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- Message from the Principal
- Mission & Learning at Joey's
- Student Awards, Term 3 Weeks 4 - 6
- Sports Report
- News from the Enviro Team
- Health & Wellbeing
- Canteen News
- St Joseph's OOSH & Vacation Care
- A Direction Statement for Parents Enrolling in a Catholic School
- School Fees
- Keeping School Funding Fair - What you need to know
- Learn more about COMPASS - School Communication Platform APP
- How to Purchase your child's School Uniform
- Travelling to School by Bus
- Supporting Diverse Learning - Copy
- Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD) - Copy
- Child Safety Handbook - Copy
- Catholic School Parents - Resources
- Billboard
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Dear Parents, Caregivers and Families,
Book Week, more than just a parade
I talk to the students regularly about being life-long learners. Reading is a regular homework activity that should be completed every night. Regular reading boosts a student’s performance in school, increases the amount of words students know, raises their self-esteem, builds good communication skills, and strengthens brains. While this exemplifies the importance of regular reading, what I witnessed at this week’s Book Week Day, was a vibrant and engaging community event. The purpose of Book Week is to bring children and books together, however, I saw an event that brought our St Joseph’s community together, albeit for a day. It was great to see all the happy smiling faces from both our children and their parents, carers and families. The Principal was seen to be a bit ‘wimpy’ though!
I would like to thank and congratulate our St Joseph’s community for getting into the spirit of this event. Well done everyone!
I encourage you to please have a look at the importance of reading to kids at bedtime, link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPYD3Y0c9Mc
Celebrating our Spirituality as one community
On the 15th of August, the students and staff of St Joseph’s and St Paul’s, together with residents of Vincent Court and parishioners, celebrated the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This significant feast day recalls the spiritual and physical departure of the Mother of Jesus Christ from the earth, when both her soul and her body were taken into the presence of God. We thank Father James for celebrating the Mass for us, and St Paul’s for their hospitality.
School Fees 2026
2026 School Fees and levy are now released. School fees play a large role in the functioning of St Joseph’s, and pay for water & electricity usage, general school maintenance upgrades & cleaning, the canteen, School admin, learning resources, staff professional learning, classroom equipment, IT resources & equipment, stationary & photocopiers, security and much more. School fees in 2026 will be $1780 per year, plus the Family Levy of $860 per family (across K-12 at St Joseph’s and St Paul’s). I thank all families who pay their fees promptly upon the invoice due date. Please contact myself if you are having trouble paying your fees.
Being Kind
At today’s assembly I spoke to the school community about, being kind. I mentioned how being kind to others makes us happy in a number of different ways. I challenged all students to be as kind as they can to others over the weekend and throughout the next week, as doing something kind to someone will make you feel better about yourself, and put you in a better mood. I encourage you to please continue this conversation at home.
Video Games Classification Ratings
Parents, families and caregivers, I feel it is important to bring to your attention my concern that some students are playing video games and reading literature which is well above primary school age classification. Several popular video games such as the ‘Grand Theft Auto’ franchise, has a classification ranging from MA15+ (for medium level animated violence, Adult themes, strong drug use, sexual references), to R18+ (for drug use), while ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ and ‘Poppy Playtime’ are rated M (for horror themes).
I ask all parents, ‘do you know the games your children are playing and do you know their classifications?’
An R-rated film may contain, adult themes, adult activity, hard language, intense or persistent violence, sexually-oriented nudity, drug abuse or other elements, while, titles given an M rating may have content that includes, intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content and/or strong language.
Titles rated AO (Adults Only) have content that should only be played by persons 18 years and older. Titles in this category may include prolonged scenes of intense violence and/or graphic sexual content and nudity.
Due to the interactive nature of computer games and the active repetitive involvement of the participant, computer games may have a higher impact than similarly themed depictions of the classifiable elements in film, and therefore greater potential for harm or detriment, particularly to minors.
Classifications
M - MATURE
Material classified M is not recommended for persons under 15 years of age.
MA 15+ - MATURE ACCOMPANIED
Material classified MA 15+ is considered unsuitable for persons under 15 years of age. It is a legally restricted category.
R 18+ - RESTRICTED
Material classified R 18+ is legally restricted to adults. Some material classified R 18+ may be offensive to sections of the adult community.
Please see the links below for more information;
https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2012L01934
https://www.classification.gov.au/classification-ratings/what-do-ratings-mean
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/ (although this is a U.S. site, it may give you a sense of the appropriateness of the title).
As always, I thank you for your ongoing support.
Guy Campbell
Driving Excellence in the Macleay
BEING REAL
Thankfully, every wedding reception I have attended has had a seating plan which placed me in a specific place so I didn’t have to make achoice where I sat. Contrast that to the dilemma posed by Jesus to the Pharisees when he is sharing a Sabbath dinner. Having noticed that they vie for positions of honour closest to the head of the table, Jesus teaches us the value and importance of humility. The positions closest to the head of the table indicated influence, power and position in Jewish, and Roman society. And humility was not a virtue attributed to the Pharisees.
It is humility that is the central theme running through both our First Reading and the Gospel today. The Trappist monk, Thomas Merton once said, “pride makes us artificial and humility makes us real.” To be humble and real is to be aware of, and appreciate the God given gifts of both yourself and the other people you connect with. And the advice from the Book of Sirach is, “be gentle in carrying out your business and you will be better loved than a lavish giver.”
Humility is also one of the essential virtues of St Vincent de Paul and of the Society. In the Rule 2.5.1, five of Vincent’s virtues are identified as being essential for members to promote love and show respect for the poor. “Humility, accepting the truth about our frailties, gifts, talents and charisms, yet knowing that all that God gives us is for others, and that we can achieve nothing of eternal value without his grace.” Possibly this is what Merton means by being real. Being reflective and self-aware and honest about who we really are before God.
Luke ends this gospel passage with an invitation that is radically different to both the dinner Jesus was attending and the wedding feast theme of his parable. His direction is to invite the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind to our party with no expectation of having the invitation returned. (Reflection in part by Greg Ryan)
Sourced from: https://cms.vinnies.org.au/media/wyqh0odx/0325-spiritual-reflection-guide-may-2025-digi.pdf?folder=nsw__publications-nsw__spiritual-reflection-guides&path=wyqh0odx%2F0325-spiritual-reflection-guide-may-2025-digi.pdf
Prayer
Lord, be with us as we meet our brothers and sisters in need.
Let us be your face, hands and words to those who need your presence
and welcome embrace.
Amen.
Sourced from: https://cms.vinnies.org.au/media/aeudns1a/srg_may_sept_2024_web.pdf?folder=nsw__spiritual-reflection-
guides&path=aeudns1a%2Fsrg_may_sept_2024_web.pdf
FATHER'S DAY LUNCH & PLAY
YEAR 6 ENTREPRENEURS ARE IN BUSINESS!
This term, our Year 6 students have embarked on an exciting entrepreneurial journey with the $20 Boss program. This innovative initiative challenges each student to design and launch their very own mini-business with a starting investment of just $20.
Currently, our young business people are in the preparation stages, working diligently to brainstorm, design and create their unique products. The program is an incredible opportunity for students to apply mathematical concepts like profit, loss and investment in a real-world context. They're learning firsthand how these financial principles work as they plan their budget and pricing strategies.
The hard work will culminate in a market stall later in the term, where students will have the chance to sell their products. It's a fantastic opportunity for them to experience the full business cycle from creation to sales. To drum up interest, students will also be developing their own advertising campaigns.
More information on purchasing $20 Boss coupons coming soon!
Thank you to Mrs Clay for her co-ordination of this great opportunity for our students.
YEARS 3 & 4 HAT HEAD EXCURSION
Our Year 3 and 4 students enjoyed a fantastic excursion to the Hat Head National Park this week, where they had the opportunity to delve into the local environment, discovering a variety of native plants and animals and learning about the importance of this area. Thank you to Mrs Tolman, Mrs Tarrant, Mrs Duncan, Mrs Dillion, Mrs Chambers, Miss Shirley, Mr Michael and Mrs Lawrence for your coordination of the event.
ICAS ASSESSMENTS
Congratulations to all participants!
BOOK WEEK 2025
Our school came alive with the magic of literature for Book Week! The festivities kicked off with our much-loved Book Week Parade, which saw students and staff alike dressed up as their favorite book characters. The creativity on display was truly fantastic, from classic heroes and villains to characters from new and exciting stories.
Following the parade, students dived into a day of Book Week rotations that brought different stories to life. They explored a variety of activities across the school, working with different teachers, designed to engage their minds and hands. Some students got messy creating their own clay monsters, inspired by fantastical tales. Others delved into ancient worlds by learning a new language and crafting coded scrolls. Throughout the rest of the week students enjoyed the challenge of a school-wide scavenger hunt with a book theme.
The day also featured a fun guessing competition, where students used clues from a teacher's favorite place to match a description to a specific book and a staff member. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the joy of reading and to see how books connect us all.
A huge thank you to our MC’s Mrs Clay and Mrs Fraser, as well as the Book Week committee Mr Barron, Mrs Daley, Mrs Heggerty, Mrs Bryant and Mrs Rowe.
KEMPSEY SPEECH & DRAMA EISTEDDFOD
PARENT TEACHER LEARNING CONVERSATIONS
Thank you to all our families who attended the Parent-Teacher Learning Conversations this term. These meetings were a wonderful opportunity for us to connect, share insights, and discuss the progress of our students across all key areas.
The conversations provided a valuable chance to touch base on individual learning goals, as well as broader faith and wellbeing goals. This collaborative approach ensures we are all working together to support each student's development.
If you missed out on these conversations please feel free to make contact with your class teacher in the via Compass Connect or email.
TEACHER ASSISTANT/CANTEEN LADIES APPRECIATION WEEK
This coming week we are thrilled to celebrate Teacher Assistant/Canteen Ladies Appreciation Week! This is a special time to recognise the incredible work and unwavering dedication of our Teacher Assistants and Canteen Helpers.
Our staff are the unsung heroes of the school, playing a vital role in supporting our students' learning and well-being every single day.
JOEY'S JUNIORS TRANSITION PROGRAM
Commencing Week 8
We’re excited to announce that our Joey’s Juniors Transition Program will begin in Week 8! This program is designed to provide children preparing for school with a variety of engaging social and educational experiences in a fun, structured environment. It also gives them the opportunity to become familiar with our school setting and daily routines, helping to build confidence and ease the transition into primary school.
We look forward to welcoming our future students as they begin their journey with us!
COMBINED SCHOOL MASS AT ST PAULS COLLEGE
St Joseph's joined together with students and staff from across our campuses for Mass at St Paul's College at the Mercy Centre on August 15th to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption. This important event in our Church’s calendar was made even more special by joining together to mark and observe this day in a combined schools Mass.
SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION
Attention Parents of Yr 3 Students
Confirmation Commitment Mass, 9:30am, Friday 19th September, 2025.
As parents and caregivers, we ask that you support your child’s preparation by talking with them about the Sacrament of Confirmation, nurturing and building their understanding of the Sacrament and how it strengthens their faith through confirming the promises that were made at their Baptism.
FOLLOWED BY:
The Sacrament of Confirmation
Monday 22nd September 2025, 5:30pm
Macleay Valley Catholic Parish Church, Kempsey.
With Mr Owens
DIO ATHLETICS CARNIVAL
NETBALL & SOCCER GALA DAY
STAGE 3 HOT SHOTS TENNIS
UPCOMING SPORTING EVENTS
Stage 2 Hot Shots Tennis - Friday 5th September at Kempsey Courts
KINDY'S NATIONAL TREE DAY PLANTING
10c RETURN AND EARN RECYCLING
Families are asked to conveniently take their 10c drink containers straight to the High Speed Depot Drop Off at 47 South Street, South Kempsey whenever it suits you.
The School Office has small cards with our NEW Crunch Account details on it to keep in your car (or use this bar code).
All proceeds are used to assist with our St Joseph’s veggie garden and related learning activities.
Collection bags are still available in the Canteen Foyer. Children who recycle by visiting the High Speed Drop Off will still receive a prize from the Enviro Prize Box (see Mrs Hagger in the Canteen). Just be sure to bring in your docket to Mrs Tarrant.
CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO FLOODING -
SUSTAINABILITY HUB
Sustainability Hub:old phones, batteries, used stamps, prescription glasses, toothpaste tubes/brushes and plastic writing implements.
Please feel free to drop these into the bins located in the canteen foyer.
If you have other items that you think the school may be able to use for art/craft etc please contact us.
COUNSELLOR SPOTS STILL AVAILABLE
FAMILY CONNECT IN SCHOOLS
The wellbeing of our students and their families is paramount here at St Joseph’s and we are lucky to have some extra support built into our school community through a Program Worker from Family Connect in Schools.
If you have any concerns about or need assistance/support with being linked into specialist services such as, external providers for healthcare, housing, domestic violence, Centrelink, disability/NDIS, counselling services, culturally appropriate supports etc, please contact the front office. More information is attached.
HEALTHY LUNCH BOX
The Healthy Lunch Box website is your one-stop shop for recipe inspiration and information to help you add more fruit, veg and wholegrains into your child's diet to improve their health.
Lots of quick and easy recipes and snack ideas.
Informative blogs about healthy eating.
Healthy swaps.
Interactive lunch box builder that helps parents and kids plan and pack a healthy lunch box with foods they like.
HEALTH MADE TASTY
Nutrition Snippets: Back by popular demand!
Snippets are bite-sized nutrition tips, facts and recipes designed to help families eat well. We'll be publishing two new Snippets each month on our website under the 'Resources' tab. They'll be available as downloadable PDFs and will include links to relevant pages on the website. Snippets can also be printed.
Apricot upside-down cake
Link to recipe - here 
IF YOUR CHILD DOESN'T HAVE A PACKED LUNCH
Families, should your child happen to forget their lunch, our Canteen can provide them a sandwich, piece of fruit and a drink. Unfortunately, no hot food can be made. Thank you.
2025 CANTEEN MENU
OFFSITE BAGGED LUNCH
This special lunch bag will be an option for any offsite events that are held locally (no hot lunches will be delivered offsite).
The Offsite Lunch Bag consists of chicken & salad wrap or sandwich, bottle of water, muesli bar, pkt plain chips and a piece of seasonal fruit for $15. Select "Offsite Bagged Lunch" from the Compass Canteen Menus.
STUDENT BIRTHDAY BUNDLES
Should you have any queries please contact our Canteen ladies, Mrs Hagger & Mrs Crowe.
REUSABLE CUTLERY SETS
We are now operating from the school hall on the St Joseph's Primary School campus in Kemp Street, West Kempsey.
Students from all schools in the Macleay Valley and surrounds are welcome at Joey's OOSHC.
Joey's OOSHC has a proud history of providing high quality out of school hours care for more than ten years. Joey's dedicated and experienced staff plan and manage programs that offer both fun and educational opportunities.
To find out more and to explore the enrolment process visit our website at https://www.joeyskempsey.org.au/
2025 FEE BILLING
The School Services Levy and Term Tuition Fees were billed during February, allowing families to view the full-year fees on their statements. These statements were forwarded via Compass.
The Diocese Fees team have written to all families asking them to nominate a payment frequency from the following options:
Available payment methods are Bpay, Compass Pay, Centrepay Deduction or cash/EFTPOS at the school office. Your Bpay details appears on your monthly statement emailed at the start of each new month.
We recognise the financial pressures that families may face and strive to offer
flexible payment options to accommodate different circumstances. For more
information and to contact our Diocesan Fees Team, please visit the Diocese of
Lismore Catholic Schools website.
To learn more about the COMPASS Platform please click here
About the Compass Platform
The Compass platform is a web-based system that is accessible on any modern web browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome & Safari) or by using the Compass School Manager iOS or Android App.
Parents have the ability to;
- Receive notifications about school events, news and information
- Enter an explanation for absences
- Communicate with your child’s teachers,
- Update your family contact details (mobile phone & email)
- View your child’s timetable and the school calendar
- Download and view your child’s academic reports
- Book parent-teacher conferences (parent/teacher interviews)
- Pay and provide digital consent for events (No more permission slips)
- Order lunches from the Canteen
- Pay school fees
Effective immediately, all students can only be dropped off at their registered school in the morning, we can no longer drop off in town for sports carnivals etc.
All buses are required to complete their school runs as per contracts.
BUS PASSES
- All students catching the bus in 2025 will need a school travel pass.
- Under the School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS), eligible students can apply for free or subsided travel between home and school.
- For more information about the School Student Transport Scheme and how to apply for a school travel pass, visit https://apps.transport.nsw.
gov.au/ssts/#/ from a desktop computer.
Students who need a School Bus Pass for 2025 can apply here. A new application will need to be submitted if they are applying for the first time, or if they are requesting additional travel entitlement because of a new shared parental arrangement (e.g. joint custody).
If a student’s distance eligibility has changed based on their grade (i.e. grade two to grade three), the system will automatically update their entitlement if they meet the new criteria. If they do not meet the new eligibility criteria, we will send them an expiry notification via email.
Students living in rural and regional (R&R) areas should receive their travel pass at the start of the new school year from their nominated transport operator. It may be given to the student as they board the bus for the first time in 2024 or be sent directly to them at home.
Important Note:-
Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply or update their details as soon as possible.
Students living in rural and regional areas will receive their travel pass from their nominated transport operator. It may be issued via their school or be sent directly to them at home.
COURSES FOR PARENTS: ADHD & 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.
RAISING CHILDREN WITH ADHD?
Parents are invited to register for the FREE International ADHD Parenting Summit, featuring leading global experts, practical strategies, and real-life advice to help children with ADHD thrive. Accessible online from anywhere. Register hereSUPPORTING DIVERSE LEARNING IN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
Please find below a download to the
"Supporting Diverse Learning in Catholic Schools" resource.
FREE WEBINARS FOR PARENTS
The Council of Catholic School Parents is hosting a number of helpful webinars for parents on a variety of topics. You may also like to subscribe to the ParentTalk newsletter, which provides interesting articles for parents in Catholic schools.
TEEN MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS
UNLOCKING YOUR CHILD'S POTENTIAL
NSW CSSP PARENT CONFERENCE
Catholic School Parents Australia has developed free resources to strengthen the home-school partnership! The new video workshops help guide primary and secondary parents, principals, and school staff to take a holistic approach to their children’s well-being and educational
experience.
The resources also include guides for local facilitators to run through the video workshops in collaborative sessions with principals, staff and families. Insights from experts like Andrew Fuller, John Hattie and Donna Cross inform the workshop’s research-backed strategies.
The resources can be found on the Gearing Up for Parent Engagement website.
