Dear Parents,

Earlier today our Principal’s Award recipients for Term 2 enjoyed a special celebration, reflecting on their hard-earned successes. The children beamed with pride as they sat in the staff room and conversed about their upcoming holidays and delighted in each other's company as well as in the praise given to them as various staff members entered the party space and engaged with them. The morning was filled with laughter, conversation, and indulgence in a spread of delicious party treats and drinks. It was a wonderful way of celebrating the students’ achievements together.

Community Input to Vision and Mission Refresh   

As shared with you at the beginning of the year, we have been engaged in the important process of refreshing our school’s Vision and Mission – the statements that guide who we are, what we stand for, and what we aim to achieve as a community. The vision captures our long-term hopes and aspirations, while the mission describes who are and how we support students every day. To make sure these reflect the values and hopes of our community, we’re asking parents and carers to share their thoughts. Your insights will help shape statements that are meaningful, inclusive, and future-focused. Thank you for taking the time to contribute.  Please click here to access the Form or use this QR code. We ask that all responses are received by 25th July.

Building Project Update

We have had movement on site this week! Workers were on site working out electrical and technical plans for the demolition. Fencing will be erected this coming Monday and this will then be followed by the demolition of the shelter and stairwell in the Quadrangle. We should all be prepared for a dramatic difference on our return to school in two weeks’ time.

Parent -Teacher Interviews

Thank you for your attendance at the recent parent-teacher interviews.  We hope you found it worthwhile to talk with your children’s teachers about their progress so far this year and the direction in which to help support your children with their Semester 2  learning. If you were unable to attend a meeting this term, please ensure that you contact  the office early next term to rearrange a meeting time.  Please feel free to share with me any feedback you have about the reports and parent/teacher interviews.

Bike Riders

Recently, we were contacted by a local driver who expressed great concern about the safety of our students who cycle to school, particularly those on e-bikes. She had a near miss with one of our students who failed to give way while entering a nearby intersection at speed. If your child rides a bike to school please talk with them about the road rules and explain that they have a responsibility to care for their own and others’ safety.

As we are coming into the school holidays and many children will be riding their bikes over the next two weeks we’d like to share with you a guide to help you get the facts on what is legal and sensible, and tips to help you guide your kids to keep them and everyone else safe on local roads and shared paths. 

1. Helmets are non-negotiable!
   Helmets are not just a good idea, they are a legal requirement for all bicycle riders, including those on e-bikes. Like them or not, kids and adults need to wear them. Learn more about helmets. 
2. What’s legal, and what’s not
   In NSW, all e-mobility devices except e-bikes are restricted to private property only. This means e-scooters, hoverboards and other e-mobility devices can’t be legally ridden on the road or footpath. Breaking this rule can lead to a hefty fine of $723.
3. Know your e-bike speed limits and keep them legal
   E-bikes are a fantastic way to get around but tweaking them to exceed the 25km/hr speed limit without pedalling makes them illegal. Doing so could land you and your child with a $723 fine for riding an unregistered device, and potentially an additional infringement for riding a vehicle without a license. 
   Bike shops might not always disclose this information, so make sure you know what the e-bike is set to and if your child or anyone else, has tampered with it. 
4. Ding-ding! All bicycles need a bell
   Ensure your child's bike is equipped with a bell. It's a small but essential safety feature that can prevent collisions and help alert pedestrians and other cyclists of their presence.
5. Pedestrians first: Etiquette on shared paths
   Teach your child to slow down, ring their bell when approaching pedestrians, and give way courteously. Overtaking should be avoided or done slowly and cautiously.
6. Safe speeds in public spaces
   Kids don’t all understand what ‘safe speed’ means. Emphasise to them the importance of responsible speed, especially in crowded areas like shopping districts. Pedestrians may unexpectedly step onto a path, and maintaining a safe speed can prevent accidents and promote a safer environment for everyone.
7. Liability and insurance: Prepare for the unexpected
   In the event of an accident, did you know that you as a parent may be held responsible for your child’s behaviour on an e-bike or other device? 

Consider looking into bicycle insurance to protect against potential liability issues. And note, insurance is void for illegal devices, so ensure your family’s e-bike is in compliance with regulations, and that no-one is riding other illegal devices in public spaces.

8. Inducting your child to the road and shared paths
   This may sound crazy, but we recommend you implement an induction process for your child, teaching them the etiquette of sharing roads and paths with other users. This could help them understand traffic rules, develop respect for pedestrians, and become aware of their surroundings.

This guide was obtained from E-bike essentials: A parent's guide to safe riding | Northern Beaches Council

Have a wonderful winter break with your families.  We look forward to seeing you next term,

Karen
Principal

NAIDOC Week Community Festival 

Monday 7 July – 9am 

Visit this site for more information: https://mn.catholic.org.au/event/2025-naidoc-week-community-festival/

Mission to Seafarers Art Competition

Visit here for more information and refer to the previous Compass post.

 St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal – Thank you!

This week, we welcomed Francis Barbar from St Vincent de Paul to St Joseph’s. Francis personally thanked our school community for the generous donations made to the Winter Appeal and shared how our support is making a real difference in the lives of those in need. Your kindness is helping bring warmth, comfort, and hope to many. Thank you for living out our values!

Term 3

Week 1: Friday 25 July – Grandparents Day Whole School Liturgy – Kinder leading

Week 3: St Mary of the Cross Feast Day – Whole School Liturgy Year 5 leading

Parish Bulletin: https://www.newcastlecatholic.org.au/weekly-bulletins/  

Leanne Skinner 
Religious Education Coordinator 

Virtual Academy Achievements

Time 2 Discover – A Virtual Academy Showcase

On Tuesday, students in the Virtual Academy Time and Discovery program enjoyed a rewarding day of collaboration, sharing their learning, and improving their presentation and problem-solving abilities with peers. They presented their inquiries within the immersive 360-degree ‘Sim Cave’ at the University of Newcastle, practising communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills alongside peers of varied experience levels. We are very proud of our students who demonstrated higher level thinking, along with creative and reflective thinking.

Time 2 Discover – A Journey of Inquiry and Innovation

Featuring: Millie and Ylva

This semester, Millie and Ylva participated in the Discovery unit through the Virtual Academy, exploring big questions and undertaking deep, self-directed inquiries. Their learning journey culminated at the Time 2 Discover event, held at the University of Newcastle’s Callaghan Campus in the cutting-edge 360-degree ‘Sim Cave’.

In this immersive environment, Millie and Ylva presented their inquiries to an audience of like-minded peers, educators, and families. This event celebrated not only their problem-solving and critical thinking but also the courage it takes to share learning publicly. Both students demonstrated exceptional communication skills, curiosity, and perseverance, engaging others with their ideas and discoveries.

Time 2 Discover provided a unique platform for students to extend their thinking, collaborate, and showcase the power of student voice in action. We are so proud of Millie and Ylva’s achievements and the passion they brought to their projects.

Elevate – Showcasing Young Entrepreneurs of the Future

Featuring: Marcus, Chloe, Evan

This semester, Marcus, Chloe, and Evan participated in Enterprise, one of the Virtual Academy’s most dynamic programs, which develops future-focused entrepreneurial skills. Over the semester, these students designed innovative business proposals that demonstrated critical thinking, creativity, and an understanding of financial planning, social responsibility, and digital literacy.

Their hard work was showcased at Elevate, a virtual event where students presented their business ideas to an audience of peers, educators, and families. Each student thoughtfully articulated their business concepts, explaining how they identified problems, developed solutions, and designed sustainable models.

The event celebrated not only the culmination of their learning but also the resilience and adaptability needed to be future-ready problem-solvers. Marcus, Chloe, and Evan should be incredibly proud of the leadership and innovation they demonstrated throughout their projects.

Finding Her Voice – Ylva’s Creative Music Project

As part of her Discovery journey in the Virtual Academy, Ylva explored the big question: In a world filled with stories and songs, how can young creators find their own voice and come up with something truly new?

Ylva embraced this challenge by combining her passion for music with her natural creativity. Collaborating with her dad, who is the head of the band Outer Control, Ylva composed an original piece of music that expressed her individuality and creative voice.

Her project beautifully demonstrated the values of creativity and collaboration, highlighting how ideas can come to life when we combine our talents with those around us. Ylva’s final presentation was a celebration of originality, determination, and the power of music to communicate ideas in new and exciting ways.

Dancing for Everyone – Millie’s Inquiry into Accessibility in Dance

Millie’s Discovery project tackled a real and important question: How do the high costs of travel, costumes, and competition fees affect participation in BJP Physie and the wider dance community—and what can be done to make dance more affordable and inclusive?

Driven by her own experiences and a strong sense of fairness, Millie explored how financial pressures can sometimes force dancers to step away from the sport they love. Her inquiry aimed to highlight the challenges many families face and start conversations about how the dance world could become more accessible for everyone.

Millie’s vision for the future is inspiring: a dance community where everyone can enjoy their passion without worrying about costs, where judging is fair, and every dancer has an equal chance to shine. Her thoughtful presentation showed empathy, critical thinking, and a genuine desire to create positive change.

A Voice for Animals – Chloe’s Enterprise for Change

Chloe’s Enterprise project was driven by a powerful vision: to make the world a place that animals can enjoy. Her business proposal, ARSVC – Animal Rescue and Vet Care, is designed to help animals thrive while also supporting the community.

ARSVC isn’t just a vet service for pets — it’s a compassionate organisation that rescues animals from captivity, rehabilitates injured wildlife, and provides high-quality care for pets in the community. Alongside this, Chloe’s business aims to create a more eco-friendly world, focusing on sustainability and animal welfare.

Her thoughtful plan balances caring for household pets with helping wild and captive animals return to their natural homes. Chloe’s business model demonstrates how entrepreneurship can be used as a force for good, building a healthier planet for future generations and ensuring that every animal has a chance to thrive.

Bridging Generations – Evan’s TechnoGlaze Innovation

Evan’s Enterprise project, TechnoGlaze, is all about empowering the older generation by making technology accessible, easy to use, and inclusive. His business offers expert support to help individuals, schools, and businesses set up new devices, along with an online and physical store selling high-quality electronics—including products developed by TechnoGlaze itself.

Beyond just technology, Evan’s vision focuses on compassion and social responsibility. A percentage of TechnoGlaze’s profits are donated to charities that support people in need and promote environmental sustainability.

By combining cutting-edge tech solutions with a heart for community, Evan’s project shows how business can create positive change and help bridge the digital divide—making the world a better, more connected place for everyone.

Safe Play and Big Adventures – Marcus’s Spike Studios

Marcus’s Enterprise project, Spike Studios, is a creative and safe gaming platform designed especially for children aged nine and up, as well as their families. Spike Studios offers exciting digital adventures where players can explore hidden areas, complete challenges, and unleash their imagination through endless storylines—whether online or offline, solo or with friends.

What makes Spike Studios stand out is its focus on safety and positivity. With a chat-free environment, it ensures that young gamers can play, learn, and grow without exposure to harmful interactions. The platform encourages creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, and perseverance, helping build confident and thoughtful players.

Marcus’s vision is to create a fun and inspiring digital world where children can connect, learn, and make lasting memories—all while enjoying safe, screen-time adventures.

Bek Henshaw 
Gifted Education Mentor (GEM)

Central Region Athletics Carnival

On Tuesday 24th June a team of 60 enthusiastic and competitive students proudly represented St Joseph’s Merewether at the Central Region Athletics Carnival. Our athletes showed remarkable courage, determination, and resilience as they participated in a wide range of track and field events.

The day began with beautiful winter weather, but conditions soon changed as the rain set in. Despite the challenges, our students rose to the occasion with true St Joseph’s spirit, facing the elements with bravery and positivity. Their incredible sportsmanship was evident not only in their events but also in their enthusiastic cheering for every race and the warm encouragement they offered one another throughout the day. If there had been a medal for team spirit, St Joseph’s would certainly have taken home the gold!

A special thank you to Mrs O’Neill and Mrs Sciulli for their valuable support in taking on official duties in the field events.

We are proud to see so many of our students qualify to progress to the next stage – the Diocesan Carnival. We wish them every success as they continue their athletic journey.

It was an absolute privilege to serve as the team manager for such a dedicated and inspiring group of students. Thank you to all parents for your support and encouragement throughout the day.

Anne-Maree Mantach

A note will soon be sent home with students progressing to the next level.

Upcoming Events

4^th August – Netball gala day

6^th August – Diocesan Athletics Carnival

7^th August – Year 3 & 4 Touch Football gala day

14^th August – Year 5 & 6 Touch Football gala day

Shannon Bailey 
Sports Coordinator

Term Planner

Please note dates and times are subject to change at any time.  Any changes will be communicated to families via Compass

Unless otherwise stated, the advertisements placed in this newsletter are placed by independent third parties who have no legal relationship with the Diocese.  The activities or services of the advertisers are not supervised or controlled in any way by the Diocese.  The Diocese is not in a position to endorse the advertisers or the services provided and makes no representation about those matters.  Accordingly, the Diocese cannot accept any responsibility for the advertisers or the activities or services that are the subject of these advertisements.

PLEASE NOTE VACATION CARE WILL BE HELD AT HOLY FAMILY PRIMARY SCHOOL, MEREWETHER BEACH