Term 4 Week 2 Newsletter 2025

Acknowledgement of Country

We respectfully acknowledge the past and present traditional owners of this land on which we stand, the Wulgurukaba and neighbouring Bindal people who are the custodians. We pray that we can walk together to a better future.

From the Acting Principal

Welcome back to Term 4!

I hope everyone had a restful and rejuvenating break. As we begin the final term of the year, we look forward to an eventful and productive 9 weeks filled with rich learning experiences, meaningful celebrations, and opportunities to come together as a school community. Term 4 is always a busy time, and I’m confident it will be filled with both academic growth and joyful moments for our students, families and staff.

This month, we are proud to celebrate World Mission Month—a time dedicated to recognising and supporting the life-giving work of missionaries across the globe. Guided by the 2025 theme, “Missionaries of Hope Among All Peoples”, inspired by Pope Francis’ message for World Mission Sunday and the legacy of Pope Leo XIV, we are invited to reflect on how our faith can be a source of unity, compassion, and action in the world.

This year, our focus turns to the people of Zambia, offering us a powerful glimpse into what hope looks like in the face of adversity. Many communities in Zambia face significant challenges, including limited access to food, clean water, and education. Yet, amidst these hardships, we witness remarkable resilience, joy, and a deep sense of community. Their stories remind us of the strength that comes from faith and the importance of standing in solidarity with those in need. We will once again be holding a variety of fundraising events to assist raise funds for Catholic Missions. 

Traffic Update – Ross River Road Works

We would like to remind families about the ongoing roadworks taking place along Ross River Road. The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is undertaking important safety upgrades at the intersection of Ross River Road and Mabin Street, with works scheduled to continue for approximately four weeks from Monday 29 September 2025. Please note that this timeline is subject to weather conditions, contractor availability, and construction progress.

To minimise disruption during peak school traffic times, works will occur between 9:00am and 2:30pm. As part of the project, the centre median on Ross River Road will be temporarily closed, and a detour will be in place for turning traffic. Once the Mabin Street intersection is complete, the works will progress along Ross River Road, one intersection at a time.

A detailed overview of the planned works was emailed to families during the school holidays. We encourage all parents and carers to review this information and plan alternative routes where necessary. Please be aware that these works may cause increased congestion and delays during drop-off and pick-up times. We appreciate your patience, understanding, and cooperation as these important upgrades are carried out.

Uniform Reminder

At Monday’s assembly, I reminded students of the importance of wearing the correct school uniform each day. We kindly ask for the support of all parents and carers in upholding our uniform expectations, which help promote a sense of pride, belonging, and consistency across our school community.

We understand that, from time to time, unforeseen circumstances may prevent a student from wearing the correct uniform. In these instances, a brief email to your child’s classroom teacher is appreciated to keep them informed.

If you are unsure about any aspect of our uniform requirements, please refer to the Uniform section on our school website: https://www.sjmbtsv.catholic.edu.au/parents/school-uniform/

School Pick-Up Procedures

A reminder to all families that our school day concludes at 2:50pm. Staff are on duty in the designated pick-up zone until 3:15pm. To ensure student safety, any children who have not been collected by 3:15pm will be taken to the school office. Parents and carers will be contacted, and students will need to be signed out from the office upon collection. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and efficient end-of-day routine for all students.

Enjoy the rest of your week.

May God’s blessing be with you, have a wonderful holiday. 

Peta.

From the Acting APRE

2025 Prayer Theme: Hopeful Hearts 

Bear with one another, help one another, and ever strive to serve God in a generous spirit. ~Mary MacKillop

This October is Catholic Mission Month, an opportunity to raise awareness about the work of Catholic Missions. Our Mission Week celebrations will take place throughout the month, featuring various activities such as Soctober and Mission Stalls. All funds raised during this period will support programs run by Catholic Missions Australia, aimed at restoring dignity and combating poverty.

Friday 17th October

This Friday we will be holding a Free Dress Day. We ask that students bring in a gold coin donation.  Please remember to ensure everyone wears sun safe clothing . 

Friday 24th October

This year we will be introducing ‘Tatt the Teacher’ as part of our Catholic Mission Fundraising. The students can purchase temporary tattoos for a nominated teacher to wear on Friday the 24th October. 

Thursday the 30th October

We will be holding our Mission Day Stalls on Thursday the 30th October.  Donations for the day would be appreciated. Please see the flyer for your child’s class donation.

If you would like to read more about Catholic Missions you can visit their website: https://www.catholicmission.org.au/worldmissionmonth

Grandparents Day Liturgy

On Monday the 27th October we will host Open Classrooms from 8:15 - 8:30am, to enable grandparents to enjoy time with their grandchildren and see some of the wonderful learning happening in our school.  Year 1A will then host a special liturgy for all our grandparents.  We welcome everyone to a shared morning tea to continue our celebration of all our grandparents.

Assemblies

Our assembly is held on Monday afternoon at 2:00pm in our Shelter Shed. Parents, families and friends are all welcome to join us. Our upcoming assemblies are:: 

Week 4: Grandparents Day hosted by 1A - held at 8:45am after the classroom visits.

Week 6: St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal hosted by 5A 

Christian Meditation is held every Thursday morning at 8:00am in the Library. Meditation is a sacred, silent prayer called prayer of the heart. It's a beautiful way to start the day!

May God’s blessing be with you. 

Diane

The Joey's Way

Star Students

From the Office

Prep Orientation Morning

A friendly reminder that if you have a little one starting Prep in 2026, please RSVP to our office as soon as possible for our Prep Orientation morning. We look forward to seeing you and your child. 

Confirmation of Enrolment for 2026

An Opt-In event has been sent on Compass this week to confirm whether your child will be returning to St Joseph’s in 2026.

Please ensure you submit your response by Friday, 17th October, as we currently have a waitlist for 2026 enrolments. Your timely response will help us with planning and placement for the upcoming school year. Thank you!

School Fees

Term 4 school fees have been issued. Please ensure prompt payment is made on or before 21st November 2025.

Crazy Camel

Crazy Camel orders are open! Please support our fantastic P&F in this fundraising event. You can order your precious keepsakes HERE and please see the attached flyer with more information. Orders close Sunday, 19th October. 

STAS Applications for 2026 are now open. 

The following families need to reapply:

• New families who have not previously applied for STAS

• Families with students going from Yr6 to Yr7 (Yr 6 students get dated off the Translink system the day after school finishes for the year). 

If families are already approved for STAS and any of the above criteria does not apply – THEY DO NOT NEED TO REAPPLY as the students automatically roll over to the new year.

Student who currently have smartcards for all year levels, keep the cards for use again next year.  New cards are no longer issued each year.  Any changes to the students details on the cards are amended automatically on the cards.

Non State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme (NSSTAS) 

Yoga

Whole School Christian Meditation

Year 1 Showcase

Guidance Counsellor

Parentline Telephone Counselling

Parentline is funded by the Qld government to offer free and confidential, one-off or ongoing telephone counselling and support for parents and others who care for young people. 

Parentline is  available from 6am to midnight, 7 days per week. Every day of the year.

Parents and carers have the option to call or use the web chat and they are always speaking with a degree qualified counsellor who is able to offer a trauma-informed and attachment-based model of therapeutic care. 

Inclusive Education

🌟 ADHD Awareness Month – Celebrating Diverse Minds 🌟

October is ADHD Awareness Month, a time to recognise and celebrate the unique strengths of individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects how the brain regulates attention, motivation, and executive functioning. Neuroscience shows that ADHD brains are often highly active in areas linked to creativity, innovation, and problem-solving, enabling individuals to see patterns, possibilities, and solutions that others might overlook.

In our classrooms, students with ADHD often bring energy, imagination, and courage to their learning. They are inventive thinkers, empathetic peers, and resilient problem-solvers who thrive when given opportunities for movement, collaboration, and meaningful choice.

At St Joseph’s Mundingburra, we honour the value of every learner and embrace neurodiversity as an important part of who we are. By understanding how different brains work, we build a culture of belonging, respect, and inclusion—one where every student has the opportunity to shine in their own way. 💛

💡 Did You Know?

🧠 The ADHD brain is wired for interest, not routine.
Students with ADHD often learn best when tasks are engaging, meaningful, and hands-on.

🔬 Neuroscience shows enhanced activity in creativity and motivation networks.
Research highlights that ADHD brains can have higher activity in areas linked to imagination, curiosity, and problem-solving.

✨ Many innovators and creators have ADHD.
Their ability to think differently, hyperfocus on passions, and take bold risks often leads to new ideas and discoveries.

💛 When we design learning that celebrates curiosity and flexibility, everyone benefits.
Inclusive classrooms support not only students with ADHD but also inspire all learners to think creatively and grow with confidence.

Library News

Welcome back to Term 4 from our school library.  October in the library is another busy month with the promotion of the many events, such as the upcoming Aussie Bird Count (20-26 October) next week. This event encourages every Australian student to become a budding scientist by taking 20 minutes to count the birds around us. With this information Birdlife Australia can build a picture of how well our Aussie birds are doing and the health of bird conservation in Australia and is great fun for students to get involved as well. Check out the Birdlife Australia website HERE for information on the Aussie Bird Count.

Mrs Plant our Specialist Library Teacher, has been busy with teaching literacy classes in the library and organizing the Quest of Knowledge held in October by Britannica.  We wish those students involved, good luck in this Quest of Knowledge tournament!

SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR – 27 October to 30 October 2025

Yes, it is that time of the year for our exciting annual event …. Scholastic Book Fair is nearly here.

Flyers will be sent out next week to all students, promoting our Book Fair this year. Our annual Book Fair will be held Monday, 27^th October to Thursday 30th October. More information and posters will be sent out about this fun book event next week! 

OVERDUE BOOKS

It has been great to see the books from Term 3 being returned! Well done! Keep up the momentum, please don’t forget any overdue books you may have and return them as soon as possible.  If you have any concerns please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Harrington regarding any queries.

BOOK CLUB ISSUE 7

Issue brochures will be sent out to classes today and finalization of LOOP orders will be closed on 23 October 2025.

SORA EBOOK HUB IN THE LIBRARY

The Sora hub will commence again this Thursday with Mrs H. in the library at lunchtime 1.10pm! Come join us in our digital library sessions!

“There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.”

Walt Disney

Happy October Reading!

Digital Technology News

Music

Socktober

First Nations News

Earth Warriors

Friendology

Zooper Doopers on Sale!

Christian Meditation

P&F

𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫'𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭!

Our annual P&F Father’s Day event was held in August at the Seaview Hotel, where the Joey’s Dads enjoyed an afternoon of drinks, food, and footy. From all reports, it was a fantastic day, and we’re looking forward to making this tradition even bigger and better next year. A big thank you to Jeremy for his help in organising the event, it’s wonderful to see our community come together to make these gatherings possible!

Mass Times

Parish Mass Times

Wednesday 7.00am

Friday 7.00am

Saturday 5.00pm

Sunday 7.30am