson Park

(back up Wednesday 9th April).

Thursday, 10th April

Stations of the Cross

Easter hat Parade 

From the School Counsellor

Supporting Kids at the start of the new school year

Dear Parents,

With the return to a new school year, schedules are starting to get very busy again and it’s a lot on us as parents, and it’s even more on our kids. Take this article as permission look after yourselves! Monitor how your kids are going and if you are observing post-school melt downs happening more than just occasionally, it is time to respond by simplifying the after school routine.

Here’s some tips to help make late afternoons more peaceful when your child is adjusting to the new school year:

Expect kids to fall apart – Your child might hold it all together and be on their best behaviour at school and then the minute they get home they go off the rails. This is NORMAL behaviour. At school your child works so hard  to follow all the rules and have so many social interactions, it’s tiring and they need to let it out at some point.

Plan for downtime – School days are draining and your child needs to balance the demands of a new school year with some relaxation and rest. When you notice a pattern of after-school meltdowns, clear their afternoon/evening schedule for the week where possible. Postpone the playdates, skip the supermarket visit after school, and go straight home and let your child unwind.

Have a healthy snack ready – Your child might not eat enough at school. Drinking and eating are social in nature, and children just tend to snack until they are comfortable. Be prepared for their end of school day HANGRY side to come out and be ready with a nutrient dense snack.

Don’t take it personally – You’re probably so excited to see your child/ren at the end of the day to give them a hug and find all about what they got up to at school. Then you pick them up and they are tired and limited in what they want to share, making you feel disappointed or rejected. It’s not about you, give them space, time, rest and food.

Sensory play – Draw a bath with lots of bubbles and their favourite bath toys. Or put on some calm music and let them relax with a puzzle, play dough or kinetic sand play. They will love it and it will help them unwind.

 A popular book for those in junior primary school at the moment is by Author Jane Godwin and illustrator Anna Walker. They have created a delightful picture book all about families’ busy lives. It’s called ‘Today We Have No Plans’ – ‘a busy week, a slower day brings time to dream and time to play’. Also available for loan at Libraries ACT.

Ongoing concerns about back to school anxiety; If your child is showing signs of difficulties with adjustment beyond the first few weeks of school term, such as ;

– physical symptoms like stomach aches, headaches or nausea

– trouble sleeping

– changes in appetite;

– changes in behaviour;

-expressing not wanting to go to school

They may be experiencing anxiety.

If you have concerns about your child experiencing back to school anxiety-

remember to make some quiet time together and ask open-ended questions – for example, ‘How are you feeling about starting/going/being back to school?’ This gives your child a chance to share their thoughts, feelings and anything that’s worrying them.

 Listen closely and acknowledge your child’s feelings. For example, ‘I can see why you would be worried about starting in a new class. I know that lots of kids feel anxious about making new friends.’

Remember, school is a major part of your child’s life, so try to see things from their point of view and don’t dismiss their worries, even if they seem small or silly to you. You don’t need to have all the answers or be able to fix things. Instead, the most important thing is that your child believes they can overcome their feelings of anxiety and knows that you’re there to help them through it.

For more information on how to support your child through back to school anxiety and where to go for professional support talk to your child’s class teacher as the first point of contact or see the following article on the Emerging Minds website;

https://d2p3kdr0nr4o3z.cloudfront.net/content/uploads/2024/01/29163457/8-tips-to-help-your-child-manage-back-to-school-anxiety.pdf

 With thanks to MCCG School Counselling resources and Emerging Minds website.

 

 

SPECIAL REPORT: The Wellbeing Barometer - 2025

The Wellbeing Barometer survey is an invaluable tool for schools, providing critical insights into the mental health and wellbeing of young people. This annual survey identifies areas of concern, highlights resilience and adaptability in students, and emphasises the importance of preventative strategies to promote positive outcomes.

Participation in this survey is strongly encouraged, as it offers a comprehensive view of students' experiences, challenges, and achievements. By capturing a detailed understanding of young people's experiences, the survey supports a tailored approach to enhancing their mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. It helps to identify strengths and areas for improvement, as well as pinpoint opportunities for early intervention.

The survey is part of an ongoing longitudinal study, and we encourage you to take a few moments to complete the survey for each of your children. Responses remain anonymous and should be based on your observations over the last 12 months. By working together, we can reduce the long-term impact of mental illness and make a meaningful difference to the lives of our young people for a brighter future.

Here is the link to your Special Report https://sjglb.nsw.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-wellbeing-barometer-2025-au

Goulburn Urgent Care Service and virtualKIDS service from Sydney Children’s Hospital Network

 As part of the NSW Government’s Single Front Door Program, we’re working to reduce the load on our emergency departments, and efficiently connect people with the care they need, close to home or virtually, safely diverting avoidable demand. You can find out more about the campaign at: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/anywhere

If your child is unwell and you’re not sure where to go, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for free anytime, day or night.

A registered nurse will ask some questions and connect you or your child with the right healthcare option for you, such as booking you an appointment at the Goulburn Urgent Care Service or connecting you with the virtualKIDS service by phone or video. They will call you an ambulance or direct you to the nearest emergency department if your situation is life-threatening.

Need support in your language? You can call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450 and ask for healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

You can also use the online healthdirect Symptom Checker or healthdirect Service Finder at healthdirect.gov.au

If it is life-threatening, call Triple Zero (000) or go to an Emergency Department.

Learn more: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/anywhere