St Joseph's Primary School Molong eNewsletter

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

Most Holy Name of Mary

1 Timothy 1:1-2, 12-14. You are my inheritance, O Lord – Ps 15(16):1-2, 5, 7-8, 11. Luke 6:39-42.

You are my inheritance, O Lord

It is much less uncomfortable to pick apart others’ characters and perceived flaws than to stop and look within ourselves. We are challenged by Jesus, however, to look within first and to model our lives on him – to become like the teacher.

This was the kind of internal change Paul experienced. Once confronted by the presence of Christ and the truth of his message, Paul’s entire life journey was changed. In his writing to Timothy, Paul expressed gratefulness for God’s transforming mercy and affirmed Timothy in his own faith journey.

How often do we allow God to transform us? Are we willing to change our plans if God asks something different of us? Do we look beyond ourselves with eyes ready to affirm others?

SCHOOL NEWS

Vale Fr Brien

Father Brien Murphy, who served as a Priest in the Diocese of Bathurst for fifty years, passed away last week at the age of eighty.

Fr Brien was ordained by Bishop Albert Thomas in St Joseph’s Church in Orange, in 1975. He served in the Parishes of Bathurst, Mudgee, Coolah, Dunedoo, Orange, Oberon and Coonabarabran. Fr Brien also served as a Police Chaplain.

Fr Brien also served in many other Parishes and generously continued his ministry of sacraments, funerals and home visitations across the Diocese and beyond in his retirement.

Bishop Michael gave thanks for Fr Brien’s life and commitment to Christ and his people. “We will miss his support and encouragement, conveyed in that wide but gentle smile.”

Fr Brien has close ties to St Joseph’s through the Murphy family, Michael, Michelle, Lacey, Paddy and Ryan.

Fr Brien will be missed. May he rest in peace.

R U OK? Day

Students and staff wore yellow on Thursday, 11th September to acknowledge RUOK? Day. All of us experience ups and downs in life - there are times of joy and celebration, as well as life events or periods that are challenging, and some moments will contain a bit of both. In these tough times, it’s the support of family, friends and colleagues that can help us through. That’s why we as a school wanted to ask each other ‘RUOK?’.

R U OK?

Grandparents Day

Next Friday, 19th September, we warmly invite all grandparents and special friends to join us for Grandparent’s Day.

Our Grandparent’s Day Liturgy will begin at 12:30pm in St Lawrence O’Toole’s Church. Following the liturgy, grandparents are invited to bring along a picnic lunch to share with their grandchildren on the oval.

At 2pm, we will gather in the school hall for an awards assembly.

We look forward to celebrating this special day with our grandparents and honoring the important role they play in the lives of our students.

Molong Show Success

Last weekend our school was proudly represented at the Molong Show, and what a wonderful celebration of creativity, and talent it was!

Our school display was a standout feature, showcasing the imagination and skill of our students. Visitors were treated to an amazing variety of artworks that reflected both the effort and creativity of our children. The display was a true credit to the students and their teachers who supported them.

In addition to the art display, many of our students entered a wide range of categories in the show. From photography and painting to eggs, chooks, LEGO creations, and delicious baking, the entries highlighted the many different gifts and passions of our students.. It was great to see their hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm come to life for all of Molong to see.

We are very proud of all the children who participated and represented our school so wonderfully. Thank you also to families for supporting the students in preparing their entries and for being part of this great community event.

Student of the Week

JOEYS COOKING CLUB

SPORT NEWS

Polding Athletics

Today Gil Dowling (1500m) and Bill Ostini (Discus) competed in the Polding Athletics Carnival in Newcastle. To represent the Diocese is a huge achievement, one which we are very proud of. Congratulations to Gil and Bill. We look forward to hearing from both boys next week.

FROM THE REC

Two New Saints

Saint Carlo Acutis

Who he was: Carlo was a bright, kind-hearted teenager who lived until age 15 (in 2006) and loved playing soccer, video games, and “The Simpsons.” Yet, he cared deeply about others, helped the homeless, taught catechism, and used his computer skills to create a website tracking Eucharistic miracles. He gained the nickname “God’s Influencer.”
Why he’s special: Carlo has become the first millennial saint—making him a modern role model who shows how faith and technology can go hand in hand.

Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati

Who he was: Pier Giorgio was a young man from early 20th-century Italy. He loved helping the poor, hiking in the mountains, and living out his faith joyfully. He died of polio at age 24.

Why he’s special: Known for his generous spirit and deep spirituality, Pier Giorgio is already beloved as a model of how ordinary people can live lives of extraordinary faith.

On Sunday, September 7, 2025, Pope Leo XIV officially declared Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati as saints in a special ceremony at St. Peter’s Square, Rome—the first saints of his pontificate.

How We Can Share Their Example at School

Be kind and helpful like Pier Giorgio—helping friends or those in need, big or small.
Use your talents for good like Carlo—if you love drawing, music, coding, or anything else, think of how you can use it to inspire or help others.
Stay true to yourself—Carlo showed even video games and sneakers can be part of a saintly life!

Upcoming Masses:

Infants Mass - Wednesday, 17th September 2025 9:30am WEEK 9

Whole School Mass - Wednesday, 24th September 2025 9:30am WEEK 10

Miss Woodhouse

Religious Education Coordinator

STUDENT WELLBEING

On Thursday our school community came together to recognise RUOK? Day, a special time to remind one another how important it is to check in with friends, family, and those around us.

Our students showed their support by wearing yellow, the colour that symbolises hope, positivity, and looking out for each other. The sea of yellow across the playground was a wonderful sight, reminding us all to be kind and connected.

In the past we have had a kit cat and a chit chat, last year we had a chupa chup and a chin wag. This year, the children received a heart and the caption “Take part in a heart to heart” Because asking, listening and checking in is what it's all about.

It was great to see the children engaging in meaningful conversations, showing empathy and care for one another. By taking the time to ask, “Are you OK?” and really listening to the answer, our students are learning the importance of Kindness, compassion, and friendship.

For further information you can find it on the website.