After the Flood

Our school clean up and rectification program is well underway with our Year Six classes hopefully moving back into their new rooms by the close of the term. Our canteen will be next on the list and will hopefully be ready to reopen at the beginning of next term. I thank our staff and students for their patience and resilience during this time, as our beautiful school slowly gets its spaces and playground back.

NAIDOC Celebrations

Today and next Tuesday, St Joseph’s will be celebrating and acknowledging NAIDOC Week 2025. Due to official NAIDOC Week celebrations being held over the first week of the school holidays, St Joseph’s will acknowledge our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and peoples today and next week, when we participate and engage in Dhunghutti language, traditional art experiences and various activities, beginning with a traditional smoking ceremony led by Dhunghutti Elder’s.

NAIDOC stands for, the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee, and celebrates the heritage of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and invites all Australians to ensure we are living in a society where the wisdom, contributions, stories, traditions, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are celebrated, valued and respected.

This year's NAIDOC Week theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, celebrates not only the achievements of the past, but also the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of our young leaders, the vision of our community and the legacy of our aboriginal elders and ancestors.

This year’s theme, represents the enduring strength and vitality of Indigenous cultures, passed down through generations. It symbolises a connection to the land, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. As we honour the past, we commit to acknowledging, preserving, and sharing the Aboriginal cultural heritage, that has of course, enriched our nation, and is an underlying statement of who we all are as Australians.

The staff and students of St Joseph’s Primary are also thankful and grateful for our fantastic Aboriginal Education Workers, Miss Shirley Hoskins and Mr Michael Mcphillips, who support and work alongside our St Joseph’s students each and every day.

Winter Warmth Uniforms

While we are experiencing these very cold mornings and days, I am fully understanding of the importance to ensure our children are cosy and warm at school. However, I am seeing several students out of uniform as they enter school in the mornings, and while I appreciate the hectic nature of a school morning, I ask that all students wear the assigned school uniform to school every day. We have several warm options available such as jackets, fleece jumpers, unisex trousers (for our academic uniform), track pants (for our sports uniform), and navy cotton footed tights for girls. Beanies, scarves and gloves are not school uniform, and should not be worn to school. I am also seeing long sleeve T-shirts being worn under blouses and shirts. These are also not school inform, and If worn, must be accompanied with the school jacket or fleece in order for them not to be seen.

If on occasion, the incorrect uniform has to be worn to school, please either, contact the class teacher through email or Compass, or send a note with your child outlining why the incorrect uniform item is being worn and when this will be rectified.

 For those of you heading off on a winter break over the school holidays, have a safe and fun time with your families. For those of you staying home, enjoy the beautiful environment that our fantastic valley has on offer.

As always, I thank you for your support in regards to your child’s ongoing learning and growth, and I will see you again in Term 3.

Guy Campbell
Driving Excellence in the Macleay

The church recognises each of these Saints
separately with their own feast day (The Chair of St Peter in February, and the Conversion of Paul in January). This weekend’s solemnity, it would seem is for us to focus on the connection between the two of them. They did not live in one another’s world. Peter was a disciple of Jesus, originally from Galilee. Paul, from Tarsus, would never have met Jesus. Peter was a simple man, a fisherman, eager and passionate, but something of a loose cannon at times. Paul was a theologian, also deeply committed to his work, but prior to his conversion was an apostle to the gentiles. Both however, were flawed, they both made errors. Both were weak and frail in character but were called by God to follow and serve him. Just like us. God doesn’t ask for perfect men and women. In today’s Gospel, and elsewhere, he does ask us to be forgiving human beings. Peter and Paul were different, but complementary. Peter, the “rock”, represents order and structure. Paul represents speculation, theology and evangelisation. John Henry Newman says together they give the church its energy, impetus and life. Each needs the other. Without the Pauline elements, Newman says, the Petrine would become stony and lifeless. Without the Petrine element, the Pauline way would devolve into a debating society and potential chaos. When the complementary elements embrace, the church is dynamically aligned. I see a parallel with the Society. On the back of a strong history, our vast network of members contribute unique qualities and talents and a remarkable willingness to give. Employees in the organisation bring necessary experience and knowledge of current best practice and a desire to make a difference in the world. All of us bring compassion and a belief in the dignity of the human person. Together we are a dynamic force, dedicated to bettering the lives of those we assist (Reflection by Leonie Duck)

Last Friday, our Year 6 students travelled to St Joseph’s Regional High School to take part in the GLOW Retreat, joining with fellow Year 6 students from across the Hastings region.

The retreat offered a meaningful opportunity for students to reflect on how they can be a source of light in the world and act as a lighthouse for others. Through engaging activities, prayer, and storytelling, they explored the importance of sharing light, and discussed times when light can be diminished—and when it can shine even brighter.

It was a powerful and inspiring day that encouraged our students to think deeply about the positive impact they can have in their communities.

On Wednesday, our staff and students came together for a heartfelt fundraiser to support the Cancer Council. Students from our school community prepared, brought in, and sold delicious cupcakes to each other throughout the day.

This sweet initiative not only raised valuable funds but also showed the wonderful spirit of generosity and community within our school.

A huge thank you to all those who baked for the day and helped to run the day, your generosity and time was overwhelming.  We received over 950 cupcakes!!

A total of $1000 was raised of which we will be donating half to The Biggest Morning Tea and half locally to MNCCI Kempsey Cancer Clinic.

Congratulations to Harry Holtmann who won the Surprise Cook draw - Harry picked up a cupcake cooking kit!  Happy baking Harry! 

We are proud to be celebrating NAIDOC Week 2025 with a dedicated day of cultural activities, reflection, and learning on Tuesday, 1st July. This special day brings our school community together to honour the histories, cultures, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The day will begin with a whole school gathering, featuring a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony led by Uncle John, followed by a prayer led by our Year 6 students, incorporating cultural language elements.

After morning learning in classrooms, students will enjoy a sausage sizzle lunch, with sausages available for $1 each. There is no need for pre-orders. A big thank you to our parent and staff volunteers for helping cook and serve, and to our Year 6 students who will assist on the day.

During the middle part of the day, students will rotate through a series of NAIDOC-themed activities. All students K-6 will participate in rotation activities which will engage students in learning about our Indigenous culture, traditions and language. Some of our activities include;

• Indigenous Songs with Aunty Vicki Taylor
  
• Felt Art with Watercolours
  
• Reconciliation Vine Craft with plaits and leaves
  
• Aboriginal Flag Cookie Decorating
  
• Rock Art
  

These hands-on, creative sessions provide students with meaningful opportunities to engage with culture, art, and storytelling.

This day reflects our school’s deep commitment to cultural learning, respect, and reconciliation. Thank you to all staff, community members, and cultural educators who are helping make this a rich and memorable experience for our students.

Always Was, Always Will Be.

ZONE CROSS COUNTRY