St Joseph's Primary School Wauchope eNewsletter

Principal Messages

Dear Parents

I am writing to you with important news regarding the leadership at St Joseph's Primary School, Wauchope.

As you know, I have had the wonderful privildge and pleasure of serving St Joseph's School Wauchope as Principal for 9 years. I have now been seconded to another role as Principal of St Agnes Primary School, Port Macquarie, while the school undertakes the process of recruiting a permanent Principal.

I am delighted to announce that Mr Nigel Toole, our Assistant Principal, has graciously agreed to step into the role of Acting Principal while the recruitment process is underway. Nigel has been an invaluable member of our school community since 2016, and his extensive leadership experience, including a previous period as Acting Principal earlier in 2024, makes him an excellent choice to lead St Joseph's School during this transition. I have full confidence that the school will continue to flourish under his guidance.

I look forward to watching St Joseph's School continue to grow and achieve throughout this year. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact the school Office if you have any questions. b 6585 1745

Peace be with you

Brendan Kiely

Assistant Principal Mission

Children's Liturgy - Saturday 1 March 2025

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Lent

Lent is a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving which prepares Christians for Easter. It begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Thursday, leading into the celebration of Jesus' Passion, Death, and Resurrection. During Lent, Catholics reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice, repent for their sins, and seek to grow closer to God. The number 40 symbolises the time Jesus spent in the desert fasting and resisting temptation. Common Lenten practices include giving up luxuries, acts of charity, and deepening one’s prayer life. It is a time of spiritual renewal, calling believers to live with faith, humility, and love.

Burning of the Ashes

On Monday 3 March 2025, Fr Felix will lead a special job for our students as we prepare for Ash Wednesday Mass. He will burn last year’s blessed palms, transforming them into ashes used for the Ash Wednesday liturgy. This tradition reminds us of the cycle of Lent, where we turn back to God with humble hearts. The palms, once waved in joy on Palm Sunday, now symbolise repentance as we begin our Lenten journey. This powerful ritual connects us to the Church’s tradition of renewal and reflection, preparing us to receive the Ashes of Lent with faith and devotion.

Shrove Tuesday

We invite all students and families to join us on Tuesday 4 March 2025, as we celebrate Shrove Tuesday, the traditional feast day before the season of Lent begins.

Pancakes will be served from 8.35 am in the school grounds to mark this special day!

Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Tuesday, has long been a tradition in Christian communities. It was originally a day to use up rich foods such as eggs, milk, and butter before the fasting period of Lent began on Ash Wednesday. The word Shrove comes from the old English word shrive, meaning to confess sins and receive absolution, reminding us that Lent is a time of reflection and renewal.

We look forward to sharing this wonderful tradition with our school community! All are welcome to join us.

Ash Wednesday

We invite our school community to join us for Ash Wednesday Mass on Wednesday 5 March 2025 at 9.30 am in Our Lady of Lourdes Church. This special Mass marks the beginning of Lent, a time of reflection, prayer, and preparation for Easter.

During the liturgy, ashes will be blessed and distributed as a sign of repentance and renewal. The ashes, remind us of our call to return to God and live with faith and kindness.

Parents, families, and parishioners are warmly invited to join us in this sacred celebration.

Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching

NAPLAN DATES

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a literacy and numeracy assessment which students in Year 3, Year 5, Year 7 and Year 9 sit each year. It is the only National assessment all Australian students have the opportunity to undertake.

As students progress through their school years, it is important to check how well they are learning the essential skills of reading, writing and numeracy.

NAPLAN assesses the literacy and numeracy skills that students are learning through the school curriculum and allows parents/carers to see how their child is progressing against national proficiency standards.

NAPLAN is just one aspect of a school’s assessment and reporting process. It does not replace ongoing assessments made by teachers regarding student performance, but it can provide teachers with additional information about students’ educational progress.

The NAPLAN testing range for 2025 is: Wed 12 March 2025 – Mon 24 March 2025

More information will follow as the dates approach.