St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Wandal Newsletter

The Present of Presence

I heard a story recently of a girl who started high school this year and soon found herself bullied.  School was a nightmare, so when Covid-19 came, she welcomed being able to stay home for her schooling.  Later she had to return to school.  Heavy heart.  But when she did return, she found her bullies had changed.  Somehow in that time of isolation, they had discovered how much we need each other, even in the simple relationships of being together in school.

We have all in this year discovered just how much we need each other – from the deep relationships of spouse and family to the transient relationships we have with the people we encounter on our run or at the pool.  The presence of others is possibly our profoundest human need. 

In the coming of Jesus in our flesh, we see how important presence is to God.  In Jesus, God was present in a baby, in a family.  He was present as a member of his village and as a tradesman serving his clients.  He was present, especially to the poor, needy and broken in his teaching ministry.  And, perhaps most importantly, he was present to our pain, our misery and our sin in his death.  And then in his Resurrection, he transcended the limitations of time and flesh that bounded his life on earth and he became present to each of us as we pass through the myriad situations of our life.

When death or disaster happens in our lives, we often cry, ‘Why doesn’t God….?’ What we want in those situations is for God to take away our pain and make it all better.  But (and why I do not know) God says to us through the person of Jesus, ‘I am with you.  Do not be afraid.’

As we move now towards Christmas, may we take all we now know about the preciousness of presence and make that our present to our family, friends, community and those we met on our run or at the pool.  Make you know God with you, and have a Blessed and Holy Christmas.

Loving God, deepen within me my appreciation of presence.  In my being present to others in the different situations of my life, may people experience in the presence of your love hidden in my way of loving.  I ask this in Jesus’ name, confident that you will hear me.

Sr Kym Harris osb

Congratulations  to our Year Six students who celebrate their graduation from primary school this week. Last Wednesday, our classes and their families, celebrated with a Rite of Passage Mass at St Joseph’s Cathedral, with Father Bryan Hanifin presiding. This Friday, our Year Six students will lead a special assembly during which they will be presented with their graduation certificates. COVID restrictions limit the amount of guests we are welcoming in-person for this assembly, but we have engaged the services of Stage and Audio to livestream the event.

Year 6 families, don't forget to bring a USB in so that we can copy the professional photos for you. Thank you again to Geoff Sinclair, for taking such beautiful photos of our students and families.

The conclusion of the school year is always exciting and greatly anticipated, but sadly we must say farewell to some of our school community.

Farewell to the 2020 Year Six classes who have led our school community very well this year. Our very best wishes to each of you as you move onto secondary school.

In saying farewell to our Year Six students, we also recognise that it is the end of a long association with St Joseph’s Wandal for some of our families. We sincerely thank the following families for their commitment and support and pass on our best wishes for the future to: the Budarick, Bushell, Campbell, Catargiu, Stephens, Gill, Govaars, Kelland, McQuillan, Munns, Rodriquez, Sanders, Walker, Whitmey and Winter families. 

Another thank you and farewell to the following members of staff who are finishing up with us this week: Mrs Sarah Clark, Mrs Natalie Wilkes and  Mrs Jess Capra. Thank you for your time as valued staff members here at St Joseph’s Wandal, and we wish you all the best for your future endeavours.

 *Reminder* Report Cards will be distributed via Parent Lounge tomorrow, Thursday, 3rd December. Families leaving our school at the end of this year will need to access these documents promptly before details are ‘archived’. If you are experiencing issues with your home internet, please remember that we have computers available for your use. 

 Class lists will be distributed, via email, on or before Friday 11 December.

All items will be donated to St Vincent de Paul next Friday if not claimed. Lost property is located just outside the office. 

We ask that all children’s medication stored in the school office be collected by a parent/carer prior to the end of this week. We are unable to send this medication home with the children so would appreciate your assistance. 

Any requests for alternative uniforms, must be made in writing to Mrs Jenkinson, who will discuss the request with the school board. Please take careful note of the school Uniform Policy when purchasing new items, such as shoes, over the Christmas break. Shoes with white soles, and the ‘canvas’ type styles are not permitted. Thank you for adhering to our uniform expectations, we are always very proud of our neatly attired students. 

If you are wishing to sell uniforms at the end of the 2020 school year, please return them to the school, clean and labelled with your name, size and price.

Our Year 2 classes for 2021 have decided to join the Unpacking Party!

 On Thursday 21 January, children in Prep – Year 2 may pop along to school for 10 minutes between 3.00pm-4.00 pm to see their new classrooms, say hello to their teachers and to unpack their belongings to make for a smooth and calm first day back at school the following week. Please bring all items to Unpacking Day and ensure they are clearly labelled with your child’s name. Years 3-6 children will bring their booklists with them on the first day of school.

 Staffing Information for 2021 will be as follows:

Leadership Team:

Principal: Mrs Kellie Jenkinson

Assistant to the Principal Religious Ed: Mrs Rheanna Starr

Assistant to the Principal Curriculum: Miss Janette McLennan

Class Teachers:

Prep A: Mrs Emma Moon

Prep B: Miss Emma Murphy

Year 1A: Miss Lauren McDonald

Year 1B: Mrs Anna McKenzie

Year 2W: Mrs Rose Wilson

Year 2R: Mrs Andrea Rutherford

Year 3J: Mrs Kristen Jones

Year 3I: Mr Gregory Ivory (new to our school in 2021)

Year 4E: Mrs Melanie Egan

Year 4B: Mrs Annette Brightman

Year 5M: Miss Janette McLennan & Mrs Hayley Hutchinson

Year 5H: Miss Kayla Haynes

Year 6R: Mrs Lauren Riley

Year 6S: Mrs Rheanna Starr & Mrs Anne Lidster

Administration Team:

Administration Secretaries : Mrs Suzanne Fisher & Mrs Rachel Ganter 

Finance Officer: Mrs Kathy Fishburn

Student Support:

Learning Support Teachers:   Mrs Christine Gawne & Mrs Hayley Hutchinson

Literacy Coaches: Miss Carmel Byrne & Dr Phil Standen

Oral Language Coach: Mrs Julia Greene 

Teacher Assistant:    Mrs Madonna Jorgensen

Teacher Assistant:    Mrs Helen Kennedy

Teacher Assistant:    Mrs Kellie Cole (Prep)

Teacher Assistant:    Mrs Katrina Sinclair

Teacher Assistant:    Mrs Frances Barry

Teacher Assistant:    Mrs Melinda Lau (new to our staff 2021)

Teacher Assistant:     Mrs Megan Tickner

Teacher Assistant:     Mrs Selina Pitt

Teacher Assistant:    Mrs Kathryn North (Prep)

Teacher Assistant:    Mrs Gail Jamieson

Teacher Assistant: Miss Bridget Farmer

Indigenous Education Teacher Assistant:  Mrs Roslyn Priestly

Library Co-ordinator:    Mrs Karen Westgarth

Physical Education Teacher:  Miss Brittany Hinz

S.T.E.M. Specialist Teacher:   Mrs Annette Rea

The Arts Teacher: Mrs Jody Walker

School Counsellor:    Mrs Charmian Deed

School Support:

IT Support:     Mr Jason White

Workplace Health and Safety Officer:   Mrs Hayley Hutchinson

Outside School Hours Care: Mrs Hailey Svensen (Co-ordinator)

Facilities Officer:    Mr Stuart Douglas

Tuckshop Convenor:    Mrs Gail Brady

Tuckshop Assistant:    Mrs Elise Wadsworth

Cleaners:      Mrs Ann De Marchi, Ms Nicole Newton & Mrs Natty Moore

Penance Times:  

Communal Rite:  Monday 21st December  6:00pm – 7:00pm                       

Tuesday 22nd December    4:30pm - 5:00pm

Wednesday 23rd  December    11:00am – 12:00pm                      

Vigil Masses:  Thursday 24th December 2020

4:00pm            Mt Morgan

6:00pm           Cathedral     

8:30pm           Cathedral

Christmas Day:  Friday 25th December : The Nativity of the Lord.

6:30am            Cathedral

8:00am            St Paul’s Gracemere

9:30am            Cathedral     

 6:00pm           Cathedral

 Bookings open Monday 7th December @ WWW.CPOSJ.COM

Christmas is second only to Easter in its sacred importance. Like Easter, Christmas is preceded by a four-week-long season of joyful expectancy and hope know as Advent, for the coming of Christ's arrival. In many homes and churches, the season of Advent is marked with an Advent wreath. One candle is lit every Sunday, until all four are illuminated, heralding the arrival of Jesus Christ, “the light of the world.” Violet candles are often used, with one pink candle for the third Sunday. 

Thank you to everyone who made a very challenging year so positive and full of learning.  Enjoy your holidays and I look forward to seeing everyone keen to continue learning together in 2021! 

The fabulous Year Four students have been very busy creating some amazing curiosity projects.  Here is one of our students who created his own radio broadcast - Cash Fletcher.  Well done Cash and to all of the Year Fours.

Cash's Radio Show!

What happens if you eat Christmas decorations? You get tinselitus

 What do you call Santa when he stops moving?  Santa Pause

 Why do mummies like Christmas so much? Because of all the wrapping!

What does an elf study in school? The elfabet.

What is an elf’s favorite sport? North-pole vaulting.What did the gingerbread man put under his blankets? A cookie sheet.

Merry Christmas!

https://redtri.com/funny-christmas-jokes-for-kids/slide/2

All booklists for 2021 are now on our website. Please follow the link to find your children's  booklists.

Congratulations to the following students on their achievements.  Please click the link for further information.

Term Dates for 2021

Term 1 27 January - 1 April 10 weeks

Term 2 19 April - 25 June 10 weeks

Term 3 12 July - 17 September 10 weeks

Term 4 5 October - 3 December   9 weeks

Term1 2021

January 

21       January Unpacking Day 3 - 4 for Prep, Year 1 and Year 2

27       January Term 1 2021 School Year Commences

February

19 February Bishop’s Inservice Day - Pupil Free Day

You’re invited to step inside St Joseph’s Cathedral for 2020’s VIRTUAL Lights of Christmas using your Smart phone or Tablet.

Experience a digital 3-dimensional light show, wherever you are across the Diocese and beyond, by clicking on the link and moving your device to see the characters of Christmas within St Joseph’s sandstone walls and marble floors.

Welcome the Holy Family together with a chorus of heavenly of angels singing in joyful harmony and please share this with your family and friends.

Visit the website on your device and click on the Youtube link from December 17th at 7.30pm www.lightsofchristmasrockhampton.com.au

The Cathedral Parish of St Joseph’s prays the true spirit of Christmas fills your hearts and home this year and looks towards 2021 with the hope of the community gathering once again for the Lights of Christmas.