Week 4 Term 4 2025 Newsletter
Principal's Message
Loving God,
I offer you today, all that I do think and say,
I offer you my work, my prayer, my play,
I shall do my very best to make them pleasing to You,
And with your help my whole day will be my gift to You.
Saint Mary of the Cross, Pray for us
Saint Joseph, Pray for us
Dear St Joseph's Primary School,
This week, I have included our school prayer as the prayer in our newsletter. The reason for this is to share with you the link between our school prayer and the school moto – All for God’s Glory. Last week, I spoke to the students about our school moto and how it is directly related to our prayer – that each day we are called to offer all that we do to God, to see that by being our best and trying to be kind to others and ourselves, that we are living up to our moto. Our Catholic faith believes that each of us are made in the likeness of God, so in turn, our prayer is for each other as well.
Foundation Orientation
On Wednesday this week, we welcomed 46 new Foundation students into St Joseph’s Primary School as they began their orientation in readiness for the start of the new school year in 2026. With some early nerves put to one side, all students and their parents came away from the morning with lots of positive experiences in the classrooms, and a take-home pack full of important information. We look forward to our new Foundation students and their families joining our school next year.
Mobile Phones and the Changes to Social Media
It is timely to write about the upcoming changes to Australian laws coming into effect on 10 December 2025, which will affect children under the age of 16 and their use of social media. The rule means that many major social media platforms must now prevent under-16s from creating or keeping accounts.
While I know many social media platforms currently have an age limit of 13 years and older and our students are not at that age yet, it is realistic to understand that the new laws will definitely impact all of our students either immediately or into the future.
The aim of the new laws is to help protect young people from online risks and pressures, such as being encouraged to spend too much time on screens or seeing harmful content. While the actual practicalities of these restrictions are still to be communicated, it is suggested that parents talk with their children if they do currently access social media platforms, and to discuss what this change means, consider safe alternatives for connecting with friends, and reinforce good digital habits.
At the same time, I would also see this change in laws in Australia as an opportunity to take some greater confidence in limiting access to mobile phones and devices for our children. With three children of my own, I know the pressures that come from having to have a phone and then the challenges of managing the safe use of these phones both at home and at school.
Here at St Joseph’s, we have a very simple expectation – we do not want to see phones out on school grounds at any time, including at the end of the day. Currently, if there is a need for a student to contact a parent, then with teacher permission a student may be allowed to use their phone, if they have one. However, I can assure all parents that we will contact you if there is any need to make contact with your child – they do not need to have their own phone.
The upcoming changes in Australian laws relating to social media are a timely opportunity to start conversations with your children, or to find confidence in holding off providing access to devices, earlier than you would like.
For more information on the changes to social media laws and other valuable information about online safety, please visit - https://www.esafety.gov.au/
Staffing
In recent weeks we have conducted interviews for a number of teaching positions across the school. With Tiffany Fletcher leaving St Joseph’s at the end of 2025, I am pleased to announce that Michelle Corby has been successful in taking on the new Performing and Creative Arts teaching position from the start of 2026. Michelle has been working at St Joseph’s this past term and is excited to take on this new role. In the coming weeks, I will share a general plan for what our new program will look like, building on the great things already in place. We will also farewell Andrew Reynolds at the end of the year, and Melanie Moore will be taking 2026 as maternity leave – congratulations Mel!
Therefore, I am also pleased to welcome Aileen L'Aimable to the St Joseph’s staff from the start of 2026. Aileen has already worked casually in our school and will be known by some students. Oliver Levido is joining us from Holy Family in Gowrie, and so too is Amy Kouparitsas from Good Shepherd at Amaroo.
We are currently looking at staffing and classes for 2026 and will communicate a full staff list and class allocations in Week 9.
2026 Classes
This week, a Socio-gram was sent home with all students in Foundation to Year 5. This is an important aspect to our planning as we begin to look at placing the students into their new classes for 2026. This is always a very carefully considered process that begins with the current teacher and what they know of each student and, first and foremost, their learning. At the same time, all social aspects of friendships and new opportunities are taken into account. On the Socio-gram, we ask you and your child to consider 3 friends that they would like to be in a class with in 2026. The intention is to ensure that each student is paired with at least one of their friends they nominate.
If there is specific information that parents would like to advise me of to assist the composition of classes for 2026, then this must be done so in writing to me either via email or letter by no later than Friday 21 November. This does not include requests for particular teachers, nor does it include considerations other than the learning needs of your child. Each year is a new start for all students, and teachers, and therefore only information provided this year is taken into consideration when putting classes together for 2026.
Catholic Education Survey
The CECG office is distributing a new survey called the School Engagement Survey to students in year 4-12, parents and guardians, and teachers. The purpose of this survey is to capture satisfaction and engagement within our schools. This information will support in the development of school annual reports, school strategic plans, and initiate important discussions at both the school and within CECG.
Have your say! The new annual School Engagement Survey is launching mid-November, and you will have the opportunity to reflect on your experiences at the school as a parent or guardian and provide feedback.
Your feedback will be valuable to help us understand how to better support your child and improve our school.
The new survey has been developed with the support of JWS Research. It will take around 10-15 minutes to complete, and your responses will be kept completely confidential and only reported at an aggregate level.
You can expect the 2025 School Engagement Survey to be distributed through Compass as a News Item and push notification in the coming days. If you have any issues accessing the survey link, please contact the Catholic Education Office through Strategy.Survey@cg.catholic.edu.au
Australia's Biggest Safety Lesson
This week all classes are participating in Australia’s Biggest Safety lesson focusing on Safe Spaces online and offline. Classroom teachers will be sending out a parent letter or have already sent out a letter that contains valuable information, questions and conversation starters to continue this important online safety conversation at home.
Foundation to Year 3
This year’s theme, Safe Spaces, focuses on helping children recognise and respond to unsafe situations in both online and offline environments. The lesson, designed to be age-appropriate and trauma-informed, teaches students how to think critically about what they see and who they interact with online, particularly when navigating games and chat spaces. The program aligns with the Australian Curriculum and encourages families to continue important conversations about online safety at home.
Link to 2025 Junior Primary Biggest Safety Lesson
Years 4 to 6
This year’s theme, Safe Spaces, focuses on helping children create safer environments both online and offline. The Upper Primary lesson explores how chatbots and AI companions can influence young people’s lives and highlights the importance of recognising, reacting, and reporting unsafe situations. The program is age-appropriate, evidence-based, and aligned with the Australian Curriculum, supporting students to think critically and make safe choices in digital spaces. Families are encouraged to continue these important conversations at home.
Link to 2025 Upper Primary Biggest Safety Lesson
Please visit the eSafety website for more information about how your can keep your child safe online.
Growing in Excellence…
Many would be aware that we have a number of garden beds here at the school, and we are currently in prime growing season. Each week, we have two gardening clubs that tend to the veggie gardens to pick the food that is ready, and to care for the plants as they withstand the many ‘intrigued hands’.
Last week, Ms Steph Wilde, one of our Classroom Support Assistants, entered some of our produce into the Bungendore Show. Needless to say, our veggies and eggs were a hit! Congratulations and thank you to all involved in keeping our garden beds so productive.
2nd - Lettuce
2nd - Snow Peas
2nd - Garlic
Highly Commended - Mixed Eggs
Queanbeyan Show this weekend!
Cameron Tarrant
Principal
RE News
School and Parish Mass
On Saturday, 15 November, St Joseph’s Primary School will be leading the 6:00pm Parish Mass. All students are invited to participate in leading the Mass. If your child can attend and wishes to help lead the mass through reading, singing, or serving can you please either email or return the note on the bottom of the flyer sent home with students today by Friday the 7th of November.
Following the celebration, everyone is invited to stay and join us for a sausage sizzle and some friendly fellowship.
We warmly invite all school families and friends to come along and share in this special community event.
Journey for Jesus – A faith and leadership adventure for our Year 5 students
Today the Year 5 students were introduced the Journeying with Jesus program.
The Journeying with Jesus program invited Year 5 students to explore their faith through fun, engaging activities, videos, and reflections. Each student received their own booklet to guide them through this journey — it’s a personal space for prayer, thought, and creativity.
Throughout the program, students will be encouraged to reflect on what faith, hope, and love mean in their own lives, and how they can share these with the school community in 2026 as school leaders. It was a wonderful opportunity for them to deepen their understanding of God’s presence and to realise that they are a part of a larger community of young people across Australia walking the same faith journey.
We look forward to seeing our Year 5 students grow in confidence and joy as they begin their leadership role with Jesus in 2026!
Kirstie Buckley
Religious Education Coordinator
Defence School Mentor News
Defence Kids Club this fortnight has included craft activities for our Remembrance Day Liturgy next week, plus our usual fun games, teddy tea times, jenga building, marble runs and lots of chatting. A new batch of loom bands has brought delight to many of our crew too.
We are all looking forward to our special liturgy next Tuesday 11th November, 10.30am in the hall to commemorate Remembrance Day. We hope you can join us.
Resources
Invictus Australia - National Cycling Carnival - Friday 14th November
If you're a Former/Serving ADF Member, submit your Expression of Interest to be part of the Veterans Invitation Day at the ADF National Cycling Carnival. Get out on the trails, challenge yourself, and connect with the veteran community. Participants can also take part in the Cross Country (XCO) race or enjoy a ride with fellow ADF cycling members/veterans. You will need a suitable mountain bike and insurance. Reserve your spot here: EOI Veteran Cross Country (XCO) Race Tickets, Fri 14/11/2025 at 8:00 am | Eventbrite
Queanbeyan and Veterans Hub - Friday 28th November 10am - 12pm
Join us for a Christmas Baubles workshop and get your tree looking pretty for the festive season! Register here: Canberra Wellbeing Activity - Christmas Baubles Workshop Tickets, Fri, Nov 28, 2025 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite
RSL ACT
Announcing two new free programs to support veterans and Defence partners with health, wellbeing and employment.
RSL Be:Well – Wellbeing at your Fingertips - an online learning program designed to help veterans strengthen their physical, mental, emotional and social wellbeing. The program is delivered through 20 minute modules that can be completed anywhere, anytime. Current topics include nutrition, exercise, sleep, managing anxiety and chronic pain, controlling anger, and preparing for civilian employment. More information: RSL Be:Well - Veterans' Health & Wellbeing Program — RSL ACT Branch
RSL Employment Program – Career Support for Veterans and Defence Partners Transitioning from Defence to civilian work can be daunting – many veterans struggle to translate military skills, find the right role, or adjust after relocation. Partners often face similar career challenges, having prioritised the careers of their serving partners. The RSL Employment Program offers free, tailored support to help ex-serving Defence members and the partners of current or former members find meaningful employment. Participants are matched with an Employment Consultant who can assist with writing CVs and cover letters, interview coaching, career counselling, and connecting with employers across Australia. Local employers are also wanted. More information: Veterans' Employment — RSL ACT Branch
Wishing you all a wonderful week.
Lisa Bauer
Defence Support Mentor
Canteen News
School Community Council News
Awards
| Foundation Red | Riley B Kaiden S | Foundation White | Bastien S Cecelia L |
| 1 Purple | Louis N Griffin B-B | 1 Teal | Jamyang Y Alivia T Eli W |
| 2 Magenta | Kobi P Rudy M | 2 Yellow | Leonetta R Jayden L |
| 3 Black | Alfred G Oliver M Rory S | 3 Navy | Tyler B Blake B Francesca S |
| 4 Gold | Beatrice H Ryder W Laura P | 4 Green | Donald M Remy U |
| 5 Blue | Rishaan M Ivy E | 5 Orange | Samphel N Lyndsae B |
| 6 Lime | Amelia T Sebastian S Delphi U | 6 Silver | Giovanni B Aria K Evie M |
Sport Spanish | Kathrine M Holly W | Defence | Sophie P |
Birthdays
Community News
