Filter Content
3 August | Diocesan Athletics Carnival |
4 August | NAIDOC Celebrations |
8 August | Mary MacKillop Feast Day Liturgy |
8 August | P&F Meeting |
10 August | Young Mary Performance (incursion) |
18 August | School Musical |
22-26 August | Book Week |
23 August | School Photos |
2 September | Father's Day Breakfast & Liturgy |
Dear Parents,
We have hit the ground running since we have returned to school this term. We have launched our revitalised Year 6 learning space, our netballers proudly represented us at a regional gala day, Kinder have celebrated ‘100 Days of Kinder’ and our Virtual Academy (VA) students have held an expo explaining their research projects whilst staff have been engaged in professional learning around the new K-2 Mathematics syllabus and Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL).
Year 6 Learning Space
Our Year 6 classrooms are looking even more spacious with the revitalisation and there are numerous configurations that the new furniture can be moved into. We are looking forward to getting to explore how this flexible learning space can be used to enhance the children’s learning.
Parents who have joined us in the space have commented how their children have come home making comments such as “it’s just like being at university”, and the parents themselves have spoken highly of it. We invite you to join us in this space for our next P&F Meeting, on Monday 8th August.
100 Days of Kinder
This Tuesday our Kinder students celebrated the milestone of being at school for 100 days. They came to school dressed as they thought they might look when they are 100 years old, and throughout the day they engaged in lots of 100-related activities, including writing about what they would do before they turned 100 and counting activities based on 100. The children looked absolutely adorable and it was amusing to see the different ways they moved around, copying what they have seen their grandparents or older people in their lives do.
Virtual Academy (VA) Expo
On Thursday morning our enthusiastic Virtual Academy students shared their projects with their mentors, parents and Years 5 and 6 peers, here at school. This was a wonderful opportunity for our students to showcase their learning in the Virtual Academy with a wider audience. On reflecting on these projects after viewing them all and talking with the students, I noticed that there was a common element coming across all projects. This was that they had a ‘care’ focus. Caring for the environment and caring for the wellbeing of people were the two key elements coming through these projects. This was very heartwarming to see, and affirming. This sharing session saw us being blown away by websites, videos, 3D models, designs and hard copy booklets that supported their projects. The way the students competently and confidently explained their projects as well as taking the time to consider their responses to the varied questions that were asked of them by parents, staff and students was impressive.
It was very affirming to receive the feedback a parent shared with us after the showcase.
“I would like to thank you for organising this morning's exhibition with some of our students' VA work. You know how much they've worked, with passion, pride and diligence. This morning you have created an opportunity and a space for them to show their project. A sacred space, it was. Thank you. I would like to thank Miss McGinlay and the teachers for being present and showing interest in the variety of executions. I definitely enjoyed being there and talking to the students.
I am also grateful that the school made this exhibition possible. The timing allowed most parents, teachers, Catholic Schools representatives and Y5/Y6 students to attend. The crowd mingling in the newly refurbished Year6 space definitely gave an uplifting and joyful atmosphere.”
Uniforms
Lowes have a 20% off school wear coming up next week on August 4th and 5th.
Most children are wearing their uniforms with pride however I would like to remind you that if your child is out of full school uniform it is a requirement that you email or write a note showing the teachers that you are aware of this and/or explain the situation. Missing ties are of concern at the moment, as are the wearing of shoes that are not regular school shoes.
If you or your children do not know how to tie a tie, why not Google or You Tube this?
Attendance
If you think that arriving to school late a couple of minutes here and there is not of any concern please take a look at the chart below.
Playground Zoo
There is a burgeoning zoo that has sprung up here at Joeys. To see and hear the creative games and language of our younger children at break times with a motley collection of garden animals is fabulous. The animals are often given quite exotic names, they move about continually and get up to all sorts of things and sometimes they are receiving ‘treatment’ at the vets. Take a look at the joy the children are having with our ‘zoo’ animals.
Kinder 2023
At the end of last term, we sent out our offers of places for Kinder 2023. If you have not yet returned your acceptance, please do so as soon as possible. If you have a child who needs to start school next year and have not completed an enrolment form for them it is essential that you do so now, otherwise you run the risk of not securing a place for them.
Diocesan Concert Band
If your child is in Year 5 or 6 and plays a band instrument, at or above Grade 1, and can read musical notation they might like to be involved in the newly forming diocesan Concert Band. Further information can be found here ASPIRE Concert Band
Term Planner
There is much going on throughout this term and for those activities where we have designated dates we have included them in this term planner. All events may be subject to change however wherever possible we will be keeping to these dates. If there are any changes to this planner we will update via our newsletters and Compass. Please note, we plan on having a staff development day later in the term but have not secured a date as yet.
NAIDOC Celebrations
Next Thursday 4th August we will get to celebrate NAIDOC Week where all classes will have the opportunity to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in a day of authentic, hands-on workshop experiences.
We will be welcoming to our school Stephanie Callaghan from Numa Ngarra Aboriginal Culture and Tucker, Hilary McEntyre from Dreamtime Dance Co and Mauri Perry from Worimi nation who specialises in cultural dance, didgeridoo and cultural weaving. These exceptional providers will lead our classes through a day filled with authentic workshops that celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Workshops include bushtucker tasting, painting with traditional ochre, traditional dance lesson, traditional practice of weaving, Indigenous PE games and creating meaningful art while exploring Wonnarua symbols.
Our day will begin with a beautiful Dance and Smoking Ceremony lead by Stephanie and Mauri. We invite all parents and friends to join us for this ceremony that opens the day. We will start as soon as the school bell rings, so ask that your children be here on time.
Children are not required to wear their school uniform on this day. They are asked to wear clothes that represent the Aboriginal flag colours of red, yellow and black OR Torres Strait Islander flag colours of blue, green and white or clothing that has indigenous designs.
ANXIETY Study
Griffith University, Queensland is conducting an Australian wide anxiety treatment study for 7-12 year olds. This treatment study is funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council.
Anxiety is defined as feelings of nervousness, worry and fear that is usually brought on by seeing or experiencing certain triggers or events, and/or by the expectation that this is too frightening or difficult to cope with. Anxiety can be helpful when dealing with new challenges and novel situations. However, if it occurs too often or too strongly, it can lead to children not coping in many situations. For many children and their parents, anxiety can be highly disruptive and prevent children from doing things that other children their age can do. This project will examine two treatment conditions and determine if they are as effective as each other in alleviating children’s anxiety disorders.
If you are interested in finding out more and/or in being part of this study please see below.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Karen
St Joseph’s Student Council
Semester Two |
|
Year 2 Gold |
Billie D, William H |
Year 2 Blue |
Millie K, Hudson S |
Year 3 Blue |
Harriet M, Casper S |
Year 3 Gold |
Lila K, Tanapong T |
Year 4 Blue |
Freya A, Evan B |
Year 4 Gold |
Zaylie P, Joseph C |
Year 5 Blue |
Violet L, Callum V |
Year 5 Gold |
Amalia S, Harrison C |
Year 6 Blue |
Stella G, Jacob U |
Year 6 Gold |
Milla B, Heath A |
These students will receive their Student Council badges at assembly on Monday morning. We look forward to a great semester working on a variety of initiatives together.
Thank you again to all our Semester One council members who represented both their class and St Joseph’s with great maturity, leadership and pride.
Positive Behaviour Learning (PBL)
Congratulations to the Green Sports Colour House for achieving the most tokens in the second half of last term! Students in this sports house enjoyed an out of uniform day last Friday.
Our PBL focus this fortnight is Act Safely – Moving safely at all times. This is a big focus area as quite often children are reminded to be aware of their surroundings and how they move within them. In class, students are identifying ways we move safely (and unsafely) as they analyse different scenarios and how they can be most safe. On the playground teachers will be keeping a close eye on students who are walking on the concrete and playing safely on equipment. Hopefully many tokens will be given out!
Interrelate - *Save the date*
Interrelate is a not-for-profit provider of relationship services that specialises in supporting parents and children. St Joseph’s has benefited from their service in the past and we have now secured a date for two evening sessions this year (20th October, 2022).
The two sessions are:
Session 1: Where Did I Come From?
Audience: Year 3 and 4 students and their parents/carers
(Students from Year 5 and 6 are welcome to this if they have not particpated previously)
Program focus:
• Discuss the male and female reproductive systems, foetal development and the birth process
• Personal safety and protective behaviours
Session 2: Preparing For Puberty
Audience: Year 5 and 6 students and their parents/carers
Program focus:
• Discuss the physical changes of puberty, emphasising that it can be different for everyone
• Develop students’ understanding of periods and sperm production, as well as the physical, emotional, social and intellectual changes associated with puberty for both boys and girls
• Enhance awareness of children’s personal safety and protective behaviours
Note: Younger students are welcome to attend at the discretion of their parents/carers.
These sessions will take place in the evening on 20th October. More information and booking information will be available closer to the date.
ICAS
We are delighted to inform you that our school will be participating in the world-renowned ICAS competitions this year.
Please refer to the information below for further information and how to access the parent portal and our unique school code for ordering.
Back to School Blessing
Dear Heavenly Father,
For all the children and families returning to school,
send your Holy Spirit as their guide and protector.
Keep them free from danger and unnecessary harm.
Put each of us in the right place, at the right time, to receive your grace.
Let each of us grow strong. May the presence of your Spirit fill each of our hearts.
Help us to mature as parents and caregivers.
Bless every family, O Lord.
We entrust our children to you, dear God.
Since from the beginning, they are yours to keep.
In the name of the greatest Son of all, Jesus Christ,
Amen.
Upcoming Feast Days
August 8th - St Mary of the Cross MacKillop
Feast of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop
Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first Saint, was passionate about bringing education to the young from all sectors of society - wealthy, poor, migrants and indigenous. She believed in the importance of educating the young from all walks of life to use their gifts to build a better future for themselves and society. Mary believed in living the message of the Gospel. To be the face of Christ to those in need. This is reflected in our school motto, ‘Live the Truth’.
Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop lived by the adage ‘Never see a need without trying to do something about it.’ Our St Joseph’s school community works hard at following this motto by being aware of the needs of people both within and beyond the school community, supporting people through prayer, friendship and acts of kindness and generosity.
This important feast day will be celebrated by the school community with a whole school liturgy in the COLA.
We will also have an incursion on Wednesday 10th August with a visit from Starrs productions called “Young Mary”.
This play introduces us to Young Mary and we participate in her many fun filled and spirited childhood adventures. We have lots of fun playing games with Mary, and hearing about her pet cow Blorac and her dad Alexander. Then, as she grows, we bear witness to the determination of a hard working young woman who sets out to eliminate poverty and provide a fair education for all.
The play is funny and entertaining and involves the audience in lots of acting and moral decision making. Young Mary’s humour and compassion helps the audience enjoy and understand St Mary MacKillop, whilst appreciating her famous quote; “Never see a need without doing something about it”.
August 15th - The Assumption of Our Lady, the Blessed Virgin Mary
What is a Holy Day of Obligation?
On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are to refrain from engaging in work or activities that hinder the worship owed to God. (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2185).
Historically derived, holy days of obligation were special occasions on which Catholics, over the age of reason, were obliged to attend Mass. They were also encouraged to refrain from any work or involvement with commerce which would interfere with their participation in divine worship.
The number of holy days of obligation has changed greatly over time, cognisant of social change and the need for employment to support the family. For example, in 1642, Pope Urban VIII greatly decreased the number to 36 from the much larger set which had been observed since the Middle Ages. Such a change enabled Catholics, many of whom were labourers in the fields, to more easily meet their obligations.
In Australia (since 2001), the Catholic faithful should observe as holy days of obligation:
- Christmas Day (December 25 – the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ)
- The Assumption (August 15 – the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary)
- All Sundays of the year
Pope Francis last year established the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly.The day is marked near the feast of Sts Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus.
The theme for this year’s celebration is "In old age they will still bear fruit", taken from Psalm 92. Find prayer and liturgical resources and Pope Francis’ message at www.catholic.org.au/grandparents
We will celebrate our grandparents with a community event in Book Week on Thursday 25th August 2022. More details to follow.
Classroom Sharing
The Vision of our New Curriculum
That the Good News of Jesus Christ be encountered in every Religion classroom in innovative and co-creative ways as part of the living tradition of the Church as a system of meaning and relevance to individuals’ social and community experience. The Vision for the new Religious Education curriculum appropriately aligns with the diocesan Vision statement where Jesus Christ is the heart of all we do. The Religious Education curriculum seeks to invite students into a knowledge and experience of Jesus who invites them into relationship with God and reveals God’s love to them.
Through a New Way of Learning in Religion
Kindergarten are very engaged in their new module for Term 3- KNOWING GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT.
This module introduces our students to God the Holy Spirit as the third way of knowing God and as an equal part of the Trinity with God the Father and the Son. They will pose and respond to questions about the presence of the Holy Spirit in their own lives. They will learn about the coming of the Holy Spirit to the Apostles at the time of Pentecost and ways that the Spirit is God’s presence in the world today. They will also be introduced to symbols and signs of the Holy Spirit and the special gifts of the Holy Spirit that help to strengthen people’s relationship with God.
The students are really enjoying engaging in Godly play to represent and tell their big ideas, thoughts, reflections and experiences.
The students highly valued seeking peer support from our Year 4 students, many of whom have recently completed the Parish Sacramental Program. These students recently received the sacrament of Confirmation and took great pride in sharimg their knowledge about the Holy Spirit and their sacramental experiences
Farewell to Helene O’Neill
Staff gathered today to share Helene’s last day in her role as Family Minister Coordinator for the Catholic Schools Office. Helene will commence her new role as Chaplain to the Curia on the 1 August. We thank Helene for her amazing support and encouragement of our school community and wish her all the very best in her new role.
Diocesan Athletics Carnival
The Diocesan Athletics Carnival will be held next week on Wednesday 3rd August. The carnival will be held at Hunter Sports Centre, Stockland Drive Glendale
Parents are to transport their child to and from the venue. They will need to find the ‘Central Region’ flag and sit with our region for the day.
All information can be found on the CSNSW/sport website
Time: 9.45am - 2.00pm (approximately).
No students are to enter the centre prior to 9.00am. The gates will open at 9.00am and students are to meet their regional team managers (central region) in their allocated seating area. There will be signs up along the fence. Students are to remain in the care of their regional team managers all day except when competing in an event.
Programs: These will be available on the day for $2.
Below is a list of students who will be competing. Good luck to our athletes – we have our fingers crossed for positive results!
Girls |
||
Name |
Event |
Time/Distance |
Maisie S |
8 Year Olds 100 Meter Sprint |
20.41 sec |
Maya V |
9 Year Olds 100 Meter Sprint |
17.87 sec |
Amalia S |
11 Year Olds 100 Meter Sprint |
16.75 sec |
Violet L |
11 Year Olds 200 Meter Run |
35.67 sec |
Ava K |
8-10 800 Meter Run Junior |
3:22.20 sec |
Adelaide M |
8-10 Long Jump Junior |
2.88m sec |
Violet L |
11 Year Olds Long Jump |
3.10m sec |
Mabel H |
12-13 Shot Put |
7.51m sec |
Boys |
||
Name |
Event |
Time/Distance |
Oliver S |
9 Year Olds 100 Meter Sprint |
16.96 sec |
Archie D |
10 Year Olds 100 Meter Sprint |
16.55 sec |
Jacob F |
11 Year Olds 100 Meter Sprint |
16.18 sec |
Sidney M |
11 Year Olds 100 Meter Sprint |
16.23sec |
Jacob F |
11 Year Olds 200 Meter Run |
32.16 sec |
Archie D |
8-10 800 Meter Run Junior |
2:50.93 sec |
Felix P |
8-10 800 Meter Run Junior |
2:59.53 sec |
Archie |
8-10 1500 Meter Run Junior |
5:50.91 sec |
Evan B |
8-10 Long Jump Junior |
3.74m sec |
Archie D |
8-10 Long Jump Junior |
3.42m sec |
Byron S |
11 Year Olds Long Jump |
4.01m sec |
Jacob F |
11 Year Olds Long Jump |
3.59m sec |
Lukas M |
12-13 Long Jump |
4.42m sec |
Evan B |
8-10 Shot Put Junior |
6.46m sec |
Jnr Boys (8-10yo) 4 x 100m relay Came 1st |
1:07.80 sec |
NSW Netball Schools Cup
What a blast students from St Joseph’s had last Thursday, attending a netball gala day run by Netball NSW. Teams from all over the area including Catholic, public and independent schools all competing in what was such an enjoyable day.
Fifty Five students from Years 3-6 participated in round robin style games, playing 6 games throughout the day. They were mixed teams which meant boys and girls were all playing together, regardless of whether the teams were all boys, all girls or mixed, which added to the fun to the day!
Traditionally netball is a female sport, but it was lovely to see so many of our male students from St Joseph’s give something different a go, and they sure did give it a go! Passes were thrown that could beat the speed of light, with the pace of the game definitely increasing.
The girls were just as amazing. You could see the love of the game these girls had, and they thoroughly enjoyed the success that came with working as a team, which they did so well.
We had wonderful success on the day with both of our two Year 3/4 teams being undefeated, winning all of their games! They played unbelievably and were so gracious in their wins. It was evident the girls team had played together for many years as their communication with each other and their understanding of the game shone through, which contributed to their success. The mixed team were very similar, each knowing each other's strengths and utilising each other’s skills on the day. A huge congratulations to these two teams who had great success on the day. Thank you to Ingrid Kaczor, Lyndall Allan, Olivia Knox and Renee Mantle and the supporting parents who managed the teams on the day with such passion and enthusiasm for their team.
Two of the Yr 5/6 teams also had a great day, showing perseverance when the scoreboard wasn’t going their way. Our senior mixed team and senior girls team fought hard during the day, showing they knew how to play as a team and encourage each other in every game. Even though they didn’t come away with a win for the day, the smiles on their faces said it all. A huge shout out to Karen Hillard and Justine Owens who supported their teams amazingly and ensured each child had a great day with equal game time and an opportunity to explore different positions.
Our two competitive teams, our senior girls and senior boys, did not disappoint. Even though none of the boys had any experience in playing netball, and rules were reviewed moments before they took to the court, they blew us all away with their talent. Regardless of the sport they are playing, the boys have exceptional ball skills and endurance, and each teammate putting in 100% for every pass. They came away with a few wins, but unfortunately, many of the teams they played against had many years of experience playing netball which made it challenging at times for the boys to make it to the finals. I would like to thank Melissa Beath for her management of the boys throughout the day. Melissa created a team atmosphere that enabled the boys to connect and encourage each other.
And finally, on to the senior girls' team, who were just unstoppable! They were tied first for the entire competition with Valentine Public School. Their shooting was nearly flawless, with Mabel, Ashley, Lexie and Daisy as our shooters for the day. Our mid-court with Stella, Hannah, Chloe and Edie, showed determination and endurance, showing they can be everywhere and anywhere at any time! Our defence consisted of Daisy, Emmy and Lexie stopping so many goals from getting through the keeper and were regularly getting rebounds and intercepts. Each player contributed to the success of the team, which enabled them to get to the finals in the top 2 (tied with Valentine PS), and then making it to the regionals which will be held in Week 3, on Tuesday 2nd August. Congratulations girls and good luck next week.
On a personal note, I would like to thank Leesa Heron, who was invaluable throughout the organisation of this event. Leesa not only managed the senior girls' team, but assisted with trials, and supported in the planning the netball gala day, always there to lend a hand. Thank you!
To all the parents who attended on the day. Whether you were managing a team, scoring, umpiring, popping in for half the day, organising training sessions before the day and simply cheering on the sidelines – thank you. Without sounding like a broken record, we need parent support to make these events run as efficiently and successfully as possible, and you all made it possible, so your time is very much appreciated!
Cricket – Polding
Isaac M is representing our school proudly at Polding for cricket. It seems like so long ago that he made it, but the date is fast approaching for his turn at competing.
The Polding Cricket Trial has changed venues and it is now being held in Tamworth. The date remains the same as 26th August.
Good luck, Isaac!!!
Upcoming Events
AFL –Hunter Regional Finals
Last term, 18 boys from Year 5 and Year 6 competed in the Paul Kelly Cup in Warners Bay. The successful day led them to the regionals, which will be held in Week 3 on Tuesday, 2nd August at the same venue as last time, Feighan Oval in Warners Bay. Emma Cook will be the attending staff member, with David Flynn and Mark Van Huisstede lending their expertise and coaching skills on the day.
The boys had so much fun last time, and I am sure they will again on Tuesday. We wish them all the best with our prayers and hopes for them to make it to the next round which will see them playing at the Giants Stadium in Sydney, taking away the coveted Paul Kelly Cup.
Netball – Hunter/Central Coast Regionals
Our senior girls team, made up of nine Year 5 and Year 6 students, will be competing at the regionals in the Netball NSW Schools Cup. The carnival will be held at Newcastle Netball Courts on Tuesday, 2nd August. If the girls progress to state, they will be playing at Olympic Park. We wish you all the success girls in getting through to the next round.
Sport Coordinator
Emma Cook
2 Gold Classroom News
Students in Year 2 Gold work hard every day to learn new knowledge and skills. To enhance our learning we enjoy group work and using computers.
English
We have been reading an interesting book by Jeannie Baker called “The Story of Rosy Dock”. The book has informed us about the impact of introducing animals and plants from other countries. This week we have written a persuasive letter warning people not to grow the plant Rosy Dock in their Australian gardens.
Mathematics
In Mathematics, we have been learning about place value. We can make, write and order 3-digit numbers. We have had fun making a place value slider, playing place value games, solving problems through investigations and designing pictures using MAB blocks.
Religious Education
In RE, we have been learning about the liturgical calendar. We know we are currently in Ordinary Time and our class altar has a green cloth.
History
In Geography, we have located famous landmarks on an Australian map. Also in the library we are locating different places in Australia by applying computer skills on a digital program.
Science
In Science, we are learning about digital technologies and using computers to make word documents using the internet and word processing skills.
Creative Arts
In Art, we have studied Jeannie Baker’s collages from her book “The Story of Rosy Dock” and created our own fantastic collages.
Premier’s Reading Challenge
CLOSING SOON! 3 weeks to go. You have until 19th August to complete your reading lists.
Congratulations to these students who have been working hard to read their books: Flynn W (KG), Harrison C, Harriet M, Louella D, Joshua H, Liam C, Benson T, Charli D, Zoe P, Clara P, Harry S, Winston M, Alexandra B, Milla M, Aurelia M, Grace C, Jack J, Felix P and Alexander S. Great work everyone.
Book Week and Grandparent's Day
We are all very excited to have Book Week back in full swing this year. The theme this year is DREAMING WITH EYES OPEN! We have some great events lined up for the week.
As it will be a double celebration there will be a special liturgy, book character parade and picnic lunch on Thursday.
The book fair is also returning! Children and parents will be able to purchase terrific books.
There will also be activities in class and across the school during the week.
We will send out more details as we get closer to the week.
Dee, Judy and Jodie
The Library Team
ASPIRE
On Thursday, Year 5 and Year 6 were invited to attend the ASPIRE performance The Cost of Wishes. The show, running for a magical two-and-a-half hours, was an inspiration that merged the modern with fantasy, humour, and drama.
When Molly, Xavier, Carl, and Emma (a group of high-school friends) discover a wishing well that grants unexpectedly literal wishes, the word quickly spreads around. Molly is supplied with new Nike sneakers that she has only dreamed of owning, and a top-brand phone, while Xavier quickly rises through the “social ranks” from unpopular to the coolest kid in town. Emma’s wish causes her parents to love each other more than anything, even after their recent round of arguments and insults. But this all comes with a cost that affects their daily lives and who they truly are underneath. After hundreds of schoolchildren lose their sense of self, Carl becomes lost in a different world, and the real world of these kids begins to fall apart, the teenagers must join together to return their lives back to normality...
The musical was gripping and for the entire time, the crowd was hooked, connecting with the characters. Every few scenes, the stage would come to life with inspirational dancing, singing, live music, and lighting effects. And to make this experience even more enjoyable, St Joseph’s was treated to watching an actor of their own – the incredible Miller C! Miller played the part of the enthusiastic vegetable-lover and did so amazingly.
“I have had the best time performing in Aspire this year! Finally having the opportunity to perform in front of an audience was amazing. My favourite performance so far has been when my friends and teachers from St Joseph's came to watch. When we took our final bow, I waved like crazy at everyone I could see up in the balcony. The whole experience has been one I'll never forget. I don't want it to end! I would encourage any student from Year 4 and 5 who can sing, dance, act or play an instrument to audition, for a chance to be part of it all in the years to come!” - Miller Charnock
The Cost of Wishes musical was a breathtaking performance that everyone loved.
It just goes to show... be careful what you wish for!
By Eleonor McConkey
Young Voices Award
During Term 2, all Year 6 students entered the journalism competition run by Australian Catholics in conjunction with Australian Catholic University.
The theme for this year's Young Voices Awards was 'Media for good'. We all know that media can be a powerful influence on society. We want students to use that power to make a positive difference in the world. Students were given the opportunity to get inspired and creative and make a difference.
Each section had three entry categories: Articles, Photographs and Digital. We are very happy to share with you that St Joseph's students received Highly Commended awards in all three categories.
Writing
The judges were looking for writing that engaged readers from the outset and presented a compelling story or argument around a particular issue. Some students chose to write journalistic articles, interviewing people and sharing their perspectives; some students wrote informative articles, sharing facts in a creative way; some students wrote a personal reflection, sharing their own ideas and experiences; some write an imaginative pieces, engaging people with the power of stories.
Congratulations to the following students in the Junior Article category:
Oliver C - Kindness Overtakes Tragedy
Harry H - Good News, Where are you?
Anna K - Will Media Save the Environment?
Hannah M - Celebrate being You-nique
Daisy O - Like, Follow, Connect
Eleonor M - Stars of Service
Shloka T - Back to the Past: The Pros and Cons of Technology
Photography
The judges were looking for powerful images that had an impact on how we see a particular issue. Students thought about what will have an impact on audiences, what do people need to see, what will best tell the story students want to tell, what might inspire people to change.
Congratulations to the following students in the Junior Photography category:
Angus G - The Lonely Waters
Tom C - Is There Someone to Love Me?
Louis W - The Waves Fight Back
Digital
The judges were looking for podcasts or videos that showed understanding of how these mediums can inspire and influence people. Students featured one-to-one interviews with someone sharing their story, or unpacked a topic in an interesting or imaginative way. Pupils considered how they might use different audio or visual elements to keep the audience’s attention.
Congratulations to the following students in the Junior Digital category:
Liam C - Endangered
Zenon G - Global Warming
Elliot M – Sport and Disability
Isaac M - Disability in Sport
Teddy P - War and Peace
We are very proud of all our Year 6 students' efforts and achievements. A list of winners and selected entries will be published in Australian Catholics Spring Edition.
School Photos
School photos will occur 23 August 2022. Children are asked to be in full winter uniform including correct footwear.
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