The theme of this weeks newsletter is community. There have been so many events over the last couple of weeks. Each one highlights the special community of staff, students and parents we have at St Jospeh's Catholic School, Queenstown.

Catholic Education Week 

Our year 6 students participated in a regional mass. Later that day Miss Walker was awarded a special award. We were able to celebrate with Miss Walker and her family  and thank her for the amazing contribution she has made to our school. We particularly enjoyed the slideshow of photos that highlighted the interest and involvement of Miss Walker throughout her time in our school. We all enjoyed celebrating by sharing cupcakes together.

Science Week

Students participated in a range of activities throughout Science week. We then met together as a school and shared the wonderings and learning generated from the investigations throughout the week.

Prep - learnt about camouflage and why it is important.

Year 1/2 - learnt about seeds. During the week they collected the seeds from their lunch box foods and they found out how they spread and how different they all are.  They are looking forward to growing some as the weather warms up.

Year 3-6 classes - learnt about the environment. They experimented with a habitat that undertook some chance events that may have had negative or positive impacts on the wildlife in the habitat. The students were able to learn about the importance and role of each element in an environment. There was also a focus on human impacts and how we need to be more aware of our role in the environment.

Book Week

Tuesday 20th August staff and students celebrated book week by dressing up in a favourite character from a book. Reading is a great activity to do anytime. Reading allows us to build empathy, extend vocabulary in addition to learning new ideas.  Reading is a great activity to engage in with our children as it creates technology free time and plenty of conversation.  

The range and variety of costumes this year was inspiring. Thanks to the SRC for providing us with a second opportunity to wear them at the disco. 

Colouring-In Competition Winners

Year 6 - Sydney Gray

Year 5 - Amalie Ward

Year 4 - no entries 

Year 3 - Mayson Brumby 

Year 2 - Jaydah Kingston

Year 1 - Siobhan Alexander

Prep - Scarlett Harrison 

School Vision

Today we participated in a workshop with students, staff and parents. This workshop was run by Village Well and is to collectively identify aspirational needs of the school.  This vision will guide master planning for the future. This process is occurring in all CET schools. 

Below are some of the ideas our group discussed.  We are looking forward to making some of these ideas into reality.

School Improvement Surveys

Towards the end of the term, Insight SRC is conducting a survey on behalf of St Joseph's Catholic School and Catholic Education Tasmania. It is designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of parents' perceptions of their children’s experience of school. 

The results will benefit everyone within the school by providing valuable information about the ways in which the school can use staff, student and parent input to plan programs and activities to improve your child's experience at school.

While your participation is voluntary, it is important to remember that the success of this important project is dependent on the involvement of all parents.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any queries.

Update on teacher housing

Uniform

A thank you to all families that have been embracing the uniform transition time. A few reminder to families that 

• Black shorts and or trousers must be plain with no sporting emblems/brands.
• Black trackpants not tights are the option if the weather is cold.
• Shoes should be predominantly black on all days.
• Socks should be plain in colour, either all black or all white.
• Students may choose sports or formal uniform.

All needed items can be purchased through the uniform shop and on QKR. We encourage all students to label all of their uniform pieces in the case that they are misplaced.  If uniform is a challenge for you please let us know.

Father's Day

Join us for breakfast on Friday 30th August from 8.30-9.15 - Egg and bacon rolls followed by activities.  

Thank you to the mums who have volunteered to make this happen. 

With Kindness

Teresa

2024 TERM DATES

Term 1: 7th February - 11th April

Term 2: 29th April - 5th July

Term 3: 23rd July - 27th September

Term 4: 15th October - 17th December

2025 TERM DATES

Term 1: 7th February - 10th April

Term 2: 28th April - 4th July

Term 3: 22nd July - 26th September

Term 4: 14th October - 17th December

This term in Religion we have been working hard with Mr Jones, exploring the element of Christian Life and how God created us and made each of us special and unique. We have reflected on the Creation story and celebrated the wonders in nature that we have God to thank for. During our learning, we have learnt about Pope Francis’ message in Laudato Si, and identified ways in which we can help to care for our common home.

Congratulations to the following students who received awards in our last assembly. 

Last Friday saw us 'close the book' on the Premier's Reading Challenge for 2024. As a school we read over 1300 books in 10 weeks... WOW!! Well done everyone! But don't let the PRC stop you, keep turning those pages and keep the momentum going. Open up a book, a magazine, the newspaper or even the cereal box at brekky. Keep the love of reading going strong and decide what your next reading challenge will be.

Congratulations to Olivia Oats on reading 253 books. 

Celebrate Father's Day this Friday at Little Miners!