Term 2 Week 2 Newsletter 2024

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 Principal

Dear Parents and Carers, Staff and Students

Tomorrow is Anzac Day, a significant day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand. On this day we commemorate the sacrifices and courage of Australian and New Zealand soldiers who served in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. Today our school community came together to celebrate Anzac Day with a special Anzac Day Liturgy. In commemorating the courage, endurance and self-sacrifice of these soldiers, we also took the time to remember the gift of Jesus in this season of Easter, who like so many fallen soldiers, knew the hardship of giving his life so that others may live theirs to the full.

Anzac Day provides a valuable opportunity for students to reflect on the Anzac Spirit and its significance for their lives and the broader community. During our Anzac Day Liturgy, students who were nominated by their teacher as demonstrating the Anzac Spirit received a special Anzac Day Award. By encompassing the Anzac Spirit in their day to day lives at school, students can display attributes such as endurance, courage, ingenuity, good humour and mateship. By commemorating ANZAC Day and learning about the sacrifices of those who have served their country, students can develop a deep sense of respect and admiration for those who have demonstrated the Anzac Spirit. This, in turn, can help them cultivate these attributes in their own lives and become responsible citizens who are willing to make sacrifices for their community.

Another benefit of embracing the Anzac Spirit at school is the promotion of unity and inclusivity. The Anzac Spirit is not just about soldiers who fought for their country but also about the communities that supported them. By learning about the sacrifices of soldiers and their families, students can develop a sense of solidarity and empathy for those who have gone through challenging times. This, in turn, can help promote a more inclusive and united school community.

Thank you to our Student Representative Council members who will be attending the Dawn Service tomorrow and thank you to the students who have put their name down to march in the Anzac Day Parade at Strand Park. St Joseph’s will be proudly leading the schools in this march, an honour bestowed on schools who are celebrating major milestones such as Centenaries. I would also like to express my gratitude to parents and carers for enabling their children to be part of these special Anzac Day events.

God Bless

Tracy

APRE News

2024 Prayer Theme: Blessed to Serve

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

Welcome Back to Term 2. I hope you had a wonderful Easter.

Sacramental Program 

Our Sacramental Program will be taking place across Term 2 and Term 3. The program is open to students in Year 3 and above. If you would like your child to participate please download the booklet attached form more information. The enrollment form is included in the booklet. This will need to be printed and returned to the school office by Friday 10th May with the child’s baptism Certificate attached. 

Year Level Masses Term 2 

Christian Meditation will take place each Thursday morning at 8:00am in the Library.  Meditation is a form of sacred and silent prayer, known as prayer of the heart.  It is  a lovely way to start the day!  

Assemblies:

Week 4:  No assembly due Public Holiday

Week 5: Mother’s Day hosted by 4A

Week 6: Laudato Si hosted by our  Earth Warriors Students 

Week 7: Reconciliation Liturgy hosted by our First Nations Student (Wed 9:00 am)

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

Peta.

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Parish

ANZAC DAY MASS AT HOLY SPIRIT CHURCH: Holy Mass on Thursday, 25 April, Anzac Day is at 7:00am.

MOTHERS’ DAY RAFFLE : The Catholic Women’s League, Townsville Branch is holding a raffle to raise funds for their work in supporting women and families. The first prize is a beautiful tapestry donated by one of our Burdekin members, with other prizes including a watch, locally handmade wooden gifts, wine and chocolates. Tickets are just $1 each and will be sold at Holy Spirit Church masses on the weekends of 27/28 April, 4/5 May and 11/12 May, then being drawn on the morning of Mothers’ Day. On Saturday, 27th April, a representative will sell tickets first at Holy Trinity then over at Holy Family. We invite you to support our work – For the honour and glory of God.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR?: The House of Prayer is welcoming interest and enrolments for their spiritual direction formation program beginning in May. The program will run part time over 3 years with 3 intensives each year. This formation is beneficial to anyone called to a listening ministry and those who would like to explore their own contemplative practices. To express your interest or for more information, please contact Brianne Falconieri at the House of Prayer on 4728 9861 or visit our website tps://www.houseofprayertownsville.org.au/formation-program.html

CREATIVITY & SPIRITUALITY: Exploring the depth and richness of the movement of the Sacred in our lives like leaves in a stream. We will reflect with scripture and our life experiences, using acrylic paints, canvas board and leaves. Sunday, 28 April. To register, please contact the House of Prayer.

SILENT MUSIC RETREAT – 11TH OF MAY 2024: Please join us in our Silent, Spiritual Music Retreat. Embrace Stillness, Contemplation, Calm and Peace. An opportunity to withdraw from Worldly chatter and Nourish your Spirit.

To register, please contact the House of Prayer.

The Joey's Way

Welcome Marissa!

St Joseph's Mundingburra is excited to introduce our new Guidance Counsellor, Marissa Madigan. Marissa is replacing Lena Hewitt while she is on Maternity Leave for the rest of this year. I know you will join us in making Marissa feel very welcome and at home in our school community.

From the Office

Term 2 Important Dates

Diary Dates

School Photos

A reminder our School Photo Day is Friday, 10th May 2024. Sibling Envelopes can be collected from the office. 

TERM 2 OPEN CLASSROOMS

Library News

As always, it’s been a busy start to the end of the April literacy calendar, with the commemoration of ANZAC Day literature and history and also World Book Day, Tuesday 23 April 2024 in the library. The theme this year for World Book Day is ‘Read Your Way’, celebrating children’s enjoyment of reading and encouraging children to choose the books they love as they are more likely to read a book they are interested in!

Mrs Luton continued library lessons regarding our important national day the 25th April, 2024.  Library lessons concerned the historical background of Anzac Day and concentrated on ANZAC literature and why we remember the traditions of honoring the soldiers who died during the 1915 Gallipoli Campaign and why we commemorate them on ANZAC Day this Thursday.  Check out our Story Box Library website https://storyboxlibrary.com.au

 for other ANZAC literature and author readings.

This term our nominated Readers Cup Team commenced reading their selected set of books. Our St Joseph’s team includes four students and one reserve from our Grade 5 students, who will compete in June with other schools in the CBCA Queensland ‘2024 Readers Cup Nth Qld Competition’, to answer quiz questions from the books they have been reading. Students will work together in the next few weeks to ready themselves for the June competition.  

OVERDUE BOOKS FROM TERM 1

Please remind students to return their borrowed books from Term 1, so they can continue maximum borrowing from the library. Please don’t hesitate to contact Mrs. Harrington if you have any queries over your child’s lost books.

SCHOLASTIC BOOK CLUB – ISSUE 3

Issue 3 brochures have been sent out to all students and will need to be finalized by 3rd May 2024 through Scholastic Loop payments.

KEY LITERATURE DATES COMING UP:

Premier’s Reading Challenge – commences 22 April (https://readingchallenge.education.qld.gov.au/how-to-register)

National Simultaneous Storytime – 22 May 2024

2024 Readers Cup Nth Qld – 11 June 2024

Happy Reading!

Inclusive Education Matters

Autism Awareness Month in Australia, observed annually in April, aims to promote understanding, acceptance, and support for individuals on the autism spectrum. Throughout the month, various events, initiatives, and campaigns are organized to raise awareness about autism and advocate for inclusive practices in education, employment, and society at large. These efforts seek to challenge stereotypes, reduce stigma, and foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with autism and their families. Additionally, Autism Awareness Month serves as a platform to highlight the diverse strengths and abilities of people on the autism spectrum and to emphasize the importance of early intervention and access to resources and services. Through education, advocacy, and community engagement, the month-long observance strives to create a more inclusive and understanding society for individuals with autism in Australia.

Where can I find out more?

https://www.autismspectrum.org.au/

https://www.amaze.org.au/

https://www.autismcrc.com.au/

https://www.autismawareness.com.au/

https://www.autism.org.au/

Our first Inclusive Education Committee meeting for this year will be on Monday the 29th April starting at 3.15pm.  All are welcome to join us. Please let us know if you are attending.

Eco Marines

Last Friday we went to Yunbenun (Magnetic Island) for the Eco Marines Ambassador Training Day. We met students from several other schools and learnt about lots of different sustainability facts including coral health, food waste and how to recycle better. At the end of the day we got time to discuss our sustainability action plan 

Our highlight of the day was the beach games we played at Picnic Bay.

Oran, Lachlan, Luciena and Isla Yr 5 Eco Marines

School Musical

Technology Club

If your child is intersted in Tech Club, please have them email or speak to Mrs Cantoni for more information! 

Cross Country Schedule

Friendology

P & F News

Hurry! The Mother's Day Soiree has sold out once, we've secured 20 more tickets and once these are gone there is no more! Get your tickets HERE

Mothers Day stalls are coming up very soon - May 8th & 9th! 

We have $3, $5, $7 and $10 tables for the children to purchase gifts off. They can buy multiple gifts - there are no limits. We also cater with gifts for Grandma's as well. 
Stay tuned to your class newsletters for your class dates. 

Secondhand Uniform Shop

Mass Times

Parish Mass Times

Wednesday 7.00am

Friday 7.00am

Saturday 5.00pm

Sunday 7.30am