As Mother's Day draws near, it's not just about showering our own mothers with gratitude – it's a moment to recognise the impact of all those who embrace the role of motherhood.  It's a time to consider how we, as a society, can uplift and support mothers everywhere. As we prepare for Mother's Day on Sunday, 12th May, let's celebrate the varied relationships we have with the many women in our lives.

The Catholic Church provides with a model of an amazing mother, that models motherhood perfectly. Mary, is the mother of Jesus; a pivotal and inspirational female in the Catholic Church. So what can we actually learn about motherhood from Mary?   

1. Motherhood is about embarking on a whole new life

Mary had to give up everything she had known and had to enter into a different world to become the Mother of Jesus. Mary could have refused God’s request to be the mother of Christ. 

All mothers continue to make sacrifices for their children. 

2. Motherhood is about striking a balance between protection and freedom

In the biblical story where Jesus goes missing for three days (Luke 2:41-52), we can imagine how worried Mary would have been about her son. She spent three days searching for him and eventually found him in a Temple in Jerusalem speaking with the elders. 

This balance of providing freedoms and safety for our children is a constant juggle.

3. Motherhood is about letting go

Mary’ story highlights how hard motherhood can be. She saw her own son put to death. As a mother, Mary had to watch her own son go through horrific pain, unable to help him. Even trusting that Jesus’ death was part of God’s plan, it must have been so difficult. 

During the month of May we think about Mary and her love for us and her love for God.  She was so unapologetic in her ‘Yes’ to God and we remind ourselves of this Yes and her trust an willingness to trust in God’s plan.  We take prayer moments throughout the month to reflect and honour Mary, Jesus and our Mother.

On Sunday 12th May we reflect and show gratitude for the Mothers and motherlike influences that we have had in our own lives.  I hope all Mothers in our community feel the love and thanks from their families on this day dedicated to you.

Holiday work

Over the holidays all classrooms were installed with new televisions.  The televisions are an essential way that we teach each day.  We use them as part of the daily reviews as well as for explicit teaching.  

The kinders have had a few new instalments in their outside space.  The most popular being the traffic lights for when they are playing on the bikes.

Music was gifted some new guitars and drums which immediately became part of the teaching for students.

Camp

This week our 5/6 students head to camp at Camp Clayton. Here they will spend time deepening relationships and challenging themselves.  We are very thankful to Dylan Semmens, Krystie Reynolds and Barry Jones who are supervising them over this time and look forward to hearing the story of their adventures on their return.

Uniform

As we head into Winter uniform for Term 2 and 3, a reminder about the expectations. Students are permitted to choose to wear the sports uniform or the traditional winter uniform. Both of these options rely on the students wearing black shoes (sneakers or leather). If students choose to wear the  winter uniform they are not required to wear a tie.

The school uniform shop provides a service for parents by stocking all items of the approved school uniform, except for shoes and sports shoes, at minimum possible prices. The shop also maintains a pool of good second-hand uniform clothing.

• Girls dress length should be knee length or within five centimetres of the knee.
• All members of the school staff are conscious of their role in implementing this policy by setting an example in their own neatness and appropriateness of dress and by ensuring that children are neatly attired when participating in any school activity.

With Kindness

Teresa

Term 1: 7th February - 11th April

Term 2: 29th April - 5th July

Term 3: 23rd July - 27th September

Term 4: 15th October - 18th December

Blue Gum have had a great start to term two. We have been learning about the number five and started looking at shapes. We got some new traffic lights for our bike track. We love playing with the traffic lights. Last week we spent some time in the Library, the children love going and reading books. 

On Friday 3rd May, Sassafras visited to Lyell Wing. This was the first time for this group of students and they were amazing! They did some beautiful singing of 'These Hands' and 'A School Prayer' by Andrew Chinn. Students showed some of the work they have been doing in class. They showed their penguin artwork they made after learning about the letter p. Students paired up with a resident  and they participated in some colouring-ins together. 

During term 1, King Billy learnt about Australia's federation and the different roles people played in helping Australia become a nation. On Monday, we presented our presentations to the class on influential people that helped bring the colonies together to form Australia. 

Now in its 25th year, National Walk Safely to School Day (WSTSD) is an annual event when all Primary School children will be encouraged to walk and commute safely to school. It is a Community Event seeking to promote Road Safety, Health, Public Transport and the Environment.

When kids walk to school, they improve their health, gain independence and confidence, and arrive at school ready to learn. A Walk to School Day event is a simple starting place for getting students started safely walking to school, and introducing schools, families, and community groups to Safe Routes to School.

St Joseph's will be participating in this event on Friday 10th May.  We will meet at 8.30 am at the undercover area at the carpark near the train station and walk together up the street.  All families are encouraged to be involved with families joining us for the walk.  If the weather prevents us from participating on the 10th, a cancellation will be made via Compass before 8am, and we will postpone it to the following week. 

Every child that participates will get a tattoo to promote their participation in the event.  Hope to see you all there.