Latest Newsletter Term 3 | Week 3

Key Information

Term 3 - Important Dates

Week 3

• Catholic Education Week
• Tuesday 29th July - Spirit In Action 3-4pm - Cards to Community
• Wednesday 30th July - Catholic Education Week Liturgy 9am
• Thursday 31st July - Merry Muster Float Creation & Rodeo Dress Up Day (Sun safe clothing) & Newsletter Distributed 
• Friday 1st August - IPRASS Day - No School
• Friday 1st August - Merry Muster Float. 

Week 4

• Monday 4th August - Dance North (Y1-Y6)
• Wednesday 6th August - Yr 4 Retreat
• Friday 8th August - Assembly & Mary McKillop Liturgy

Week 5

• Bullying NO WAY Week
• Tuesday 12th August - Spirit In Action - Vinnies Visit 3pm-4.30pm
• Friday 15th August -Fete Raffle Ticket Winners Announced (Selling the most tickets and class prize for most tickets sold)
• Friday 15th August - School Fete 5pm-9pm
• Newsletter distributed

Week 6

• UMY School Camp - (returning 24th August)
• Friday -Year 2 on Assembly
• Premier Reading Challenge concludes

Week 7

• Book Week
• Tuesday 26th August - Book Week Dress Up Parade - 8.40 am - Primary Quad ** a reminder, no animals as part of Book Week costumes.
• Tuesday 26th August -  Spirit In Action - Vinnies Visit 3pm-4.30pm
• Wednesday 27th August - Year 3 Retreat
• Thursday 28th August - Tennis Australia (P-Year 6)
• Friday 29th August - Year 6 Bike Excursion to the Dam

Week 8

• Monday - Thursday 1st - 4th September Father's Day Stall
• Thursday 4th September - Learning Breakfast//Father's Day Breakfast 7.45am-8.20am
• Thursday 4th September - Odd Socks Day/Assembly 8.30am
• Friday 5th September - Reflective Practice Day - No School
• Sunday 7th September - Children's Liturgy

Week 9

• National Child Protection Week
• Thursday 11th September - Prep Enrolment Interviews
• Friday 12th September - Staff Appreciation Day
• Newsletter distributed

Week 10

• Monday & Tuesday, 15th/16th September - Prep Enrolment Interviews
• Monday 15th September - Board Meeting 5.15pm
• Tuesday 16th September - Spirit In Action - Vinnies Visit 3pm-4.30pm
• Wednesday 17th September - Year 2 Retreat
• Wednesday & Thursday  17th/18th September - Vinnies Clothes Sale
• Friday 19 September - Dress By Vinnies Day/Jump Off Day (Jump Rope for Heart) 

Tuckshop News

Please note that there will be no tuckshop in the coming weeks as we will be completing mandatory training and inductions in this space.

We will let you know once tuckshop is up and running again.

Volunteering:
Our tuckshop relies on the generosity of volunteers each week. If you would like to volunteer in our tuckshop please join the school's tuckshop facebook group - St Joseph's Tuckshop Crew. A friendly reminder that a tuckshop volunteer induction must be completed prior to volunteering. 

Please see the office if you need any help with ordering through the app or website. 

Uniform Shop

Our Uniform Shop is open to orders being placed via the app: https://myschoolconnect.com.au/

Please give us 24 hours to organise collection of your order; we usually contact you when your order is ready to collect.

If you would like to try on sizes, the Uniform Shop will be open on Wednesday mornings from 8.10-8.30 and Wednesday afternoons from 2.30-3.00.

Miss Heather 

Principal's News

Welcome to the second newsletter of the term!

It’s been a wonderful week as we joined in celebrating Catholic Education Week. On Wednesday, our school community gathered for a beautiful liturgy, during which we highlighted the Spirit of Catholic Education by honouring Miss Jill Smith for her well-deserved nomination for the Spirit of Catholic Education Award. We are so proud of the inspiring example she sets for our students and staff.

Later that evening, our staff came together for a twilight professional development session focused on deepening our understanding of the school’s Catholic Identity. It was a valuable opportunity to reflect, share, and strengthen our commitment to nurturing a faith-filled community.

Next week, our celebrations will continue when we commemorate the Feast Day of Saint Mary MacKillop on Friday. We look forward to marking this special occasion and reflecting on her example of compassion, dedication, and service.

Congratulations Miss Mia:
We are thrilled to announce that our Showgirl winner Mia Dickson is travelling to the Sub Chamber next week at the Queensland Country Life Showgirl State Finals at the Ekka in Brisbane. We are incredibly proud of her achievements and can’t wait to see her shine on the state stage!

Staffing Updates:
Tuckshop Coordinator - Mrs Lauren Green 
I am excited to announce that Mrs Lauren Green has been appointed as our Tuckshop Convenor and will begin in this space over the coming week. We're excited for tuckshop to open up again and will reach out with the opening date as soon as possible. 

Acting Youth Ministry Middle Leader - Mrs Rachel Delaney-Lovett
I am delighted to announce that Mrs Rachel Delaney-Lovett has been appointed as our Acting Middle Leader of Youth Ministry for Term 3. Rachel will take over the work of the Youth Ministry Portfolio from James Delaney this term whilst he is the Acting APRE at Columba, Charters Towers. Rachel will continue to lead class retreats, SIA, Mini Vinnies, Little Joeys, Morning Prayer, Youth and Children's Mass'.  

Casual School Officer - Mrs Sue Grant 
We have had a familiar face re-join our school this week - Mrs Sue Grant. Sue and Bob were apart of our school community quite some time ago, along with their two boys Jordan and Daniel. Sue supported our students and staff as a school officer, while Bob was principal at St Joseph's. Bob was integral in the building of our secondary school. Mrs Sue Grant has re-joined our school this term as a casual school officer. Bob will also join us onsite next Friday as we celebrate the Feast Day of St Mary MacKillop - a big thank you to Bob for offering to cook the BBQ.

Occupational Therapist - Miss Daisy Faust
Miss Daisy Faust our Occupational Therapist has officially finished her induction and compliance and has started onsite here at St Joseph's. We're excited for you to get the chance to meet Daisy over the coming weeks/term. Daisy will work with us on average one day a week.  

FACE - Meeting - Monday 4th August - Fete

School Feedback Survey:
Townsville Catholic Education Office (TCE) collaborates closely with all schools and colleges across the Diocese to consistently improve the Catholic school experience for students, staff, and families. A vital part of this effort is listening to the voices of our school communities.

Over the coming weeks, TCE will send out a survey to all staff and families. These surveys are a vital tool that helps us as a school reflect on growth and areas of improvement from year to year to directly shape future planning, guide school improvement efforts, and foster environments where both students and staff can flourish.

All students in years 5 to 9 will complete the survey in class with the support of their classroom teacher. 

Staff and families will receive the surveys via email on Monday, 4 August, and we kindly ask that you complete them by Monday, 18 August. Thank you in advance for taking the time to share your thoughts and help us build a stronger and more responsive school communities.

2025 Mark Mappas Medallion - Volunteer Nomination - LAST CHANGE TO NOMINATE:
We are currently calling for nominations for our 2025 Mappas Medallion Recipient. This recognises outstanding volunteer service within our community. Each year, a volunteer is awarded a Mappas Medallion in recognition of outstanding service across our school community. This is a wonderful way to acknowledge the incredible volunteers in our school and all other schools in the Townsville Diocese. 

This volunteers medallion is sponsored and coordinated by Catholic School Parents Queensland in memory of the late Mr Mark & Mrs Tom Mappas of Ingham who made an outstanding contribution to Catholic Schools in the Townsville Diocese over many years.

Criteria:

• Recipients must be or have been volunteers at the time of the outstanding service.
• Recipients will have demonstrated their commitment to a local Catholic school community over a significant period of time.
• Recipients may have contributed through their P&F/parent group and/or through other voluntary activities for the school community (e.g. family engagement events, tuck shop, uniform shop etc.)
• Recipients no longer directly associated with the school may be nominated.

Please nominate a volunteer (or couple) that you would like to see acknowledged for their outstanding service as a volunteer by Friday 1st August 2025 (Term 3 - Week 3) on this linked Google Form.

Pupil Free Days:
● Friday 1st August - IPRASS Day - No school
● Friday 5th September - Reflective Practice Day - All staff completing PD - Pupil free day for students
● Tuesday 7th October - Professional Development Day - Pupil free day for students

Non-government schools census collection notice for 2025:

Media Consent:
At the time of enrolment, parents are asked to consent to the use of their child’s name and image in various forms of media to promote the school and Catholic Education. If you DO NOT wish to consent to your child's photograph/video appearing as stated in the below, and you wish to withdraw this authorisation and consent, you must notify the school by phone or email, clncry@tsv.catholic.edu.au. 
 
If we do not hear from you to make any changes, your original consent provided will remain in effect.
 
PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEO/MEDIA CONSENT - snippet from enrolment agreement:
Photos, video footage and work samples of students are used regularly by the school for the purpose of acknowledging the efforts of the student, or for promotion, marketing or advertising the school or Catholic Education.
 
I consent to the student being photographed or filmed for school/College, Catholic Education or Townsville Catholic Diocese related communication or for education purposes. 

I understand this may include media (e.g. television, radio, publications), school/College publications (e.g. newsletters, year books), online media (e.g. websites) and social media (e.g. Facebook, Instagram). 
 
I understand it is my responsibility to notify the school/College if I do not wish to consent to the student’s photograph/video appearing in any or all of the above, or if I wish to withdraw this authorisation and consent. Please note the student’s name and voice may be included with the photograph/video.
 
I understand the copyright of such images will be retained by the school/College, Townsville Catholic Education, the Diocese of Townsville or their contractors, and there will be no remuneration or compensation for the images.

Catholic Network Australia (CNA) Cyber Safety Webinar for Parents
CNA has partnered with Cyber Safety Project to deliver a specialised webinar exclusively for Catholic school parents. This session explores practical strategies for extending classroom digital citizenship into the home, creating a unified approach to safer technology use across school and family environments.
 
Join Trent Ray, co-founder of the Cyber Safety Project, for essential expert insights on online truth. In today’s connected world, parents play a powerful role in shaping safe and healthy digital habits. This practical session is designed especially for busy parents who want to: 

•  Cut through the overwhelm: Clear, up-to-date info without the tech jargon 
• Know what tech your child’s using: AI chatbots and tools explained simply 
• Start the chat with confidence: Easy ways to talk about deepfakes and fake news
• Guide safe, ethical use: Practical tips to support smart choices online.  
  

Who should attend: Parents/Guardians and people caring for Primary and Secondary aged children.  
 

Parents can register through the following link:  Register for the Parent Webinar

May God Bless you and your families for the week ahead. I hope you have a great weekend with all the rodeo festivities.  

Mrs Samantha Kelley,
Principal 

Deputy's News/Curriculum

Staying Current: Our Move to the Version 9 Australian Curriculum
At St Joseph’s, our focus remains on providing your children with the best education possible. Part of that promise involves staying up to date with national curriculum changes—and right now, Australian schools are in the midst of a significant shift.

We are currently transitioning from Version 8.4 to Version 9 of the Australian Curriculum. English and Mathematics have already made the shift, and all other Key Learning Areas (KLAs) are gradually being transferred over the coming months. This transition is not simply a bureaucratic update—it is a deliberate and research-informed shift designed to improve the clarity, depth, and effectiveness of student learning across Australia.

Why the Change?
The updated Version 9 curriculum was developed to:

• Streamline content, reducing duplication and overload
• Provide greater clarity for teachers, parents, and students
• Increase the focus on essential content
• Improve the sequencing and progression of learning
• Align with the latest educational research and teaching practices

In short, Version 9 offers a more "flushed out" curriculum—one that is clearer, better structured, and focused on what matters most in the development of young learners.

What it Means at St Joseph's
Our teaching staff have been actively engaging in professional learning around these changes. You may have already noticed some shifts in how English and Mathematics are being taught this year. These changes are not just cosmetic; they reflect deeper alignment with the new expectations and the refined focus on student understanding, skill development, and engagement.

We are also reviewing our assessment and planning practices across all KLAs to ensure we remain aligned with Version 9 as other learning areas transition.

Letting Go of What No Longer Serves
As we move into this new phase, it’s also important to recognise that some practices, programs, or resources may no longer serve their original purpose (items such as PM testing). When educational research or curriculum design shifts, we must be willing to adjust. Holding on to outdated methods doesn’t serve your children—and our job is to always ensure they receive the most relevant, effective, and meaningful education possible.

Thank you for continuing to partner with us on this learning journey. Change isn’t always easy, but it is essential if we are to keep improving.

If you’d like to learn more about the Version 9 curriculum, you can visit:
  https://v9.australiancurriculum.edu.au

Upcoming Pupil Free Days (Professional Development Days for Staff)

Please note the following dates for upcoming Pupil Free Days, which are designated as Professional Development Days for staff:

• Friday, 5th September
• Tuesday, 7th October

These days allow our staff to continue their professional learning, particularly around curriculum planning and best-practice teaching.

We thank you for your support and understanding.

Mr Dean Kelley
Deputy Principal - Teaching and Learning

Assistant Principal Religious Education

Dear Families,

Catholic Education Week
What a wonderful week of celebration it has been! This year’s Catholic Education Week theme, “Communities of Faith, Hope and Love,” invites us to reflect on the gift of community and especially the power of Hope, as we walk together as Pilgrims of Hope in the 2025 Jubilee Year.

Earlier in the week, our Spirit in Action students also took to the streets of Cloncurry to deliver handmade thank you cards to local businesses. These messages of gratitude, created by students across all year levels, were a small way to say thank you for the everyday acts of service and generosity that help make Cloncurry such a special place.

Our school gathered yesterday for a special Liturgy to mark the occasion. Afterwards, staff and students shared a slice of our beautifully decorated cake. 

This year, the scallop shell has been chosen as a powerful symbol of Hope. In the lead-up to the celebration, every student decorated a shell, contributing to a striking and meaningful school-wide display. Thank you to all students for your thoughtful work, and to Mrs Jill Smith for her leadership and creativity in bringing this display to life. 

We are proud to acknowledge Jill as our nominee for the Spirit of Catholic Education Award, in recognition of her dedicated service to our school and the wider Cloncurry community.

We are truly fortunate to live and learn in a town like Cloncurry, where the sense of community is strong, and where people come together to support one another in countless ways, big and small.

This weekend, we look forward to another opportunity to celebrate community as the Curry Merry Muster brings people together.  This is my first one and I am really looking forward to be part of the celebrations. We know many of our students are excited about taking part in tomorrow’s parade and we look forward to seeing our school community well represented.

In all we do whether it's through acts of kindness, creative contributions, or shared celebrations, our St Joseph’s values of Love, Serve, Lead and Strive continue to shine.

Saint Mary MacKillop Feast Day Friday 8th August
Next Friday, 8th August, we will celebrate the Feast Day of St Mary MacKillop, one of our special Patron Saints.

The day will begin with a Liturgy at 8:30am, followed by our regular assembly. All families are warmly invited to attend the Liturgy.

To mark the occasion, students will enjoy:

• A sweet treat for morning tea
  
  
• A sausage on bread at first break
  
  
• An ice block at second break
  
  

Please remember that students will still need to bring their packed lunch to supplement the sausage and for their second break.

During the middle session, students will take part in a range of fun indoor and outdoor activities to celebrate the life and legacy of St Mary MacKillop.

We look forward to a joyful day of celebration in honour of Australia’s first saint, who reminds us to “never see a need without doing something about it.”

Children’s Liturgy – August 17th
The first Children’s Liturgy for the year occurs on Sunday, August 17th. 

Details about Mass times at St Colman’s can be found below.

St Colman’s Mass - Upcoming Schedule
Date                           Mass                       Time               Presider
Aug 3rd, 2025         Sunday Mass         8.30 am           Fr Nnaemeka Njezi
Aug 10th, 2025       Sunday Mass         8.30 am           Fr Col Reinhard

God Bless, 

Ms Lei Nelson
Assistant Principal - Religious Education 

Pastoral Care

Bullying No Way: National Week of Action

Bullying No Way Week is returning 11–15 August 2025.

Bullying No Way Week is Australia's key bullying prevention initiative for schools. It provides an opportunity for schools to create a shared understanding about bullying behaviours and share their bullying prevention policies and strategies.

The national week of action unites government, Catholic and independent schools and their communities across the country. Together, we can foster practical approaches to prevent bullying in Australian schools.

2025 Theme: The theme for 2025 is 'Be bold. Be kind. Speak up.'

It takes courage to spark change.

Bullying is everyone's responsibility. It takes a community to be brave and address bullying behaviours, within and beyond the school gate.

Students can be bold, kind and take a stand to support others being bullied. While parents and teachers are there to support children and young people learn how to behave in a positive way.

In our community and in our school, we want a place where everyone can belong, a place that celebrates everyone, and where bullying is never accepted.

This Bullying No Way Week, we're asking students, schools, families and communities to be bold and say something, be kind and support someone, and be proud to take a stand against bullying.

The changing face of cyberbullying: Protecting your child in 2025
Join eSafety’s expert-led webinar to understand how cyberbullying is evolving – and how you can help your child stay safe online. In just 45 minutes, we’ll explore emerging online threats, including the use of AI, deepfakes, coded emojis, and subtle manipulation tactics. You’ll walk away with practical tools to support your child’s wellbeing in a digital world.

Date: Tuesday 5 August
Time: 12:30pm to 1:15pm (AEST)

You’ll learn how to:

• spot signs your child may be experiencing or engaging in cyberbullying
• build protective strategies at home
• help your child respond, report and stay safe against online harms.

This session is ideal for parents and carers of children in both primary and secondary school.

To register click on this link

For other webinars from the eSafety Commissioner go to: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars

Homework Club
This term, while RockPop rehearsals are running, Homework Club will operate a little differently.

A large number of our Upper Middle Years (UMY) students are involved in Rock Pop, so once a fortnight during Pastoral Care time, students will be given an opportunity to work on any homework they have. Students not participating in RockPop are still welcome to stay for Homework Club. However, depending on the supervising staff member, it may be held in the shed.

Best regards,

Miss Hannah McCall
Pastoral Leader

Youth Ministry

It is with great joy and excitement that I step into the role of Youth Ministry Coordinator for Term 3. This space is close to my heart–not only because of the incredible work it represents, but also because of the strong foundation that has been laid and beautifully nurtured by Mr James Delaney, since its formation. I wish to honour the legacy James, along with our inspiring SIA, Mini Vinnies, and Little Joey’s students, have built throughout 2025.

Looking ahead in Term 3, I am eager to continue developing opportunities for faith formation and spiritual growth across our student body. We have a number of wonderful events planned, including retreat days for our Year 4, Year 3 and Year 2 students, the Dressed by Vinnies fundraiser, a children’s liturgy, and a special Youth Mass. Our student ministry groups will also continue their good works in and beyond our school community. I’m also pleased to share that we will be recommencing our staff and student Community Prayer – a valued time of stillness, reflection, and togetherness. These moments of prayer help centre us in our mission and remind us of the power of shared faith.

Details of all upcoming Youth Ministry events will be communicated through the school newsletter, email, and our Facebook page. I look forward to walking alongside our students as we continue to build a joyful, inclusive, faith-filled community together. 

Lighting the way with love and purpose,

Mrs Rachel Delaney-Lovett
Acting Youth Ministry Middle Leader

Library News

📚 Premier’s Reading Challenge 📚

There's still time to join the 2025 Premier’s Reading Challenge! Students have until Friday, 22 August 2025 to complete their reading record.

The Challenge is all about fostering a love for reading, whether it's for learning or pleasure. Students can record a variety of books they've read, including:

• 📖 Books borrowed from the library
• 🏠 Home readers
• 🎧 Audiobooks
• 📚 Books read during lunch breaks or library lessons
• 📖 Books read to them (Prep – Year 2)
• 📘 Books read on Accelerated Reader

Even if a student hasn't finished the Challenge but has read and recorded some books, they are encouraged to still submit their reader record form. Every bit of reading counts!

Let's keep reading and make the most of the remaining weeks!

Miss Jamie-Lea
Librarian

Prep

Wow, what a busy start to Term 3!

It was amazing to see all the wonderful costumes as we celebrated 100 Days of Prep. Our Little Learners had the best day, joining with their Year 6 buddies and participating in a range of fun rotations.

In Literacy this past week, we explored the letter w and its corresponding sound. We were also introduced to our first digraph, ck, which is two letters that make one sound. Our Little Learners really enjoyed learning the new sound and the fun actions that help us remember it.

Looking ahead to Weeks 4 and 5, we will continue learning about digraphs, focusing on double letters: ll, ff, and ss. We will also introduce new Tricky Words: have, of, here, and with.

Literacy Rotations will continue from Monday to Thursday, 9:00 to 9:30 am. We would love to welcome parent helpers during these sessions. If you're available to support, please let me know. Your help truly makes a difference.

In Math, we have been working on subtraction word problems. During Week 3, we role-played different subtraction scenarios within 10. We will continue this focus into Week 4 and then spend Week 5 consolidating our understanding of both addition and subtraction.

Little Leaders Website
For photos and regular updates on what is happening in the Prep space, please click the link attached for access to the Little Leaders Website. Through this link you will also be able to access two pages, a Semester 2 Page with general information, as well as a Home Learning Page.

We are excited for a fantastic Term 3 filled with learning, exploration and celebration.

Mary MacKillop Feast Day - Friday 8th August
Next Friday, 8th August, we will celebrate the Feast of St Mary MacKillop with a special liturgy at 8:30am (families welcome), special treats and activities for students, including a sausage sizzle for morning tea but please remember to send a packed lunch and extra food for second break. 

Reminders:

• Monday: Mrs Jill Smith will take our little learners for music in Period 5.
• Tuesday: Miss Borlase will take our students for Sport in Period 5. (Sport uniform)
• Wednesday: Miss Pucciarmati will take our Prep students for Technology in Period 5 (Coloured house shirts), readers are to be returned so they can be re-issued. 
• Thursday: Mrs McConachy will be the classroom teacher
• Friday: Every second Friday we will have an assembly at the Mary MacKillop Shed (Week 2,4,6,8,10)

Yours in fun and learning,

Miss Mae-Louise Brock, Mrs Renee McConachy, Miss Josie Smith, and Miss Rachel Adcock

Year 1

Hello Parents and Carers,

As part of our current Science unit, we are exploring what animals and plants need to survive. To support and enrich this learning, we are excited to welcome a special guest to our classroom this week on Thursday. Angus, an agronomist from Nutrien, visited to talk to the students about plant growth and care. He has kindly volunteered his time and generously donated seeds for us to plant together. This hands-on experience will gave students a fantastic opportunity to deepen their understanding of plant needs and the role of agriculture in our environment.

In English the students are learning about writing recounts on events. Our focus book Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox has helped to develop the understanding of the structure we use to write a recount. We were lucky to have Miss Brock come in and share a memory she has from her childhood. The kids listened to the story and created a breakdown of the memory to write a recount.

Week 4 Events:
Dance North Workshops - Years 1 to 6
Dance North will be visiting St Joseph's on Monday for a workshop with years 1 to 6. These workshops will be held in the MMS. The workshops provide an opportunity for students to move their bodies in new ways - teaching them about different dance styles and movements. 

Mary MacKillop Feast Day - Friday 8th August
Next Friday, 8th August, we will celebrate the Feast of St Mary MacKillop with a special liturgy at 8:30am (families welcome), special treats and activities for students, including a sausage sizzle for morning tea but please remember to send a packed lunch and extra food for second break. 

Have a wonderful week,

Miss Erin Haley and the always fun Year 1’s

Year 2

Dear Parents and Carers, 

In the first two weeks, we’ve been revising key content to help consolidate our understanding. In InitiaLit, we revisited some of the sounds from last term to ensure students have grasped them confidently.

In Mathematics, we continued developing our skills in addition and subtraction, focusing on strategies such as Think 10, the vertical strategy, and part-part-whole.

In Science, we have begun exploring the properties of different materials. Over the coming weeks, we will focus on one material at a time, conducting hands-on investigations to deepen our understanding.

In English, our focus has been on informative texts. Students have been learning how to extract key facts from a text and present them in a fact file. Soon, they will work in groups to create informative posters about animals we’ve explored in class.

In HASS, we have been learning about objects from the past and how they compare to similar items in the present. Next week, we will explore how people communicated in the past and how this has changed over time. We’ll also reflect on how these changes have improved the way we send and receive messages today.

Week 4 Events:
Dance North Workshops - Years 1 to 6
Dance North will be visiting St Joseph's on Monday for a workshop with years 1 to 6. These workshops will be held in the MMS. The workshops provide an opportunity for students to move their bodies in new ways - teaching them about different dance styles and movements. 

Mary MacKillop Feast Day - Friday 8th August
Next Friday, 8th August, we will celebrate the Feast of St Mary MacKillop with a special liturgy at 8:30am (families welcome), special treats and activities for students, including a sausage sizzle for morning tea but please remember to send a packed lunch and extra food for second break. 

We’re looking forward to a term full of curiosity, creativity, and collaboration!

Reminders: 

• Homework is given out on Thursday and to be brought back the following Thursday.
  

Miss Tess Motti 

Year 3

Dear Parents and Carers,

Can you believe we’re already in Week 3 of Term 3? Time is certainly flying by! It’s been a busy few weeks in Year 3, and despite a number of students being away due to illness, we’re hopeful everyone will be back to full health and fighting fit soon—especially as we head toward our upcoming assessment period.

In English, we are continuing our book study on Nerra. The students are now delving deeper into the text, exploring new vocabulary—including a range of Indigenous words—and examining synonyms and antonyms to enrich their understanding. In grammar, we’ve moved on from conjunctions and apostrophes (our focus in Week 2) to exploring homophones this week, which has led to some fun and lively discussions!

Mathematics has us hard at work, sharpening our multiplication and division strategies. The class is building confidence each day through hands-on practice and games that reinforce fluency and understanding.

In Science, we are still investigating sources of heat, and will soon be shifting our focus to heat conductors, exploring how heat moves through different materials.

In HASS, we’ve been learning about Australia’s neighbours—naming them and exploring how they differ from us. We’ve also looked into the climate zones affecting both Australia and our neighbouring countries, which tied in beautifully with our mapping skills. We are currently working on settlement types and patterns, which we will extend to understand how our neighbours live in their countries.

For Religion, our class has been learning about the Ten Commandments, with discussions around how these ancient guidelines connect to modern human rights and the values we aim to live by.

We were also lucky to have a special visit from Ms Hannah McCall, who introduced the UR Strong program. This session focused on friendship skills and taught us ways to be better, kinder, and more respectful friends to each other—valuable lessons that fit beautifully into our classroom culture.

As always, thank you for your support at home. We’re looking forward to a positive and productive few weeks ahead!

Week 4 Events:
Dance North Workshops - Years 1 to 6
Dance North will be visiting St Joseph's on Monday for a workshop with years 1 to 6. These workshops will be held in the MMS. The workshops provide an opportunity for students to move their bodies in new ways - teaching them about different dance styles and movements. 

Mary MacKillop Feast Day - Friday 8th August
Next Friday, 8th August, we will celebrate the Feast of St Mary MacKillop with a special liturgy at 8:30am (families welcome), special treats and activities for students, including a sausage sizzle for morning tea but please remember to send a packed lunch and extra food for second break. 

Warm regards,

Mrs Deirdre Koekemoer, Mrs Sharon McLauchlan, Miss Sonnie, and Miss Abbie.
The Year 3 Teaching Team

Year 4

Happy week 3 everyone. The past three weeks have flown by, and the students have been working extremely hard, achieving some great results. We’ve had a fair bit of illness sweeping through the class, but hopefully, everyone will be back on their feet and feeling better soon.

Maths- We have just finished our unit on place value, focussing on decimals to hundredths. This week we have also been looking at estimation strategies that will help to decide if an answer is reasonable when completing operations.

English- In English, we are continuing our study of the novel The Wild Robot. The students have been exploring interesting vocabulary and sentence structure to enhance their comprehension and writing. We have also launched reciprocal reading groups, where each student takes on a specific role to help their group dive deeper into the text. This has encouraged thoughtful discussion and a stronger understanding of what we read.

Library- Our Library day is Thursday and I have been encouraging all the students to choose a book for home and class based on their Accelerated Reader levels.

Religion- In Religion, we have been learning about Christian communities in first-century Palestine. While it may sound like a serious topic, the students have shown great interest in discovering what everyday life was like during this time. To bring our learning to life, we have begun working on a collaborative diorama that features the temple, buildings, and people with their various occupations—an exciting and hands-on way to show what we’ve learned.

Homework- All homework was sent out last week, with new folders for those who had lost them. Congratulations to the students who returned them last week, I think we had a record number.

Week 4 Events:
Dance North Workshops - Years 1 to 6
Dance North will be visiting St Joseph's on Monday for a workshop with years 1 to 6. These workshops will be held in the MMS. The workshops provide an opportunity for students to move their bodies in new ways - teaching them about different dance styles and movements. 

Mary MacKillop Feast Day - Friday 8th August
Next Friday, 8th August, we will celebrate the Feast of St Mary MacKillop with a special liturgy at 8:30am (families welcome), special treats and activities for students, including a sausage sizzle for morning tea but please remember to send a packed lunch and extra food for second break. 

Have a wonderful rodeo weekend!

Mrs Lesley Wall

Year 5

Hi Year 5 Parents and Carers,

This week in Writing, we’ve been busy exploring the features of informative texts. The students have enjoyed discovering how authors use facts and structure to teach their readers about a topic. Next week, we’ll be learning some handy note-taking skills and how to paraphrase information – both of which will help us when we create our very own informative texts at the end of the term.

In Maths, we’ve been working hard on the place value division strategy and practising how to round numbers to the nearest 100,000. Rounding is a great skill to have, and it will be really helpful as we move on to estimation next week.

In Religion, we’ve been learning about the fruits of the Holy Spirit and discussing how we can show these qualities in our everyday lives. In Science, we’ve been fascinated by the many amazing ways plants and animals adapt to survive in their environments.

Week 4 Events:
Dance North Workshops - Years 1 to 6
Dance North will be visiting St Joseph's on Monday for a workshop with years 1 to 6. These workshops will be held in the MMS. The workshops provide an opportunity for students to move their bodies in new ways - teaching them about different dance styles and movements. 

Mary MacKillop Feast Day - Friday 8th August
Next Friday, 8th August, we will celebrate the Feast of St Mary MacKillop with a special liturgy at 8:30am (families welcome), special treats and activities for students, including a sausage sizzle for morning tea but please remember to send a packed lunch and extra food for second break. 

Reminders

• Tuesday: The Arts with Miss Jill, Technologies with Miss P, and HASS with Mr Grehan
• Wednesday: Sport with Miss B and HASS with Mr Grehan
• Thursday: Health with Miss Humes
• Friday: Instead of Japanese, students will now participate in a Pastoral Care lesson with Miss McCall during Term 3. 

Have a great week,

Miss Leonie Ansell

Year 6

Dear Families,

Firstly, a reminder that our Merry Muster is Friday 1st August. Please meet on Station Street at 5pm. Our theme for the school float is Blockbuster Video (Blast from the past), with Y6 focussing on dressing up as Roald Dahl fantasy characters - BFG, Sophie, Charlie, Willy Wonka, Matilda, Miss Trunchbull, Miss Violet, Veruca Salt, Mike TV, Grandpa Joe, Umpa Lumpas, etc.

In our English, we have been investigating idioms, similes, hyperboles and other forms of figurative language. The idioms are fascinating and there are so many of them - 10000+ in the English language alone! The students are beginning to become aware of the literal and implied meaning that authors intend when writing texts. Understanding figurative language makes a difference to overall comprehension of texts read. Many forms of figurative language are used by authors and often it is assumed that we understand the hidden meaning. In the next few weeks, we will begin work on persuasive texts and how to form effective arguments to persuade and convince others.

In Mathematics, we are continuing to revise many of the mental strategies with a focus on multiplication. This connects to our work on calculating area and perimeter of squares and rectangles and other simple shapes.

In Religion work, we are currently investigating four festivals in the Jewish faith - Pesach, Yom Kippur, Hanukkah and Rosh Hashanah. Each team of students are investigating one of these festivals and creating a display of created artefacts, questions and facts to present to their peers.

During week 2, we spent time with our Prep Buddies - celebrating 100 days of Prep and 100 Days left in Primary School. Please check our website for the video of our experiences (I believe this was on Facebook last week) - making scones, playing bingo, cards and dominoes, completing the step up challenge, craft and crossword search. We had fun supporting and guiding our buddies with the activities and know that building relationships with our youngest students helps to build our community.

Week 4 Events:
Dance North Workshops - Years 1 to 6
Dance North will be visiting St Joseph's on Monday for a workshop with years 1 to 6. These workshops will be held in the MMS. The workshops provide an opportunity for students to move their bodies in new ways - teaching them about different dance styles and movements. 

Mary MacKillop Feast Day - Friday 8th August
Next Friday, 8th August, we will celebrate the Feast of St Mary MacKillop with a special liturgy at 8:30am (families welcome), special treats and activities for students, including a sausage sizzle for morning tea but please remember to send a packed lunch and extra food for second break. 

Have a great week,

Mr Mike Tarleton and Mr Larry Cullen

UMY Subject Spotlight

Year 7 Science with Miss B
Our Year 7 students have been diving into the exciting world of physical sciences this term through our unit “Crashing Back to Earth.” This unit explores how forces shape the motion of objects in our everyday lives.

Students have investigated:

• Types of forces (contact and non-contact) and how they affect movement.
• The role of gravity and how mass and weight differ depending on gravitational pull.
• How friction and surface texture can slow objects down or keep them stable.
• The concept of centre of gravity and balance in objects and structures.

Hands-on experiments have been a highlight, with students using spring scales, ramps, toy cars, and various surfaces to test their predictions and collect data. They have been learning to record their observations systematically and explain results using scientific language and the ‘Scientist Paragraph’ structure from Writers Toolbox.

Looking ahead, Year 7 students will complete a practical investigation and report in which they design and test launchers to explore how the angle of launch affects the distance travelled. This will provide an exciting opportunity for them to apply everything they have learned about forces and motion.

Year 8 Science with Miss B
Our Year 8 students have been exploring the fascinating world of energy this term through our unit “Energy in Action.” This unit examines how energy is stored, transferred, and transformed in everyday systems.

Students have investigated:

• The difference between potential energy (stored) and kinetic energy (movement).
• Types of potential energy, including gravitational, elastic, and chemical.
• How an object’s mass and speed influence its kinetic energy.
• How energy is constantly transformed between forms in real-life systems like rollercoasters and swings.

Hands-on activities have included energy hunts and digital “energy sort” challenges, where students identified and explained energy types in real-world objects. They are also learning to write clear explanations of energy concepts using the ‘Scientist Paragraph’ structure from Writers Toolbox.

Looking ahead, Year 8 students will begin a practical investigation using model trebuchets to explore how variables like mass and angle affect energy transfer and efficiency. This exciting assessment will allow them to apply their knowledge and scientific skills, including data collection, graphing, and report writing.

Year 9 Science with Mr Grehan
In Term 3 Year 9 students will be engaged in the study of Physics. Specific study will be undertaken through examining the wave particle theory and how energy is transferred and transformed from one form to another. Students will learn the Conservation of Energy, that it cannot be created or destroyed, but changed from one form to another. Close investigations will determine the differences between radiation energy, conduction and convection as processes by which we can access energy so necessary for our human endeavours and needs. Light energy will be investigated as a source of energy that does not require particles as carriers of energy. Light will be examined as the only form of energy that can travel through the vacuum of space. Sound will be examined to determine the type particles and wave structure that transports sound both in gases, liquids and solids and electrical energy flowing through conductive metals will also be investigated. Thermal energy and chemical energy will be studied as forms of energy that we use and can be transformed into usable forms of energy.  

Year 7 English Modern-Day Mythology with Mrs Delaney-Lovett
This term in English, the Year 7 students are exploring  the world of mythology with a creative twist. Using Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief as our core text, they’re exploring how ancient myths can be brought to life in modern-day settings. Students have already explored mythology across cultures, including Norse, Roman, Egyptian and Hindu, where they identified similarities and differences; they  viewed the movie and analysed how traditional characters and themes have been reimagined for a contemporary audience.

In the coming weeks, students will begin planning and drafting their own original short stories, creating unique heroes, creatures, and quests inspired by mythology. They'll be developing skills in narrative structure, descriptive writing, and creative world-building, all while learning how to express their ideas for different audiences and purposes.

Assessment Snapshot:
Students will complete a creative writing task, where they craft an original short story that blends mythical elements with the modern world. This will be supported by a writing folio that includes planning, drafting, and reflection tasks, allowing them to showcase their imagination and writing growth across the term. I’m looking forward to seeing where their imagination takes them–from ancient gods in city subways to modern monsters in suburban schools!

Year 8 English with Mrs Delaney-Lovett
This term in English, the Year 8 students are diving into the world of persuasive writing and speaking through the lens of advertising.. With a focus on engaging, real-world applications, students are exploring how brands connect with consumers through clever language, impactful visuals, and targeted messaging. They’ve been analysing a variety of advertisements– from Nike to Apple–to understand how techniques like emotional appeal, rhetorical questions, repetition, and inclusive language influence audiences. From here, students will channel their learning into crafting and delivering a persuasive pitch to successfully rebrand an existing product for a new audience: teenagers.

Assessment Snapshot:
For their assessment, students will take on the role of brand consultants, choosing a well-known product and pitching a rebrand or relaunch strategy aimed at a teenage audience. This task combines written persuasive scripting and a spoken/multimodal presentation, helping them build confidence in both written and verbal communication. It’s been wonderful to see their creativity and critical thinking grow each week, and I am looking forward to some impressive and passionate pitches by the end of the Term.

Year 9 English with Mrs Delaney-Lovett
This term in English, our Year 9 students have stepped into the world of The Hunger Games through an immersive and imaginative unit exploring dystopian fiction. Assigned to Districts and taking on the role of Tributes, students are constructing a vivid picture of life in Panem through creative activities, collaborative displays, and thoughtful text analysis.

In this unit, we’re not just reading a novel,  we’re living in it! Using a mix of selected excerpts from Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games and key scenes from the film, students are examining the stark contrast between the Capitol and the Districts, unpacking genre features, and crafting their own original writing. Our focus is on using language purposefully–particularly sensory and descriptive techniques– to build setting, mood, and tone.

Assessment Snapshot:
Throughout the term, students will work toward constructing their own imaginative text inspired by the themes and narrative style of The Hunger Games. The task is broken into manageable chunks and completed mostly under classroom conditions to ensure all students can succeed with support, and  allowing them to develop their ideas with feedback and guidance. Their final product will showcase their creative voice and understanding of characterisation, conflict, and setting within an original dystopian context. It’s shaping up to be a highly creative and engaging term full of critical thinking, powerful writing, and immersive storytelling. I look forward to seeing the extraordinary worlds our Year 9 students create. 

Merry Muster Parade

The rodeo spirit is in full swing today at St Joseph's with our Rodeo Free Dress Day. We are excited to continue the celebrations at the Merry Muster Street Parade tomorrow afternoon, Friday the 1st August. Please note that Friday is a pupil free day at St Joseph’s and the school will be closed. However, we invite our staff and students to come together at 5:00pm on Station Street for the parade. 

As part of the festivities, students will be traveling on a truck kindly provided by Curley Cattle Transport. Consistent with previous years, students will be seated behind hay bales to ensure their safety and keep them away from the edge of the truck.

This year, the Merry Muster Street Parade will follow a new route. Please refer to the updated
route details included in the following image from the Merry Muster Committee:

Students must be dropped off on Station Street by a parent or guardian, where they will be signed in by the designated teacher listed below. At the conclusion of the parade, please collect your child from the truck on Station Street and ensure they are signed out. 

Please note that staff will have a first aid kit available during the event. However, if your child requires specific medication—such as asthma puffers, EpiPens, or any other essential items—please ensure these are provided, along with any relevant action plans when your child is signed in. It is important that parents supply and clearly label any necessary medication to support your child’s needs throughout the parade.

Kind Regards,
Miss Mairin Borlase (Sport & Extra Curricular)
Mrs Samantha Kelley (Principal)

Save the Date - Copper & Cattle FETE 2025

🎉 St Joseph’s Cloncurry School & Parish Fete – Friday 15th August! 🎉

We’re counting down the days until our much-loved annual School and Parish Fete! Mark your calendars for Friday, 15th August – when our community will come together for a fantastic evening of fun, food, and festivities.

A huge thank you to our generous sponsors – your amazing support truly makes this event possible, helping us provide a wonderful celebration for everyone!

🎟🎟Beat the queue! Tickets for drinks, food and stalls will be available for pre-purchase from the front office starting next week. Grab your tickets early and save time on the night so you can jump straight into the fun. 🎟🎟

Reminders for our exciting competitions:
🎻🎼Lip Sync Battle nomination forms are DUE MONDAY – don’t miss out on a chance to perform! 8 entrants will be selected to perform on the night.
🏃🥇Mine Cart Rally nomination forms are due NEXT FRIDAY – get your teams together and sign up! 16 teams will be selected to compete.

We can’t wait to create more memories with our friends, families, and neighbours at St Joseph’s. See you soon at the fete!

🌟 SILENT AUCTION PRE-BIDDING NOW OPEN – BULL SCULPTURE! 🌟

We’re thrilled to announce that pre-bidding for our major auction item at the St Joseph’s Cloncurry School & Parish Fete – the incredible bull sculpture – has officially begun!
How to pre-bid:
✨Register as a bidder by completing the Copper & Cattle Fete Silent Auction Bidder Registration Form, available from the front office.
✨Once registered, you’ll receive your unique bidder number to use when placing your bids.

Auction rules include:
✨Pre-bidding ends at 3pm on Thursday, 14th August.
✨Bids can be placed multiple times, and pre-bids may be outbid by others before or during the fete (Friday, 15th August).
✨The highest bid will be used to start the auction on the night of the fete, Friday 15th August.
✨The highest bid will take home the stunning bull sculpture. This bid could come from the pre-bidding or from a bid at the live auction at 8pm on the 15th August.

Good luck to all bidders!

Merry Muster Festival