Term Three - Week 6
Our Vision and Mission
Vision Statement
With Jesus Christ as their role model, all children can and will achieve.
Mission Statement
Inspired by Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop and in partnership with parents, our Parish and the wider community, we aim to impart a holistic education on all children in our school. We endeavour to live by the values of our school motto.
Learning, Understanding and Peace.
St Joseph’s is distinguished by a great sense of belonging, where each person is valued and where learning is enjoyable.
Prayer of the day
The Beheading of St John the Baptist
Jeremiah 1:17-19. I will sing your salvation – Psalm 70:1-6, 15, 17. Mark 6:17-29.
Jesus is the Truth
John the Baptist was important to Jesus and he spoke the truth. Herod did not like the truth being told about his irregular marriage and had John arrested, and finally Herod was tricked into killing him.
In the Reading from Jeremiah, the Lord tells him to stand up and brace himself for action and tell the truth. In the psalm we are told to only trust in the Lord – there we will find refuge, and our salvation is assured. Is this going to work for us today?
We have world leaders who make up their own truth, people who live according to their own desires, a world consumed by egos and consumerism. We know that Jesus is the Truth, but where do we find the strength and the faith to trust that God will deliver us, that they shall not overcome us? Prayer will help us get there.
SCHOOL NEWS
Bishop Michael McKenna
Next Friday, 5th September, we are delighted to welcome Bishop Michael McKenna to St Joseph’s. Bishop Michael will join staff for morning tea before visiting classrooms throughout the day. We look forward to the opportunity to showcase the wonderful learning community we have here at St Joseph’s.
The Gruffalo Excursion
Yesterday we travelled to Orange to see The Gruffalo’s Child at the Orange Civic Theatre. The performance had us laughing, clapping along, and even singing a little! After the show, we enjoyed a chilly morning tea in Robertson Park before splitting into four groups to explore different activities. Each group visited either the Museum, Art Gallery, Library, or joined a self-guided outdoor program led by the Museum.
At the Art Gallery, we viewed Mighty Minds, Mega Machines—a vibrant collection of artworks created by public school students from across the region. We also explored an inspiring exhibition showcasing a variety of Year 12 artworks from last year—amazing!
In the Library, we listened to the story Spiro before using LEGO to design machines that could help us in everyday life. Our creations were both clever and fun, including a chicken nugget machine and a machine that could clean and cook!
At the Museum, we explored the interactive exhibition On the Move. We tested our engineering skills by making paper planes and building different forms of transport out of LEGO before trialling our designs.
The self-guided outdoor activity gave us the chance to play a range of oversized games, including Jenga, pick-up sticks, and dominoes.
It was such a fun and memorable day for everyone. We can’t wait to head back in Term 4!
Father’s Day Stall – Week 7
We will be holding a Father’s Day Stall in Week 7. This is a wonderful opportunity for children to choose a special gift for their dad, grandfather, or another important person in their life.
The stall will be open every day at lunchtime during Week 7. Children are invited to bring along either $5 or $10 to purchase a gift of their choice.
Father’s Day
St Joseph’s will celebrate our wonderful dads with a special Father’s Day breakfast on Friday, 5th September. All Dads, Grandads and Uncles are invited to share breakfast with their children from 8:00am at the school canteen area. After breakfast everyone is invited to stay for games in the playground. Dads and Grandfathers are invited to wear their favourite jerseys.
Jersey Day
Next Friday, 5th September is Jersey Day. We ask children to wear their favorite Jersey to raise awareness for Organ Donation. Please see the link below for more information.
Eisteddfod
St Joseph’s will perform in the Orange Eisteddfod next Thursday, 4th September. Additional event details include:
All students must be at school by 8:50am the bus will leave at 9am sharp.
All students must catch the bus to the Eisteddfod, Parents are welcome to attend at the Orange Function Centre, Eyles St Orange.
Entry is normally $5, Eftpos is available.
It does fill up fast as there are a large number of school in our section.
Please make sure you are seated by 9:50.
Please give consent for your child/children to attend the Eisteddfod via COMPASS.
Uniform
There have been a number of children wearing joggers to school on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Children are required to wear school shoes on these days. If your child, for any reason, needs to wear joggers on these days, please send a note to school. If your child has long hair, please ensure it is tied back, tidy and not hanging over their face and eyes. This can affect their learning. Also, in regards to jewellery, children are able to wear stud or sleeper earrings. This is for safety reasons.
Music Concert - School Hall
Grandparents Day
Kinross Production
Unfortunately this term we are unable to attend the Kinross production a school group, as this term is very busy. However if you would like to purchase tickets and attend with your children and family, click on the link below.
Student of the Week
SPORTS NEWS
Dio Athletics
Last week, Lotte, Nash, Louie, Lacey, Sinclair, Lewis, Lachy, Gil, Bill, and Bryson represented our school and the Southern Region at the Diocesan Athletics Carnival in Dubbo.
Each student gave their all, showing impressive determination, sportsmanship, and school spirit throughout the day.
A special congratulations to Bill, who placed 2nd in discus, and Gil, who came 2nd in the 1500m! Both boys have now qualified to represent our Diocese at the upcoming Polding Athletics Carnival – an outstanding achievement!
FROM THE REC
Year 4 Religion
This term, Year 4 students have been learning about the importance of the Rosary in the Catholic tradition. They explored how Rosary beads are used as a guide for prayer and reflection, and discovered the meaning of the main prayers: the Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, and the Apostles’ Creed.
Students also learned about the four Mysteries of the Rosary – the Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, and Glorious Mysteries – and how each set of mysteries tells part of the story of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. They discussed why there are four sets of beads, and how mysteries represent important moments in Jesus and Mary’s lives.
Year 4 created Google Slides presentations to demonstrate their understanding. A couple of examples have been linked below.
Upcoming Masses:
- NO MASS - Week 7
- Primary Mass & Classroom Visits - Wednesday, 10th September 2025 9:30am
Miss Woodhouse
Religious Education Coordinator
STUDENT WELLBEING
New Cubby House
We are super excited to tell you about the newest addition to our bottom playground – a brand-new cubby house! It is located behind the Kindergarten and Year 1 classrooms.
The cubby will be a place for imaginative games, social play, and a “Student Voice Space” where children can share their great ideas for our school. Inside the cubby, there will also be a special box where students can write down or draw any worries, concerns, or things they would like help with. This is a safe and confidential way for children to have their voices heard and get the support they need. The box will be collected daily and any ideas or concerns addressed.
A huge THANK YOU to Dougal and Max Bowman for building the cubby. We know it will be loved and used by students for many years to come.
P & F / CANTEEN NEWS
HEALTH MATTERS
COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
Orange CYMS Cricket Club runs two Blasters programs in Molong:
- Junior Blasters: Fun drills and games to build basic skills. Aimed at kids aged 4-6.
- Master Blasters: Modified and safe matches for kids who have the ability to bowl with a straight arm and hit a moving ball. Aimed at kids aged 7-9.
Both programs will be held at 3.30pm on Thursday afternoons. The programs run for 5 weeks in term 4 of the 2025 school year, and 5 weeks in term 1 of the 2026 school year. Blasters programs are priced at $110, which includes all required clothing and equipment, as well as insurance coverage.
The first 100 players registered this season will receive a $50 registration refund, thanks to McDonald's Orange and Cowra. NSW Government Active Kids Vouchers (valued at $50) can also be used when registering.
