It has been so wonderful to welcome the beautiful sunshine this week.  Not so good for the outcome of our 4/5/6 ski trip, but fingers crossed we will get another date and some snow soon!

Today is the feast day of St Mary of the Cross, and St Joseph’s celebrated this important day with a liturgy led by 4/5/6 today.  We continue to be inspired by the amazing work that Mary McKillop did in her lifetime opening a school for the poor and founding Australia’s first religious order: the sisters of St Joseph. 

HITP coaching

Staff were fortunate to have another half day visit from our High Impact Teaching Practice coach Sommer Johnson yesterday.  This is part of the Catalyst program where staff receive coaching to consolidate and improve on their practice.

Staff throughout the term will also continue their Professional development in The writing revolution – a program that focuses on explicit and structured instruction in writing, grammar and sentence structure.

For more information and resources on the Catalyst initiative which is now in its third year of implementation in all Canberra/Goulburn Catholic schools feel free to go to the website www.catalyst.cg.catholic.edu.au 

Have a lovely week,

St Mary of the Cross, Pray for us

Kirsty Beavan

Principal

Today we celebrate the feast day of Saint Mary Mackillop. St Mary of the Cross opened her heart to receive the message of God’s love and to help those who were in need. 

Mary was Australia’s first saint. She believed all children, poor or rich, should be educated. Mary Mackillop started the first Catholic school in Australia and helped many poor and sick people. She worked hard to make the world a better place. 

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. 

During staff prayer today, we reflected on Mary Mackillop’s life and the scripture by Matthew 6:25-26: 

I am telling you not to worry about your life and what you are to eat,  nor about your body and what you are to wear.  Surely life is more than food, and the body more than clothing!  Look at the birds in the sky.  They do not sow or reap or gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not worth much more than they are?  

The scripture reflects Mary Mackillops’ life and values. Just as the scripture discusses God's care for birds, Mary MacKillop's work was driven by her care for the well-being of the less fortunate. She dedicated her life to caring for and educating children, reflecting the compassion and concern for others that the scripture encourages.

Prayer Service

Below are photos from the prayer service today led by Year 6 in honour of St Mary Mackillop. 

Assumption of Mary 

The Assumption of Mary is one of the most important events in the Christian community. On the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, we commemorate the end of her earthly life and Assumption of Mary’s body and soul into Heaven. 

We are looking forward to Year 4/5/6  presenting the Assumption of Mary Liturgy on Tuesday 15th August at 12.30pm. All welcome to attend. 

Reconciliation

Please keep Barney, Bonnie, Brydee, Christopher, Eva and Reuben in your prayers as they prepare to make the sacrament of Reconciliation. The sacrament of Reconciliation will be celebrated on Tuesday 8th September at 11.30pm, followed by a whole school mass at 12pm. 

School Mass - Sunday 17th September 

Please let me know if you are able to come to our Parish School Mass on Sunday 17th September so I can distribute readings. It would be lovely to see as many children and families attend.

Many thanks,
Stacey Braun

Religious Education Coordinator

Adelong Liturgy Roster - July - December - 2023

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

Below is the link for the minutes of the last Community Council Meeting.

July - General Meeting Agenda/Minutes 26th July 2023 - Google Docs

Upcoming dates

Street Stall - Friday 25^th August 2023

It is a quick turn around for our next street stall, this was the only suitable date available. Your support for the street stall is greatly appreciated. Many thanks to Paul and Lauren Roche who has offered to donate the load of wood. Below is the link for the upcoming street stall

Street Stall Roster - Friday 25th August 2023 - Google Sheets

Working Bee - Friday 8^th September 2023, 3.30pm – 5.30pm

Please come along for a fun afternoon tidying up around the school grounds. The community council will provide a sausage sizzle afterwards.

Golf Day – TBC Saturday October 21^st 2023

Mark the date in your calendars. The amazing St Joseph’s Golf Day is set to be held at the picturesque Adelong Golf Course. More details about this event will come in the next few weeks.

We were very fortunate to have olympic triathlete, Emma Jeffcoat, visit St Joseph's today to give a presentation to our students. Emma shared her motto which is 'Dare to dream' 
She spoke about her goals, aspirations and achievements. She also spoke about her support network that she has around her and how this has helped her achieve her dreams. Working towards achieving goals and aspirations is not just a physical game but a mental game also. A message that can be taken from this is that we should always ask for help if we need it. Emma competed in the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 and will be trying out for 2024 Paris Olympics.
St Joseph's students were very enthused and asked some great questions!

On Tuesday 15^th August 2023 the Archdiocesan Healthy Relationships Team will be working with the Year 5 and 6 students from St Joseph’s Primary School to run the
My Body, My Life puberty and personal development program.

Year 5 & 6 Parents Please remember to take the time between now and Tuesday 15^th August, to watch the online units by clicking on this link: https://cgcatholic.org.au/my-body-my-life/st-josephs-Adelong. The link will stop working after we have visited your school.

Reminder:

The 2023 Premier's Reading Challenge closes on Friday 18th August. 
If you have any queries, please contact Mrs Dean. 

Reminder:
Please find the lunch order menu for Mondays from the Gold Rush Cafe.

Please note: Unfortunately there are no pizzas available until further notice due to faults with the pizza oven.  

If your child wishes to order please place your child’s name, class, order and correct money in an envelope on Monday mornings.