Dear Parents and Carers,

Gratitude

Hugh van Cuylenburg, writer and co-founder of The Resilience Project, describes gratitude as the ability to pay attention to what we have and not what we haven’t got. Hugh is a wellbeing advocate who often talks about the copious amounts of research that has proven the positive impact that ‘practising gratitude’ can have on our wellbeing. This term, I’d like to challenge our community to practise this skill throughout the term. Whether it be asking ourselves or our children ‘what went well for me/you today?’ or expressing our gratitude for someone who has had an impact on our lives or simply sharing our appreciation for someone/something, I am hopeful that this will positively impact our individual lives as well as those around us.

Uniform

In the short space of time I’ve been at Adelong, it is very evident the sense of pride our students, staff and families have in our school. I too feel that sense of pride with the wonderful things that happen every day here at St Joseph’s. You may be wondering how that relates to uniforms? Well, I certainly believe that ‘presenting with pride’ not only reflects our readiness for the day but the pride we have in our little community. I understand winter is a difficult time with washing, drying and that families are busy, but if we could make an effort to ensure our students are in correct uniform (including ties and school hat/beanie), this would be appreciated.

Book Week

This term we will still participate in Book Week celebrations during Week 6. Our Book Week Parade will be on Wednesday 24th August. While we are still working out details about parent and preschool students attending, students will be allowed to dress up as their favourite book character for our parade. The Book Fair stall that was located at the office last year, will be open from Monday 22nd - Wednesday 24th August. The theme for this year’s Book Week is Dreaming With Eyes Open. The school has purchased some of the suggested books from the Children’s Book Council of Australia for students to read and learn about leading into Week 6.

CSPA - Parent Survey on Student Wellbeing and Learning

Catholic School Parents Australia (CSPA) are conducting a survey of Catholic School parents on student Wellbeing and Learning.  The survey results will be used to report to the Federal Government and Catholic Education.  The survey is open until 31 August 2022. I encourage parents and carers to participate in the survey using the CSPA 2022 Parent Survey Flyer (attached in this week’s newsletter) or on the CSPACG’s Facebook Page.

Enjoy the remainder of the week,

Ryan Forsyth

Acting Principal

The Feast of Saint Mary of the Cross (Mackillop) 8th August

Mary Mackillop is Australia’s first Saint. She is known as St Mary of the Cross. Mary Mackillop had a great influence on the Catholic Church.

Mary Mackillop and Father Julian began the Sisters of St Joseph. The sisters began to run schools for children in remote areas. The first school was opened in Penola in 1866. Within five years Mary had established over thirty schools in South Australia with more than one hundred women joining the Sisters of Saint Joseph.

Did you know?

Our St Joseph’s School was founded by the Sisters of St Joseph in 1884. It was established so children of the many gold miners in the area could go to school. The original school was located in a small room behind the present church.

Monday 8th August, Year 4/5/6 will lead us in Mass in honour of Saint Mary Mackillop.

Have a lovely week,

Stacey Braun

Religious Education Coordinator

2.3 have been learning about St Mary of the Cross MacKillop in Religion this term. They have researched facts about Mary’s life and created posters using Canva.

Christopher bought in a very special relic of Mary MacKillop to share with the class.

- Mrs Murray

As we move through the term we are reminded of the following guidelines to ensure we minimise the spread of Covid-19 within our school community.

• Continue to remind students of practices that will minimise their chance of spreading and picking up germs (using tissues and disposing of them correctly, washing hands and sanitising where appropriate).
• If your child is unwell or experiencing Covid symptoms, for parents/guardians to keep them at home and ensure they utilise the RAT tests sent home to families on Tuesday. If your family need more, please contact the office.
• If your child tests positive, it is important that this is registered with NSW Health and the school is informed.
• It is recommended that close contacts stay at home where it is practical to do so.​ If students who are close contacts intend on going to school, it is important they complete a daily RAT each morning to minimise health risks to other members of the school community.

Community Council Meeting Minutes - Wednesday 27th July 2022

Please find attached the minutes from the recent Community Council meeting, our next meeting will be held on Wednesday 31st August at 6pm.

It has been decided we will proceed with catering at Winter Bites Batlow, August 27th - 12 noon to 6pm.

Assistance can also come in the form of pre-cooking some roast meat for the day.

Please click on the link below to let Community Council know if you are able to assist them with this event:

WINTER BITES FOOD STALL ROSTER

Those helping on the day will receive free entry, if you need to purchase tickets for the rest of your family, early bird prices close tomorrow.

Reminder:

Thank you to all our families who have sent in their deposit for the excursion.  If you haven't paid your deposit, can you please touch base with the school to let us know.

As yet the excursion hasn't gone up on Compass, this will happen before the end of term.

St Joseph's artwork in the "Fiveways" Tumut Art Studio is fantastic, such a great display of our childrens creativity.  Well done everyone!

If you would like to go and have a look at the display, Tumut Art Studio have extended the opening hours for the display, families can go and view the display during the following hours:  4th August: 9.00am - 4.00 pm, 5th August: 9.00am - 2.00 pm, Saturday 6th:  10am - 3pm

Adelong Liturgy Roster - July-December 2022

Keep up to date with events happening at St Joseph's via our electronic school calendar (please note dates can be subject to change).