Dear Parents and Carers,

Last Monday evening our students presented our Annual Advent Liturgy.  Our students beautifully portrayed the story of the Nativity through liturgical dance and song.  Christmas is a time filled with hope and joy for many people, but it also reminds us to think about those who are less fortunate than ourselves. 

Last year I was fortunate enough to travel to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus.  One of the places I visited was the Church of the Nativity, which is built over the stable where Jesus was born.  It is the oldest operating church in the world and I was so blessed to be able to celebrate Mass there.  During my time in the Holy Land, I was simply amazed by the artwork that is in many of the churches, including this image of the Nativity.

MySchool Update

ACARA’s My School website has been updated for 2024 with the latest school-level NAPLAN data and new profile information on schools.

My School gives parents and carers information about schools in their area, including on student and teacher numbers, attendance rates, income and expenditure, and NAPLAN results. It also provides principals and teachers with important insights into school performance.

ACARA CEO Stephen Gniel said: “ACARA’s My School has detailed information on around 10,000 schools right across Australia. It’s the only website that provides parents, carers and the broader community with clear and transparent information on every Australian school.”

Visit myschool.edu.au for more details.

2024 Awards Celebration

Our school community celebrated the achievements of our students throughout the 2024 Year.  I would like to thank our staff who worked behind the scenes to ensure the night was a great success.  I would also like to thank our very generous sponsors, whose contributions to awards were very much appreciated, CWA Wingham, St Clare’s, Mid Coast Council, Manning River Lions Club, Rotary Wingham and Wingham Services Club.  Congratulations to the following award winners:

CWA Educational Award 2024 -  Shaneden Clarke

St Clare's Educational Award - Willow Eijkman 

Mary MacKillop Award - Term 4 - Sophie Hook 

Primary Library Award - Finn Atkins and Alyssandra Drew 

Touchstone Award 2024 - Adam Rees

Year Awards

Kindergarten

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

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 Eleanor Healy 9 (Week 10)

MJR Awards

As part of our MJR system,we acknowledge that the following students;

Theo Johnson and Harley Stewart with 200 Gotchas each.

Mary MacKillop Award - Term 4

This award is presented to one student each term that consistently goes above and beyond to put the needs of others first. This award is founded on one of the most motivating and known sayings of Saint Mary MacKillop “never see a need without doing something about it” (1871). We present this award to someone who follows in Saint Mary’s footsteps by reaching out to the most needy and vulnerable in our school community. Congratulations goes to Sophie Hook. 

Year 2 Intensive Swimming 

Australia is blessed with thousands of beaches, lakes, dams, rivers and pools. As such, it is essential that students are aware of the dangers and safety responsibilities around water. In Week 9 students from Year 2 attended Wingham Memorial Swimming pool for a weeklong intensive swim program. The students learned about water safety, emergency situations, fitness and stroke correction. Student confidence in the water soared as the week went by however it is important to keep reinforcing the lessons behind water safety. Thank you to Mrs Wheeler, Aunty Kylie and Natasha for taking the students each day. A big thank you to parents and carers and for supporting this essential experience.
Mr Knoke

2024/25 School Swimming Carnival

 

On Monday 16 December 2024 the Wingham Pool was alive with energy as students from Yrs 1 - 5 came together for our annual School Swimming Carnival. Students participated in a variety of events and represented St Joseph’s Wingham wonderfully. Our students were well behaved and demonstrated wonderful sportsmanship in a big day of racing and swimming. Congratulations to all students who attended, cheered on their team and to those who participated. We extend our gratitude to the dedicated students, enthusiastic spectators, and our incredible team of staff and parent volunteers who worked to make this event possible. A big thank you to our parent volunteers Anna Macmillan, Ben Ryan, Andrew Neaves, Brad Campbell and Sally Gaudron.

A big congratulations to the twenty-four students who made it to the Regional carnival in Taree in Term One of next Year. A note will go out early in the new Year. 

Mr Knoke 
Year 2 Teacher / Sports Coordinator