Term 4 Week 3 (01/11/2024)

What is On?

Dear Parents and Carers

There are times when we talk about hope – today’s blog is about a visit that I’ve made this morning to Saint Joseph at Woodburn. 3 years ago (and acknowledged today by the principal) St James worked hard to send chairs, tables, book packs, resources and our best wishes to St Joseph’s Woodburn when they were relocated to Evans Head.

Today, three years on they’re back on the 100+ year original site in Woodburn. It’s testament to a community, the creativity of the staff and the connection to family and  Jeanette Wilkinson's prayer and drive which has seen the school  go “back home”.

Schools need to be a bit like glue- some times glue holds things together, glue leaves a mark on a surface (or a person) and sometimes nothing sticks!

These are the times when we need or look with critical eyes at where we focus our energies, how we connect in the community and how we dream forward with hope and faith at the centre of our being.

We also need to have bucket loads of gratitude for all we have and all the opportunities we can be part of in our school communities.

Today as I drove home I pondered these things and ended up thinking that gratitude is the most important thing I have today working in a school.

Have a lovely weekend.

Ann

RE News - Socktober

Socktober Crazy Sock Day Recap

On Wednesday, our school celebrated Crazy Sock Day as part of Socktober Mission Month fundraising. This initiative, organised by Catholic Mission, encourages students to connect with young people facing challenges in the developing world through education and fundraising efforts. This year, we raised an impressive $229.50!

It was wonderful to see so many students and staff donning their colourful, crazy socks in support of Catholic Mission's work with children in Mongolia who have been abandoned, are homeless, or are fleeing violence. In Ulaanbaatar, the capital city, temperatures can plummet to -40°C during harsh, snowy winters, making it incredibly difficult for those without safe shelter. Fortunately, the Don Bosco Caring Center offers these children a warm home, nutritious meals, and access to education.

Socktober inspires children to engage with mission through their minds, hearts, and hands. Thank you to all our families for supporting this important cause!

With gratitude,
Renee Howland
Assistant Principal Mission

Family Matters

Article from The Soul Lismore Proclaim

In today’s fast-paced world, families often struggle to find common ground amidst distractions and differing opinions. Yet, embracing and openly proclaiming shared beliefs can significantly enhance family wellbeing.

When families communicate their values and beliefs, they foster deeper emotional connections. A study from The Journal of Family Psychology reveals that families who engage in meaningful discussions about their faith experience higher levels of satisfaction and cohesion. This shared language of belief creates a sense of belonging and unity, helping family members feel understood and valued.

Proclaiming beliefs as a family also equips members with resilience in the face of challenges. According to research by The Family Institute at Northwestern University, families that encourage open dialogue about their values develop stronger coping mechanisms. When children witness their parents confidently discussing their beliefs, they learn to articulate their own thoughts and feelings, cultivating self-confidence and emotional intelligence.

Expressing beliefs can aid in identity formation, particularly for children and teenagers. By openly discussing family values, parents provide a framework that helps children understand their place in the world. A study published in Child Development found that children who engage in discussions about their family's beliefs are more likely to develop a strong sense of self and purpose.

Proclaiming beliefs within the family fosters a safe space for exploration and growth. When families encourage open conversations, they create an environment where questioning and learning are welcomed. This dynamic allows children to navigate their beliefs without fear of judgement, promoting healthy spiritual and emotional development.

As parents, the challenge lies in making time for these important conversations. By prioritising discussions about beliefs and values, families can enhance their collective wellbeing, strengthen their bonds, and cultivate a deeper understanding of one another. In a world filled with distractions, proclaiming your beliefs together becomes a powerful act of unity that enriches the family experience.

Canteen News

Attendance

Little J's

Stage 2 News

Religion 

This term in Stage 2, we are developing an understanding of our responsibility to care for God’s creation. We read the story ‘The Goodness of God’s Creation’ (Gen 1- 2:4) and retold the story in a visual representation. We are also exploring our decisions to respect and care for the environment which will affect our world, both now and in the future. Last week, we put stewardship into action and cleaned up our school grounds. 

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Science

This term in Science we are exploring the different forces that occur in our world. We are comparing contact and non-contact forces and learning how these can help or hinder movement. This week we focused particularly on friction. Experimenting how different surfaces can increase or decrease friction and how that impacts movement. As well as,  investigating friction in air and liquids by experimenting how surface area and weight can impact air and water resistance.    

Music

This term in music, students will explore music through singing, playing instruments, working with Chrome Music Lab, and moving to the beat. They will also listen to different types of music, identify important features, and share their thoughts on what they like. Stage 2 students have created artworks expressing what music means to them and how it makes them feel.