We respectfully acknowledge the past and present traditional owners of this land on which we are meeting – the Algnith people. We also acknowledge the contributions of First Nations peoples to the education of all children and people in our country Australia, in which we all live and share together.

Dear Parents and Friends, 

I hope this message finds you well. We've had an eventful week here at St Joseph’s filled with exciting activities and important developments. Here are the highlights from Week 7 of Term 3: 

Book Week Extravaganza: We had a whirlwind of a week with Book Week celebrations! Our wonderful Ms. Edmunds organised a fantastic Book Fair that captivated both young and old. It was truly heartwarming to witness our Kindy visitors immerse themselves in the world of literature, dressed in their creative costumes. Thank you to the local Kindy’s for their participation and Mrs Dore for hosting them. 

Visit from Sr. Ann-Maree and Luke Saunders: In preparation for the upcoming year, we welcomed Sr. Ann-Maree, our Director of School Effectiveness, and Luke Saunders, our Accountant, for discussions centered around the development of our 2024 School Budget. Their insights and guidance are invaluable as we plan for the future of our school, ensuring that we continue to provide the best educational experiences for our students. 

Farewell to Ms. Megan Pearce: It is with mixed emotions that I share the news of Ms. Megan Pierce's resignation. Megan has been an integral part of our school community for many years, and her departure will undoubtedly leave a void. Her dedication and passion have touched the lives of many students, and she will be greatly missed. We wish her all the best in her future. 

Thank You to Nicole Young: As we bid farewell to Ms Pierce, we also will say farewell to Mrs Young who will finish with us at the end of this term. Everyone will know Nicole as our Tuckshop Convener. Nicole's exceptional contributions, including the mouthwatering weekly specials, have enhanced the experience of our students and staff alike. We extend our deepest thanks to her for her hard work and dedication during her time here at St Joseph’s. 

Thank You to Lydia Harris: We said thank you but not farewell to Ms Harris who has been in the Prep classroom for the last three weeks, completing one of her university placements as a requirement of her degree in education.  We hope to see Ms Harris again before she finishes her degree. 

Upcoming Tuckshop Convener Position: With Nicole's departure at the end of this term, we will be actively searching for a new Tuckshop Convener. The details of the position will be advertised in the coming weeks, with the goal of having someone new on board by the start of Term 4. If you know of anyone who may be interested, please tell them to reach out to the school to discuss the position. 

Appreciation for Our Groundsman, Mr Jason: A huge shout-out goes to Jason, our diligent Groundsman, who has been tirelessly working to maintain and improve the school's grounds and facilities. His efforts do not go unnoticed, and we are grateful for the care he takes in ensuring our surroundings are safe and beautiful. 

Important Update: We would like to inform you that our Leader of Diversity and Year 1 teacher, Mrs. Turner, will be taking long service leave for Weeks 8 and 9. We wish her a restful break and hope she returns to us safely. 

As we move forward, let's cherish the memories created during Book Week and the wonderful contributions of Ms. Megan Pearce and Nicole Young. Together, we'll continue to make our school community a place of faith, growth, and learning. 

Don't be a stranger, if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.  See you each morning at the gate and each afternoon at Stop, Drop and Go. 

Wishing you all a fantastic weekend and week ahead. 

God Bless 

Brendon 

The Sermon on the Mount is also known as the Beatitudes. Did you know that the Beatitudes mirror the Ten Commandments? When the author of Matthew’s Gospel wrote for their newly-fledged Christian community, they paralleled the Old Testament, since Jesus was hailed as the new Moses. Because Matthew’s audience was mainly Jewish, the text reflects similar elements as those from Moses receiving the Law from God: they were both on a mountain where it was believed to be closer to God, and each of them received a new covenant to take to their people. Jesus says that it is God’s desire that humans experience joy and fulfillment. It is through this scripture, that Jesus teaches God’s new covenant, potentially for the gift of God’s blessing. Scripture – Gospel reading from Matthew 5:1-12 

Prayer  

Creator God, Give us a hunger and thirst for righteousness;

Fill our hearts with love, overflowing with mercy;

Make our hearts pure and give us a vision of your glory.

We make this prayer through Christ our Lord, Amen. 

Book Week 

The school was transformed this morning at assembly with every character you could imagine for the 2023 Book Week Parade. Book Week creates a wonderful hype and buzz all around reading and with years theme “Read, Grow, Inspire” the students were able to show their creativity. This week we have had many families come in and visit the Book Fair to purchase items for their child to read. It was a great opportunity to promote reading and spark interest among the children. Thank you to Miss Edmonds and the staff who volunteered their time each morning and afternoon to run the stall.  

North Queensland Cowboys Visit  

On Tuesday we welcomed the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys to the school. The students in Prep-Year 6 enjoyed the skills and drills sessions. It was great to have them visit us in Weipa and promote living an active lifestyle.  

Father’s Day  

Father’s Day is just around the corner. We will be celebrating in the following ways on Thursday 31st August 

 8:45am Father's Day Liturgy and Awards 

9:30am In Class Science Experiments  

10:15am Morning Tea- Pie and Drink  

11:10am Fathers Day Stall (children only) 

Orders for a meat pie and drink are available to purchase through flexischools under special events. Please be mindful that this option is for the Dads/carers only, not available for students. All orders will need to be place by Tuesday 29th August. 

We will also be displaying a slides show of images of students with the Dad/ carers. Can you please send through your images to Miss Kristen McLeish at kmcleish@cns.catholic.edu.au by Wednesday morning.  

Parent Teacher Conferences  

In Week 9 this term we will be holding our parent teacher conferences. This is a great opportunity for you to come and discuss your child's/children's learning this year so far. The PTO booking platform is now open for parents to book for interviews on the following days. 

Monday 4th September 3:30pm-5:30pm- Prep/1/2/3/5/6  

Tuesday 5th September 3:30pm-5:30pm- Prep/1/2/3/5/6  

Wednesday 6th September 3:30pm-7pm- Year 1/2/3/4/5/6  

Thursday 7th September 3:30pm-7pm- Prep, 3:30-5:30pm Year 4  

Friday 8th September 3:30pm – 5:30pm Year 4  

Interviews will be of 15 minutes duration.  

If you have not had the chance to do so please use the link below to obtain a pin and do so 

https://bookings.parentteacheronline.com.au?school=euyfhIf you have any issues you can also contact the class teacher directly for a time.  

Dear Parents and Guardians,    

Welcome to Week 7and what an amazing fortnight it has been it has been. There have been many exciting events already this term - Weipa Rodeo, a visit from the North Queensland Cowboys, Book Week and still to come Father’s Day celebrations. 

Visitors  

This week we had the pleasure welcoming back Ms Heather Alison - our School Counsellor who provided her service to St. Joseph's School from Monday 21st August to Friday the 25th of August 2023. 

Later during the Term, Lillian Miller - Consultant First Nations Education from Cairns Catholic Education to our School. Lillian will continue to provide her service to St. Joseph's School during Term 3. 

Personalised Learning Plans (PLPs)   

This term the teachers are currently in the process of writing Personalised Learning Plans (PLPs). Personalised learning is a process that supports a wide range of students with additional learning and support needs. This includes students who may require support in one or more of the following areas: learning (including high potential learners), behaviour, social/emotional, cultural/language (including international students, boarders and learners of English as an Additional Language or Dialect) and those who have educational support needs arising from disability.   

 Teachers, with the support of the Leader of Diversity, and in consultation with parents, collaboratively decide which adjustments and/or goals are to be targeted and determine appropriate strategies and supports to be implemented. It is the teacher’s responsibility to implement these planned strategies in order to support students to meet their goals.   

Teachers will direct School Officer support and plan for adjustments on a weekly basis. Teachers communicate weekly with School Officers regarding student progress and make adjustments as needed.   

 Evidence is collected regularly and uploaded to ENGAGE. PLP meetings are set 6 monthly and will determine if current goals have been achieved before setting further goals. The teachers are currently meeting with Parents of PLP students this Term.   

From next week I will be on Long Service for Week 8 and 9 and will return to school for Week 10. If you need any assistance while I am away, please contact the Office. 

Kind regards, 

Melanie Turner.