Dear Parents and Carers

The tradition of giving a Blessing goes back to the days of the earliest times.  The first time we hear a blessing in the Bible is in Genesis 1:28  “God blessed them, saying to them, 'Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth and subdue it. Be masters of the fish of the sea, the birds of heaven and all the living creatures that move on earth.”  God was blessing Adam and Eve to bring good will upon them.  When we get something blessed today, we are hoping that the Blessing will provide positive experiences and outcomes.

On Friday as a school community we officially opened our outdoor learning area.  We welcomed parents in to read with their children, unfortunately the weather was not kind and we had to move most of the morning inside.  Our official ceremony included Acknowledgement of Country, Aboriginal Cleansing and Creation Dance, a Blessing by Fr Kevin Corrigan and a cutting of the cake.  After the official ceremony we gathered as a school to get a whole school photo.  Fr Kevin then sprinkled our area with Holy Water which is another important part of the blessing ritual.  We certainly did feel blessed, it stopped raining enough for us to get outside for the photo and then started raining again as soon as Fr Kevin sprinkled the Holy Water.

Congratulations to Mrs Minett

A huge congratulations to Mrs Minett on the birth of Jacob.  Jacob arrived last Monday and everyone is doing well.

School Crossing Update 

Late last term we were advised that our application to be considered for funding for a school crossing supervisor has been accepted.  The next stage in the process is that a representative from Transport NSW will come and do an observation of our school crossing and assess if there are enough people using it to justify a school crossing supervisor.  They are unable to tell me when they are coming, but I ask for your support in using the crossing when you are dropping off or collecting your children from school.  We are very hopeful that we will be accepted into the program so that we can continue to ensure our children are able to cross the road safely.

Are you interested in being a Parent Delegate?

Our Parent Engagement Group (PEG) model is a terrific way for parents to be involved in school activities. It differs from the P&F model because there are no formal positions for the committee and parents can be involved as little or as much as they are able. Our school is able to have a Parent Delegate to represent our school community at the Federation of P&F Associations.

What is the Federation of P & F Associations?

The Federation of Parents and Friends Association (Federation) is the peak diocesan parent body and links Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle’s schools’ local Parents & Friends Associations (P&F Associations) and Parent Engagement Groups (PEGs). Its aim is to promote and foster school parent relations and organisations. In fulfilling this vision, the Federation develops and implements many and varied activities including, for example, creating resources for parents and carers to support them in their role as the primary educator of their child; hosting presentations by known experts on a broad range of subjects; providing parent voice to the Catholic Schools Office on a range of matters including safeguarding, diverse learning, policies and engagement initiatives. The Federation of P&F Associations is bound by a Constitution, which you can read here.

What is the role of a delegate?

The role of a delegate is to provide a communication link between your school P&F/ PEG and the Federation of Parents & Friends Association for the Diocese of Maitland – Newcastle as whole. As such, the delegate will:

• attend your school P&F association/ PEG meetings (typically four meetings per year)
  

  • represent your school’s parent body at the P&F Association for the Diocese of Maitland –Newcastle’s meetings (two to three meetings per year)

  • take issues from your school’s P&F/ PEG to the Federation of P&F Associations

  • report to your school’s P&F/ PEG on Federation of P&F Associations happenings

  • assist in promotion and publication of upcoming events hosted by Federation, to your school community

  In addition, from time to time, a Federation delegate may be called to form part of an interview panel for a school’s leadership position e.g. principal, assistant principal or ministry co-ordinator/ religious education co-ordinator.

How often are delegates required to attend Federation meetings?

Delegates are invited to attend two to three Federation General Meetings per year, and an Annual General Meeting.

When and where are the Federation meetings held?

Federation meetings are held over Zoom, and in person at the Catholic Schools Office at 841 Hunter Street, Newcastle. Delegates are invited to attend in whichever capacity most appeals to them. The meetings typically commence at 6.30pm and go for between one to two hours.

What happens at Federation meetings?

Federation councillors host the meeting (elected at the Federation AGM), and prior to the meeting an agenda will be sent to all delegates. In most cases, there will be a guest speaker(s) from the Catholic Schools Office, informing delegates of Diocesan initiatives and inviting them to provide comment. Delegates also can provide feedback on matters relating to their school community, and to have input into Federation initiatives e.g. guest speakers program etc. Finally, on occasion, delegates will be asked to vote on matters related to Federation initiatives.

If you are interested in becoming our School Delegate, please contact the office.

Well Done Susannah

Well done to Susannah who travelled to Singleton to represent the Manning Region in the Diocesan Maths Bee.  We are very proud of her achievements.

This term we welcome two new students, Paige Harris Year 6 & Adaline Lowe Year 2 (pictured) and their families to our school community.

The complexity of eating anxiety stems from a combination of social, psychological, and environmental factors. Young people may develop this anxiety due to social pressures related to eating in front of others, fears about body image, or due to more ingrained issues such as eating disorders. Additionally, cultural norms or dietary restrictions can also play significant roles, as can direct experiences like bullying or teasing related to food choices or eating habits.

Whilst not a formally recognised condition, eating anxiety is a genuine and often overwhelming experience that can significantly hinder a young person's ability to participate in everyday activities comfortably. This condition can lead to serious nutritional deficiencies and social withdrawal, impacting overall health and academic performance.

 

Recognising and addressing eating anxiety is crucial for parents, carer, and educators. Through education, policy changes, and community support, we can help young people manage their anxieties and improve their relationship with food, thereby enhancing their overall well-being and social interactions.

 This Special Report will help you understand how best to support a child experiencing anxiety around eating.

Here is the link to your Special Report https://wingham.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-eating-anxiety-au

 

On the weekend the Catholic Church celebrated the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly.  Please join me in a prayer of thanks for our Grandparents. 

Lord, bless our Grandparents with long life, happiness, and health.  May they continue to be great examples of your presence to their children and grandchildren.  Surround them with your love and let them feel the gratitude and respect that they deserve.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

God Bless

Mel hunt

Prime Minister Award

‘Being a steward of creation’, ‘Trying your best’, ‘Speaking with kindness’ and ‘Being a responsible learner’ are some of the qualities that teachers consider when awarding ‘Prime Minister’ at our weekly assembly. It is an acknowledgement of the student’s efforts and they have the privilege of wearing the badge with honour, of suggesting a focus the school can work on, award Gotchas to other students at lunch time as well as earning Gotchas for themselves. Congratulations goes to Max Galea (Week 2).

JAFA 2024

Congratulations to the following winners on the night;

Thank you for the wonderful support to our raffle on the night.  Winners of prizes were; 

Well done to students who entertained us with their talent and performances in the In-Between Acts at JAFA.   

Baby Congratulations

Congratulations to Amy Manewell and William Dick on the safe arrival of their new baby boy "William (Liam) Anderson Dick born 19th July.  A baby brother for Marley (Year 3) and Emily (Year 7).

NSW State Cross Country Championships

On Tuesday 23 July 2024 Eleanor Healy attended the NSW State Cross Country Championships at Sydney. The best cross-country runners from all schools in NSW were in attendance. Eleanor represented St Joseph's Wingham and the Newcastle Diocese wonderfully in the Under 11 female 3km category. Eleanor ran a time of 12:27 and was placed 26th out of 77 in the State. A big congratulations to Eleanor.