Filter Content
- Message from the Principal
- Mission & Learning at Joey's
- Student Awards - Term 4, Weeks 1-3
- Year 5 Camp
- Sports Report
- News from the Enviro Team
- Joey's Colour & Slime Fun Run coming end of Term 4
- Canteen News
- St Joseph's OOSH & Vacation Care
- Keeping School Funding Fair - What you need to know
- School Fees
- Learn more about COMPASS - School Communication Platform App
- How to Purchase your child's School Uniform
- Travelling to School by Bus
- Health & Wellbeing
- Supporting Diverse Learning
- Parents Resources
- Child Safety Handbook
- Billboard
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Dear Parents, Caregivers and Families,
It is always a pleasure of mine to do a yard duty and witness our children playing at lunch times. The joy, fun and community spirit is always on show at St Joseph’s. Our children love being here. With the completion of Week 3, we move closer to the end of the 2025 school year.
I have outlined below, the Schedule for the last weeks of the 2025 school year, and the first week of the 2026 school year.
Please note the final day of the Year for all students, being Wednesday the 17th December 2025.
Please contact the school if you have any questions regarding this schedule, being aware that more information regarding certain events will be published as they get closer.
At today’s assembly, I spoke to the students about Good Manners. I explained how Please and Thank You are magic words, and how using these words help other people feel important and appreciated.
The benefits of effective Parent-Teacher Communication
‘A 2020 study’ found ‘that teachers feel parents often fail to keep them informed about major changes happening at home that could affect their students’. ‘The outcomes’ of this ‘research determines that teachers need to be updated on major events in a child’s life, such as divorce, major illness or accidents and death in the family’. ‘A teacher without any knowledge of what is going on at home will lack context as to the true cause and may put it down to general behavioural problems’.
The researcher advises that a teacher who has context from parents, can be more understanding towards students who are struggling or acting out and is able to effectively work on addressing the problems correctly’.
‘Teachers and parents have equally important, although different, roles in a child’s overall development, and when working together can give the child the best possible education and upbringing’.
‘The study outlined a number of helpful and proactive ways’ to improve communication in order to benefit our children.
- Over-communicate - Information is King. The more you can share with your teachers the better equipped they will be to help your children.
- Contact details - Make sure teachers are able to contact you via the school communications methods (email, phone, Compass Connect).
- Be proactive - Reach out to the teacher if you have a concern about your child rather than waiting for the teacher/school to contact you.
Sourced from: https://www.cos.net.au/e_catalogues/Innovate-for-Teachers/10/#zoom=z accessed 5/11/2024
The School Administering Medication to Students
There will be occasions when the administration of medication during school hours is necessary to support students during the course of the school day and during extra-curricular school activities. While the school has a strict set of responsibilities regarding this, parents and carers also have responsibilities to abide by when asking the school to administer medication to your children.
- Parents/carers should make every effort to administer medication to students in the home;
- Ensure medical documentation reflecting dosage is provided to the school;
- Obtain, complete and return the relevant school medication forms;
- Provide the medication in the original labelled container to the nominated staff member(s);
- Ensure the medication is not out of date and has an original pharmacy label with the student’s name, dosage and time to be taken;
- Provide written instructions from a medical practitioner for medication that is not obtained on prescription, or medication that is to be self-administered by the student, indicating: Name of student; Condition for which the medication is required; and Guidelines for administration.
For more information, please see the ‘Administering Medication Policy’ on the School website under Policies.
Year 5 Camp
This week our Year 5 students went on camp for two days. I often talk about the staff of St Joseph’s and how special they are. I thank all our staff who attended the camp and every Year 5 student for their maturity, fun, resilience and teamwork.
Upcoming Events
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2025 |
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Friday 5th December |
Giving Mass & Ceremony of Light, |
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Monday 8th December |
2025 Awards Ceremony, |
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Tuesday 9th December |
Year 6 Farewell Mass & Lunch, 11:45am |
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10th - 12th December |
Year 6 Farewell Camp |
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Monday 15th December |
Student Christmas Concert |
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Tuesday 16th December |
Kindergarten to Year 6 Community Day |
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Wednesday 17th December |
Last day of Term 4 for all students. School concludes for Christmas break. |
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2026 |
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Wednesday 28th January - Monday 2nd February |
Kindergarten Assessment - bookings to be made through Compass. |
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Tuesday 3rd February |
Kindergarten’s first day of school |
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Wednesday 28th January - Friday 30th January |
Year 1 to Year 6 Assessments - bookings to be made through Compass. |
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Monday 2nd February |
Year 1 to Year 6 students first day of school |
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Thursday 19th February 2026 |
Whole school Photo Day (academic uniform to be worn). |
As always, I thank you for your support in regards to your child’s ongoing learning.
Guy Campbell
Driving Excellence in the Macleay
LOVE REACHES THROUGH DEATH
This is a most wonderful feast, and month in our Catholic 
calendar – a time for us to remember and pray for those we have loved in life and those who have loved us. Why do we pray for the dead? Fr Ron Rolheiser has written about this. The first reason he gives is - simply the same reason we pray for anything – that we need to - God asked us to pray, and to pray always. Also, it helps us - prayer has the power to change us. We also pray for the dead, he says “as we believe in the doctrine of the communion of saints, there is still a vital flow of life between themselves and ourselves. Love, presence and communication reach through death. In a real way, we can still feel each other’s hearts”. For me, faith in the face of death and bereavement, deeply changes the experience. Faith gives us hope. As we hear in this weekend’s first reading, the Lord will remove the “mourning veil” and wipe away our tears. Not only do we believe that we remain connected to our deceased loved ones, but our Catholic faith also promises that we will see them again. Life is changed, not ended. St. Thérèse of Lisieux is quoted as saying: I am not dying, I am entering into life. Jesus raised the son of the widow of Nain. He raised Lazarus. And carried out many other miracles that are recorded for us. Miracles still occur today. I know I’m not alone in believing this. I’m quite sure I’ve witnessed them. My mind usually credits someone close to me whom I believe is in heaven – my belief being that they have been interceding, even if I have not been diligent in my own prayer. St. Thérèse of Lisieux also said: I’m happy to die…because I shall be much more useful than I am now to the souls who are dear to me… I believe I have a few “St. Thérèses” in my corner and for this I am immensely grateful. (Reflection by Leonie Duck)
Prayer
Saints of God, come to their aid.
Come to meet them, angels of the Lord.
Amen
SERVING OTHERS:
CRAZY SOCK DAY SUCCESS
The school was a kaleidoscope of colour for our annual Crazy Sock Day, raising money for Catholic Missions Australia. It was wonderful to see students and staff participating with such enthusiasm. Thank you for your generous gold coin donations; every cent contributes to vital missionary work and teaches our students the powerful lesson of global citizenship and service. We raised $225 on the day.
BUDDING ENTREPRENEURS:
THE YEAR 6 $20 BOSS PROGRAM
Our Year 6 students showcased their creative and business talents at their $20 Boss Market Day! Students in Years 3–5, as well as our Year 6 parents, had the opportunity to experience and buy from the innovative small business ideas that Year 6 has developed.
The students are now deep in the evaluation stage, reflecting on their:
- Product design and advertising campaign.
- Profit and loss margins.
- Development of solutions based on customer feedback.
This program provides invaluable real-world learning in economics, design, and problem-solving—skills that will benefit them long after they leave primary school!
PREPARING FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER:
TRANSITION DAYS
Our future 2026 Kindergarten students continue this term with their Joey’s Junior visits. They are settling in beautifully, learning literacy and numeracy in their first session, and recently completing a tour of the entire school to create their own transition booklet in their second visit.
YEAR 6 CULTURAL WELLBEING DAY
Our Indigenous Year 6 students attended a powerful day at the Dunghutti Elders Council in South Kempsey. This event helped them meet and greet peers starting high school, learn about Year 7 expectations, and explore essential wellbeing and support services to ensure a smooth transition.
YEAR 5 ADVENTURE AT YARRA ADVENTURE PARK
Our Year 5 students returned from their camp at Yarra Adventure and Holiday Parks full of stories, tired legs, and fantastic memories! The camp was a huge success, providing incredible opportunities for teamwork and stepping outside comfort zones.
Students conquered the High Ropes and the exhilarating Flying Fox, cooled off on the Waterslide and tested their balance with Stand-Up Paddling.
A huge thank you to the staff and volunteers who made this memorable experience possible!
CELEBRATING ALL SAINTS FEAST DAY
Celebrating All Saints Feast Day
Our whole school gathered for a beautiful All Saints Feast Day Mass with Fr. James. It was a special opportunity for our community to reflect on the lives of the saints and their examples of faith and virtue, reinforcing our own journey of discipleship. The children's reverence and participation were commendable. Thank you also to those students and staff who had extra responsibilities such as singing and reading.
INSPIRING FAITH:
CARLO ACUTIS EXHIBITION
Inspiring Faith: Carlo Acutis Exhibition
Students in Years 3 to 6 had a truly unique experience, visiting the Carlo Acutis Miracles Exhibition at the Kempsey Parish Hall. They learned about the incredible life and faith of Blessed Carlo Acutis, the teenage 'Cyber-Apostle of the Eucharist,' who used technology to share his faith. The students also had the profound experience of viewing a First Class Relic of Carlo Acutis. This visit was a powerful way to connect modern life with deeply rooted faith.
RESPONSIBLE PET EDUCATION FOR KINDER
Our Kindergarten students enjoyed a delightful and educational visit from the Responsible Pet Education Program. They not only learned the importance of how to look after pets but, crucially, received practical lessons on how to safely engage with other people’s pets. The children learned key safety rules and responsible interaction, ensuring they are careful and respectful around animals in the community.
JOINING IN PRAYER
This month, a truly powerful spiritual event unfolded as children from across the globe joined in the annual prayer initiative, "One Million Children Praying the Rosary," led by the pontifical charity Aid to the Church in Need.
Inspired by the words attributed to St. Padre Pio—"When a million children pray the Rosary, the world will change"—this global movement saw our students unite in prayer.
2025 BOOK FAIR!
SVDP CHRISTMAS APPEAL
SOCIAL MEDIA AND OUR CHILDREN
New social media age restrictions will take effect on 10 December, we are sharing resources with our school community regarding these changes. The core message is that this legislation is a delay, not a ban, designed to give young people under 16 more time to develop crucial digital skills and maturity before facing the pressures of age-restricted platforms.
These materials offer practical advice for parents on how to have gentle conversations with their children about potential feelings of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), conduct a joint social media check, create a Family Device Agreement, and access further support from the eSafety website.
Primary Parent Resources Link
Your Voice Matters
By completing this survey, you are helping Catholic School Parents Australia (CSPA) understand the real experiences, challenges, and hopes of families in our Catholic school communities. The insights gathered will directly shape our advocacy with Catholic Education authorities and Government, ensuring that the needs and perspectives of parents and carers are heard at the highest levels.
Your input will guide us in championing initiatives that strengthen learning, wellbeing, and partnership between home and school.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/
With Mr Owens
SPLASHING SUCCESS:
TERM 4 INTENSIVE SWIMMING PROGRAM
Our dedicated Intensive Swimming Program has been running full steam ahead, ensuring all our students are safe and confident in the water:
- Year 2 completed an intensive two-week block walking to the pool daily for focused lessons.
- Stage 2 (Years 3 & 4) are having their lessons on Tuesdays after lunch and this continues for most of the term.
- Stage 3 (Years 5 & 6) elective students are participating in their swimming program on Friday afternoons, also for the rest of the term.
This commitment to water safety and skill development is a priority, and the students are already showing great progress!
KINDY - YEAR 2 NRL GALA DAY
CLOTHING AND BOOK SWAP
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.
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.
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
SCHOOL TRAVEL PASS
Applications are now open for 2026 School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) travel.
- Students applying for a School Travel Pass (including a Term Bus Pass) for the first time will receive their School Travel Pass at their nominated postal address from mid-January 2026 [Busways] or when they catch the bus [Cavanagh’s].
- Students progressing from year 2 to year 3 and from year 6 to year 7 need to re-apply.
- Students who require a travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply for a new card or update their existing card as soon as possible. Students who receive a notification that their School Travel Pass is expiring need to re-submit their details.
- If a student has lost their School Travel Pass, they will need to apply for a replacement card.
WHO CAN GET A TRAVEL PASS!
The student must:
- be a resident of NSW or an overseas student eligible for free government education.
- be aged 4 years and 6 months or older. Pre-school children are not eligible.
- live a minimum distance from their school. The minimum distance varies according to the year or grade the student is enrolled in during that calendar year.
You need to live a minimum distance from your school to be eligible for a free school travel pass. The minimum distance varies according to the year/grade you are enrolled in, in that calendar year:
- Years K to 2 (Infants): no minimum distance
- Years 3 to 6 (Primary): 1.6 kilometres straight line distance or 2.3 kilometres walking or further from home.
- Years 7 to 12 (Secondary): 2 kilometres straight line distance or 2.9 kilometres walking or further.
Further information can be found at transportnsw.info/school-travel
Enquiries can be submitted at transportnsw.info/passes-concessions-feedback
Enquiries 131 500
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.
FREE ONLINE PROGRAM TO SUPPORT KID'S MENTAL HEALTH
Are you a parent, grandparent, carer or other adult living in a regional, rural area, or supporting a child aged 10–13 who has unmet mental health needs? Southern Cross University is offering a free online education program designed to help you better support the mental health needs of the children in your care.
The program includes flexible online learning and a weekly 90-minute group session led by experienced mental health clinicians. It has been co-designed by parents, carers, teachers, and children’s mental health experts.
Participants will also be contributing to valuable research that aims to strengthen community responses to children’s wellbeing. Those complete the program and the survey at the end will receive a $50.00 voucher.
To learn more or express interest, please email Professor John Hurley at john.hurley@scu.edu.
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.
Link to recipe - here
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.
GRIEF AND LOSS
We know that grief and loss can be some of the most difficult experiences for children to face. To support families in having these important conversations, a series of videos and resources has been created for parents and carers.
These resources, which focus on bereavement, are now available in the Parent Resource Centre Link.
We encourage you to explore these materials and use them to support your child during times of loss. If you have any concerns about how your child is coping, please share them with us so we can work together to provide the care and support they need.
LOGGED OUT
A NEW WAY OF PREPARING TEACHERS COMES TO OUR SCHOOLS
The Reimagining Teacher Education (RiTE) initiative will see Master of Teaching students learning in classrooms from the very first week of their studies. Instead of waiting until the end of their degree to gain experience, these Associate Teachers will spend two days a week in schools throughout their training.
What this means for our Catholic schools
- Extra support in classrooms for teachers and students.
- Fresh energy and ideas from aspiring teachers.
- Strong mentoring links between experienced staff and the next generation of educators.
Adam Spencer, Director of Catholic Schools, says our schools are looking forward to welcoming these student teachers. “Our students and staff will benefit from the added support and new perspectives, while these future teachers gain valuable experience in a real school community.”
Thinking of becoming a teacher?
If you’ve ever thought about teaching, this could be the time. Enrolments in the Southern Cross University Master of Teaching opens on 11 November 2025 with classes commencing early March 2026. With the RiTE program, you’ll not only study but also gain practical experience in our Catholic Schools from the start.
Find out more at: SCU Master of Teaching
TEEN MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS
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.
GEARING UP FOR PARENT ENGAGEMENT
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.
