Term 4 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, Caregivers, Staff and Students

Welcome back to Term 4, which this year is 10 weeks long instead of the normal 9 weeks. Friday 6 December at 12 pm will see students finish the school year and commence their much anticipated Christmas holiday break. Not to get ahead of ourselves, we still have a way to go yet.

The month of October is recognised in the Catholic Church as World Mission Month, a time when Catholics all over the world join to support and celebrate global missionary work. Catholic Mission operates through the international structure of the Catholic Church, with all Catholic Mission projects seeking to restore dignity for the people and communities supported and leave them better equipped to deal with challenges in the future once the project ends.

This year, the focus of World Mission Month is on one of the smallest Catholic communities in the world, the Church of Mongolia, and the missionaries creating pathways of hope and equality. The Catholic Church has become an essential social services provider in Mongolia, bringing hope to many thanks to the dedication of the missionaries on the ground. As the missionaries work toward building a stronger economy and society, there is a critical need for people in vulnerable situations to access social services.

As in previous years, our school community will be supporting the work of Catholic Mission through fundraising and awareness raising activities. Led by Mrs Taylor and our Year 6 staff and students, St Joseph’s Mundingburra is eager to play a part in creating life-changing opportunities for countless children, families, and communities in Mongolia.

This Friday 11.10.24 is Catholic Mission’s ‘Water Bomb the teachers’. For a gold coin donation, students will have the opportunity to hone their water bomb throwing skills by throwing water filled balloons at Joey’s staff. Little do they know that, in this increasingly hotter weather, having water splashed all over us is a joy. 

Next Friday 18.10.24 is Catholic Mission’s Free Dress Day where students can do away with their usual uniform and don sun-safe clothing for a gold coin donation. Finally, our annual Catholic Mission Stalls will be held on Thursday 31 October 12:30 pm - 2:50 pm. More information will be forthcoming regarding community donations for these stalls.

Enjoy the rest of your week.

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

This month (October) is Catholic Mission Month, a time where we raise awareness of the work of Catholic Missions. Our Mission Week celebrations will take place throughout the month with a variety of activities including Soctober and Mission Stalls. All money raised throughout the month will go to the programs run by Catholic Missions Australia to help restore dignity and end poverty. 

Friday 11th October

We will hold our annual water bomb the teachers event. If students would like to participate we ask that they bring in a donation on Friday.

Friday 18th October

We will hold a coloured clothes day. We ask that students bring in a donation of the items required for their year level. If you would like to donate extra items it would be greatly appreciated. 

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

Assemblies:

Our assembly is held on Monday morning at 8:45am in our Shelter Shed. Parents, families and friends are all welcome to join us. Our next assembly will be: 

Week 4: Friendship hosted by 2B

Week 5: Grandparents Day hosted by 5A 

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!

Year Level Mass

May God’s blessing be with you. 

Peta

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Parish

CHILDREN’S LITURGY

Children's liturgy takes place every Sunday mass at 7:30 am (during the school term) Members of our parish take the children out and complete activities related to the weekly gospel. This is a wonderful opportunity for children to engage with and understand the meaning of the gospel. All children are welcome.

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION FORMATION PROGRAM: Expressions of Interest are welcome for the 2025 intake of our Spiritual Direction Formation Program. This program is designed for those called to a listening and pastoral ministry. This Course Offers participants the opportunity, within a contemplative learning community, to depth their own spiritual life, discern their call to this sacred ministry and develop skills and knowledge in preparation for practice. A

personal formation stream is available for those who would like to enhance their listening and companioning skills. For more information, please visit houseofprayertownsville.org.au/formation-program or contact Brianne Falconieri 4728 9861.

QUALITY MEALS SUPPORTING ALTHEA PROJECTS: Althea Projects, Drop In Centre has a new service called Morehead Meals. Morehead Meals is the beginning of a multi-levelled social enterprise connecting our community through affordable, ethical, healthy and delicious pre-made fresh and frozen meals that can be collected directly from our kitchen in South Townsville or delivered (for more than 5 meals) by our team to your home or workplace within 20km of the CBD. By purchasing meals from us you are directly contributing to a healthier, resilient and more connected Townsville. Money from each meal purchased will be reinvested back into Morehead Meals to assist us to grow the enterprise to provide opportunities for homeless and long term unemployed in our community. Meals are $8 / each or $35 for 5 or cheaper with a concession card. You also have the option to donate a meal. For more information either search for us on our Morehead Meals Facebook page, contact us on 4772 2339 or visit us on www.altheaprojects.org.au/townsville-drop-in-centre/morehead-meals

CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE (CWL) TOWNSVILLE BRANCH will have a number of members travel to Ayr for the Diocesan AGM on Sunday, 6th October. We will of course, report on what occurs there after the meeting. If anyone would like to join us and attend, please contact Blanche on 0428 736 726. Our next Branch meeting will be held this Tuesday, 8th October commencing with Mass at Holy Spirit Church at 9am, then our meeting will follow in the Spirit Centre. All are welcome.

MEN'S BIBLE STUDY: A great opportunity for men of all ages to come and discuss / learn about the Word of God and find out how it applies to our daily lives. It will be held every Thursday, from 7:30pm in the Spirit Centre at Holy Spirit Church. For more info, contact John 0448 343 074

TCE Academic Reporting (Prep to Yr 10 Guidelines)

Townsville Catholic Education Review of the Student Academic Reporting, Prep to Year 10 Guidelines

The Townsville Catholic Education Office (TCEO) is undertaking a review of the current Student Academic Reporting Guidelines for students in Prep through to Year 10.  TCEO is inviting parents and carers to complete a survey by Friday 25th October.  The letter and survey can be found by clicking the link below:

The Joey's Way

Star Students

Welcome Back Henry!

Welcome back, Henry! 🎉

Henry is easing back into school, doing a few hours each day as he builds up his strength. He’s been so excited to see his friends and return to school life. We’re incredibly happy to have him back!

Important Dates

From the Office

School Fees

Term 4 school fees have been issued and are due on or before Friday, 15th November 2024. 

Crazy Camel

Library News

Welcome back to Term 4 at our school library.  October commenced with World Space Week 04 – 10 October and displays all over the library relating to ‘space’. This fortnight Students from lower to upper primary, have enjoyed literacy classes with our lovely Library Teacher, Mrs Luton.

Every month we are highlighting the importance of reading in our daily lives and the impact that good reading habits have, on our young students and the benefits reading makes to our happiness and how great literacy skills impact on our overall future.

Here is a break down in a few key findings about young readers, from a recent Reading Australia Research Review from August 2023:

• Parents and families play an important role in establishing reading habits.
• Three-year olds who can name a favourite book are better readers at age seven.
• Children exposed to more storybooks are more likely to read for pleasure and have more advanced literacy skills in their teens.
• Children who read regularly with caregivers are more likely to read independently once their reading skills developed.
• 89% of children (aged 6-17) agree their favourite books are those they have chosen themselves.
• 86% of children (aged 6-17) say they love or liked being read books aloud at home, the reason being they love the special child to parent time together.
• One in five parents of children (aged 6 – 17) said they stopped reading aloud to their children before age 9 (once their child reads independently).
• Children (aged 6 – 8), (51%) did not want their parents to stop reading to them aloud.
• Children given time for independent reading at school, are more likely to be reading currently and frequently and are more likely to enjoy reading for fun.

https://australiareads.org.au/research-review/

OVERDUE BOOKS

Please don’t forget to return any Term 3 overdue books to the library as soon as possible. If parents have any concerns please do not hesitate to come in or phone Mrs Harrington for any assistance.

BOOK CLUB ISSUE 7

The Book Club Issue 7 brochures will be sent out to classes today, and finalization of LOOP Orders will close on Friday, 18 October, 2024.

SORA EBOOK HUB IN THE LIBRARY

The Sora hub will commence again this Thursday in the library at lunchtime 1.10pm! See you there!

UPCOMING DATES

Flyers will be sent out in the next week, promoting our Book Fair this year. Our annual Book Fair will be held Monday, 28^th to Thursday, 31^st October 2024. More information will be sent out, closer to this fun book event!

‘To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable that is spelled out is a spark’

Victor Hugo, Les Miserables

Happy October Reading!

Guidance Counsellors

This week is Queensland Mental Health Week. The following school TV resource looks at all the ways that we can support our children to look after their mental health. Diet, sleep, screen-time, social media, family and community life are all factors that may impact a child’s mental health (either positively or negatively).. Check out this series of short videos that look at youth mental health and give some handy tips on ways that you can help your child develop  healthy habits that can contribute to a healthy mind.

https://sjmbtsv.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/state-youth-mental-health

Inclusive Education

In recognition of Guidance Counsellor Appreciation Day, we want to celebrate Marissa and the vital role plays in supporting our students' well-being and development. In Australian primary schools, guidance counsellors are dedicated to helping children navigate emotional, social, and academic challenges. Whether it's providing advice on managing anxiety, offering strategies for improving learning, or supporting students facing difficult situations.  Guidance Counsellors work closely with teachers and parents to ensure every child can thrive in a supportive learning environment. Let’s take a moment to thank our guidance counsellor Marissa for her invaluable contributions to our school community!

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, a time to celebrate the abilities and achievements of individuals with Down syndrome while promoting understanding and inclusion. At our school, we believe in the importance of creating an inclusive environment where all students can thrive, learn, and grow together. This month, we encourage our community to learn more about Down syndrome, celebrate diversity, and embrace the unique strengths that each person brings to our community. Let’s work together to foster kindness, acceptance, and support for everyone, helping to create a world where all abilities are valued.  For more information please click on the Down Syndrome Australia website.

Music

Great Barrier Reef Clean Up!

Date: Sunday October 13th

Time: 9 - 11am (come for as little or as long as you can)

Where: Walter Nesbit Park, Pallarenda

Who: SJM students and their families - students must be accompanied by an adult

What to bring: sunscreen, water bottle and hat. Wear sun safe clothing and closed in shoes.  Bring along gloves if you have them. Bags and some gloves will be provided.

EcoMarines

On Tuesday, our Yr 5 EcoMarines connected with other schools to share all our amazing projects we've done this year. We heard from The Port of Townsville and Ranger Dan from Hands On Wildlife about the importance of finding a balance between our environment and humans. We worked in groups with students from other schools and an expert in the field to solve environmental issues within our community, such as single use plastics, coral watch, light pollution impacting sea turtles and e-waste

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Grounds to Grounds Initiative

Thank you to all the families bringing in coffee pods and grounds. We have a collection point located near the tuckshop. You can keep bringing them in until the end of the month.

Tech Club

First Nations News

Year 1 Under The Sea Showcase

Friendology

P&F News

Save The Date!

Our final P&F Disco is being held on Friday 25 October! Tickets will be on sale soon, otherwise you can purchase on the night as well! 
Please note the times for different grades and what's available on the night.

We can't wait to see you there!

Catholic School Parents QLD - Information Session

Community News

Step Up for Down syndrome! Come and join us for a morning of fun with entertainment and movement as we walk along the Riverway, stepping up for Down syndrome. All funds raised by StepUP! Townsville will stay in the region to provide support, services and information to empower people with Down syndrome and their families.

Mass Times

Parish Mass Times

Wednesday 7.00am

Friday 7.00am

Saturday 5.00pm

Sunday 7.30am