Dear Parents,

Welcome Back to Term 2

Welcome back to Term 2! I hope all our families had a restful and refreshing holiday break. It’s been wonderful to see our students return with such energy and enthusiasm for learning. We are looking forward to another term filled with rich learning, exciting events, and opportunities to come together as a school community. 

Mother’s Day Celebration 

Today’s Mother’s Day Celebration was a truly special occasion, with an amazing turnout of mothers, grandmothers, and many special women who enrich our community. A heartfelt thank you to our P&F Committee for their continued support of this beloved event, and to the volunteers who ensured everything ran smoothly. 

The delicious food, generous raffle donations, and joyful atmosphere created such a meaningful celebration. Thank you to our Year 1 students and teachers for their beautifully moving liturgy and to Justine Orton who spoke so authentically about the joys and challenges of motherhood—your words were deeply appreciated. We wish all our mothers a very Happy Mother’s Day this Sunday! 

Building Works Update 

There has been no further progress on our major building project at this stage. We continue to await further direction from the Catholic Schools Office as to when plans will proceed. We will be sure to share any further updates with families as soon as we know more. 

Winter Uniform Reminder

Students will begin wearing their winter uniforms from Monday 12 May (Week 3).  

We ask for your support in ensuring students wear the correct winter uniform, including appropriate shoes for both sports and regular uniform days. Please note: 

• Skorts are not part of the girls’ sports uniform. 

• Students should not wear necklaces, bracelets, long or glittery earrings, or have visible temporary tattoos. 

• Long hair (for both boys and girls) must be tied back and clipped neatly out of their eyes to support both learning and safety. 

If your child is unable to wear the correct uniform on any given day, please notify the school office via email or send a written note with your child to be passed on to their teacher. 

Thank you for your continued support in maintaining our uniform and grooming expectations. These standards help to create a professional and respectful learning environment that reflects the values of our school community.  

Athletics Carnival

Our school Athletics Carnival was a huge success! With clear skies and high spirits, our students gave their all on the track and field. They demonstrated incredible teamwork, sportsmanship, and perseverance throughout the day. 

It was especially wonderful to see our Kindergarten and Year 1 students participate in their very first 100m sprint and novelty events—what a joyful start to their carnival journey! 

A huge thank you to Ms Shannon Bailey, our amazing Sports Coordinator, for her outstanding organisation, and to our dedicated staff, students, and parent volunteers for making the day so memorable. 

Upcoming Information Sessions and Webinars for Parents and Carers 

At St Joseph’s, we value our partnership with families and know that parents and carers are the most important educators in their child’s life. To support you, a range of free upcoming webinars is now available via the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle’s Catholic Schools webpage. 

Here is a snapshot of Term 2 sessions: 

Online Safety-Focused Sessions: 

• Understanding and Using Parental Controls – eSafety Commissioner 

• eSafety 101 – eSafety Commissioner 

• Exploring the Online Experiences of Boys and Young Men – eSafety Commissioner 

• Sexual Extortion: What Parents and Carers Need to Know – eSafety Commissioner 

• The Social Media Guide: What Every Parent Needs to Know in 2025 – The Cyber Safety Project 

Mental Health-Focused Sessions: 

• Anxiety and Depression in Children and Adolescents – Learning Links 

• Teen Mental Health Matters – The Black Dog Institute 

Parenting Sessions: 

• What Kids Need Now, Before the Teenage Years – CCSP NSW/ACT and Michelle Mitchell 

You can view more details and register for any of these webinars at: 
www.mn.catholic.edu.au/our-community/supporting-parents-and-carers/upcoming-parent-and-carer-information-sessions 

The site is updated regularly, so we encourage you to check in often for the latest offerings. 

Nicole Charnock
Acting Principal

Spelling Bee and Maths Bee

Spelling & Maths Bee competitions continue this year at St Joseph’s. In Weeks 1 and 2 students have competed across both a grade and stage level. The students below will represent St Joseph’s at the regional Maths Bee competition at St Patrick’s, Wallsend in the morning on Thursday, 15 May.

Stage 1: Rik M (2G)

Stage 2: Lawson K (3B)

Stage 3: Evan T (6B)

Our school will be hosting the regional Spelling Bee competition in the afternoon also on Thursday, 15 May.  

Stage 1: Sienna S (2G)

Stage 2: Harriet H (3G)

Stage 3: Juliette S (6G)

Congratulations to all students for participating and well wishes to those above going through to the next round!

Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT)

In Term 2 – Week 3, students in years 2 and 4 will participate in the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT). This test evaluates students' reasoning abilities in three key areas essential for success in school:

1. Verbal Battery: Assesses students' ability to reason with words and concepts, crucial for reading comprehension, critical thinking, writing, and verbal learning tasks.
2. Quantitative Battery: Measures students' ability to reason with quantitative symbols and concepts, which are vital for problem-solving in mathematics and other disciplines.
3. Nonverbal Battery: Evaluates students' ability to reason with geometric shapes and figures, requiring them to implement strategies for solving novel problems.

These batteries provide a comprehensive view of each student's learned reasoning abilities, identifying both strengths and areas for improvement. CogAT aims to support differentiated practice in education by helping teachers adapt instruction to meet the unique needs and abilities of each student.

It's important to note that CogAT scores are not integrated into report grades or other conventional measures of school achievement. The focus is on tailoring instruction and fostering a supportive, inclusive learning environment based on each child's ability.

If you have any concerns or questions about your child's academic progress or specific educational needs, please schedule a meeting with your child's teacher. They will discuss your child's strengths and areas for growth based on various assessments. Additionally, you can contact our school Gifted Education Project Officer, Bek Henshaw (bek.henshaw@mn.catholic.edu.au) (GEM) for further assistance.

Thank you for your continued support in ensuring the best educational outcomes for our students.

Positive Behaviours for Learning (PB4L) – Weeks 3 and 4

Be Respectful: Use kind words and actions  

In class and on the playground, our PBL focus for this fortnight is to use kind words and actions. Students are reflecting on the impact, on others and ourselves, when we use kind/unkind words. They will be identifying what these actions look like, sound like and feel like.

Students are enjoying taking their class tokens to the colour house boxes and watching the numbers rise. Special thanks to our dedicated Sports Captains for counting our tokens. The end of Week 5 will mark the next time we announce who the mid-term winning colour house will be. 

Walk Safely to School Day

Walk Safely to School Day will be held on Friday 16 May 2025.

This day is a great opportunity for families to walk to school together and have conversations about being a safe road user.

Here are some tips to help make walking to school a regular part of your routine:

Plan your route: Take some time to plan the safest and most convenient route to walk to school. Consider pedestrian crossings, footpaths, and traffic lights.

Set a schedule: Decide on the days and times you'll walk to school each week. Consistency is key to forming a new habit. Try to stick to your schedule as much as possible.

Safety first:

ALWAYS hold your child’s hand until they are at least 8 years old. Closely supervise them until they are at least 10 years old.

ALWAYS hold your child's hand:

• when on the footpath
• when crossing the road or
• when in a car park

Teach your child about being a safe pedestrian: This includes watching out for driveways, walking facing traffic when there are no footpaths and always Stop, Look, Listen, Think, every time you cross the road.

Avoid distractions: Set a good example by putting your phone away. Focus on your surroundings. If you need to use your phone, stop in a safe place.

Make it fun: Keep the walks enjoyable by talking about what you see and about your day. This can help make the time go quickly and make walking to school something your child looks forward to.

Join forces: Coordinate with other families in your neighbourhood to walk to school together. Not only does this make it more fun for the kids, but it also provides additional safety in numbers.

Celebrate achievements: Celebrate achievements along the way to keep motivation high. Whether it's reaching a certain number of walks or noticing improvements in fitness, acknowledging progress can help reinforce the habit.

Practise, Practise, Practise: The more supervised pedestrian experiences your child can get the better, so they will be ready to safely travel by themselves when they are older.

Walk Safely to School Day can be the start of a new routine!

The Student Council has shared with all students an art competition titled, ‘I art my way to school’. This competition is organised by the Newcastle City Council and is open for students from Kinder to Year 6. Entries do not close until Friday, 16 May. There are some great prizes to be won! For more information please see the poster below.

Renata Rozenfeld
Assistant Principal 

Mass for Pope Francis 

As a school and parish community we gathered to remember and pray for Pope Francis on Friday 2 May. We are very proud of the prayerful and reverent way our students engaged in the Mass. Pope Francis asked us to pray for him. It was fitting that we gathered as a community to join in prayer for him. Both the students and adults provided thoughtful reflections on Pope Francis life. We would like to thank our families who attended as well as Dr. Anne Millard and Catherine Mahony from our Parish for their singing and accompaniment.  

St Joseph’s Merewether joins the global Catholic community in welcoming Pope Leo XIV. On May 8, 2025, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the 267th pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. He is the first American-born pope and the first from the Order of Saint Augustine. 

Bishop Michael Kennedy said the election of a new Pope is always a moment of great significance and hope for Catholics and people of good will around the world.  
 
“We give thanks to God for guiding the Church through this time of transition, and we place our trust in the Holy Spirit and the conclave’s decision,” Bishop Kennedy said.   

“We look forward with confidence to his leadership and the ways in which he will be witness to the Gospel in today’s world. Leading the universal Church is an immense responsibility and as a Diocese, we pray he is given wisdom, courage and grace as he navigates the path ahead.”   

Figure 1: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/08/share-new-pope-leo-xiv-american

Easter 

Thank you to our school community for joining us in our Easter Liturgy. It was a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the sacrifice and love shown by Jesus on Good Friday. We are especially proud of our students for their reverent participation in prayer and for helping create a meaningful celebration of this important time in our faith. 

To continue our Easter journey, each class held liturgy in their classrooms on the first day back at school to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus. This was a joyful way to begin the new term, reminding us that Jesus is risen and walks with us each day. 

ANZAC Day 

Thank you for joining us at the 2025 Merewether ANZAC Day Commemoration Service. Your presence helped create a meaningful and respectful tribute to those who have served and sacrificed for our country. We are especially proud of our St Joseph’s student representatives who participated with reverence and dignity. 

Your support strengthens our community spirit and ensures that the legacy of ANZAC continues to live on in the hearts of our young people. 

Project Compassion

Thank you to all of our families and students who contributed to Project Compassion. As a community we raised $847.40. The money raised will support schools in Samoa.  

St Joseph’s Social Justice (SJSJ)

The St Joseph's Social Justice Group recently gathered to map out their plans for 2025, focusing on supporting organisations like St Vincent de Paul, Caritas, and the Mission Seafarers. Their mission is to assist others through service, kind words, meaningful actions, and thoughtful donations.

During the meeting, the group brainstormed creative ways to make a positive impact in our community. From organising donation drives to volunteering time and spreading awareness, their ideas aim to support those in need and foster a spirit of compassion.

Stay tuned for updates on their initiatives and opportunities to get involved. Together, we can make a difference!

Sacrament of Confirmation

We have 36 students from St Joseph’s who will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation on either Tuesday 20 May or Thursday 29 May. We would like to invite our school community to attend to support our students in their faith journey. May you keep the students who are preparing for the sacrament in your prayers.  

Confirmation Retreat: A Confirmation Retreat will be held on Friday 16 May for students preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Please contact Dr. Anne Millard at the parish office for details.  

Phone: 4979 1101  

Email: newcparish@mn.catholic.org.au 

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

Week 6: Catholic Schools Week – Mass @ 10:15 

Week 7: Pentecost Liturgy (Year 4) - time TBC 

Leanne Skinner 
Religious Education Coordinator 

Year 3 and 4 Knight’s 9s gala day

On April 3rd, Year 3 and 4 students travelled to Windale to compete in the Knight’s 9s Rugby League gala day. The team played 6 games throughout the day, busting tackles, throwing long balls, wrestling their opponents to the ground and having a fantastic time in general. It was so wonderful to see such outstanding sportsmanship, teamwork, and enthusiasm from all the players, showing respect not only to their teammates but also to their opposition. They finished the day with some wins and some losses but certainly with huge smiles on their faces and many stories to share. Special thanks to Paul Dan and Helene O’Neill for their help and expertise on the day and to all the parents who came along for the wild ride.

Diocesan Softball Trials

Last Wednesday, Chris M. participated in the diocesan softball trials held in Sydney. Throughout the event, Chris demonstrated strong batting ability, hitting three home runs during the trials—a notable achievement. He approached the day with determination, teamwork, and commitment, narrowly missing selection for the team by just one place. Well done, Chris, on your efforts and dedication.

Polding Soccer

Last Thursday, Alex B. and Beatrice P. travelled to Bathurst to represent our school at the Polding trials, where both students displayed skill, positivity, and resilience throughout the day. We commend both of their dedication to the sport and congratulate Alex on his selection for the Polding team, which will compete in Ballina against teams from across the state.

Athletics Carnival

On Tuesday, the weather gods turned on a spectacular day for our athletics carnival at Fearnley Dawes track with the sun shining down on us, setting the stage for an exhilarating event. Excitement was in the air as students lined up on the track to compete and run as far and as fast as their little (or in some cases long) legs could take them. It was amazing to see the students dressed in their house colours displaying unwavering support for their teammates, as they raced past the grandstand to the photo finish line. The competition was strong on the track, in the field and among the grandstand cheer squad, especially during the parent v student v teacher race! It was fantastic to see our smallest students having a fabulous time during the tabloid games in center field, getting ready to be part of it all in the coming years. We congratulate the students who not only made it through to the regional level, but all of those who got out there and gave it their best shot. Well done.

We also want to say a huge thank you again to all our invaluable parent volunteers. Despite the weather challenges leading up to the event, your collective efforts and dedication made a significant difference. Special mention to Anna Graham, Renee Mantle, Julian Johnson and Karen Childs for organising all the parent volunteers and your support both leading up to and on the day. Your efforts don’t go unnoticed or unappreciated. A special mention to Mrs Charnock as well for being the best MC for the day and Miss Parish and Mrs Skinner for their marshalling efforts. I think we can all agree it was nice to put our feet up when we got home.

Results and notes for those children who qualified for the regional carnival will be released shortly.

Central Region Touch Football trials

On Tuesday, Vincent M. represented our school at the Central Region touch football trials held at the Newcastle touch fields. After a weather delay, the event went ahead under clear skies, providing ideal conditions for a competitive day of sport. Vinnie played with skill and determination, showing his ability and commitment throughout the trials. While he was not selected for the next stage, we commend him for his strong effort and positive attitude. We look forward to seeing his continued growth in future competitions.

Dates to remember

Diocesan Cross Country – 14^th May at Maitland Touch Fields

Year 5 and 6 Knight’s 9s Rugby League gala day - postponed event rescheduled to 23^rd September

Shannon Bailey 
Sports Coordinator

Thank You 

We want to extend a massive thank you to the members of our community who have stepped up in recent weeks in various capacities. Whether you have contributed to the meal train, volunteered to assist at the Athletics Carnival, or helped with the organisation of our Mother’s Day Breakfast. 

We are incredibly grateful for the way our families consistently step up in times of need, offering their assistance and energy to ensure that events at school run smoothly and are made even more special for our students. 

It is a privilege to be part of a community where everyone shows up for one another and doesn’t hesitate to offer their support in times of need. We are so fortunate to have such a strong, caring group of families who help make our school a warm and welcoming place for everyone. 

Your time, efforts and kindness does not go unnoticed, and we are deeply appreciative of everything you do for our school community. 

Term 2 Events 

Australia's Biggest Morning Tea 

Australia's Biggest Morning Tea is a fundraising event hosted by the Cancer Council to raise money for cancer research, prevention, and support services. It's a community event where individuals, families, workplaces, and schools come together to host a morning tea and share a cuppa while raising funds for the cause. This particular event hits very close to home at St Joseph’s this year and we look forward to recognising the day together. 

Families are warmly invited to our Joey’s Biggest Morning Tea fundraising event on Wednesday 28th May. 

Where: St Joseph’s Primary School Merewether – Field 

Time: 10.30-11.10am 

What to bring: A picnic blanket, snacks and  

Please donate to our St Joseph’s Biggest Morning Tea via our unique QR code.  

Wellbeing Week 

Wellbeing Week is approaching fast and will take place this term in Week 9. The Student Wellbeing Team are busy coming up with ideas to make this a meaningful and joyful week for all students at St Joseph’s. 

Class Parents  

Please reach out to your Class Parent/s if you are having trouble joining Facebook or WhatsApp groups relevant to your child's class.  

Two weeks was a long time for our Year 6 and Kindergarten buddies to go without one another over the Easter break. The reunions on the first day back were so special to witness and how lovely it was to see the connections that have been built between our youngest and eldest students in such a small amount of time. On the last day of Term 1, our mighty and mini mates got together to give cards, thanks and cuddles for the love, support and fun that has been had so far at big school. 

Mother's Day - SchoolTV 

Please click here to view this week’s special edition report on SchoolTV Celebrating Mother’s Day.  

Happy Mother’s Day for Sunday to all of our beautiful St Joseph’s mothers, grandmothers and mother figures within our community. I hope you find the time to relax and reflect on your amazing contributions to your child’s life and education this weekend. Enjoy the love and appreciation you so richly deserve!  

Our thoughts and prayers are with those this weekend who: 

• Are grieving the loss of their mother. 

• Have lost children. 

• Are yearning to be mothers. 

• Have difficult relationships with their mothers. 

May we all take the opportunity to show appreciation, offer support, and hold space for the full range of experiences within our school community. 

Chloe Coe 
Wellbeing Coordinator

The Joy of Reading: Nurturing Book Love in Reluctant Readers 

With the recent stretch of rainy days keeping many of us indoors, have you found yourself searching for meaningful ways to engage your children beyond screens? Have you ever wondered why some children dive into books during these indoor days while others avoid them at all costs? Are you concerned that your child is missing out on the wonderful world of reading? 

Reading opens doors to countless worlds and opportunities for our children, yet many parents face the challenge of encouraging reluctant readers. Whether your child declares books "boring" or struggles with reading itself, there are numerous ways to spark a genuine love for stories and text.  

Why Reading Matters More Than Ever 

In our digital age, strong reading skills remain fundamental to success. Beyond academic achievement, regular reading: 

• Develops critical thinking and empathy 

• Builds vocabulary and communication skills 

• Provides stress relief and emotional regulation 

• Creates quality bonding time between parents and children 

• Fosters imagination and creativity 

Understanding Reluctant Readers 

Reluctance toward reading often stems from various factors: difficulty with reading skills, competing interests like video games or social media, or simply not finding materials that spark interest. Remember that reluctance doesn't mean your child won't ever enjoy reading - they just haven't found their reading path yet. 

Practical Strategies 

Find Their "Just Right" Books 

The most powerful motivator is interest! Parents can help their child discover books that align with their passions, whether that's sports, animals, fantasy worlds, or graphic novels. Don't worry about reading levels initially - engagement matters most. 

Make Rainy Days Reading Days 

Has this wet weather left you searching for indoor activities? Turn rainy days into special reading opportunities! Create a "rainy day reading fort" with blankets, pillows, and favourite snacks. Keep a special basket of books that only comes out during bad weather, making them feel like a treat rather than a last resort when outdoor play isn't possible. 

Create a Reading-Friendly Environment 

Designate a comfortable reading nook with good lighting and minimal distractions. Keep books visible and accessible throughout your home. 

Make Reading Social 

Consider this: when was the last time your child saw you genuinely enjoying a book? Children who see their parents reading regularly are more likely to develop the habit themselves. Think about whether your child typically sees you reading and valuing books, or if they might more often observe you on your phone or tablet. Even a few minutes of visible reading time each day can inspire your child's curiosity and nurture their own love of books. 

Start a small family book club or encourage your child to read with siblings or friends. Discussing stories creates community and deepens engagement with texts. 

Embrace All Reading Formats 

Audiobooks, e-books, magazines, comics, and graphic novels all count as reading! Many reluctant readers find these alternative formats more approachable and enjoyable. 

Connect Books to Real Life 

Visit places featured in books, cook recipes mentioned in stories, or watch movie adaptations after reading the book. These connections make reading feel relevant and exciting. 

Read Aloud - Even to Older Children 

Continue reading aloud even after your child can read independently. This removes the pressure of decoding and lets them focus on enjoying the story. 

When Reading Is Challenging 

If your child struggles with reading skills, consider: 

• Consulting with their teacher about potential learning differences 

• Finding high-interest, lower-level texts that build confidence 

• Alternating between you reading and them reading 

• Using paired reading (reading simultaneously aloud) 

Celebrate All Progress 

Notice and celebrate even small wins in your child's reading journey. Did they finish a chapter? Comment thoughtfully about a character? Choose a book at the library? These moments matter and build momentum. 

Make Books Special Gifts 

What message does it send when you choose books as presents? Consider making books a regular gift for birthdays, holidays, or special achievements. Wrapping a carefully selected book shows your child that reading materials are valuable, personal, and worthy of celebration. Create traditions around book giving, perhaps with a special inscription inside the cover that they'll treasure for years to come. 

Remember that creating a reader takes patience and persistence. The goal isn't perfect reading skills overnight but nurturing a lifelong relationship with books and learning. What small step might you take this week to nurture your child's reading journey? 

We hope everyone has slotted back into the swing of things now that we're two weeks into Term 2. It’s certainly been a busy start but we’re loving the energy that’s filled the school already.

Dates for your diary

A couple of events to pop on the fridge calendar:

• P&F Meeting – Wednesday 14 May, 6pm in the Staff Cafe
• Parent Mixer – Saturday 24 May, 7pm at the Cricketers Arms Hotel.  Please RSVP by 17 May

We’re looking forward to seeing you there.

Mother’s Day breakfast and raffle

A huge thank you to everyone who made this year’s Mother’s Day celebrations so special. More than 300 mums and mother figures turned out for breakfast and many stayed for the liturgy.

Special shoutout to our wonderful volunteers - Priscilla Officer, Elise Grist, Claire Collins, Abbey Edwards, Nat Pelle, Lisa Logue, Hayden Cornish, Russell Collins, Belinda Weeks, Gene Mansour and Matt de Witt. Without this bunch of parents, we wouldn’t have been able to have this event.

This year we had an impressive swag of prizes for our raffle thanks to our incredibly generous donors. We are so grateful to these people (and companies), most of who are connected to our community for their contributions. Special thanks to - Dean Mantle, Amanda & Hayden Cornish from Sellars Meats, Peter & Natasha Chapman and Scott McShane from Reflections Holidays, Matt & Claudia de Witt and Pipeclay Estate Mudgee, Anchana & Matthew Kent, Leanne Player from Player Property Group, Heidi & Angus Plate, Kathryn Stewart of Kathryn Stewart Hair Artists, Ed Close from NIB, Salt Property and Merewether Hair Studio.

All raffle proceeds went straight back into putting on this lovely event to honour the mothers and mother figures in our community and we’re so grateful for the support.

• 4x tickets to the Wallabies vs Fiji rugby match, 6 July at McDonald Jones Stadium - kindly donated by Dean Mantle
• Crane family

• 2x $100 Sellars Meats vouchers - kindly donated by Amanda and Hayden Cornish
• Julie Kiem
• K Sadler

• An “Adventure Mum pack” including $100 gift voucher, cord cap, water bottle, camping mug, Outsiders maganzine and a sticker - kindly donated by Peter and Natasha Chapman and Scott McShane from Reflections Holidays
• Mavros

• A case of Rosè - kindly donated by Matt and Claudia de Witt and Pipeclay Estate, Mudgee
• Toban

• 2x $50 breakfast vouchers for Monte Cafe, Little National Hotel Newcastle - kindly donated by Anchana and Matthew Kent
• Shelby Lemus
• Erica

• 2x bunches of flowers - kindly donated by Leanne Player from Player Property Group
• Rosemary Merz
• Milou Plate

• A handcrafted leather handbag from SANCIA - kindly donated by Heidi and Angus Plate
• Lennox Bull

• A $100 voucher for Kathryn Stewart Hair Artists - kindly donated by Kathryn Stewart
• Kotula

• 4x corporate box tickets to the Newcastle Knights vs Sydney Roosters match, 14 June at McDonald Jones Stadium - kindly donated by Ed Close from NIB
• Margo and Paul Chiplin

• Hamper including a resin salad bowl, servers, bottle of champagne, two stemless champagne flutes and a candle - kindly donated by Salt Property
• Claire Collins

• A $140 voucher - kindly donated by Merewether Hair Studio
• Lennox Bull

Easter raffle – Giving back

Thanks to your generosity, we were able to donate a fantastic range of Easter goodies to our partner school at Windale. To demonstrate their gratitude the Windale team sent us a beautiful video.

Our first packing shift was so efficient, the second shift wasn’t even needed! Thank you to all who donated eggs and time, especially:

Leanne Player, Samantha Anthony, Shelby Lumas, Kate Quin, Jess Bower, Nat Butler, Elise Grist, Amanda Cornish, Amy Callinan, Joelle Bevington and Tess Hosegood.

Thank you for helping us share the Easter (egg) love.

Athletics Carnival Fun

Congratulations to all our enthusiastic athletes for a fantastic carnival day on Tuesday. The spirit, encouragement and smiles were a joy to see.

And to the amazing parents who volunteered — thank you for making it all run smoothly. Special appreciation to our Sport Committee:

Anna Graham, Renee Mantle, Karen Childs and Julian Johnson.

That’s all from us for now, here’s to a joyful, connected Term 2 ahead.

2026 Enrolments

Kindergarten enrolments close Friday 23 May

For further information regarding enrolling in a Catholic School and to lodge an enrolment application online click here.

If you have a younger child that will be starting Kindergarten in 2026 you are encouraged to submit an application prior to the closing date.

Term Planner

Please note dates are subject to change and we will communicate any updates via Compass as they arise.

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.