A Prayer of Hope

In the name of reconciliation and hope,
We hope for a better today and a better tomorrow together.
We acknowledge the pain of the past, as well as the hurt and frustration of many our Aboriginal sisters and brothers in the present.
We take time to notice and understand the injustice.
But with hope, we look towards more positive things to come as we continue on the journey into reconciliation.
Help us to own our part in the story.
May we never be complacent about the need to work for justice.
Give us the courage to act in ways that we can to work for change and improvement.
There is so much to be done and there are big obstacles that seem to be in the way.
Inspire us to think creatively that we might find ways to right wrongs and lay strong foundations for a hopeful future.
Help us to work together to make our contribution for improvement.
I pray this in the name of the reconciling one.
Amen

POPE Francis has received a copy of the Uluru Statement from the Heart in St Peter’s Square, Rome.

He accepted the gift in Rome, offering the endorsement of a photograph with the document after a briefing from aides and a meeting with Gweagal woman Theresa Ardler presented a copy of the Uluru statement to the Pope during a 15-minute meeting last Wednesday, ahead of Reconciliation Week.

Dear Families and Friends,

It is hard to believe that we are now over halfway through the term.  Although this term has been a busy one with a number of short weeks, our students have continued to show their commitment to their learning each day. Students are working very hard to complete their schoolwork and teachers are busy getting ready to write report cards. 

Just a reminder of the importance of teachers and parents working together to encourage students to continue to be motivated to always be the best that they can be. When you receive your child’s report at the conclusion of this term, please take some time to reflect on their progress with them. This is about celebrating their successes and communicating expectations for personal growth. It is important that we do not compare our students to another student or siblings, rather, acknowledge their personal growth in their own learning journey.

SAVE THE DATE!

There are many opportunities for parents to come into school over the remainder of the year.  In particular, our school FETE! For something a little different this year, our ‘Starry Starry Night’ will be a twilight Christmas Fete.  The event will be held on Friday the 18th of November.  Please keep this date free for a fabulous night of family fun and entertainment.

IS YOUR CHILD STARTING PREP IN 2023?

As anticipated, there has continued to be a strong demand for placements within our Prep group for 2023, and we are planning to expand to two classes. If there is anyone you know with children who may be ready for Prep next year they are invited to complete an Application for Enrolment, available on our website or alternatively collect an application package from the School Office.

Please note that if you have a sibling of a current St Joseph’s student you will also need to complete an enrolment application for your child for Prep 2023. It is important that applications are received by the school as soon as possible.

We will be hosting a series of “Be a Preppie for a Morning” sessions where all our the local Kindegartens will visit a number of times throughout Term Three. We will also be holding our first Prep Information morning on the 24th August 2022, for families that are looking to enrol into Prep for 2023 or 2024 are encouraged to come along and experience the fun and excitement of the Prep classroom. We look forward to welcoming prospective students in, as well as our 25 siblings who will be joining their brothers and sisters next year. 

SCHOOL FEES

Thank you to all the families who maintain a regular financial commitment to the school. Your ongoing support by paying school fees goes a long way to assist the school to meet its financial responsibilities and continuously providing contemporary resources for the students. If you are experiencing financial difficulty please contact me so we can work out a positive solution. We would never have a child miss out on a Catholic education because of difficult times.

SICKNESS AT SCHOOL

While we encourage good attendance, please be mindful of sending your child/ren to school unwell. If they are sick, please keep them home until they are better.  Germs spread easily and we would much prefer them to be at school and feel 100% than have them at school spreading those nasty germs. Any child who is unwell at school, will be asked to be collected by a parent or guardian.  

STUDENT PROTECTION

At St Joseph’s School the safety and wellbeing of our students is our highest priority. All children should grow up free of violence or exploitation and be able to learn in a safe and supported environment. Schools have a number of specific child protection reporting obligations that are detailed in our Student Protection Processes and Guidelines.

If a student wants to talk to someone about harm, abuse or inappropriate behaviour toward themselves or others, they can speak to a trusted staff member or one of our School Student Protection Contacts (SSPCs).  The SSPCs receive additional training and are identified in the student protection posters displayed around the school. Summary documents have been developed for parents and caregivers about our student protection obligations and our broader strategy for maintaining safe school environments. Michelle Gear, Melanie Turner, Tash Tapper and Megan Pearce are the Student Protection Contacts for St Joseph's Parish School.

Further information on all of the above topics can be found on the Cairns Catholic Services website. 

DRESS AND APPEARANCE

The school uniform is important to us and there is a need for it to be worn well. It is a symbol of who we are as a school and of the values we hold dear. For students, we ask that they respect the uniform, wear it correctly and with pride. We ask for the cooperation of all families in this endeavour. 

SCHOOL OFFICER DAY

This coming Wednesday, we give thanks for the incredible School Officers in our schools and the significant contributions they make to our school communities. I invite you to share in a blessing for our School Officers as schools across Australia take the time to recognise their tireless efforts in supporting student growth and development.

INTERESTED IN BECOMING OUR CROSSING SUPERVISOR?

Make a difference to the lives of the children at St Joseph’s.

Contact our local Road Safety Officer on: 4045 8516