On Wednesday 22 February, our school community participated in a prayerful and very meaningful Ash Wednesday Liturgy. There were many spiritual messages about the gifts and good qualities that each of them have been blessed with. Students were asked to reflect on ways that they can use their God-given gifts to be more compassionate, patient, kind, understanding, and generous towards others. 

Lent is a forty day journey to Easter. During this time, students have been asked to focus less on their own needs and more on what they can do to support each other to be the best young people they can be. To support turning away from sin and living the Gospel, students were encouraged to reflect on what will they give up this Lent and how will they contribute to the Caritas Project Compassion Appeal to support those in need in the world. 

Students have also been reminded to demonstrate Gospel values in their interactions with others by looking for opportunities to respond with compassion, kindness, and forgiveness. 

School Events

On Tuesday, 14 February we held our competitors only Annual Swimming Carnival at Albion Park Pool.

Congratulations and well done to all students who participated to earn valuable points for their House and to those who won their events. Years 7-9 students thoroughly enjoy the launch of Community and Sports Activities (CASA) at St. Joseph's last Friday, 17 February. As part of the implementation of the School's new House system, students participated in various sports activities and games with exemplary enthusiasm and fine school spirit. We also celebrated Shrove Tuesday with delicious pancakes sold out at recess! 

Year 7 Information Evening and Welcome Barbecue

This was a great opportunity for parents to get to know each other and some of their child’s teachers. Thank you to our Year 7 parent and student community who attended and enjoyed the recent information evening last week. 

Annual General Meeting - AGM

The Parents and Friends AGM was held last Wednesday, 15 February. We are very pleased to thank and congratulate the following parents, who were elected to the following P& F Executive positions:

President - Mr. Paul Murphy

Treasurer - Mr. Craig Lonard

Secretary - Open

The position of Secretary is still open. If you are interested in taking on this role please contact me (Mrs. Jenny Bell) at 42308500.

Sun Protection

Parents and carers are asked to remind your child, especially during these summer months, to apply sunscreen at home before they leave for school each morning. 

Students are often also reminded by staff at school and on excursions to reapply sunscreen if they have it with them in their school bags. Please check with your child that they have a small tube of sunscreen in their bags at all times to reapply during the day during meal breaks and other outdoor school activities. 

The uniform shop also has a stock of school hats if your child needs a new one.

Enrolling for Year 7 2024 & 2025 

Our Open Morning will be held on Tuesday 7 March 2023  from 9:30-11am. From 4pm, on Tuesday 7 March, and Wednesday 8 March 2023, there will be school tours with an opportunity to meet some of our teachers and current students. The tours will be followed by an Information Evening in the School Hall. The flyer with details for registrations is attached to this week’s newsletter.

40th Anniversary Celebration - Save the date

We are looking forward to the upcoming celebration of St. Joseph’s Catholic High School’s 40th Anniversary on Saturday, 18 March. There will be school tours for alumni and current students and parents from 4:30-6:00 pm, followed by an over 18 celebratory gathering in the School Hall in the evening. We look forward to seeing parents and carers at this very special occasion community event!

Lenten Prayer

Regards

Jenny Bell

Acting Principal