St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Wandal Newsletter

6 October 2021

Weekly Prayer Reflection

In Praise of Boredom!

 ‘Exciting’ - how often does that word appear in advertising!  Is this the ‘catchall’ emotion of our time?  To be worthwhile, something must be experienced with excitement. Or does it?  Look at how life really works.  Long hard yards, seemingly monotonous go into scientistic discoveries, artistic creations, and even engineering feats. As for relationships - wind surfing together in a beautiful location might look exotic, but we know that true closeness is usually forged in the boring times of making meals and hearing the same story over again. Boredom is such situations can change us for the better. The confines of our self-identity are broken open and we are challenged to go beyond ourselves to love and serve in new ways.

This is what Jesus means in his call to take up our cross. It is not a ‘grit your teeth and put up with it’ mentality but a giving over of oneself in the commitment.  This type of loving is not necessarily sweet and easy.  It is usually a strange mixture of ‘one foot in front of the other’ doggedness combined with an attentiveness that is ready to see change and delight in it.  In a strained marriage, it notices the chance to act differently, and positively, with the spouse.  In parenting, it is constantly on the lookout to support and challenge the child.

The skills for this type of loving need to be passed on to our children.  When the cry ‘I’m bored’ comes up, encourage them to keep going, positively, for a few more minutes.  Show them how to be attentive to what they are doing.  Help them to take up their cross and enter into life.

Loving God, you call me to a rich and full life and often that entails monotony and boredom.  Let me embrace these as creative forces that would transform me and make me a more loving, life-giving person. I ask this in Jesus’ name confident that you will hear me.

Sr Kym Harris osb

 

From the Principal

Welcome back to the last term of the year. I hope that all of our families had the chance to spend some quality time together over the holiday break and that our students are back refreshed and enthused for another term of learning. Although this term is a relatively short one, being only nine weeks long, it will be a very busy one! Please keep a careful eye on the newsletter and school app throughout the term.

We received sad news over the holiday break. Janette McLennan’s mum, Pam, passed away over the middle weekend of the holidays. We extend our deepest sympathies to Janette and her sister Lisa on the passing of their Mum. May Mrs McLennan rest in peace.

Church Carpark progress

As you have no doubt noticed, the works have begun in this area. There will be no access into the school from this area for the duration of Term 4. Minimal parks will remain accessible in the area, however if parking there, you will need to walk via the Herbert Street footpath and enter into the main Admin entrance.  

The carpark works need to be fully completed in Term 4, as every roof in the school is being replaced, due to hailstorm damage, over the Christmas holiday break. The Church land itself will be fenced, turfed and irrigated as an additional grassed play area for our students, however it is unlikely that this will be accessible until mid-term 1, 2022.

While we are very pleased about the impeding upgrade and extension of the Church carpark areas, this will impact greatly on our already very busy drop off and pickup zone. There will be no option for dropping or collecting students at the Church carpark. Please remember that the area outside the Admin office is strictly 2 minutes; you cannot park here.

To alleviate the congestion, the following will be in place for Term 4:

·         Families with students in Prep - Grade 1 will be ready for collection at the Admin pickup gates at 2.45pm. Families with students in Years 3-6 only will be at the pickup zone at 3.00pm. Please do not come early and wait, we will ask you to move. So, if a family has children in Year 1 and Year 4, both siblings will be ready for collection at 2.45pm. If a family has children in Year 5 and 6, both siblings will be ready for collection at 3.00pm.

·         Please remember that the Rundle Street supervised area is for Daycare Busses only. We will not permit your children to exit or to be collected from this area unless boarding a bus.

Thank you for being understanding of changing arrangements while these works are underway. Please understand that the priority of staff is to ensure that 350 children are safely and promptly delivered to their families at 3.00pm and this is no small feat at the best of times! Your support and patience is appreciated.

 

Warming Weather

What a hot start to the term we have had! As the weather warms up this term, please ensure your child has their school hat each and every day. Remember, no hat = no play.  Lost hats are easily returned if they are clearly marked. Remember too, the cold-room in the hall is available to keep your child’s lunch cool, and to bring a water bottle to have in the classroom.

 

Class Information

 All classes will be distributing Term Four Parent letters this week, keeping you informed about the learning experiences your children will have the opportunity to engage in this term. These will be posted on the school app and will also include important dates for your children’s classes.

Vacation Care

Thank you to the families who supported our Vacation Care Program over the holidays. The children in attendance seemed to be having lots of fun! Thanks also to the OSHC staff for organising such wonderful activities and excursions for the children in their care.

P and F Meeting this Thursday

Our P and F will meet this Thursday, in the staffroom, at 5.15pm. All are welcome! We will discuss the recent High Tea, and some planning for the remainder of the year, including (fingers crossed!) our annual Christmas concert. 

In partnership,

Kellie Jenkinson

From the Assistant to the Principal: Religious Education (APRE)

A Prayer for Teachers

Yesterday was World Teachers’ Day, a day dedicated to acknowleding all teachers globally. Below is a prayer dedicated to all of the wonderful teachers in our school. 

Loving God,You came among us as a teacher, healer and saviour.

On this World Teacher’s Day, bless your teachers.

Help them become even more joyful disciples and profound echoes of your wisdom,

Bless our teachers with the gifts of Your truth, beauty and goodness.

Bless them with integrity, so that they bring Your words to life.

Bless them with courage and perseverance to walk the paths You have laid out.

We pray in the name of Jesus who knows all too well the challenges and joys of being a teacher,

Amen

Year 1 Prayer Assembly Celebrating World Teachers' Day

Please join Year 1 in the Undercovered Area on Friday at 8.35 am for prayer.

October - The month of the Holy Rosary


The Rosary is a prayer in which we meditate on the life of Jesus. Because of the mission that Mary received from God, her life was closely tied to Jesus. Mary’s Immaculate Heart was always focused on the life of her son Jesus. When we pray the Rosary, we are asking Mary to pray for us that we might be more focused on the life of Jesus.

Catholic Mission - Socktober

Catholic Mission is the international mission agency of the Catholic Church in Australia. Inspired and compelled by the message, life and love of Jesus Catholic Mission provides for those in need regardless of race, religion or gender. World Mission Month is October and students and staff will participate in advocacy and formation activities.

This year, students across Australia will learn about the missionary work of the Good Shepherd Sisters in Thailand who, through their Kindergarten Centre, are bringing about generational change to some of the poorest communities in Bangkok.

To raise awareness and much needed funds for Catholic Mission, we will have a 'Free Dress and Crazy Sock Day' on Wednesday 27 October. 

Please bring along a gold coin donation to donate to this worthy cause.

Would you like to receive the Sacrament of Penance, Confirmation and Eucharist?

Continuing the Journey in the Catholic Faith Sacraments 2021 - 2022

Calling all families with children who have reached the age of reason (which is seven years of age) to join the preparation journey 2021-2022 towards the celebration of Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist in 2022.

The time has arrived for the journey to commence:

The first meeting will be held on 26 or 27 October

This meeting is for parents only – parents only need to attend one meeting…

·       5.30pm to 6.30pm

·       Venue Kevin Castles Centre West Street (opposite Red lion Hotel) 

Term 4 Prayer Assembly dates

15 OctoberYear 3Prayer Reflection 
22 OctoberYear 4Prayer Reflection 
29 OctoberYear 2World Mission Day
5 NovemberYear 5HAll Saints Day
11 NovemberYear 5MRemembrance Day 10.40 am Thursday
19 NovemberPrepPrayer Reflection
26 NovemberStaffChristmas Prayer Reflection
3 DecemberYear 6Graduation Prayer Reflection and the handing out of Graduation Certificates

Thought of the Week!

Parish Bulletin

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With gratitude,

Rheanna Starr

Student Awards

To Love is to Serve” Award (for a student who has consistently displayed leadership qualities)

Parker H - Year 1 - For demonstrating super sensational spelling skills!

Life Education Visit

Liz and Healthy Harold will be at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Wandal from Monday 25 to Friday 29 October, 2021. We can’t wait to meet our old friends and make new ones too. We’ll be learning about healthy lifestyle choices and having lots of fun along the way.  

Head to our Parent and Carer Hub  to have a look at the modules that your children will be working through. You will find detailed overviews of the modules and fact sheets with 'conversation starter' ideas so that you can carry on discussing the lessons at home. We will also post a story after the visit so be sure to ‘like’ and follow our CQ Life Education Facebook Page   

Liz and Healthy Harold.  

Sports News

Touch Football

Please follow link for game details.

Calendar Dates for 2021

Term Dates for 2021

Term 4      5 October - 3 December -   9 weeks

October

8 October Year 1 Prayer Assembly - World Teachers' Day

11 October Fire Education Year 1 9:30 - 10:00am

15 October Year 3 Prayer Assembly

15 October Pumped Sports

22 October Year 4 Prayer Assembly

25 October Year 6 Orientation at TCC

25-29 October Healthy Harold

26-27 October Parent Workshop Sacraments

28 October Year 3 Testing Day for Instrumental Music (St Joseph’s Wandal)

29 October Year 2 Prayer Assembly

November

1 November All Saints Day

2 November Melbourne Cup

5 November Year 5H Prayer Assembly - All Saints Day

7 November Chamber Music Concert 1:00 - 4:00 pm Cathedral

8 November RSCS Workshop and Music Evening (at TCC more info to come)

9 November Prep Orientation Day

11 November Remembrance Day

11 November Year 5M Prayer Asssembly - Remebrance Day 10:40

16- 17 November Parent Workshop Sacraments 

16 November Beats N Pieces - Performance

18 November AGM 5:15pm at St Joseph’s Wandal

19 November Prep Prayer Assembly

19 November Christmas Concert

24 November Year 6 Rite of Passage - St Joseph’s Cathedral 

26 November Staff Prayer Assembly

December

3 December Year 6 Graduation Assembly and Graduation Certificate

3 December Term 4 Concludes

Community Announcements

Rosary in the Cathedral

When: 11 am Saturday, 16 October

This year, due to COVID-19 concerns, our annual Rosary to Our Lady of Fatima, will be held in the Cathedral.

Please join as a community in honouring Our Lady and asking her intercession for Australia and for the world.

Registrations open at the front of the Cathedral from 10.30 am.

Everyone welcome!

Student Travel Rebate Flyer

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2021 Annual Schools Gymkhana

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