2025 Week 6 Term 3

Congratulations

What a joy! We extend our warmest congratulations to former student and staff member, Kellie Burke, and her partner Billy on the birth of their daughter, Heidi. We also send our heartfelt congratulations to our Groundsman, Ron Burke, on the birth of his granddaughter. We wish Kellie, Billy, and Heidi all the very best for a future filled with happiness and love.

Tell Them From Me Student Survey Findings

Our recent Tell Them From Me student survey results show a clear improvement over the past year in several key areas. We are pleased to report positive growth in student behaviour, as well as a greater ability for students to better regulate their thoughts, behaviours and emotions. The data also indicates that students are engaging in more high-skill and high-challenge work, which points to a deeper level of learning in the classroom.

While these results are very encouraging, we want to hear more directly from our students. Over the next few weeks, the school's Leadership team will conduct further discussions with students to gain a deeper understanding of their perspectives. These conversations will focus on three key areas:

• Interests and Motivation: What truly engages and motivates students in their learning?
• Sense of Belonging: How can we create an even stronger culture of belonging for every student?
• Goal Orientation: How can we foster a school-wide culture of setting and achieving personal and academic goals?

By actively listening to our students' voices, we aim to gain valuable insights that will help guide our next steps in school improvement.

School Calendar

For the remainder of this term, the calendar is packed with a diverse range of events designed to engage students in various aspects of their learning and community life. Upcoming highlights include the Creative Arts Showcase, Stage 3 camps, a special Father's Day Celebration, NAIDOC Day celebrations, and the Sacrament of Confirmation. Furthermore, students are participating in the ICAS competitions, with more events and initiatives planned in the coming weeks.

Kindergarten Retreat 

Last week, our Kindergarten students participated in their very first school retreat, exploring the theme “We Belong to God’s Great Family.”

Throughout the morning, the children engaged in prayer, story, movement, meditation, and craft activities that helped them reflect on what it means to be part of God’s family. They listened to the story of Abraham and Sarah, created meaningful artworks, and joined together in song and prayer.

The retreat reminded our youngest students that, just like the countless stars in the sky, God’s family is vast and filled with love, and we are all an important part of it.

Year 3 Confirmation Retreat

Our Year 3 students recently took part in their Confirmation Retreat, exploring the theme “Come, Holy Spirit – Be My Guide.” Through prayer, scripture, creative activities, and hands-on challenges, students reflected on the gifts of the Holy Spirit and how they can live as disciples of Jesus. It was a joyful day of faith, friendship, and preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

We wish our Confirmation candidates all the best as they take part in their Inscription Mass this Saturday at 6pm at Our Lady of Lourdes Church.

Year 4 Accendere Retreat

Last week, Year 4 students came together with students from St Joseph’s School, Laurieton, and St Joseph’s Primary, Port Macquarie for a special retreat at St Joseph’s Regional College.

The day was filled with opportunities to build friendships, share in prayer and reflection, and take part in activities that explored the values of kindness, care, and community. Students enjoyed small group discussions, creative and hands-on tasks, team-building games, and time to connect with peers from our neighbouring parish schools.

It was a wonderful day of faith, friendship, and fun, and we are grateful to all who helped make this enriching experience possible for our students.

Reminder – Operation Christmas Child

Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes have been sent home this week. We ask that all completed boxes be returned to the school office before the end of term.

If your family did not receive a box but would still like to participate, please contact Sophie Anderson and we will arrange one for you.

Thank you for your continued generosity in supporting this wonderful initiative, which brings joy and hope to children in need around the world.

Held online and supervised at school, each participant was given 30 randomly selected words, read aloud via audio, and just 25 seconds to type the correct spelling. The competition is divided into three levels — Year 3 to Year 4, Year 5 to Year 6, and Year 7 to Year 8 — with word difficulty adjusted by age group. Accuracy and speed are key, as top scorers progress to the State and Territory Finals, followed by the National Finals.

Now in its fifth year, the Bee has engaged over 210 000 students nationwide, including 70 students from St Joseph's Wauchope. We congratulate Forest Hancock (Stage 2) and Ruby Joseph (Stage 3) as our school champions. We are thrilled to announce that Forest has advanced to the next stage and will represent our school in the State and Territory Finals against the top 200 spellers in New South Wales! This is a fantastic achievement for both Forest and our school community.

National winners will be announced in September and will receive exciting prizes, including a trip to Canberra, a new iPad, a $250 book pack, and a $1000 voucher for their school.

Congratulations to Forest. We will BEE cheering you on in the State Final! 

Enhancing Learning and Teaching Through Explicit Instruction

We are pleased to report on the significant strides being made in learning and teaching across our school, with our staff engaged in professional development focused on explicit instruction. This evidence-based approach, as highlighted by resources like Education Research Australia's explainer on Explicit Instruction, is enhancing how our educators deliver content. By refining teaching strategies to be clearer, structured, and systematic, we are observing notable improvements in student comprehension and academic outcomes. This ongoing commitment to professional growth is a cornerstone of our efforts to continually improve the educational experience for all students.

Rugby League & League Tag Day

Stage 3 Soccer and Netball Gala Day

Stage 3 Girls Netball Schools Cup

Year 1 - Year 6

Monday, 2 February to Thursday, 2 April

Kindergarten

Tuesday, 3 February to Thursday, 2 April

Term 2

Kindergarten - Year 6

Monday, 20 April to Friday, 3 July

Term 3

Kindergarten - Year 6

Monday, 20 July to Friday, 25 September

Term 4

Kindergarten - Year 6

Monday, 12 October to Thursday, 17 December

Please note these dates do not include Staff Development Days (Pupil Free Days). These will be communicated ASAP.

 Student Voice in Action: Class Representatives Lead the Way 

Over the past few weeks, our dedicated class representatives have been actively gathering and sharing student voice on two exciting school initiatives - the upcoming Rewards Day and the review of our school values.

 Rewards Day – Shaped by Student Voice

Class Representatives have been meeting with their classmates to collect ideas, feedback, and suggestions about what Rewards Day should look like this term. This process has highlighted just how important student input is in making sure our celebrations reflect what matters most to our school community.

 Values Review – What Do They Mean to Us?

In addition to planning for Rewards Day, students have also played a key role in giving feedback on our school values. Class Representative students shared what each value means to students and how these values can be lived out in daily school life.

By involving students in these conversations, we are not only shaping values that reflect our shared vision, but also empowering students to be active, thoughtful contributors to our school culture.

 Thank You to Our Class Reps

We would like to thank our Class Representatives for their leadership, communication, and commitment to making every student’s voice heard. Their work shows that when students lead, schools grow stronger. We will be on the hunt for our new Class Representatives for Term 4. Each class will vote in one student, badges will be presented at the first morning assembly of Term 4.