Filter Content
- Message from the Principal
- Mission & Learning at Joey's
- Tickets on Sale Now - Joey's Presents "Star Search"
- SJ News - Episode 10
- 2024 Book Week Parade
- Student Awards
- Sports News
- News from the Enviro Team
- Catholic School Parent Australia's Free Family Engagement Resources
- Health & Wellbeing
- Term 3 eSAFETY PARENT WEBINARS
- Canteen News
- St Joseph's OOSH & Vacation Care
- School Fees
- Learn more about COMPASS- School Communication Platform APP
- How to Purchase your child's School Uniform - Copy
- How to Apply for a Bus Pass
- Child Safety Handbook
- 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 year's Book Week Parade 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 an hour or so. 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 have his claws out though!
I would like to thank and congratulate our St Joseph’s community for getting into the spirit of this event. Well done everyone!
Please have a look at the importance of reading to kids at bedtime, below:
School fees 2025
2025 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 2025 will be $1632 per year ($408 per term), plus the School Services Levy of $792 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.
I thank you for your support in regards to your child’s ongoing learning.
Guy Campbell
Driving Excellence in the Macleay
THE KEYS OF FAITH
In John’s gospel narrative this weekend, it was decision time and many who had followed Jesus, turned away and left. He had been preaching about being the ‘living bread’ and telling his followers that, “whoever eats me, will draw life from me.” The idea that Jesus was revealing required faith, deep faith that many who had been drawn to Him did not finally have. Jesus then challenged the Twelve and asked them if they were staying or going.
It was Peter who made the act of faith for the other disciples, “we believe, we know that you are the Holy One of God.” They had been with Jesus and witnessed his healing, his preaching and his miracles, yet even those closest to Jesus didn’t always understand the message and I’m sure had doubts too. But their faith was stronger than the doubt – they believed. This should give us consolation too when we doubt or struggle with an element of our faith.
We know that Christ’s presence is not only found in the Eucharist but also in the Word. This mystery of our faith is seldom acknowledged with a deep sense of reality, sadly. In Matthew’s Gospel we hear, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” Mt 18:20. He also taught us that he could be found among the poor and weak, the sick and imprisoned, the lonely and the hungry.
As Vincentians, our faith helps us to overcome the challenges and the doubts, and to find Jesus in the face of the people we assist, the disadvantaged, hurt and lonely people that we see in our local communities each and every week.
Prayer
Christ with me, Christ before me...
Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me.
St Patrick.
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
With Mrs Krystal Brady, Assistant Principal, Learning & Teaching and Mrs Erin McGovern, Assistant Principal, MissionFATHER'S DAY
LUNCH & PLAY
YUWA NYINDA DREAM ACADEMY
BOOK WEEK WRITING COMPETITION
KOALA INFORMATION SESSION - YEAR 1
On Monday 19th August, Year 1 walked to Kempsey Shire Library for an information session about Koalas. They learnt lots about Koalas from the ladies from the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie.
SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION
Attention Parents of Year 3 Students
The Sacrament of Confirmation will be held on Monday 23rd September 2024, at 5:30pm, at All Saints Catholic Church, Kempsey.
White garments for embroidery must be back at school with correct money by Wednesday 4th September, please.
In preparation, parents and caregivers of baptised Year 3 students were invited to attend an information session on Wednesday 21st August,at All Saints Catholic Church.
At the Parent Session, Fr James provided guidance and insight into this Sacrament, how to support your child, choosing a Catholic sponsor for your child, as well as Parish forms to be completed. If you were unable to attend please contact the School so we can make alternative arrangements.
Year 3 students are the year group that takes part in this Sacrament, however, if you are interested and your child is in year 4, 5, or 6 and would like to make their Sacrament, please contact the School.
Students will be engaging in a program during religion lessons at school to prepare and teach them about this Sacrament, and will also be engaging in a retreat experience here at school. Students will be bringing home a ‘Confirmation Student Workbook’ with some activities to complete at home.
The students will also be partaking in a Commitment Mass during school time where they pledge their commitment to learn about and participate in this Sacrament. All parents and families are warmly invited to attend. Confirmation Commitment Mass, 9:30am, Friday 6th September, 2024.
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.
What is Confirmation?
Confirmation has always been linked to Baptism. Together with the Eucharist, it forms one of the three Sacraments of Initiation. Confirmation confirms what occurs in the initial and primary Sacrament of Baptism.
In the Sacrament of Confirmation the Minister of the Sacrament lays hands on your child, prays over them on behalf of the Church family, and anoints them with chrism - sacred oil blessed by the Bishop the previous Easter. As the person is signed with oil the Bishop says, 'Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.' The actions of prayer, laying of hands and anointing with oil is a solemn and ancient gesture that can trace its roots back to the earliest Christian communities of the first century.
Confirmation is the Sacrament through which the Holy Spirit is given in a special way to us. It is the Sacrament of spiritual strength. The Holy Spirit is given for our spiritual strengthening, which is brought about in a most particular way through the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.
HEY WARRIOR PARENT WORKSHOP
Please see the attached flyer for more details and rsvp.
HEY WARRIOR STUDENT WORKSHOPS
A SPECIAL MASS TO CELEBRATE
SISTER CABRINI
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Sister Cabrini has worked in the Kempsey community for 70 years. Her life and ministry has been founded upon genuine care and compassion for all people, with deep humility and gentleness. As a Sister of Mercy, she worked as a primary school teacher, began the “Choice” programme for teenagers and was instrumental in the work of the Catherine McAuley House Women’s Refuge in Kempsey for many years. Her parish activities have included hospital visitation to the sick and dying and assisting the lonely, poor and marginalised.
Our church community is having a special Mass to celebrate Sister Cabrini’s 90th birthday and her 70 years of being a Sister of Mercy on Sunday 8th September at 9.30am. The children of St Joseph’s are going to sing a song for her on the altar after Mass, before the cutting of her birthday cake.
If you would like your child/children to participate in honouring Sister Cabrini, please contact the School office so that your child/children can join in song practices.
Kind regards,
Helen Hart
WHAT IS BULLYING?
Bullying refers to the unwanted, repeated and intentional use of words or actions against a student or a group of students to cause distress and risk to their wellbeing. Watch What is bullying?
Bullying means behaviour that has three (3) key features:
1. It involves the intentional misuse of power in a relationship;
2. It is ongoing and repeated; and
3. It involves behaviours that can cause harm.
A student can acquire power through advantage, such as social status, popularity, an advantage in size and strength, number of allies, age, skill, or membership in a socially defined dominant group, which could be based, for example, on wealth or gender.
Behaviours that do not constitute bullying include:
1. Mutual arguments and disagreements;
2. Not liking someone or a single act of social rejection;
3. A single episode of hurtful words or actions
4. Isolated incidents of aggression, intimidation and/or violence
Examples of indirect bullying include:
● Spreading rumours: Sharing false or harmful information about someone to tarnish their reputation.
● Gossiping: Engaging in negative discussions about a person without their
knowledge.
● Social manipulation: Encouraging others to exclude or reject a person from social
groups.
● Cyberbullying: Using digital platforms to harass, intimidate, or spread harmful
content about a person.
● Stealing: Discreetly and repeatedly stealing personal belongings
When parents understand what bullying entails, they can effectively communicate with their child about their experiences at school, in the community and online. By using the correct terminology and understanding the dynamics of bullying, parents can encourage open dialogue and provide the necessary support.
ATTENDANCE INFORMATION
The Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools have updated the procedures for monitoring and supporting schools to promote student attendance. Every school day builds upon the previous one, making it essential for students to attend regularly. Regular attendance is crucial as it fosters resilience and enables students to form vital social connections. Across all NSW education systems the expected level of student attendance is above 95%, and we aim to support all of our students to achieve this.
If your child’s attendance is below 90% you may receive a COMPASS communication in the coming weeks. We acknowledge that there may be many reasons for absences and you may have already provided information to the School about why your child has been away. However, this communication is to ensure all parents are aware that their child’s attendance is currently at or under 90%.
We believe that by working together, we can ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed. Please ensure you contact the School if you would like any support with your child’s attendance.
Term 3 - Weeks 5 & 6
Awards will be presented on
Friday, 30 August at 2.10pm
Parents/Carers Welcome
|
CLASS |
MARY MACKILLOP AWARD Recognises Catholic attitude, behaviours & helping those in need |
ST JOSEPH'S Recognises positive actions witnessed within our school community |
CATHERINE McAULEY Recognises a growth mindset & effort in learning |
THE VALUES AWARD
KINDNESS |
|
KHonour |
Bonnie Jones | Adira Salmon | Oscar McGovern | Mieke Schutte |
|
KSpirit |
Evie Beecham | Amarlee Orr | Ruby-Rose Barrow | Emilia Ford |
|
KTruth |
Parker Murphy | Archer Dowling | Edie Battle | Arlo Bannerman |
|
1Honour |
Allira Holdaway | Jaxson Ylias | Eliza Te Rito | Mason Skinner |
|
1Truth |
Mackenzie Fraser | Harriet Downing | Lucy Atkinson | Savannah Barker |
|
2Honour |
Sky Toms | Alisha Meeudnoon | Nandini Barman | Peyton Watts |
|
2Truth |
Scarlett Drew | Fletcher Smith | Montana Matthews | Hudson Tolman |
|
3Honour |
Tate Buckley | Zachary Padilla | Eden Passmore | Casey Miller |
|
3Truth |
Indiana Watson | Francesca Tamblyn | Veronica Button | Thomas Simpson |
|
3/4 Spirit |
Charlotte Edwards | Chloe Sproule | Macie Jones | Frankie Thurlow |
|
4Truth |
Ava Beecham | Levi Males | Max Delforce | Olivia Carroll |
|
5Honour |
Claire Meehan | Brylee-Rose Romer | Charlotte Mainey | Zane Jordan |
|
5Truth |
Brooke Collingwood | Isabel Toms Amber Simpson |
Phoenix Whitley-Berrigan | Arlie Wade |
|
6Honour |
Lara Potter | Bella Morrison | Finley O'Donnell | Terrence Liang |
|
6Truth |
Lawson Seam | Cheyanne Matheson | Idabelle Tamblyn | Spencer Atkinson |
With Mr Watts
DIOCESAN ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIP
Well done to our 14 athletes who travelled to Coffs Harbour to compete in the Diocesan Athletics Carnival last week. All put in a great effort against talented children from throughout the Diocese.
The following 1st, 2nd and 3rd placegetters and 1st and 2nd relays now progress to Polding trials which will be held at Newcastle on 13th September.
Amailia Brandt - 1st Jnr Discus, 2nd Jnr High Jump
Cohen Davies - 3rd in Jnr 800m
Lennox Edwards - 2nd Jnr High Jump
Emily Scott - 2nd 11 yrs High Jump
Claire Meehan - 3rd 11yrs High Jump
Astin Mackay - 3rd Snr Long Jump
Jnr Girls Relay - 3rd – Francesca Tamblyn, Jasmin Crilley, Amailia Brandt, Mia Greenslade
Snr Boys Relay - 2nd – Noah Davies, Astin Mackay, Lleyton Kemp, Lachlan Betts
TENNIS - TODD WOODBRIDGE CUP
This is a modified tennis game and interschool competition initially for students of years 3 and 4.
It now includes years 5 and 6 with extended court lengths and balls with more bounce.
From years 3 adn 4, 4 teams of 8 walked to Sea St Courts last Friday to participate and 2 teams from year 5 and 6 travelled to Port Macquarie on Monday to participate.
No teams progressed to the next level but all had a good time and improved as the day wore on.
SPORTING SCHOOLS NRL
SOCCER & NETBALL GALA DAY
The Soccer and Netball Gala Day open to Stage 3 students will be held in Laurieton on Thursday 12th September. Invitations and further information will be forwarded to those involved next week.
10c RETURN AND EARN RECYCLING
To make Return and Earn Recylcling more convenient 
for families, you can now take your 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 Crunch Account details on it to keep in your car.
School drop off is still available for those who prefer.
All proceeds are used to beautify our school grounds and assist with lunchtime gardening activities.
Collection bags are available in the Canteen Foyer. Children who recycle through either way will still receive a prize from the Enviro Prize Box (see Mrs Hagger in the Canteen).
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.
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.
HEALTHY LUNCH BOX WEBSITE
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.
With Mrs Hagger and Mrs Crowe2024 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.
VOLUNTEERS APPRECIATED
WHY JOEY'S OUT OF SCHOOL HOURS CARE?
We have two dedicated classrooms on the St Joseph's Catholic Primary School campus in Kemp Street, West Kempsey. The classrooms are filled with resources and games to suit children from Kinder to Year 6.
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 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/
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
WHEN YOU HAVE A MEDICAL CONCERN - CONTACT NORTH COAST HEALTH CONNECT
North Coast Health Connect is a free (bulk billing) new service providing health support and advice from registered nurses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including public holidays. If you are a resident or visitor to the North Coast, you can speak or live chat with a nurse. The nurse will ask some questions to understand what’s troubling you and then provide advice on what your next step should be.
This may include self-care advice to help you to manage your health (or that of a loved one) from home, or the nurse may recommend a GP appointment or a consultation with a pharmacist. The nurses are able to book an appointment for you directly with a local general practice or pharmacy or if appropriate, can transfer you to a 24/7 GP telehealth service. If the nurse believes you need to attend an emergency department or see a different health service, they will let you know.
Visit https://northcoasthealthconnect.org.au/ for more info and save as a contact for when you need it
https://northcoasthealthconnect.org.au/communication-resources/ (1)
This incredible service will help families access ‘on the day’ healthcare which is bulkbilled and is a vital and important service in this area.
Currently we have 220 GP appointments each week, supported by 23 GP clinics, across the entire North Coast region to access.
Visit https://northcoasthealthconnect.org.au/ for more info and save as a contact for when you need it by visiting https://qrco.de/bdkiJm or by scanning the QR code below.