St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Wandal Newsletter

Party Time

One of Jesus’ favourite images for the Kingdom of Heaven is of a party. Admittedly he uses the terms ‘banquet’ or ‘wedding feast’ but then these are just fancy words for ‘great party.’  When we look at how Jesus uses the image of a party, we realise that to be a follower of his we need to develop party skills.

Firstly, we need to be able to join in.  That is, leave our work and our role behind and be free enough to be with people just as we are.

Secondly, we need to be able to celebrate, to be joyful.  Nobody wants to party with someone who brings all their emotional baggage along.  At these times, we need to be generous enough to leave our sorrows and preoccupations behind and share joy with others.

Thirdly, we need to look out for others.  We need to notice and encourage the shy ones, pass round the food and drink, let the weary get a space to rest.

Fourthly, we don’t have to be the centre of attention.  It is not ‘all about me’ but rather ‘about us’.

These skills can be used not only at parties but often when we are with our family, friends or community.  As we hone these skills, we will discover that the Kingdom of Heaven truly is in our midst and that we are revealing the face of God to others.

Loving God, you sent your Son Jesus into our world that we may learn how to join in your life of joy and love.  Send us your Spirit that we know how to share your joy and love with others.  We ask this in Jesus’ name confident that you will hear us.

Sr Kym Harris osb

Welcome back to a shorter term (nine weeks). Term 4 is always a busy time, but there will be many school highlights throughout the remaining days and weeks. Parents are asked to take special note of our school calendar dates. These events include, Pupil Free Day, Rite of Passage for Year 6, End of Year Mass, Christmas Concert, School Spelling Bee, Wandal’s Got Talent and 2020 School Captain and House Captain speeches and elections. The dates will be published regularly in our school newsletters.

Warming Weather - As the weather warms up this term, please ensure your child has their school hat each and every day. Remember, no hat = no play. Remember too, the cold-room in the hall is available to keep your child’s lunch cool, and to bring a water bottle to have in the classroom. 

School Fees – Our Term Four fees will be distributed in the next week or so. If your fees are in arrears, and you have not made an appointment to see me, please do so. Reminder letters will be dispersed this week. 

School Board and P and F- Our P and F will next meet on Thursday 24 November at 5pm, in the staffroom. As always, all are welcome. The School Board will met immediatley afterwards at 6pm.

There are many events taking place this term and with the end of the year approaching quickly, speculation of the following year’s arrangements for classes and teachers often comes to the fore. I can assure you that these arrangements are currently under discussion with the Catholic Education Office and are some time off being finalised, due to the teacher transfer process and the need to finalise contracts and such. We endeavour to share this information before the end of the school year, while ensuring that the arrangements that are communicated are as firm as possible. I appreciate your patience at this time. This school does not accept requests for particular teachers.

Our Before School Care service commenced yeterday. Any students arriving early (before 8.15am) will be expected to be enrolled and signed in by parents/caregivers at Before School Care where formal supervision will be provided. Our OSHC coordinator, Hailey Svensen, can answer any questions you may have, provide you with enrolment paperwork  and can be reached on 0429316543.

Thank you to the families who supported our Vacation Care Program over the holidays. The children in attendance seemed to be having lots of fun! Thanks also to the OSHC staff for organising such wonderful activities and excursions for the children in their care.

Current Year 5 and 6 parents will soon receive communication outlining the end of year procedures for student Chromebooks. Year 5 students will be required to return their devices for checking, updating and secure storage for the duration of the Christmas holiday period. Year 6 students will have the option of returning their devices to the school or purchasing and retaining the device for a pay-out cost.

This week, registered nurses from Children’s Health Queensland visited our school to provide a free vision screening test for all Prep students. Good vision is important for children’s educational, physical and social development. The earlier a problem is picked up, the better the treatment outcomes. Prep parents, please check your child’s bag for their  Vision Report.

We are very excited to once again have our very own Adopt-A-Cop here at St Joseph’s Wandal. Constable Amanda visited our school yesterday, along with some of her colleagues, to meet with me and become familiar with the layout of our school. Constable Amanda looks forward to visiting classrooms in the next couple of weeks to get to know the children, to answer any questions they may have and support our school community in whatever way possible. Welcome, Amanda.

If you have volunteered in any capacity at our school throughout the 2019 school year, please join us for a Morning Tea on Friday 15 November. This is our way of saying ‘thank you.’ Our Year 5 class will be coordinating this event and more details will be shared over the coming weeks.

"Put kind constructions where you can and where you can't be silent."

Mary MacKillop (1878)

Please join Year Three in the Hall for a short meditation prayer where as a school community we will reflect on how we can be generous and challenge ourselves to live to our full potential.  Prayer will be this Friday at 8.35am in the Hall.

Year One will lead prayer next Friday.

2019-2020 Cathedral Parish of St Joseph

Calling all families with children who have reached the age of reason (which is seven years of age) to join the preparation journey 2019-2020 towards the celebration of Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist in 2020.

To register please come along to the Information session dates indicated below

Parents only need to attend ONE session

A reminder that Children’s Liturgy is held most Sundays at St Joseph’s Cathedral at 9.30am during the school term.   Please click on the link to access Mass times.

We have continued asking this question this week.  It has been amazing to listen to the responses.  We have talked about being ready, eager and excited to learn.  Thank you to those of you who spoke to your children last term about their attitude to learning - let's keep it up.

We are fast approaching the end of the year, but before that happens, we have lots of exciting teaching and learning planned.  Each class has published a class newsletter on the skoolbag app and I encourage all of you to look at these carefully as there are many important dates coming up in the next eight and a half weeks.

As you will have read in your class newsletters, the Life Education Van is coming to St Joseph's Wandal.  This will take place in Week Five of this term.  The students do seem to enjoy a visit from Harold (the Life Education Van mascot - a giraffe puppet) and learn important health and safety messages.

A parents' session is free for all interested parents on Monday 4 November   at 8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

Congratulations to our award winners.  Please click on link.

Thank you to ALL the students who got involved with Jump Rope for Heart!

A huge thank you for the effort skipping and fundraising for the Jump Rope for Heart program this term. Together we raised an incredible $5,637.64 and this money will all go towards vital heart research and education programs.

Prizes have been ordered and I know some students are waiting in anticipation for these to arrive in the next two to three weeks. 

Andrea Rutherford

PE Teacher

Come, pray with us!  

                              When: 11 am Saturday, 12 October

                              Where: Central Park, Denham Street (opposite Hungry Jack’s)

 All welcome!    (bring a chair)

 Our Lady needs to hear from us!