Filter Content
Dear parents and carers,
Sometimes when looking for the right things to say, or an idea for a prayer, you stumble on something that just can be copied and pasted... this week's prayer hit the mark!
Our school year is now at a close and we have much to be thankful for and excited about as we look ahead to a restful, renewing and rewarding break over summer. We also have the joy of promise and fulfillment. Christmas is the beginning of something that we live out each day. Our faith gives us hope in the example and life of Jesus, born as a child on Christmas day, but alive in our actions and words.
I wish every member of our St Joseph's community, a happy and Holy Christmas, with family and friends continuing to bring joy and promise for a wonderful year ahead.
The only thing missing from my 'cut and paste' prayer this week is a thank you and prayer for our parents and carers. Thank you for all that you give to your children or grandchildren. We are blessed to have you as partners in all that we do.
Well done to our wonderful staff. It has been a frantic year to say the least. We have incredibly committed and passsionate teachers and support staff, each working to make a difference for the students. Enjoy a very well-deserved break!
Farewell to Melanie Stratford, Naomie Grech and Jessica Messenger. We look forward to hearing how much you miss St Joseph's as you begin your new chapters.
Congratulations to our Year 6 Graduants. They have had an exciting week, receiving their certificates on Monday, followed by a wonderful celebration as a cohort on Monday night. Good luck as you move onto high school!
Farewell to those students and families who are leaving St Joseph's at the end of this year. We wish you all the best as you begin new journeys away from Canberra or at new schools. Thank you for your contributions to St Joseph's.
Kids Biz
It has been great to meet and get to know Scott and Natasha from Kids Biz over the past weeks. Our new Program Coordinator, Charlotte is excited and ready to launch what promises to be an engaging and fun Holiday Program from 15 January.
At present bookings are still not available for the Holiday Program or for Before and After School Care in 2024, as we are awaiting final approval of licences. This is occuring this week. I expect to be able to send an alert via Compass early next week, indicating that bookings are open.
Mass Times
The inner-north parishes of O’Connor, Watson, Campbell, and Dickson are continuing to review their current structure and the pastoral needs. We are blessed to have Fr Thonn here in our parish and are looking forward to planning ahead for 2024 with him as our parish priest. As part of the changes across the inner-north parishes, from Sunday 3 December, the Sunday Mass time will be 8.30am.
Christmas Mass Times
Christmas Eve - Sunday 24 December
Vigil Mass – 6.00pm
Carols – 8.30pm
Christmas Mass – 9.00pm
Christmas Day – Monday 25 December
Mass – 9.00am
Thank you again for a great year. I am glad to have (almost) reached the end and am looking forward to time with my family. Have a wonderful break and we are excited to welcome all the students back to St Jospeph's in 2024 on Wednesday 31 January.
Cameron Tarrant
.
Goodbye and Thank you
In 1866, Mary Mackillop said, ‘Remember we are but travellers here.’ Since before I came to St Joseph’s 5 years ago, Mary Mackillop’s words have been a constant guide and source of wisdom to me. As I have been preparing the move from our beautiful St Joseph’s community, I have been struck by how privileged I am to have travelled here alongside all of you.
In this community I have witnessed God’s love and grace each and everyday. I would like to thank each and everyone of you and ask you to pray for me.
Prayer and Worship
Today we conclude the season of Advent at St Joseph’s with a Prayer Celebration on the theme of Love led by 2 Magenta.
As we prepare our hearts and minds for Jesus’ birth, may we keep sight of the real meaning of Christmas and be present to our loved ones.
.
Social Action and Justice
Last Friday we presented Mr Fordham with our Christmas appeal donations. Well done St Joseph’s, we are supporting about one quarter of the families in need in our area to have a Merry Christmas.
If you are still to add to our giving tree we are accepting donations until Thursday afternoon.
.
|
Pope’s Prayer for December God, our Father. The throwaway culture that is widespread in our time does not consider the person as something most valuable that must be respected and protected, especially if they are poor or disabled people. We ask you today for the inclusion of all those who have a physical or mental limitation. Help us promote a culture of life that continually affirms the dignity of each person, in particular the defence of people with disabilities. May inclusion be the rock on which civil institutions build programs and initiatives so that no one is left behind. Amen. |
.
Yours in Christ,
Melanie Stratford
Religious Education Coordinator
Sustainability in Action
Kitchen Garden Zucchini Success
| Today, Year 1 concluded the first year Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden with a yummy zucchini dish. After harvesting a successful crop from bed 7, we enjoyed fritters with a delicious yoghurt dipping sauce. We are grateful for a successful harvest and generous parent helpers! |
.
.
.
.
.
.
Have a Sustainable Christmas!
This is a great time of year to be mindful of not taking more than we need, and eliminating waste.
“Re-use your Christmas decorations every year,” said Toby S.
“Given that we have large Christmas lunches you can arrange to have your leftovers taken or you can eat them yourself,” said Owen H.
“Instead of wrapping each gift, you can reuse gift bags or old boxes,” said Gonzolo.
Have a very merry, sustainable Christmas!
.
Ryan McGee
Sustainability Coordinator
The Snack Shack
Hi parents and families,
What an amazing year I have had in the Snack Shack! This would not have been possible without the support and guidance from the amazing volunteers. The school community has benefited off the back of all the hard work you put into ensuring the kids lunches are hot and ready to go at lunchtime.
Thank you to the teachers, staff and P&F for supporting me in the changes we have made throughout the year. Including the extra purchases that have been made to benefit the Snack Shack.
Thank you to the kids for being patient and polite while ordering and waiting for food. To the kids always wanting to have a chat and share your jokes, or putting their hand up to help out, I appreciate you all!
Lastly I will lose some amazing volunteers next year so please if one person from each family (parents, grandparents, aunts & uncles) can spare even just 1 day a year, come in and lend a hand.
Don’t forget your WWVP.
Till next year!
Julie-Anne
Congratulations to the Week 10 award recipients.
|
Foundation Red |
Elijah A Delilah P |
Foundation White |
Rudy M Max B |
|
1 Purple |
Dut K Eloise P Harriet P Antonino R |
1 Teal |
Aliir A Nathan D Alfred G Kenzington S Tommy S |
|
2 Magenta |
Ethan T Lueth M Mason I |
2 Yellow |
Archie M Manuela S |
|
3 Black |
Bhavin S Amari P |
3 Navy |
Audrey B Zara J Hugo T |
|
4 Gold |
Harry F Delphi U Emma P Kendryck M |
4 Green |
Sophia T Mirabel P Amani N |
|
5 Blue |
Luerice G Sophia A Connor J |
5 Orange |
James W Makur W |
|
6 Lime |
Dechen P Nova S Josie M |
6 Silver |
Sophie G Imogen W |
Happy birthday to these students who celebrated their birthday this week, and over the holidays:
| Lily P |
| Ethan T |
| Dylan M |
| Zara J |
| Victor K |
| Andrew S |
| Emily G |
| Alexander M |
| Mira K |
| Janek W |
| Gonzalo O-H |
| Tilly M |
| Dakota W |
| Luerice G |
| Imogen W |
| Brianna T |
| Griffin M |
| Kenzington S |
| Nathanial M |
| Samuel N |
| Henry A |
| Grace M |
| Sara S |
| Anouk U |
| Gianna L |
| Matilda S |
| Charlie P |
| Ewan S |
| Beau W |
| Emanuel S |
| Lola O |
| Indie M |
| Leo W |
| Henry W |
| Xander W |
| Owen H |
| Fynn A |
| William A |
| Rishan S |
| Archie A |
| Jordan S |
| Frederick D |
