First Newsletter Term 4 | Week 1

Key Information

Term 4 - Important Dates

Week 2

• Monday 13th October - Rock Pop Rehearsal Mount Isa
• Monday 13th October - Swimming - Water Safety Lessons Begin (Prep, Year 3, Year 4)
• Tuesday 14th October - Swimming - Water Safety Lessons Begin (Year 1, 2, 5, 6, UMY)
• Tuesday 14th October Headspace Visit: 
  • Year 6: Transition to High School - P4
  • Year 9: Transition Workshop - P5
  • 3 - 4pm: Parent Workshop
• Wednesday 15th October - Emerging Leaders - Mental Health and Wellbeing Roadshow - Mount Isa
• Thursday 16th October - Rockpop Dress Rehearsal 5.30pm MMS
• Friday 17th October 
  • Assembly 
  • Rockpop Mount Isa - Performance

Week 3

• Monday 20th & Tuesday 21st October - Parent Teacher Interviews 3pm-6pm
• Tuesday 21st October Aged Care Visit 9.40 - 10.40 am Yr 9
• Wednesday 22nd October - Yr 2 Retreat P4 & 5
• Friday 24th October
  • Grandparents Day 
  • Founder’s Day Colour Run - White T-Shirt
  • Newsletter distributed

Week 4

• Monday 27th October - Parent Information Evening Respectful Relationships 
• Friday 31st October
  • Term 4 Ride to School Day 
  • Day for Daniel Free Dress (wear red)
  • Assembly

Week 5

• Monday 3rd November - Year 5 Camp - Magnetic Island
• Tuesday 4th November - Thursday 6th November - Life Ed 2nd visit
  
• Friday 7th November - Aged Care Visit Year 6 (9.40-10.40)
• Newsletter distributed
  

Week 6

• Tuesday 11th November 

  • Student Leaders - Remembrance Day Service

  • Remembrance Day Prayer in Courtyard
  • SIA Students - Vinnies Visit 3-4.30 pm
    
• Wednesday 12th November - Prep Retreat
• Thursday 13th November 
  
  • World Kindness Day 
  • Assembly
• Friday 14th November - 2025 Swimming Carnival 

Week 7

• Tuesday 18th November - Aged Care Visit 9.40 - 10.40 am Performance
• Thursday 20th November - Prep 2026 Transition Day - 8.30 to 10.30am
• Friday 21st November 
  
  • Move Up Day 8.30-10.30
  • Swimming Awards 2.00-2.40 MMS
  • Newsletter Distributed 

Week 8

• Monday 24th November
  
  • 2026 Student Leader Elections - 11.30am
  • Christmas Free Dress
  • Rehearsal for Christmas Concert & Awards Evening
    
• Tuesday 25th November - Christmas Concert & Awards Evening 5.30pm Cloncurry Precinct
• Thursday 27th  November
  
  • Year 9 Retreat
  • Year 9 Graduation - The PO - 5.30pm
• Friday 28th  November
  
  • End of Year Mass - 8.30am - MMS

  • Last day for secondary students
    

Week 9

• Tuesday 2nd December - Y6 Graduation Ceremony & Silent Disco 
• Thursday 4th December 
  
  • Aged Care Visit 9.40-10.40 - Choir Xmas Carol
    
• Friday 5th December
  

  • Joey's Got Talent - 9am

  • Christmas Free Dress 

  • School Finishes 12pm - Last Day of 2025
    

Tuckshop News

Please ensure all orders are placed in the My School Connect App by 8:30am on Wednesdays. 

Upcoming Specials

Week 2  - Penne Alla Panna & Choc Caramel Slice

Week 3 - Pork Gravy Rolls & Choc Chip Biscuit

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 back to Term 4!

It has been wonderful to see our students return to school this week, full of energy and ready for the final term of the year. The enthusiasm in classrooms and playgrounds is a reminder of the vibrant community we have here at St Joseph’s. Term 4 is an exciting term, filled with events like the Rockpop Mime Performance, Water Safety Lessons, Head Space Presentation for Year 6 and Year 9, Parent Teacher Interviews, Grandparents Day, Founders Day Colour Run, Parent Information Evening on Respectful Relationships, Ride to School Day, Day for Daniel, Year 5 Camp on Magnetic Island, Life Ed Visit, Aged Care Visits, Restreats, 2025 Swimming Carnival, 2026 Student Leader Elections, Year 9 Graduation, End of Year Mass, Christmas Concert and Awards Evening, Year 6 Graduation and Joey's Got Talent. Please check the parent calendar that was emailed to all parents and carers at the start of the term for specific dates. 

Staff Professional Development
On Tuesday our staff came together for a professional development day, exploring the new NSSAB guidelines. These guidelines place a strong emphasis on the literacy and numeracy development of students in Non State Schools across Queensland. At St Joseph’s, this is already a significant focus, reflected in the recent growth we have seen in student engagement and achievement. We are however excited to continue building on this success, with an even greater allocation of time to literacy and numeracy in 2026—particularly across Prep to Year 6—ensuring all students have strong foundations for their future learning. Our staff used this valuable time to not only interpret the new guidelines, but to begin planning for the implementation of this. 

Heat Safety During Term 4
As we enter the hottest term of the year, our team continually monitors daily weather conditions to ensure outdoor play is safe during break times. While it is common for outside play to move indoors during rainy seasons, it is less frequent in warmer conditions. However, if your child mentions that outdoor play was changed or adjusted, please know that this was done to protect their health and wellbeing, especially when temperature and humidity levels rise too high.

Rock Pop Mime Preparations and Performance 
A huge congratulations to our dedicated students and staff who have been working for a significant time in preparation for Rock Pop Mime! This spectacular event will be performed next Friday in Mount Isa at Tony White Oval. However, there will be a special performance for families coming up this week and a formal dress rehearsal in Mount Isa next Monday. Then, the excitement of the big night will arrive—I am excited to celebrate the hard work of both our students and staff come to life on stage.

Rock Pop Mime is a considerable commitment from our students and families, but it is a huge commitment from our staff. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Mrs Delaney-Lovett, Miss Ansell, Miss Jill, Mrs McConachy, Mrs Wall, Miss Humes and Miss Charlotte for their time and dedication to make this event possible for our students.

Arriving & Departing St Joseph's Reminders:
We’re grateful for the sponsorship from Eva Copper Mine and the support of our staff and parish priests that makes our Chaplaincy Breakfast Club each Tuesday and Thursday possible, however, it is important to note that supervision doesn’t start in other areas of the school until 8.10am. If students are coming onsite to join Chaplaincy Breakfast, they must remain in the MMS until supervision occurs. Students shouldn’t be arriving at school on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday prior to supervision occurring at 8.10am. 

It is also important that students are collected at 2.50pm when the school day concludes. Due to insurances and safety guidelines students cannot remain on school grounds to play in the afternoons.

Student Protection Procedures
St Joseph's Catholic School is committed to promoting a safe school environment for all students, with a focus on the critical area of student welfare. A key aspect of this lies in our compliance with student protection protocols in accordance with the Townsville Catholic Education Student Protection Processes. Parents can access the details via our website or this link here. 

Each year, all staff undertake mandatory Student Protection Training on at least two occasions - annual compliance training (January) and an additional session in Term 3. The additional training is aimed at reporting processes, managing student disclosures or responding to emerging themes in student protection. 

Under the Education (Accreditation of Non-State Schools) Regulation 2017 (Section 16(3)), all Townsville Catholic Education schools must have at least two nominated staff members to whom a student can report behaviour of another staff member that the student considers inappropriate.

All Townsville Catholic Education schools are required to display a Safe Persons poster in all classrooms and prominent locations around their respective schools. The Safe Persons poster includes both the names and photos of the Safe Persons. The names of these Safe Persons are made known to staff, students and parents. You will find the schools Safe Persons outlined in a separate document titled ‘Safe Person’s Poster’, this is located on our website here.

They are readily available, make regular classroom visits and are actively involved in planning student protection awareness raising events including Safer Internet Day, Bullying No Way, Student Protection Week and Day for Daniel. Day for Daniel is coming up this term and we're thankful that members of our local police force will come along to the school to talk to our students about how to be safe and what to do if they don't feel safe. 

Working Together
Relationships are at the very core of our Christian beliefs, inspiring all of us in Catholic schools to endeavour to be a living Christian community in relationship with God and others. It is essential in such a community that all members recognise and respect their own rights and responsibilities, as well as those of other members of the community and of the school itself. 

As a parent, celebrate that you play a formative role in the development of your child's sense of justice, equity and worth. You are one of the most influential role models within your child's life. Let us all strive to build a harmonious community where students can flourish. 

To do this, the Townsville Catholic Education Code of Conduct for Parents and Students is designed to guide students, parents, caregivers, guardians and volunteers in their dealings with staff, other parents, students and the wider school community. A copy can be accessed via this link. 

Occasionally, during the course of a child’s school years, a parent/carer, student or other persons may have cause to make a complaint about school/college decisions, processes, management, conduct of staff and/or students, or have other general concerns. Townsville Catholic Education supports schools with a comprehensive process for these issues to be addressed which is outlined here.

May this final term of the year be one of growth, kindness, and accomplishment for each of our students and staff. We ask God to bless our families and guide us with wisdom and compassion as we journey together to the end of another wonderful school year.

Mrs Samantha Kelley,
Principal 

Deputy's News/Curriculum

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome back to Term 4. We hope everyone enjoyed a restful break and is ready for another exciting term of learning. As we settle into the new term, I’d like to share some important upcoming events in Week 3 — Parent Teacher Interviews and PAT Testing for students in Years 2–9.

Parent Teacher Interviews
Our Semester 2 Parent/Teacher Interviews will be held on Monday, 20th October, and Tuesday, 21st October (Week 3). These meetings are an important opportunity for families and teachers to connect and discuss student progress and learning goals.

An email will be sent out early next week with details on how to book your interview times through the Compass App. Information and step-by-step instructions for making a booking will be included in that message.

Please note that Year 3 interviews will take place in Week 4, as Mrs Deirdre Koekemoer will still be overseas during Week 3.

PAT Testing (Progressive Achievement Tests)

In Week 3, all students from Year 2 to Year 9 will complete PAT-R (Reading) and PAT-M (Mathematics) assessments.

PAT Testing helps us track each student’s growth in literacy and numeracy over time. The results provide valuable data that supports teachers in identifying learning strengths and areas for improvement, helping us plan lessons and programs that best meet student needs. It’s a key part of how we ensure every student continues to make meaningful progress throughout the year.

What is PAT Testing?

Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) are standardised assessments developed by ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research). They measure students’ skills and understandings in core areas such as:

• Reading 
• Maths 
• Grammar and Punctuation

PAT is designed to track student progress over time, not just achievement at one point. The focus is on growth and development across year levels.

Purpose of PAT

PAT testing supports:

• Monitoring growth: Identify how much a student has progressed compared to previous years.
• Informing teaching: Pinpoint specific strengths and areas for consideration to target instruction.
• School-wide data analysis: Evaluate cohort trends and the impact of teaching programs.
• Goal setting: Support student reflection and ownership of learning goals.

I’m looking forward to the term ahead and all that’s planned for our students. It’s set to be a full and engaging few weeks, and I’m hopeful our students are just as ready and excited as we are to make the most of it.

Mr Dean Kelley
Deputy Principal - Teaching and Learning

Assistant Principal Religious Education

Welcome to Term 4

Welcome back to our final term of the year at St Joseph’s. I hope the break offered our school community a valuable chance to rest, recharge, and reconnect, ready for the energy and activity that Term Four brings.

This term promises to be full of life, with many exciting school and religious events ahead as we begin to turn our hearts toward Advent. Some students will also have chances to be part of service projects that show our commitment to living out our faith. May it be a time of meaningful learning, joyful celebration, and shared hope.

Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary
The Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, is celebrated annually on October 7. It is a special day dedicated to honouring the Rosary, a powerful prayer that invites us to reflect on the life of Jesus and Mary.

This feast commemorates the victory at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571, which was attributed to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary through the Rosary. It encourages us to reflect on the importance of prayer and to unite in our faith, reminding us of the strength and peace that come from praying the Rosary and meditating on its sacred mysteries.

During October, traditionally known as the Month of the Rosary, classes will be focusing on this beautiful devotion during prayer time. Students will learn about the meaning of the Rosary and engage with traditional prayers. Younger students may practice prayers such as the Hail Mary, while older students may reflect on the mysteries and pray a decade together.  

Families are warmly encouraged to join in this focus by praying the Rosary at home or simply sharing a quiet moment of prayer.  If you would like a copy of the Prayers of the Rosary, please drop in to the office, and I can print one for you.

First Assembly next Friday Week 2
Our first assembly for Term 4 will be held next Friday, 17th October 2025. Mrs Wall and the Year 4 class will lead us in prayer.  We warmly invite you to join us for this assembly, and stay afterward for a coffee and catch-up with Sam, Dean or me. 

Sacramental Program: First Reconciliation commencing this term
Families who wish for their children to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time are invited to participate in our upcoming preparation sessions. 

The first of two consecutive sessions will take place after the 8.30 am Mass at St Colman’s Church on Sunday, 19 October. Each session will run for approximately 40 minutes.

The celebration of the Sacrament is scheduled for Wednesday, 29 October. If this date does not suit your family, we will do our best to arrange an alternative time. 

To express your interest or find out more, please email me at lnelson5@sjctsv.catholic.edu.au.

Aged Care Visits
This term, students from our school will have the opportunity to visit and spend time with residents at our local aged care facility. These visits are scheduled for Weeks 3, 5, 7, and 9, and offer a meaningful way for students to connect with members of our wider community. Week 3 will see our Year 9 students.

World Mission Month
Catholic Mission invites us to join with the wider Catholic community in celebrating World Mission Month. The theme, inspired by Pope Francis' message for World Mission Sunday 2025 and carried forward by Pope Leo XIV, "Missionaries of Hope Among All Peoples," highlights hope and unity, emphasising how we can collectively turn our faith into action. This year’s message can be accessed here.

The focus on mission this year is Zambia, Africa. By supporting the work of missionaries, we help create meaningful opportunities for children, families, and communities around the world, bringing hope and healing where it’s needed most. 

In week 3 on Thursday 23rd October, we will launch Mission Month with a Mass in our Mary MacKillop Shed beginning at 9 am. Following the Mass, all classes will gather to join in the annual Socktober Shootout.  Each class will make their own Socktober ball for the shootout. Students are encouraged to bring in string, paper or plastic bags, old socks etc to make their ball.

This term, our youth groups will be promoting fundraising opportunities in support of the many projects currently underway in Zambia.

Founders Day Colour Fun Run - Friday 24th October
On 28 October 1909, St Joseph’s School opened its doors for the very first time, welcoming 75 eager students who were taught in a humble bough shed. This date marks the beginning of our mission to educate the children of Cloncurry and is now honoured as our Founders Day.

The story of our founding began earlier that year, with a conversation between Bishop Duhig, Father O’Keefe (then parish priest of Cloncurry), and Mother Mary of the Cross MacKillop. They sought her help to establish a school in the region. Although no sisters were immediately available, Mother Mary responded with unwavering faith: “The sisters will be found. Our Lord will see to it.”

Not long after, Mother Mary passed away, but her vision endured. She had arranged for her nursing sisters to journey to Cloncurry and begin the work. So, in the early hours of 28 October, Sisters Berchmans, Cecilia, Rosarii, and Audrey arrived by train and began teaching that very day.

To commemorate this remarkable legacy, we will be holding a Founders Day Colour Fun Run. Students are invited to come dressed in their colour run gear, ready to celebrate with joy and energy. The event will take place following second lunch, with students returning briefly to class before gathering at the Mary MacKillop shed for final instructions and a safety briefing. The Colour Run will continue for the remainder of the school day.

We encourage students to bring a towel to dry off before heading home.

St Colman’s Mass - Upcoming Schedule

 Date                  Mass             Time           Presider

Oct 12, 2025           Sunday Mass          8.30 am          Fr. Will Brennan

Oct 19, 2025           Sunday Mass          8.30 am          Fr Mick Lowcock

Oct 25, 2025           Youth Mass            8.30 am          Fr Mick Lowcock

Oct 26, 2025          Sunday Mass           8.30 am          Fr Mick Lowcock

Wishing everyone a great start to Term 4!

God Bless

Ms Lei Nelson
Assistant Principal - Religious Education

Youth Ministry

Welcome back for Term 4! It’s a joy to be continuing in the Youth Ministry role this term as we look ahead to a busy and meaningful few weeks of faith, service, and community connection in new ways.

Mission Month & Socktober
In Week 3, we’ll launch Socktober, an initiative to raise awareness of global mission work. Alongside this, we’re hoping to host a Funky Sock Day—wear your boldest socks to spark conversation and fun! Throughout the term, our Icy Cup Fridays will run fortnightly (starting Week 2), with all funds going to Catholic Mission Australia.

Mini Vinnies & SIA
Our Mini Vinnies group will continue to meet fortnightly on Wednesdays at first lunch in the Freestone Room, beginning Week 2. These students will lead our fundraising efforts this term– Icy Cups, and our upcoming Toy Appeal–and serve as visible examples of compassion and service.

Our Spirit in Action (SIA) students (Years 7–9) will also have opportunities this term for deeper formation and outreach: assisting in chaplaincy breakfasts, leading liturgies and prayer experiences for younger grades, community outreach (meal drops, lunchbox treats), and possibly accompanying classes to aged care settings. More detail will come soon. 

Retreats
We have three retreats planned this term:

• Year 2 – Week 3, Stewards of God’s Creation
• Year 1 – Week 4
• Prep – Week 6

Details about these retreats will be emailed to parents as they approach.

Youth Mass & Children’s Liturgy
Mark your calendars: we will be holding a Youth Mass on Saturday evening, 25 October. Families will receive more information by email in the coming week.

We are also delighted to announce a Children’s Liturgy on Sunday 23 November at St Colman’s Parish at 8:30am. All students and their families are warmly invited to join in this special celebration. More details will follow as the date approaches.

Vinnies Toy Appeal
Later in the term, we will kick off our Vinnies Christmas Toy Appeal. Our goal is to bring joy to families in our community this Christmas season. The appeal will run for 4-5weeks, with collection tubs placed in every classroom. In the spirit of caring for people and caring for creation, we’re inviting families to give thoughtfully and sustainably. Instead of only buying new, families are welcome to donate new or gently loved toys, books, and games that are still in excellent, gift-worthy condition.

I’m looking forward to a term full of growth, kindness, and meaningful action. Thank you, families and students, for supporting Youth Ministry and helping us live our values of love, service, leadership, and striving together.

Yours in faith, hope & service,

Rachel Delaney-Lovett.
Youth Ministry Middle Leader

First Nations

Next Wednesday, our Emerging Leaders will be attending the Mental Health and Wellbeing Roadshow in Mount Isa. The day will bring together a range of deadly presenters and organisations who will share their stories, discuss the importance of mental health, and lead workshops focused on leadership, wellbeing, and personal growth. It’s set to be an inspiring and empowering experience for all students involved in the program.

Our next First Nations Advisory Committee Meeting will be held on Tuesday 21st October from 5:00–6:00 pm in the library. We look forward to coming together to continue discussions around our Reconciliation Action Plan and Sacred Space. All members and interested parents are warmly invited to attend.

Miss Leonie Ansell
Emerging Leaders Coordinator & First Nations Education Leader

Pastoral Care

🧠 Headspace Mental Health Education Workshops 

Next week on Tuesday 14th of October, our Year 6 and Year 9 students will take part in interactive wellbeing workshops run by headspace representatives Krisanthi and Lua as part of the Mental Health Education Program.

The sessions are designed to build mental health awareness and give students practical strategies to support their wellbeing. Year 6 students will explore transition and change, managing stress, and developing support networks, while Year 9 students will focus on values, decision-making, and coping with pressure.

Activities will include videos, discussions, and hands-on tasks such as an obstacle course and “circles of control” reflection. These engaging sessions aim to strengthen resilience, confidence, and connection as students navigate key stages in their school journey.

📘 Parent Workshop – Supporting Young People Through Change

Parents and carers are warmly invited to attend a Headspace Parent Workshop on Tuesday 14th of October from 3:00–4:00pm in the School Library. This session will provide practical strategies to help families support young people through periods of transition, recognise when they might be struggling, and learn where to access further support

Guidance Counsellor

SPECIAL REPORT: World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day is marked every year on 10 October as a reminder of the importance of mental health to our overall wellbeing. It is a day that encourages families, schools, workplaces and communities across the globe to start conversations, reduce stigma and highlight the support available for those who may be struggling.

Mental health challenges can affect anyone: children, teens, and adults alike. Recognising this helps us create more compassionate and supportive environments.

Parents and caregivers play a central role in shaping the mental health of their children. World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to pause and reflect on the pressures young people face in today's world and how we can best support them. Whether it's helping children find balance between school, technology, and rest; encouraging open conversations about feelings; or modelling healthy coping strategies ourselves - small steps at home can make a big difference.

By engaging with resources and discussions on this day, families can strengthen their understanding of mental health and contribute to a culture where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength, not weakness.

This Special Report highlights the importance of World Mental Health Day and offers practical suggestions for how your family can acknowledge and support it together.

Here is the link to your Special Report https://sjctsv.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-world-mental-health-day-au

Miss Cassie Little
Guidance Counsellor 

Classroom News - Emails Sent

This term, we are focused on enhancing the way we communicate with all families. Thank you for sharing your feedback—it is greatly valued as we continue to strengthen our partnership. Clear and timely communication is essential in supporting your child’s experience at school. We hope these updates keep you informed about what’s happening this term and that, together, we can make the learning journey even more meaningful for our students.

All families should have received an email from your child's classroom teacher, welcoming you back to the term and outlining the term ahead. Please check your emails for this communication and any upcoming events.

Community Information

QCoal's Foundation Scholarship - Year 12

Please see below information regarding QCoal's Foundation Scholarship. This information may be beneficial for parents or family members with children in Year 12 who may wish to apply. 

NDIS:

The following information may be useful for families who would like to learn about NDIS. NDIS is an Australian government program designed to provide needs-based funding and support for families who qualify. NDIS can also support families with children in the Early Years, as their programs are designed to assist children under 7 years old who have a disability or developmental delay. Children do not need a formal diagnosis to receive help and can be referred by health professionals, educators, or directly by families.