Week 4 - Term 1 Newsletter 2025

Principal's Message

Dear Families and Friends,
What a busy start to the year it has been. It was wonderful spend the beginning of this week with our Zone Swimming Team at the Clarence Zone Carnival, all the students should be commended for their efforts and sportsmanship throughout the day and whilst it is always hard competing against some of our larger Clarence schools, the students should be proud of how they represented our school. A special congratulations to both Albie Patten (9Yr 5om Freestyle) & Talia Tasi-Loefkvist (9Yr 5om Freestyle) who both placed 2nd in their events and will represent our school at the Diocesan Swimming Carnival next week in Murwillumbah.

2025 SRC Leaders
Congratulations to the following students who were selected by their peers to represent them on our 2025 Student Representative Council, it was lovely to recognise them at our Beginning of Year Mass:
Year 2 - Ben Kirkland & Luna Wood
Year 3 - Kingston Thoms & Talia Tasi
Year 4 - Lawson Bell & Bella Camilleri
Year 5 - Sam Kirkland & Poppie Weedon
I look forward to working alongside these students and the Year 6 SRC Captains to ensure that 'Student Voice' is a priority in our school. Their assistance in driving students events, student service and student connection to our local community will be invaluable.

Parent Information Night

Thank you to all the parents who attended our 'Meet the Teacher' sessions last week. It was a great opportunity to connect with your child's teachers and gain insight into how their learning environment will function this year, including routines and expectations.

For those who were unable to attend, all materials shared during the session will be sent home via email or hard copy this week. If you have any questions or need further clarification about your child's learning, please feel free to reach out to their classroom teacher.

Family Connect Worker - Gemma Buckley

This term, we welcome back Gemma as our school’s Family Connect worker, who joined our school community in the second half of 2024. For those families unfamiliar with our Family Connect Worker role - Gemma is here to support families to access the services they might need to help their family thrive.

She can assist families in a wide range of areas including NDIS, housing, counselling, parenting programs, supporting parents of children with anxiety, family violence and addiction services and many other services that families may need from time to time.

Gemma will be present at school every Thursday and can be contacted Monday-Thursday on 0467 567 084 or gemma.buckley@socialfutures.org.au

Student Absences & Extended Leave 

A reminder that student absences are to be notified by a phone call to the school, email maclp@lism.catholic.edu.au, or by making an 'Attendance Note' on your Compass App. Please do not contact your classroom teacher as this message does not always get passed on the Front Office prior to classroom learning beginning and the Front Office oversees the attendance and communication to our families.

If you choose to respond to the SMS sent to you after 10 am, please make sure that when responding to the text that you click on the link which should take you to compass for an 'Attendance Note' and not reply directly to the text (as we will not receive this!).

When explaining an absence, parents are required to provide a more detailed explanation /reason for their child's absence other than 'Sick' or 'Unwell'.

Some examples of a clearer explanation could be:

• Sick with cold/flu symptoms
  
• Injured with sprained ankle 
• Family Holiday 
• Dental Appointment
  

As a general guide permission for a student to take extended leave (greater than 10 days) during the school term would not be approved. Parents should be advised of this and if they choose to proceed, the absence should be recorded using the code ‘A’ Unjustified Leave and a 'Form 01 Extended Leave Notification- Travel/Other Greater Than 10 Days' (see attached) will be need to be completed and returned to the front office prior to the leave occurring. Please note that unless there are extenuating circumstances around the 'Extended Leave', that school work will not be provided by the classroom teachers during this period.

Little Joey's Transition Program 

A reminder that we will again be running our Little Joey’s which will be held in our library and begin in Term 3 - Friday 1st  August, continuing each Friday for the remainder of the 2025 school year from 9:30 am until 2:30 pm. 

Please note that whilst not starting until Semester 2, we have already had an overwhelming amount of inquiries and would like to ensure our current school community can secure a placement prior to accepting new families. At this stage it will be more than likely that we will be a having a waiting list for Kindergarten 2026. Thus if you are a CURRENT FAMILY, I ask that you contact the School Front Office to request a Little Joey's Expressions of Interest form. 

I trust you will have a safe & relaxing weekend. As always, please don't hesitate in contacting me if you wish to discuss any of the above matters or anything further.

Thanking you,

Dale

Upcoming School Dates

• Tuesday 4th March - Shrove Tuesday (Pancake day) (Week 5)
• Tuesday 4th March - Parent Forum Meeting 5pm (Week 5)
  
• Wednesday 5th March - Ash Wednesday (Week 5)
• Friday 7th March - Diocesan Winter Sports (Week 5)
• Wednesday 12th March - NAPLAN Begins (Week 6)
• Tuesday 18th March - St Joey's Celebration Day @ Brooms Head (Week 7)
• Wednesday 19th March - St Joseph's Feast Day Mass (Week 7)
• Tuesday 25th March - Silent Disco & Welcome BBQ (Week 8)
  
• Wednesday 26th March - School Cross Country, Wherrett Park (Week 8)
• Tuesday 8th April - McAuley Catholic College Open Night (Week 10)
• Friday 11th April - Easter Liturgy (Week 10)
• Friday 11th April - Last Day Term 1 (Week 10)

Leader of Learning

Engaged and Active Learning in Our Classrooms

A positive learning environment is one where students feel safe to take risks, ask questions, and challenge themselves. Across our classrooms, we see this in action every day—students collaborating, problem-solving, and engaging in deep thinking.

At our school, we are committed to evidence-based teaching that fosters curiosity, engagement, and growth. Research tells us that students learn best when they are actively involved in their learning—discussing ideas, working together, using hands-on materials, and making real-world connections. These high-impact strategies create a strong classroom climate where all students can thrive.

This week, I had the privilege of capturing these moments in action. Students have been:

• Collaborating on group tasks and discussions
• Using hands-on materials to explore new concepts
• Engaging in problem-solving and critical thinking activities
• Reflecting on their learning and setting personal goals

When students feel valued and supported, they develop a sense of ownership over their learning and are more motivated to succeed. Our teachers are intentional in designing learning experiences that challenge and inspire students, fostering a culture of high expectations and collective responsibility.

None of this happens by chance—it's a reflection of the passion, expertise, and effort our teachers bring to the classroom every day. Their dedication to creating meaningful learning experiences is what makes our classrooms such vibrant places to learn.

I invite you to take a look at some of the fantastic learning happening in our classrooms this week!

Looking forward to another great week ahead.

Mrs Mclennan

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Leader of Mission

Ash Wednesday - 5th March: A Time for Reflection and Giving

Ash Wednesday marks the start of our Lenten journey, a special time for reflection and growth in our faith. When the ashes are placed in the shape of a cross on our foreheads, we are reminded of how we are called to live — following Jesus’ example of love, compassion, and service to others.

Lent is a time for us to pray, fast, and give. Through prayer, we deepen our relationship with God and align our hearts with His will. Fasting helps us remember those who face hunger, thirst, and homelessness every day, and reminds us to be thankful for the blessings we often take for granted. Giving to others, especially through Project Compassion, allows us to support those in need and show our commitment to justice. It’s a way of expressing our gratitude for all that God has blessed us with.

At St. Joseph’s, we will begin our Lenten journey with some special events. On Shrove Tuesday, we’ll be serving pancakes and raising funds for Project Compassion. We will also gather for Ash Wednesday Mass on Wednesday, 5th March at 12pm at St. Mary’s Church, and we invite all friends and family to come along and share in this meaningful service. There will also plenty of opportunities to participate within our parish with Ash Wednesday Masses being offered as below:

Yamba - 10am

Iluka - 5pm

Let’s walk through this season of Lent together, growing in faith and reaching out to those in need. 

Reminder - Sacramental Program

Confirmation - 18th or 19th May (final date TBC)

Reconciliation- August (Date TBC), St Mary’s Church, Maclean

First Holy Communion- Sunday 31st August, St Mary’s Church, Maclean

A reminder that baptised students are able to undertake Confirmation in Year 3, and students who have also been confirmed are able to complete Reconciliation and their First Holy Communion in Year 4.  Additionally, if your child is older and recently been baptised, they can also undertake these sacraments. 

This year, the Sacramental program will be run with Fr Roland and will involve initial parent and student meetings to get an overview of the sacrament. More details will be shared at a later date. All other preparation will be completed in class during religion lessons. If you are interested in your child receiving any of these sacraments please email me so I can add their name to the list. 

For anyone wishing to have their child baptised, please contact Kathryn at St. Mary's Parish office on 66451188. Office hours are Mon, Wed and Fri, 9am to 2pm.

Mercy In Action Award

This week's recipient of our prestigious Mercy in Action award is Adam Smith-Khan. Adam receives this award in recognition of consistently demonstrating Compassion through his exceptional empathy, kindness and caring nature. Whether offering a helping hand to a friend or showing care to those in need, Adam consistently demonstrates a deep understanding of how others feel and responds with warmth and compassion. His thoughtful actions inspire kindness and remind us all of the power of showing compassion and being people of Mercy. Well done, Adam!

Mrs Senz

Class Awards

Congratulations to the following students recognised at this fortnight's Awards Assembly:

Principal Awards

Class Awards

Class News - Year 1

Year 1 has been buzzing with curiosity and creativity the past few weeks!
In Maths, we have been uncovering the magic of patterns and learning efficient ways to organise collections, making counting quicker and easier. Our young mathematicians have been sorting, grouping, and discovering how patterns appear all around us. 

In Writing, we have been exploring ‘Under the Southern Cross’, a beautiful book that helps us connect stories to real places. Through this, we’ve been building our understanding of context, sharing our own experiences, and making links to the world around us.

Our creative side has been shining in Visual Arts, where we have started bringing our sculptures to life! We can’t wait to see how these artworks evolve throughout the term.

In Science, we have been exploring how living things grow and change. Through careful observation, drawing, and labeling, students have been learning about  animals in our local school environment —watching nature’s transformations unfold before their eyes!

It has been a fantastic start to the term, and we can’t wait for more exciting learning ahead!

Miss Stokes

Pastoral Care - School Counsellor

Helping Your Child Develop Emotional Regulation

Teaching kids to manage their emotions is a key part of parenting. Emotional regulation helps children handle stress, build relationships, and navigate challenges confidently.

Why It Matters

Children experience various emotions daily. Those who learn to regulate them develop resilience, problem-solving skills, and positive social interactions.

Simple Ways to Help

1. Model Healthy Responses – Show calmness and talk through emotions in an age-appropriate way.
2. Validate Feelings – Acknowledge their emotions with supportive phrases like, "I see you're frustrated. Let's talk."
3. Teach Deep Breathing – Simple breathing exercises help children calm down when overwhelmed.
4. Encourage Naming Emotions – Help kids identify their feelings using emotion charts or books.
5. Use Problem-Solving Techniques – Guide them to find solutions instead of fixing things for them.
6. Create a Calm-Down Space – A quiet area with comforting items can help children self-soothe.
7. Be Patient and Consistent – Emotional regulation takes time. Reinforce strategies with gentle reminders.

Final Thoughts

Emotions are normal; learning to manage them is key. By teaching emotional intelligence, we help children develop lifelong resilience and well-being.

I'm at the school on Wednesdays and Thursdays this year and can be contacted via the school office or via jessica.jones@lism.catholic.edu.au 

Jess Jones - School Counsellor 

Pastoral Care - School Chaplain

Free Breakfast Club
Join us every Tuesday at 8:30 AM until sold out for a free cheese toastie. A big thank you to our student volunteers for helping serve our school community this week and to Vinnies Maclean for their generous support.

Shrove Tuesday - Tuesday, March 4th
Come in purple and enjoy pancakes for $4 each, served with cream and syrup. Please place your order through Compass Canteen. All proceeds will go to Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion, supporting families in need both in Australia and internationally.

Students are invited to wear purple clothing (sun safe) or purple accessories if they wish. Purple is a symbol of preparation and reflection as we begin the Lenten season. Students who choose not to wear purple should wear their regular school uniform.

Additionally, there is a donation box in each classroom for any loose change contributions. Thank you for your generous support!

Ms Juana Mead - School Chaplain

School Sport

Term 1 has been filled with excitement, especially in the world of sport—we’ve hit the ground running! Our swimming carnival was an absolute success, with students showcasing incredible sportsmanship, team spirit, and determination. It was truly inspiring to see.

Similarly, our St. Joey’s students who represented the school at the Clarence Zone Swimming Trials made us incredibly proud, competing with grit, determination, and plenty of smiles. A special mention goes to Year 3 students Albie Patten and Talia Tasi, who both qualified for the Diocesan level with some outstanding times, further cementing Maclean’s reputation as a strong swimming school.

For any eager parents looking to develop their child’s swimming skills and water safety, I highly recommend reaching out to Maclean Pool to learn more about the Maclean Manta Rays Swim Club. Additionally, if your child is interested in surf safety and fun at the beach, the Yamba Surf Life Saving Club offers fantastic opportunities through their Nippers program. Feel free to get in touch if you need help finding the best point of contact.

Beyond the pool, congratulations to all students who participated in the Winter Sport Trials. These trials offer students the chance to earn a spot on the Zone teams to compete at the Diocesan trials. This year, we had a record number of participants across multiple sports, making it a tough job for the selectors. A special congratulations to Archie Patten and Phoenix Schwenke, who will now compete at the Diocesan Trials on March 7th—well done!

Meanwhile, Friday sport has been buzzing with soccer, and it’s fantastic to see students not only improving their skills but also genuinely enjoying the game. If your child has been loving their soccer sessions, now is the perfect time to register with The Maclean Bobcats, the Yamba Breakers, or Iluka FC to continue developing their skills in a club setting.

A special shout-out to Year 1 student Jack Connor, who has taken up a new sport—hockey! It’s always exciting to see students trying new sports and developing their skills. As always, I encourage parents to share photos and updates with me for the Student Spotlight section, so we can continue celebrating our students' sporting achievements.

Looking forward to another exciting term of sport!

Anthony Gilchrist - Sports Coordinator

Library News

It's here again! The Premier's Reading Challenge has officially started around the country and as always St Joseph's is taking part. Students from K-6 will all be reading books to build their confidence, fluency and vocabulary. Students in K-2 will do all their reading at school in their classrooms and the library with these books being logged for them. Students in 3-6 will be keeping track of books read at school, library and home and logging them themselves. Their login's will be issued in the coming weeks and they have until the end of August to complete their reading.  Help your students by encouraging reading at home and helping to keep track of books that have been read. If you have any questions feel free to reach out. I will continue to keep you posted on all of the wonderful reading taking place at St Joey's. Good luck and happy reading!

Mrs O'Brien

Parent Forum

Parent Forum Meeting

A reminder that everyone is welcome to attend our first 2025 Parent Forum Meeting on Tuesday 4th March, 5pm-6:30pm in the school library.

Parent Forum is a wonderful chance to have your parent voice heard in our school. There is no obligation to take on a formal role.

Lauren Kirkland - Chairperson of the Parent Forum

Community Notices