St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Wandal Newsletter

8 June 2022

Where the Spirit of God is, there is freedom.

Yes, but what kind of freedom?  Freedom to do what I like?  Hardly.  When I look back on my life and ask where has the Spirit set me free, it has been in situations where I have done things beyond possible for me: the day I cared for my brother’s children when he died on the other side of the world, the time I stood up to a bully knowing I was risking so much, the days when I preserved with my Master’s thesis when self-sabotage threatened to devour me - I typed through tears.  I didn’t feel big, strong or particularly free.  No, but I preserved through the tough times, did the right thing, did what was good. Yes, that kind of freedom is what the Spirit gives.

You too have done this.  As you look back on your life, you know the times when you were a good person in a difficult situation.  You know when you turned your back on giving in and doing the easy (selfish) thing and you did the right action even when you felt like doing the opposite. You were set free by the Holy Spirit to be your best self.

The Holy Spirit works in our lives, walks amongst us, setting us free but doesn’t usually draw attention to himself.  We have to take the time to reflect, to remember and to recognise this divine power working in us. If we have been good, we have been set free by the Spirit.   Remembering and recalling those times, strengthens us in the Spirit.  It is like pumping spiritual iron.  As we draw on past experience, we prepare ourselves for what will come, knowing that, in the Spirit, we will be free to be our best selves.

Loving Father, I thank you for the power of the Spirit in my life, setting me free to love and serve, even when I don’t feel like doing these.  As I recall all the good that your Spirit has done in me, may I be ready for whatever will come.  I ask this in Jesus’ name, confident that you will hear me.

Sr Kym Harris osb

From the Principal

Congratulations to all those involved in two successful days of athletics. The children participated with great sportsmanship throughout the carnival. We watched students cheer for their friends, stop and help other runners who were struggling and many handshakes and pats on the back were given out at the completion of events. Thank you to the parents and friends who helped set up, pack up and kept everyone fed and hydrated on Thursday. Unfortunately, there was limited parking available due to the construction at Emmaus College and this caused some congestion and concern. I appreciate the patience and tolerance of families during this challenge.

 

Semester One Student Reports will be posted to Parent Lounge in Week 10. Reports reflect an on-balance judgement about the quality of student learning, based on evidence collected during the semester. The evidence of student learning used by teachers would typically include observations, class work, contributions to class discussions, work completed in small group settings, etc. The goal of the reporting process is to support on-going improvement in student learning by consolidating the school-parent/carer partnership, building student self-responsibility, and providing expert advice on how progress may be fostered and sustained. If you have not yet accessed your Parent Lounge account, I encourage you to do this in the next week. The office staff are available to assist families who are having difficulties with this online platform.

 

Have a great week

Bernadette Brennan

PREP 2023

We are now accepting enrolments for Prep 2023. If you have a child who is eligible to commence Prep next year or know of others who may be interested in enrolling at St. Joseph’s, please visit the ‘Enrol Now’ section of the website to complete the application form. https://www.sjwlrok.catholic.edu.au/enrol

Siblings of existing students NEED to apply also and will be required to attend an interview.

From the Assistant to the Principal: Religious Education (APRE)

                                                                                           

 


Prayer Reflection - Pentecost

Romans 5:5

Because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

 

To continue this work of the Holy Spirit, let us pray an ancient chant of the church:

  • ‘Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful,
  • and enkindle in them the fire of your love.
  • Send forth your Spirit and they will be created,

and you will renew the face of the earth.’

Religion Report Card Comments

Below are some words that you may come across in your child’s report card. I have included a brief description which may help you to understand more deeply some of the concepts that your child has explored this semester.

Year 2 Report Card Comments

Covenants

God’s relationship with the Jewish people was expressed through covenants. A covenant is a legally binding agreement or contract between two parties. In the Bible the term is used to describe the relationship between God and humanity. In using the word to speak of a covenant between God and humanity (individuals and nations), the writers of the Old and New Testament develop the notion of obligation as much more than simply a legal requirement, into one which emphasizes fidelity, trust and responsibility, built on a relationship of love. One of the most familiar examples of a covenant for us today is marriage.

 

 

Year 3 Report Card Comments

Gospels

These books contain accounts of the life and ministry of Jesus and tell of his death and Resurrection.  Three (those “according to Matthew, Mark and Luke”) are related to each other and are called the synoptic gospels.  The Gospel “according to John” is also called the fourth or last Gospel.  The word Gospel means “Good News.”  

Scriptures

The Scriptures provide a foundation for moral living, specifically the Decalogue, the Greatest Commandment and the Beatitudes. The Decalogue (The Ten Commandments) is a guide for making moral decisions.

 

Scripture refers to the sacred texts included in the Bible. Sacred texts are writings which religious traditions consider to be central to their practice or beliefs. Some religious texts are believed to be sacred because of their nature as divinely or supernaturally revealed or inspired.  These texts may be used to provide meaning and purpose, evoke a deeper connection with the divine, convey religious truths, promote religious experience, foster communal identity, and guide individual and communal religious practice.

 

These texts often communicate the practices or values of religious traditions and can be looked to as a set of guiding principles which dictate physical, mental, spiritual, or historical elements considered important to a specific religion.

 

Year 4

The Old Testament

The Old Testament, also known as the Hebrew Bible, tells an incomplete story about God and Israel and their continual failings to be the people God calls them to be but also gives us hope of a coming Messiah.

 

 

New Testament The New Testament is the section of the Bible considered by Christians to be their sacred writing. The New Testament includes the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, as well as letters by various apostles including Paul. Calling this section of the Bible new acknowledges its more recent writing, not that it supersedes the previous section, usually called the Old Testament.

 

Miracle stories

There are over 37 specific miracles of Jesus that are recorded in the Gospels and speak of Jesus’ power to heal, to restore, to cast out demons, and to command the forces of nature. Miracle stories are used to make specific theological points.

 

Parables

Jesus’ parables are short stories, fictitious, though true to life, used to set out his teachings for Christian believers, the parables Jesus used revealed God to them in new and decisive ways. 

Prayer Celebration - Year 2

Please join both Year 2 classes in the Undercover Area as they lead a prayer celebration on Pentecost.

 

Prayer Assembly and Roster

Each week as a community of believers we celebrate through prayer and ritual what it means to be a Catholic. Prayers and rituals will be led by a whole class year level and the purpose is not to perform but to foster the development of our student's spiritual and faith journey. This may mean that not every child will speak or take an active part in leading the prayer assembly. The scripture reference from Matthew highlights and reminds us of the importance and purpose of our school Prayer Assemblies. Jesus said “Where two or three gather in my name, I am there with them” Matthew 18:20.

Year Level Prayer FocusDate
Year 2 White and GoldPrayer Reflection10 June
Year 1 White and GoldPrayer Reflection17 June
Year 6Prayer Reflection24 June

School Camp

Liturgy of the Word

A reminder that Children’s Liturgy is held most Sundays at St Joseph’s Cathedral 9.30am during the school term. It is wonderful to see our students attend. All students (particularly those preparing for sacraments) are encouraged to attend. Thank you to our dedicated teachers who assist with this important ministry.

Sacrament of Confirmation and Eucharist

A reminder that on Friday 17 June, we celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation at St Joseph’s Cathedral. Please be seated in Mass by 5.45pm.  Children will then receive the Eucharist at your chosen Mass time.  I will be attending Mass to support students on Saturday evening, 18 June.  See you all at the practice this Saturday 11 June at 11am.

Thought of the Week

From the Assistant Principal Curriculum - APC

    Quote:  “It is better to know some of the questions than all of the answers.” James Thurber (1894 – 1961)

    Report Cards

    Report Cards:  Semester One academic reports will be sent out at the end of this term, and you will have read Miss Jeffcoat’s (our Diocesan Director) comments about this reporting period in last week’s newsletter.  This semester’s reports will look a little different, with an effort mark being added for each subject.  This mark is about your child’s diligence, behaviour and engagement in each learning area.  This semester we will not include a general comment, but will rather comment specifically on the areas of Religion, English and Mathematics. 

    Premier's Reading Challenge

    The Premier’s Reading Challenge has already begun! Teachers have forms that they will send home in the next few days. Participation will go towards their House Team points to win the Premier’s Reading Challenge trophy. Readers have until 26 August to complete the challenge, and don’t forget to include the books you read at school as well as at home.  Suggested book titles can be found at  https://readingchallenge.education.qld.gov.au/about/booklists

    COVID-19 UPDATE

    COVID

    We wish to advise you that, during the past week, we have been notified of positive cases of COVID-19 in our school community.

    St Joseph’s regularly consults with the Catholic Education Office and relevant authorities and continues to follow the advice of Queensland Health regarding cleaning requirements.

    Queensland Health has advised that no quarantine of students or staff is required as a result of school-based contact.

    As COVID-19 remains active in our community we ask you to continue to monitor your child’s/children’s health and if they develop any flu-like symptoms:

    ·         Keep your child/children at home

    ·         Seek a PCR or Rapid Antigen test where it is recommended and notify the school of positive results.

    ·         Follow the advice of Queensland Health

    As we continue to navigate the pandemic, please remind your child/ren to:

    ·         maintain good hand hygiene at all times

    ·         cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of their elbow and dispose of tissues in the bin immediately.

    ·         practice social distancing from others where possible

    ·         wear masks when required

    We will continue to work closely with health authorities to keep our school community informed of any developments and advice. Thank you once again for your ongoing support.

     

    SCHOOL EVENTS

    Semester 1 Reporting

    PARENT INFORMATION

    OSHC

    COMMUNITY EVENTS