Welcome to Term 4 — Let’s Finish Strong! 

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Welcome to Term 4, our final chapter in what has been a remarkable school year at St. Joseph’s Catholic Parish School, Atherton. This term may be short at just nine weeks, but it is bursting with energy, purpose, and promise.

As we journey toward the joyful season of Advent, our days will be filled with meaningful learning, celebration, and reflection. Teachers are working diligently to complete teaching and assessment programs in preparation for end-of-year reporting. Every day counts, and we encourage you to support your child’s consistent attendance so they can finish the year with confidence and pride in their achievements.

This term, we are embracing the powerful message of “Finishing Strong”, inspired by motivational speaker Nick Vujicic. Nick reminds us that while starting well is important, it is how we finish that truly defines our character. He teaches that setbacks are part of life, but our strength lies in how we rise, persevere, and keep going.

For our students, especially those preparing to transition to high school, Finishing Strong might look like:

• Showing kindness and leadership in the playground and classroom.
• Completing learning tasks with care and pride.
• Supporting classmates and celebrating each other’s growth.
• Reflecting on their journey and setting goals for the future.
• Saying goodbye with gratitude and grace.

Let’s work together to make this final term one of joy, growth, and strong finishes. Keep those conversations going with your child’s teacher and speak positively with your children about their learning — your encouragement makes a world of difference.

Here’s to a term filled with purpose, peace, and the promise of all that is to come.

Planning for 2026 – Let’s Stay Connected

As we begin preparing for the 2026 school year, it’s important that we stay informed about any changes within our school community. If your family is planning to move or change schools, or if you know someone considering enrolling at St Joseph’s, please let us know as soon as possible.

Early communication helps us plan effectively for staffing, class groupings, and resources — ensuring the best possible learning environment for all students.

Thank you for your continued support as we look ahead to another year of growth and learning. May the final weeks of 2025 be filled with joy, gratitude, and special memories for your family.

Road Safety

Tips to keep children safe around cars

• Please remember that the first 5 parking bays in front of the school are a “Stop, Drop and Go”area between the times of 8am – 9am and 30pm – 3.30pm.
• During these times, the five bays are 2-minute quick drop-off and pick-up areas only.
• Please do not park in those spaces if you want to get out of your car and enter the school grounds with your children.

Afternoon Pick-Up: Thank You for Your Care and Caution

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Thank you for the growing care and consideration you are showing during afternoon pick-up. While we acknowledge there’s still room for improvement, we are heartened to see many of you demonstrating patience, caution, and a genuine commitment to the safety of all our students.

Your efforts to follow traffic signs, use designated areas, and remain vigilant are making a real difference. As we know, children can be unpredictable, especially at the end of a busy school day. That’s why your continued attentiveness is so important.

We’ve included some simple but important traffic signs in this newsletter as a helpful reminder of the key rules that keep everyone safe. One area of ongoing concern is the use of the supervised school crossing. We kindly ask all families to prioritise this safe route, rather than crossing at the busy intersection nearby.

Together, we can continue to build a culture of safety and care that reflects the values we hold dear at St. Joseph’s. Thank you for being such an important part of that journey.

Staff Book Spotlight

This book is a compassionate and practical guide that explores the deep connection between trauma and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), offering hope and healing for those affected. The author provides a clear, accessible explanation of BPD symptoms, their roots in unresolved trauma, and the emotional challenges individuals face, such as identity struggles, emotional dysregulation, and interpersonal difficulties.

I feel that the author empowers readers with tools for self-understanding and recovery, including:

• Insight into the causes and signs of BPD
• The impact of trauma, even when not consciously remembered
• A range of therapeutic options and self-care strategies
• Guidance for loved ones supporting someone with BPD

The author emphasizes that no two journeys are the same and encourages readers to tailor coping strategies to their unique needs. With empathy and clarity, the book offers a roadmap toward emotional resilience, healthier relationships, and a more hopeful future.

October - The Month of the Rosary 

During the Month of October, the Catholic Church celebrates the Month of the Rosary. Here at St Joseph’s, our community continues this lovely tradition that allows us to participate in this special prayer during the month of October. By praying the rosary we are asking Mary to help us to come closer to God. 

The Mysteries of the Rosary trace the life of Jesus. The focus of the rosary is twofold. While praying the rosary, we get to ponder the aspect of Jesus’ life captured in the name of the Mystery. Each week we will focus on the following mysteries:

Week 1: Joyful Mysteries 

Week 2: Luminous Mysteries  

Week 3: Sorrowful Mysteries 

Week 4: Glorious Mysteries 

 October - World Mission Month 

World Mission Month is the biggest celebration for Catholic Mission, and it is a special time when we are reminded of the often-unseen work of missionaries in the farthest corners of the globe. Before his death this year, Pope Francis asked all of us to be, “Missionaries of hope among all peoples.” It is something we do together.

This Sunday 19 October is World Mission Sunday.  Some of our Year 5 students have volunteered to be Mission Ambassadors and will be speaking to the parishioners at Sunday mass. Wednesday, 29 October, is Children’s Mission Day. 

On Thursday 30 October, students will be invited to wear their soccer socks or other crazy socks to school and join in on a Penalty shoot-out on the oval.  It will cost $1 to join in on the fun. Students will also kick goals using a handmade “sockball.” 

While having a bit of fun we want to raise students’ awareness and understanding of poverty around the world as part of World Mission Month.  

God bless,

Mary MacCallum