2025 Term 1 Week 6
Give us the strength to set aside distractions that pull us away from Your love and the courage to seek forgiveness and renewal. May this season be a time of spiritual growth, where we walk in humility, generosity, and compassion.
Bless our school community with unity, patience, and understanding, and guide us to live as true disciples of Christ.
What better way to begin Lent than by joining us for a Parish Mass this Sunday at 10:00 am, where St Joseph’s will be hosting... We would love to see you there!
More Joyful Baby News at St Joseph’s!
Our St Joseph’s community has been blessed with the most wonderful news—Lisa and her family have welcomed a beautiful new addition! Elsie Maree Scott has arrived, bringing endless love and joy to Lisa, Matt, and proud big brother Charlie. Lisa is overjoyed to share that both she and Elsie are doing well and are now settling in at home.
We send our heartfelt congratulations to the Scott family on this precious blessing!
FAMILY WEEK!
At St Joseph’s, Family Week is all about celebrating the wonderful chaos, love, and laughter that make our families special! It’s a time to enjoy some quality moments together—whether that’s through prayer, reading, exercise, cooking up a storm (or a small disaster), or simply sharing a good laugh. Take this opportunity to appreciate the quirks that make your family one of a kind and create memories that will last longer than the leftovers in the fridge. Enjoy the fun!
Guest Speaker at Next Week’s Community Council Meeting
Next Tuesday, during the first half-hour of our Community Council meeting, we are privileged to welcome our school counsellor, Mark Holberton, as a guest speaker. Mark will be presenting on anxiety—how to work with it, recognize when children may need extra support, and explore the support options available.
This is a valuable opportunity for parents and carers, and we encourage you to join us. You can attend in person at 7:00 PM in the Open Learning Space or tune in online. We look forward to seeing you there!
The link to the meeting:
Student Leader Profiles Continued
Hi everyone, I'm Elijah Sheekey, and I'm proud to be your Vice Captain for 2025.
I love playing cricket and hockey, and I enjoy watching the NRL—especially supporting my favourite team, South Sydney. At home, my least favourite chore is taking the bin out. When it comes to food, I can't go past spaghetti and Mexican dishes.
My dream job after school is to become a professional cricketer, and my favourite place I've visited so far is Hawaii. I'm excited to work with everyone this year and look forward to a great 2025!
2 Blue Assembly
We look forward to the Year 2 Assembly this Friday at 11.45am. All parents and carers are welcome
Privilege Students
Congratulations to our Week 7 Privilege Students
Charlotte C, Abbey C, Jai R, Stella B, Lucas S and Hugh S.
May God bless you and your families
Matthew Mullins,
Principal
Religious Life of the School
Gospel
2nd Sunday of Lent
Luke 9:28b-36 Jesus is transfigured in the presence of Peter, John, and James.
The Transfiguration occurs on a mountain in the presence of just three of Jesus' disciples—Peter, James and John. On witnessing Jesus' Transfiguration and seeing Jesus with Elijah and Moses, Peter offers to construct three tents for them. Having just awoken, perhaps Peter's offer was made in confusion. We also notice that Peter reverted from his earlier confession that Jesus is the Messiah, calling Jesus “master” instead.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
The sessions will continue this Thursday (4pm to 5pm) 13th , and contniues 20th & 27th March, at St Brigid’s (old building next to the Cathedral). Alternately, sessions are also offered Sunday after 10am Mass.
Remember to bring their purple folders, with their workbook, and we encourage children to bring their pencil cases.
Remember, Sacraments are PARISH BASED, the school and teachers assist the Parish on a volunteer basis. Please be vigilant to pick your child up by 5pm, to allow teachers and sacramental co-ordinators to go home to their own families.
Please contact the Parish Office for more information, visit mqagoulburn.org.au or email goulburn@cg.org.au .
Project Compassion
This week, students are beginning to bring in their Project Compassion money box. This is our annual fundraiser during Lent. Students can decide if when to bring money in, either weekly, fortnightly, when their money box if full or at the end of term. Each classroom has a large money box students can add too, or whole money boxes can be handed in.
This week, Mini Vinnies will give up their lunch time on Friday to collect, add up and tally the money raised.
If more information, you can visit https://www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion/ , of read about Lam and how money from Project Compassion has helped him in Vietnam https://www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion/lam-story/ .
Parish Mass
Traditionally, St Joseph's hosts the Parish Mass the weekend before the Feast Day of St Joseph or St Mary of the Cross.
We are hosting the Parish Mass on Sunday 16th March, at the 10am Mass in the Cathedral.
Thank you very much to the students and families who have volunteered. As at the time of publication of the newsletter, we have:
1 Reader (we need 3 more) and Offertory has been filled.
So we are still needing volunteers for the Readings, saying the Prayers of the Faithful, Altar Serving or singing as part of the choir, we also want students and families attending Mass, and just being part of the parish.
If you or you child would like a role in our Parish Mass, please see me at school or email me so I can send you the readings or place you on my planning sheet for jobs. Entirely up to students if they wish to wear their school uniform or casual clothes.
At the end of the Mass, I like to take a photo of all our students who have attended. Please note: it is expected that School Captains, including Sports Captains, attend this Mass as part of their duty to represent our school outside the immediate school community.
St Joseph's Feast Day Mass
We will celebrate our Feast Day Mass on Tuesday 18th March, at 9:30 in OLOF.
Year 5 will host the Mass for our school. Family and friends are more than welcome to attend this Mass. Seating is tight, so if family and friends sit in the back pews that are not tagged for a class, then students can sit with you, or possibly you move amongst students when there is room in the pews.
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.
Canteen Roster
|
Term 1 Dates |
Volunteers |
| Wednesday, 12th March, week 6 | CANTEEN CLOSED, NO ORDERS |
| Thursday, 13th March | Jane Cremer |
| Friday, 14th March | Beth and Amy |
| Wednesday, 19th March week 7 | CANTEEN CLOSED, NO ORDERS |
| Thursday, 20th March | |
| Friday, 21st March | Beth and Amy |
| Wednesday, 26th March week 8 | CANTEEN CLOSED, NO ORDERS |
| Thursday, 27th March | Jen Ariss |
| Friday, 28th March | Beth and Amy |
Canteen News
Volunteers most welcome, please email the canteen canteen.sjglb@cg.catholic.edu.au
Our school canteen is open on Thursday and Friday.
Orders need to be placed by Qkr! before 8:30am on the day of order.
Whilst we understand accidents happen it does place a large strain on our canteen and office staff to assist in these situations.
To try to avoid this, please follow some of the steps below:
- How to order – place your order using the Qkr! app or write on a paper bag and send the order in with your child.
- Order on the app and confirm the date that you have selected is for the day you require.
- If your child is selecting the food please check it before you confirm the order (we now need to limit garlic bread to students as some were ordering up to 10 in one order)
- If your child is absent and no longer is required to receive the order please cancel prior to 8:30am on the day of order.
You can receive a Qkr credit note if you tap on the 3 lines at the top left of the home screen, select ‘my receipts’ and then select the order you wish to cancel. - If your child doesn’t have a lunch and they realise before 10:00am a phone call will be made to parents to ask them to bring lunch to school for them.
If you are unable we will provide your child with a basic sandwich (vegemite or cheese) and an IOU envelope will be sent home. - IOU’s - if your child brings home an IOU envelope please either return the envelope with cash payment or alternatively you can pay for it via Qkr using the “Canteen Outstanding Amounts”
- If you are unaware of the amount currently outstanding to your child please email canteen.sjglb@cg.catholic.edu.au and we can advise.
- There is a limit of $10 for over the counter purchases. Please do not send your child in with more than this as we will not accept $50 or $20 notes.
If you need to contact the school about lunch orders, please email canteen.sjglb@cg.catholic.edu.au or contact the school office 4821 3510 before 9:30 am.
If you are able to volunteer in the canteen please contact the office or email the canteen.sjglb@cg.catholic.edu.au with your availability.
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
Week 7, 2025
Wednesday, 12th March
NAPLAN 3 and 5
CANTEEN CLOSED TODAY
Thursday, 13th March
NAPLAN 3 and 5
Reconcilation Prep 4pm
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
Wednesday, 19th March
CANTEEN CLOSED TODAY
NAPLAN 3 and 5
Thursday, 20th March
Journey with Jesus Year 6 TCC
NAPLAN 3 and 5
Friday, 21st March
Cross Country - School Grounds
(back up Tuesday 25th March).
Year 1 and 2 intensive swimming 9.20 to 12 noon
NAPLAN 3 and 5
Week 9
Monday, 24th March
NAPLAN 3 and 5, last day
Tuesday, 25th March
Back up date for Cross Country
Wednesday, 26th March
CANTEEN CLOSED TODAY
Thursday, 27th March
CECG Netball Trials
Reconilation Prep
Friday, 28th March
MacKillop hockey trials
Week 10
Monday, 31st March
CECG Rugby League Trials, U11 and U12's
Wednesday, 2nd April
NSWCPS Swimming Sydney
Reconciliation Reflection Day
CANTEEN CLOSED TODAY
Thursday, 3rd April
NSWCPS Swimming Sydney
Reconciliation Sacrament
Try it at Trinity Day
Friday, 4th April
Athletics Carnival- Hudson Park
(back up Wednesday 9th April).
Week 11
Thursday, 10th April
Stations of the Cross
Easter hat Parade
Friday, 11th April
Parent Teacher Interviews, bookings to be made on COMPASS soon.
Wonderful Swimming
Last Friday at our assembly, we proudly recognised the students who qualified for the Archdiocesan Swimming Team!
A special shoutout to our Northern Region Senior Girl Champion, Arianna Grant, and our Northern Region Junior Boy Champion, John Edwards—an incredible achievement!
A huge congratulations to Stella Bowden, Lucy Grant, John Edwards, Belinda Jiang, Chayse Toole, Sophie Quade, Grace Martin, and Piper Webber for securing their spots on the Archdiocesan Swimming Team! Well done to all—your hard work and dedication have truly paid off!
Stage 1 Intensive Swimming- weeks 4-8
A reminder that years 1 and 2 students will be completing 5 intensive swimming sessions each Friday commencing on February 21st, continuing 28th, 7th March, 14th and the 21st is our last week.
UNIFORM SHOP NEWS
Hi everyone,
I will no longer be opening the uniform shop Thursday morning.
The new opening time for the rest of the term will be Thursday afternoon from 2:30pm.
Don't forget to try on your winter uniforms!
Thanks, Lauren
Community Council Meeting:
We would love your feedback!!!
We’re reaching out to our amazing community for fresh, creative ideas to help raise funds for our wonderful school! Whether it’s a fun event, or a new twist on a classic fundraiser, we want to hear from YOU!
We’re also currently brainstorming ideas on improvements we can make within our school. These include putting a roof over the car line waiting area , painted artworks to improve connection with sporting houses, and new school gazebos to name a few.
We know that the best ideas often come from the people who care the most about our school and we would love to hear from YOU.
Here’s how you can help:
- Share your ideas: Email the office or me directly at tahu_fred@bigpond.com with your suggestions.
- Volunteer to help: If you have skills or connections that could help make an event happen, we’d be thrilled to have you on board.
- Join us at upcoming events: Stay tuned for more details on the exciting events we’ll be hosting soon!
Meet our School Counsellor Mark who will chat about anxiety..
We are meeting up at Tuesday 18th March at
7 pm in the Library or tune in online. All are welcome.
The link for the meeting-
50 Questions to ask Your Children Instead of ‘How was School?’
- Can you tell me an example of kindness you saw/showed?
- Was there an example of unkindness? How did you respond?
- Does everyone have a friend at recess?
- What was the book about that your teacher read?
- What’s the word of the week?
- Did anyone do anything silly to make you laugh?
- Did anyone cry?
- What did you do that was creative?
- What is the most popular game at recess?
- What was the best thing that happened today?
- Did you help anyone today?
- Did you tell anyone “thank you?”
- Who did you sit with at lunch?
- What made you laugh?
- Did you learn something you didn’t understand?
- Who inspired you today?
- What was the peak and the pit?
- What was your least favourite part of the day?
- Was anyone in your class gone today?
- Did you ever feel unsafe?
- What is something you heard that surprised you?
- What is something you saw that made you think?
- Who did you play with today?
- Tell me something you know today that you didn’t know yesterday.
- What is something that challenged you?
- How did someone fill your bucket today? Whose bucket did you fill?
- Did you like your lunch?
- Rate your day on a scale from 1-10.
- Did anyone get in trouble today?
- How were you brave today?
- What questions did you ask at school today?
- Tell us your top two things from the day (before you can be excused from the dinner table!).
- What are you looking forward to tomorrow?
- What are you reading?
- What was the hardest rule to follow today?
- Teach me something I don’t know.
- If you could change one thing about your day, what would it be?
- (For older kids): Do you feel prepared for your history test?” or, “Is there anything on your mind that you’d like to talk about?” (In my opinion, the key is not only the way a question is phrased, but responding in a supportive way.)
- Who did you share your snacks with at lunch?
- What made your teacher smile? What made her frown?
- What kind of person were you today?
- What made you feel happy?
- What made you feel proud?
- What made you feel loved?
- Did you learn any new words today?
- What do you hope to do before school is out for the year?
- If you could switch seats with anyone in class, who would it be? And why?
- What is your least favourite part of the school building? And favourite?
- If you switched places with your teacher tomorrow, what would you teach the class?
- What made you smile today?
Students Name: Eli P
Born: 2013
Favourite sport: Soccer
Favourite Food: Pizza
Favourite colour: Dark red
Hero or would love to meet: Christiano Ronaldo
When I grow up, I would like to be: Police officer