Ash Wednesday Liturgy 

Last Wednesday we began our Lenten journey with Ash Wednesday. The school gathered for a Liturgy, listening to Scripture readings which call for a change of heart and teach us about the traditional Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. The staff and students received a sprinkle of ashes which were made using palms from the previous year’s Palm Sunday and blessed by Father Dariusz. 

Lent- A Time of Praying, Fasting and Almsgiving  

For forty days during Lent where we are called to examine our hearts. It is a time of preparation for Easter as well as a time of reflection for those waiting to receive the Sacrament of Initiation at the Easter Vigil. This time, also marks the beginning of the annual Caritas Australia Project Compassion Appeal. Donations to Project Compassion allows Caritas Australia, the Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development, to work with local communities around the world to alleviate poverty, hunger, oppression and injustice. We encourage you to put your compassion into action this Lent through your prayer, fasting and almsgiving by supporting Project Compassion. Saint Oscar Romero is our inspiration for Project Compassion 2021, so in his words let’s  

“Aspire not to have more, but to be more.”  

This year, our country celebrates 200 years of Catholic Education in Australia. The theme of ‘Faith in the Future’ recognises this unique story of Catholic Education and acknowledges that the story only develops in a positive manner when we place value, faith and hope in each employee, parent, learner and parish member that is involved in Catholic Education in Australia. 

Historically, the Catholic Education story is intertwined with Australia’s Church and political history. To celebrate, remember and reflect on this history there will be a number of events to celebrate the impact that Australia’s history has had on the growth and development of Catholic schooling.   

22 February 2021 - 26 February 2021 

The official launch of the Bicentenary of Catholic Education in Australia will be occurring across the country in each state, territory and diocese in the week commencing 22 February 2021.   

Perceptual Motor Program (PMP) Prep-Year 3 

Our Prep- Year Two classes commenced the Perceptual Motor Program this week which has been designed by our Occupational Therapist. The aim of the program is to assist with the development of perceptual motor skills in a fun way and will assist with the transition to learning. When arriving at school in the morning, Prep-Year Two students will remain in their designated seating area and be collected by their teacher to start the course at 8:20am from Tuesday-Thursday.   

School Times and Supervision 

St Joseph’s first bell rings at 8.25am with students moving off to class to begin their learning at 8:40am. In the classroom, students access all information required to start their day successfully. Unfortunately, late attendance means that your child may find it more difficult to connect to the class as they begin their day, therefore having an impact on their learning. Please ensure your child arrives at school by 8:40am.  

Parents are advised the supervision at St Joseph’s begins at 8.15am in the morning and ends at 3:15pm.