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I am incredibly proud of our students and all they have accomplished. I continue to be inspired by the dedication of our staff, who go above and beyond every day. I’m also sincerely grateful to our families for your unwavering support, trust, and the strong sense of community you’ve shown throughout my time at St Joseph’s. Thank you!
DEBUTANTE BALL 2025 – SATURDAY 31 May
Congratulations to all the young debutantes being presented this weekend. May this special occasion be filled with joy, tradition and cherished memories with family and friends.
A sincere thank you to our P&F, especially to our Debutante Ball Committee who have given countless hours over the last couple of months, and to the families who have volunteered to assist with the set-up, serving and the clean-up after the event. Thank you also to the many families who have contributed by purchasing raffle tickets.
The Debutante Ball is our major fundraiser, and I am ever-conscious of the support and contribution which the school community makes to our school, St Joseph’s, and believe that it is this spirit which is vital to the character and to the culture which is St Joseph’s.
I look forward to another successful night on Saturday!
FEEDBACK SURVEYS 2025
All parents should have received an email yesterday (Monday 26 May) with full details and instructions for the completion of the survey. Please check your spam if this email has yet to come through.
The survey will take 20 - 30 minutes to complete. The Feedback Surveys are an important tool in providing information and data which can be used to further develop and refine all aspects of operations and offerings, at both the school and system levels.
I thank you for your time; your feedback is always appreciated.
END OF SEMESTER REPORTS
Preparation is under way for the writing of reports cards for Semester One. Report cards are one way that teachers provide feedback to parents about their child’s learning. We are reminded that many of the important aspects of learners can’t be formally assessed and that these reports are summative by nature – they don’t tell the full story.
A reminder that we will be transitioning to our new academic reporting application, The Learning Dashboard (TLD). On Wednesday June 25, families may access reports via the new 'The Learning Dashboard' app on our Parent Portal and the MyCE app.
If you are experiencing problems, please speak with the ladies in the office. You will need to have access to your email account during this discussion so that verification of your account can be tested.
FINALLY…
During my absence, Mr Mike Aitken will step into the role of Acting Principal. I have every confidence in his leadership and know that our school will continue to flourish under his guidance. Our dedicated staff will also remain committed to delivering the high-quality education and care our students deserve.
It has been an absolute privilege to serve this wonderful school community. I look forward to returning with renewed energy and fresh perspectives. Thank you for your continued support, trust and understanding.
Every blessing for what lies ahead!
Rita Petersen
Feast of the Ascension
As we come towards the end of the Easter season, we celebrate four special Sundays that are truly significant to our faith. This Sunday, June 1 will be the Feast of the Ascension, followed by Pentecost Sunday next Sunday June 8.
What is the Feast of the Ascension?
The Ascension is still a major feast in the Catholic calendar. Christ had appeared to his followers, had given them his final teaching, had broken bread with them, bestowed his Peace on them and had promised them the Holy Spirit. His presence in the world was completed.
“When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.” (Luke 24:50-53)
Pentecost Sunday
Next Sunday, June 8, we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost which officially marks the end of the Easter Season. It is the experience of Jesus’ presence and the outpouring of his Spirit. The feast of Pentecost celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and it reminds us also of the presence of the Holy Spirit in our everyday lives. Jesus had told the disciples to preach the good news. Instead, they hid behind locked doors. It was the gift of the Spirit that gave them the inspiration and the enthusiasm to do what they had been told to do. Just as the Holy Spirit changed the lives of the Apostles, that same Spirit can help us to change our lives if we allow God to work in us.
Children’s Mass - Pentecost Sunday- June 8 @5pm
Father Mathew is designating the Second Sunday of the Month as a special “Children’s Mass” at the 5pm Mass. This means that children will actively participate by doing jobs in the mass. If your child/ren are interested in doing a special job at this mass, please let me know by contacting the front office or sending me an email at mmaccallum@cns.catholic.edu.au
Sacramental Program update - Confirmation and Eucharist Program starts soon
Letters will be sent out this week with information about the upcoming program. Students will be eligible to enrol in the Confirmation and Eucharist program if they participated in the Reconciliation program in Term 1. The parent meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 11 at 5pm in the Library Meeting Room.
God bless,
Mary MacCallum
Reading is more than just a school subject—it's a foundational skill that supports lifelong learning, personal growth, and success in every stage of life. As parents, fostering a love of reading in your child is one of the most powerful gifts you can give.
Benefits of Reading
From early childhood through adulthood, reading enhances vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking. It opens doors to new ideas, cultures, and perspectives, helping children become more empathetic and informed individuals. Whether your child dreams of becoming a scientist, artist, entrepreneur, or anything in between, strong reading skills will support their journey.
Reading and Lifelong Learning
In today’s fast-changing world, the ability to learn continuously is essential. Reading empowers children to independently explore new topics, adapt to new information, and stay curious. It also strengthens focus and imagination—skills that are increasingly valuable in both academic and professional setting.
How to Foster a Love of Reading
You can nurture this skill at home by reading together, discussing books, and creating a print-rich environment. Let your child see you reading too. Modelling this behavior shows that reading is not just for school, but for life.
Encouraging Diverse Reading
Encourage your child to read widely and often. Whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, comics, or magazines, every page turned is a step toward becoming a confident, capable lifelong learner.
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” – Dr. Seuss
A friendly reminder that if you wish to purchase tickets for the Deb Ball Raffle, please return your order via the provided envelope to the school office by tomorrow, Wednesday, 28 May.
Alternatively, tickets can also be purchased directly at the school office.
The raffle will be drawn during the Deb Ball on Saturday, 31 May. There are a range of fantastic prizes to be won! Please see the flyer below for more details.
Please also consider lending a hand for an hour or two to set up for the ball. Helpers are required at Merrilands Hall at the following times:
- Thursday, 29 May from 3:00 PM
- Friday, 30 May from 9:00 AM
- Saturday, 31 May from 8:30 AM
If you are able to help please complete the parent slip that you will have received via email.
Thank you for your support.
Warm regards,
Debutante Ball Committee
Reminder
Book Club is only available through online ordering this term (referred to as LOOP by Scholastic).
No cash orders or paying at the office.
Thank you for your understanding.
Uniform Shop Opening Hours
Tuesday and Thursday mornings between 8.15am – 8.45am.
Outside of these times by appointment only.
Online ordering of school uniforms is available via Flexischools. Order online at anytime. Orders will be packed on the next available Tuesday or Thursday morning and given to your child.
For all uniform information please contact:
Seen
Seen is a groundbreaking feature-length documentary that not only explores the transformative power of personal healing for parents but also delves into the scientifically supported effects of such healing on parenting and its impact on child brain development.
By focusing on the unexplored aspect of parents confronting their own childhood coping mechanisms, "Seen" is poised to fill a significant gap in current narratives. It promises not just compelling storytelling but also the potential for profound societal impact, making it an appealing proposition for those looking to invest in content that drives change.
Our vision was to craft a film that deeply resonates with audiences, sparking a flame of self-reflection and personal growth.
Through the unfiltered and authentic narratives of real parents, we reveal the remarkable potential of addressing trauma and attachment styles.
Together, we are illuminating the path toward emotional liberation and healthier connections—with both ourselves and our children.
Genre: Documentary - Health & Wellbeing | Classification: M | Producer: Sam Jockel | Director: Hailey Bartholomew
This ADULTS ONLY screening of Seen: The Film is open to ALL Parents/Carers in the Cairns region:
Friday 20 June 2025
5:45pm - Theatre doors and Bar opens (Drinks available for purchase)
6:30pm to 7:45pm – Documentary screening (1 hour 15 mins)
7:45pm to 8:15pm - Live Q&A recording (30 mins)
All Saints' Theatre, St Andrew's Catholic College, 185-205 Redlynch Intake Road, Redlynch, Cairns
$10/per ticket (Adults only event - M rated)
To view trailer visit 
https://youtu.be/bZPQXpw6kT0
Don't miss this informative film - Spark the healing journey to transform your family...
Book your tickets TODAY through trybooking 
https://www.trybooking.com/DBTEG
PLEASE NOTE: NO Child minding is available for this event.