Calm and Full of Hope: The Loving Grace of Saint Mary MacKillop

Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop was an outstanding model of action and service but let us not forget that her life also serves as a powerful testament to deep faith and enduring trust in God. As you go about your days, may Mary’s attitude of calmness and hope carry you through whatever the day presents to you. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Fun Shirt Fridays for Mental Health Awareness

Every Friday this term, the staff at St Joseph’s are turning up the colour, literally! You’ll see us in loud, funky, and joyfully mismatched outfits, and it’s not just for fun (though we do love a good laugh).

We’re dressing to be noticed, because we want to start conversations about mental health.

In schools, homes, and communities, mental well-being matters. By standing out, we hope to remind everyone that it’s okay to talk about how we’re feeling, to check in with one another, and to seek support when needed. Sometimes, a splash of colour can be the spark that leads to a deeper connection.

So if you see a teacher in neon socks or a rainbow tutu, don’t be shy—ask us why!
Let’s keep the conversation going.

PARENT/TEACHER INTERVIEWS – Using ‘Booked’ formally Parent Teacher Online (PTO)

As we find ourselves heading towards the conclusion of Term Three for the 2025 school year, an opportunity is being made available to all parents and teachers to discuss how students are progressing.  This is considered an integral part of the reporting process between school and home. This is a chance for parents and teachers to catch up and will enable parents, as partners in education, to talk with teachers and hopefully receive valuable feedback on their child/ren’s general progress and performance in school so far. 

Thus, as part of the progression and celebration of learning, interviews will take place in Week 9 (Week 10 for Prep). I encourage and invite parents to book an interview via Booked in the coming weeks.  Booked will open to parents on Monday, 25 August.  Research tells us that parental involvement in school life is strongly associated with high academic performance. 

Schedule:

2026 PREP INFORMATION EVENING – Thursday 4 September 2025

As part of our transition program for Prep 2026, an Information Session will be held on Thursday, 4 September, commencing at 5:30 pm in the Prep Rooms.

The afternoon gives families an opportunity to listen to our Prep teachers and Leadership Team give a brief introduction to Prep at St Joseph’s.  Occasions like this are very important to our school community, and we welcome these families, new and present, to our school community as they begin the formal educational journey of their children.

This year, St Joseph's School is entering a float for the MAIZE FESTIVAL. We would love to have as many students and parents as possible to walk behind our float.

The theme is THE WILD WEST so come dressed as a cowboy, cowgirl, Indian, Sheriff or Prairie person. Costume Ideas:  Jeans, flannelette shirt, check shirt, cowboy/girl hats and boots, prairie dress or skirt, vest, chaps, belt and buckle, sheriff badge etc. A hobby horse would be great too.

PLEASE – NO GUNS or BOW and ARROWS.

The school will make some horse heads and Indian head pieces for those students who wish to use them as part of their costume.

On Saturday, August 30, gather in the IGA carpark before 6pm.  Street Parade starts at 6.30pm.

If your child is in Prep, Year 1, and Year 2, we are asking parents to walk with them in the parade. We will also need parents to help decorate the float on Saturday morning.  If you are able to assist, please see Mrs Lee in the Library.

We hope your family will join us to support this community event.

Paper Plane Night – A Flight Path to Family Connection

Wednesday 10 September | 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM | School Basketball Area

Get ready to fold, fly, and bond! Our upcoming Paper Plane Night is more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of family teamwork, father-child connection, and the simple joy of creating something together.

We warmly invite all fathers to take the lead in preparing a paper plane with their child before the event. This is your chance to explore the fascinating world of aerodynamics, experiment with designs, and build a plane that’s ready to soar. Whether you’re crafting a classic dart or a sleek glider, the goal is simple: go the distance—literally and relationally.

On the night, families will gather to launch their creations, share their building secrets, and cheer each other on. Fathers are encouraged to teach others how they made their planes, fostering a spirit of collaboration and curiosity. After the competition, we’ll enjoy a sausage sizzle together—because nothing brings people together like food and fun.

Why Paper Planes?

Paper planes have a rich history, dating back to ancient China and Japan, where early forms of folded paper flight were part of cultural traditions. In modern times, paper planes have become a symbol of creativity and exploration. Did you know the world record for the longest paper plane flight is 226 feet and 10 inches (69.14 metres), set by Joe Ayoob in 2012 using a plane designed by John Collins. That’s the kind of inspiration we’re aiming for!

The Core Purpose

This evening is not about winning—it’s about connecting. The true flight path we’re charting is one of family time, shared effort, and positive memories. Fathers are asked to take full responsibility for their child’s involvement, both in preparation and during the event. Let this be a moment where your child sees you not just as a parent, but as a teammate and teacher.

“The best flights are those taken together.”

Important Notes

• The playground and all areas outside the basketball court will be out of bounds during the event.
• Please ensure your child remains within the designated area at all times.

Staff Book Spotlight:

A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park

“Sometimes, the journey is as important as the destination.”

Set in 12th-century Korea, A Single Shard is a beautifully crafted story about courage, craftsmanship, and quiet determination. The novel follows Tree-ear, a young orphan who dreams of becoming a potter. Living under a bridge with his elderly friend Crane-man, Tree-ear’s life changes when he begins working for Min, a master potter known for his delicate celadon ceramics.

Linda Sue Park weaves a tale that is both historically rich and emotionally resonant. Through Tree-ear’s journey, from sweeping clay to risking everything to deliver a fragile pot, the story explores themes of patience, integrity, and the value of hard work. It’s a powerful reminder that even the smallest acts of perseverance can lead to great transformation.

Winner of the Newbery Medal, A Single Shard is ideal for upper primary and early secondary students. It encourages readers to reflect on their own goals and the quiet strength it takes to pursue them.

Highly recommended for students, families, and anyone who appreciates a story of growth, grit, and grace.

The Feast of the Assumption – 15 August

Students in Years 4-6 attended a mass last Friday celebrating the Feast of the Assumption.

Our Year 6 students lead the mass by doing all the readings and jobs in the mass.

It was a lovely celebration and all the students participated in a respectful way.

 

Australian Catholic Education Conference- Cairns: 

https://www.2025acec.edu.au/ 

The ACEC Conference is being held in Cairns this week.

National Catholic Education Commission is partnering with host diocese, Catholic Education Diocese of Cairns to offer an engaging professional learning experience for an anticipated 1,500 Catholic educators, leaders, clergy, parents and others from the broader Church involved in Catholic education.

With the theme ‘Hope, Anchored in Faith’, the conference will focus on the strategic vision and mission of Catholic education across three key areas – Faith, Excellence and Access.

There will be a broad range of speakers, presentations and workshops focused on Catholic identity, mission and formation; learning and teaching; leadership and governance; parent engagement; parish and community engagement; resourcing and infrastructure; advocacy and marketing; and more.

This has been a huge undertaking for Catholic Education Diocese of Cairns as the host of this conference.

We will be taking 24 students from Year 5 and 6 for the youth formation experience and Mass occurring tomorrow (Wednesday). 

God bless,

Mary MacCallum