Newsletter No. 10 - 29th October 2025

Message from the Principal

What a wonderful beginning to Term 4! It’s been heartening to witness the energy and enthusiasm across our school as we enter the final term of the year.

Over the holiday break, the majority of our planned maintenance and improvement works were completed, with full completion expected by mid-November. I’ve attached some photos to keep you updated on the progress.

This term, we extend a warm welcome to Boston, Donnie, and Reggie, who have joined our school community. We hope you already feel at home here at St Joseph’s.

This Friday, 31st October, we will celebrate World Teachers’ Day. I am incredibly proud of the work our teachers do each day and feel truly blessed to lead such a hardworking, caring, and positive team. Teaching is a vocation, and it is through their daily dedication that our students flourish—not only academically, but also spiritually, emotionally, and socially. I take this opportunity to offer a heartfelt thank you to each of our teachers. Happy World Teachers’ Day!

We also hold our community close in prayer, especially those facing hardship. It is with deep sadness that I share the news of the passing of Frank, the beloved husband of our former Administrative Officer, Linda Garreffa, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

As many of you know, Linda relocated to Melbourne earlier this year to be closer to her sons. She shared that Frank fought bravely. Linda has always been a cherished member of our school community, and our thoughts are with her and her family during this difficult time.

Let us keep Linda, Frank, and their family in our prayers. May Frank rest in eternal peace, and may Linda be comforted with strength and grace in the days ahead. We pray that the love of Christ surrounds her and her family, and that they feel the support of our school community, even from afar.

Face Forum: A fantastic start!

We were thrilled to host our first FACE (Family and Community Engagement) Forum for Term 4, and the energy in the room was truly inspiring! It was wonderful to come together as a community to share updates and ideas around some exciting developments at our school.

Highlights included:

• Building progress and future plans
• Renewal of our school crest
• Uniform updates, including feedback from families and students
• Opportunities for parent involvement through Federation representation and subcommittees
• Insights from our parent survey to help shape our 2026 School Improvement Plan

A key topic of discussion was our school uniform. Overall, families expressed satisfaction with the current style, with suggestions to update the sports uniform and consider skirts instead of pinafores for our infants students. Interestingly, our students have also voiced their desire for a more contemporary sports uniform. We’re currently exploring options and hope to have sample designs available soon for community feedback. Any changes will be introduced gradually over a transition period.

We also invite you to review the slides below regarding our proposed new school logo. A survey form is included to gather further parent input beyond the forum discussions.

Thank you to everyone who joined us—your voice and presence truly make a difference. We’re excited to keep building this positive momentum together!

Warm regards,
Principal Nikki Norley

2026 Bell Times and Timetable Update

Throughout this year, we’ve worked closely with CDC Buses to address the late arrival of morning buses to our site. Increased travel time along the Five Islands roundabout from Teralba and heavier traffic on Toronto Road have contributed to delays.

To support smoother arrivals, we will be adjusting our bell times by two minutes starting in 2026. The school day will begin at 8:45 AM and conclude at 2:45 PM.

If you have any concerns or feedback regarding this small adjustment, please don’t hesitate to contact the school.

Building Works Update

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New Social Media Restrictions for Under 16's

Below is a document outlining information regarding the new social media restrictions for children under 16 years, which will begin on 10^th December. This information has been distributed to schools to assist and inform all, about what these new restrictions mean and include.  

Message from the Assistant Principal

Life Education Visits

We are excited to welcome the Life Education team to our school in Week 4. All classes will have the opportunity to take part in engaging and age-appropriate sessions that support students’ wellbeing, health, and decision-making skills.

The modules each year group will participate in are:

Kinder: Harold's friendship

Years 1 and 2: Harold's Online World

Years 3 and 4: The Inside Story

Years 5 and 6: Relate, Respect and Connect.

These interactive sessions align closely with our PDHPE curriculum and help students build lifelong skills for making healthy and safe choices.

PAT Reading and Maths Assessments

Over the next few weeks, students in Years 2–6 will be completing the Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) in Reading and Mathematics. These adaptive assessments provide valuable information about each student’s progress and learning growth over time.

The results help teachers identify areas of strength and next steps for learning, ensuring each child continues to be supported and challenged appropriately.

To assist your child, please ensure they bring a set of wired headphones to school during this period, as these are required for the online testing format. Please place the headphones in a small plastic or sandwich bag with your child’s name clearly labelled.

Compass Permissions and Upcoming Events

A friendly reminder to log in to Compass and provide consent for any upcoming school events. We have several exciting opportunities and excursions planned for this term, and timely permissions help us finalise preparations smoothly.

Swimming Carnival 

We are having our swimming carnival at Speers Point Pool on Monday 8th December. 

This is a compulsory event for students who will be in years 3-6 next year. Students who will be in year 2 in 2026 are invited if they are a competitive and competent swimmer and if they are turning 8 (or older) in 2026. If your child is currently in year 1 and they do not meet this criteria, please decline the event on Compass.

Please give permission for your child to attend this event on Compass and answer the questions regarding their swimming ability. 

Students currently in Kindergarten, year 6 and those in year 1 who are not competent swimmers will remain at school on this day and enjoy a water fun day. More information about this will be sent out closer to the day.

PB4L Assembly – Week 3

Families are warmly invited to join us for our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) assembly in Week 3. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our students who consistently demonstrate our school values of Respect, Service, and Resilience. We look forward to seeing many of you there as we recognise our students’ achievements and positive contributions to our school community.

School uniform: Specific Statement of Practice

We have recently reviewed our school specific statement of practice for our uniform. Please view this document on our school website:

Thank you for your ongoing support in helping us maintain high standards of pride and presentation across our school.

Message from the REC

First Holy Communion

On Saturday, 12th October, a number of our students celebrated their First Holy Communion surrounded by their families, and parish community. This special occasion marked an important step in their faith journey as they received Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time.

We congratulate them on this sacred milestone and thank their families, teachers, and our parish team for their support and guidance throughout the preparation. May this moment strengthen the children’s connection with God and inspire them to continue growing in faith, love, and kindness.

Socktober Mission Fun Day

On Friday 31st October we will be having our annual Socktober Mission Fun Day!

This year we are raising awareness for communities in Zambia and the money raised from our Socktober event will go towards helping give children access to food and education in the Diocese of Mpika, Zambia.

Your child/ren should have already brought a note home regarding Socktober and what to bring in as a donation for the afternoon fun fair.

These donations can be brought in any day between now and the 31st October.

Notes about the day:

- Students can wear out of uniform.

~ They will participate in soccer rotational activities, so sports shoes and hats must be worn.

~ In the afternoon, we will have dessert food stalls, fair games, hair spraying and face painting run by different year groups.

~ Activities will range from 50c to $1 each. Children can bring money on the day or parents can pre-order coupon bracelets ahead of time via QKR.

- Music and movie areas will also be provided for free in the afternoon.

If you would like to know more about Catholic Mission's Socktober fundraiser, please click the link:

Important Dates Coming Up

Thursday 11^th December – End of Year Liturgy and Awards – 9:30am in the Church

Friday 12^th December – Year 6 Farewell Liturgy & Skit – Starting at 9:30am in the Church

Monday 15^th December – Infants Christmas Story & Whole School Carols – 12noon

• Students can wear Christmas clothing to school on the 15th December 
  

Message from the Primary Coordinator

Writing

When children write about real experiences – things they’ve seen, felt or done – their writing becomes more vivid and meaningful. Drawing on real-life events helps students make stronger connections between their ideas and the words they choose. It also builds confidence because they’re writing about something they know well.

In Week 1, our Stage 1 students had the perfect opportunity to do just that after their exciting excursion to the Reptile Park. They used their day’s adventures – from spotting scaly creatures to enjoying lunch with friends – as inspiration for their recount writing. Writing about a shared experience helped students practise sequencing events, using descriptive language and reflecting on their favourite moments.

Real-life experiences like this bring learning to life and help students develop detail, voice and emotion in their writing – key skills for becoming thoughtful, expressive writers.

Here are some examples of our clever Stage 1 writing!

Library News

Debating

Last Friday, Nina, Audrey, Matilda and Olivia represented out school magnificently at the Lakes Region Debating Competition held at St Paul's Catholic College. The adjudicators acknowledged their mature thoughts and ideas, the quality of their arguments and supportive evidence and they way in which they were able to rebut the opposing team's arguments. We could not be prouder of the students!  

Class News - 3B

This term, 3 Blue have been working resiliently to challenge our way of thinking and learning. Students have been exploring the 'living world' in science and exploring what flora and fauna need in order to be classified as 'living'. 

In Art, students have been exploring how to sketch objects by first finding the shapes within and then fleshing out the drawing with texture and the use of line to create masterpieces! Our wonderful shade area has been fostering our learning to find local living creatures to sketch and explore! We have also began composting in our school garden and collecting it daily from classrooms. 

Well done 3 Blue, for showing respect and the importance of caring for our beautiful environment. 

Kinder 2026 - Orientation #2

WOW Gallery

Come experience an immersive gallery comprised of artworks created by students of the Maitland-Newcastle Catholic Schools. Students were asked to create artworks based their personal interpretation of ‘Finding WOW in the Everyday - How ordinary moments can be extraordinary.’ 

A sensory room is also available for visitors to explore and express themselves. The experience will run in 30-minute sessions over the 2 days. 

The exhibition will then be open to the public from 3:00pm till 6:00 pm. 

At Lake Macquarie Multi-Arts Pavillion - 12-13 November 2025. 

Submissions close November 1st , so it is not too late to submit your artwork!

Kind Regards,

Taylah Vinson

Year 3 Blue Classroom Teacher

Buy your tickets here:

Diverse Learning Team News

As we approach the end of the year, our students are preparing for important transitions. For our 2026 Kindergarten students, we have enjoyed the beginning of their orientation visits. These visits are designed to make their start to school a positive and calm experience. Through classroom visits, play-based activities, and opportunities to meet their teachers and future classmates, our youngest learners begin building a sense of belonging before their first official day. These sessions help children (and families!) become familiar with the school environment, routines, and expectations.

For our Year 6 students, we have been able to, along with Anne-Marie Melocco (Learning Support Coordinator – St Paul’s), provide extra transition visits to St Paul’s High School as they prepare to move into high school. We recognise that this is a big step — academically, socially, and emotionally. In addition to formal orientation days at their new schools, these visits focus on managing change, building independence, and developing resilience.

Successful transition planning helps our students step into their next chapter feeling prepared, capable, and excited for what’s ahead.

Wishing you all a wonderful week ahead,
The Diverse Learning Team

Gifted Education News

Gem STEM - Minecraft EDU Competition

Our two GEM STEM Teams are very busy at the moment designing and building some new facilities for the AUS Open 2025 Minecraft EDU Competition that is being hosted by the Australian eSports League (AEL). Henry Gomez, Xavier Wallace, Audrey Tuck and Zac Budden have 4 weeks left complete the challenge. More details about the competition are available in the link below:

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Education

Rock and Water

Our Aboriginal boys in Kindergarten and Year One are participating in the Rock and Water Program this term. This involves learning about self-control, mindfulness and self-defence. This program, facilitated by Mr Hession, runs each Wednesday afternoon in the hall.

Strengthening Relationships – CSOMN Aboriginal Education

An Aboriginal Assembly, consisting of Aboriginal Education Teachers, was held last Wednesday at the CSO in Newcastle West. In the context of this Assembly, the strengthening of relationships between our Catholic High Schools and our feeder Catholic Primary Schools was emphasized. A range of benefits from this renewed focus include, but are not limited to shared educational, cultural and practical resourcing support. We now look forward to greater engagement with St Paul’s, Booragul through their Aboriginal Education Teacher, Mia Robertson.

Pastoral Care

Think Like an Owl- Solving Conflict Assertively

Conflict is a normal and healthy part of growing up. Whether it’s a disagreement over a game, a misunderstanding between friends, or a difference of opinion, learning how to manage conflict calmly and respectfully is an important life skill for children.

At school, we encourage students to solve problems assertively, that means standing up for themselves and expressing their feelings in a kind and respectful way, without being aggressive or giving in.

To help students understand different ways people respond to conflict, we use animal characters:

When children solve conflict like the owl, they:

• Use their words calmly to explain what they think and how they feel.
• Listen to others to understand their point of view.
• Work together to find a fair solution that everyone can accept.
• Ask for help from a teacher or trusted adult if they can’t solve it on their own.

We teach students to use simple strategies such as “Stop, think, speak”.  Pausing before reacting, thinking about what they want to say, and then communicating their needs clearly. We also remind them to use “I” statements, like “I feel upset when you take my ball without asking”, instead of blaming others.

By practising these skills, children build confidence, strengthen friendships, and create a more positive playground and classroom environment.

Families can support this at home by talking with children about how to handle disagreements, modelling calm communication, and celebrating when they solve problems respectfully.

Together, we can help our students think like an owl- kind, confident, and respectful problem-solvers who approach challenges with wisdom and care, making our school community a great place for everyone.

I am here to offer support to all students, and their families. If you feel there is anything I can do to support your child at school, please feel free to have a chat with your child’s class teacher or our learning support teachers- Mrs Courtney Albury & Mrs Courtney Porter, and they can get you in contact with me, or you can contact me via email at melissa.dobosz@mn.catholic.edu.au or 4959-1355.  

Wishing you a lovely week  

Mel Dobosz  

Pastoral Care Worker 

Garden Club

The Garden Club has been busy bringing our garden back to life! Composting has officially started again, with students turning and maintaining the compost each Monday and Wednesday. 3 Blue students collect the fruit and vegetable scraps daily to put into the worm farm and compost bins. 

We’ve also planted sunflowers and lettuce from seed, and everyone has been working hard to keep the garden tidy by weeding regularly. We’re looking forward to seeing our seedlings grow and our compost turn into nutrient-rich soil to use in future planting!

Sport News

School Fees Information

As we are nearing the end of the school year, we ask you to have a look at your school fee statement and organise to complete payments by November 30th. If you feel that this is unattainable please give us a ring at the school office and we will help you find a solution.

The collection of school fees is crucial to our ability to effectively provide quality education for our students. The fees go directly to paying for new technology, resources for the classroom, experiences for students such as excursions, costs of buses etc.

As always, if a family is experiencing financial hardship, it is imperative that you contact the school to make an appointment to meet and discuss school fees, so that a payment plan can be arranged and families are supported.

Thanks

Susie and Gina

Volunteering at SJKB

We regularly need volunteers for various roles within our school. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at our school, please follow the instructions on the link below:

PLUS

The PLUS Second hand clothing shop has been lucky enough to receive some wonderful offers to fulfill the orders. Thank you to the beautiful ladies who have volunteered and sort out the orders once a week.

If you can send an email to admin@kilabenbay.catholic.edu.au with your request and the office will pass it on to the volunteers. If the item is in stock we will send it home with the details for Qkr payment.

We have wide selection of secondhand uniforms available.  All uniform items are $5 and jackets are available for $10, so please make use of this service. 

New hats can also be ordered through the office and paid on Qkr.

PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR CHILD'S NAME AND CLASS in the message as our volunteers do not have access to the different family surnames to make connections to students - therefore use your child's name first, then your name, especially if different surname. 

Thank you!

THE PLUS TEAM

Canteen News – Including Volunteer Roster

We are seeking new volunteers to help in the canteen.  With our new lunchtime the volunteers are only required to be here between the school drop off time and 11.15am.We ask any new or current Parents or Grandparents if if they could offer a couple of hours once or twice a term in the canteen so that the children can receive this service. They will love you being here too!

Qkr cut off times have been changed recently so please ensure Qkr orders are placed before 8.00 am each day.

If you would like to volunteer please call or email admin@kilabenbay.catholic.edu.au

Term Planner

Good For Kids

Christmas Notices

Guitar Lessons

Community Notices