Over the weekend many of us have been captured watching the 2024 Olympic Games held in Paris. Even on the other side of the world the Olympic Games captures attention of us here in Australia. I sit in admiration and pride as I watch the athletes achieve their dreams. The story of every athlete is appealing and different as is their journey to be

Chloe Covell-14 year old skater from Australia- throughout her routine falls off the board, she brushed herself off and gets up ready for another try.  

Ariane Titmus - 24 year old (local legend), born in Launceston, moved to Queensland as a 14 year old with her family to try to achieve her potential. Over the weekend, became the first woman since Dawn Fraser to defend her title in the 400m freestyle.

Jess Fox - a world champion but desperate for a Gold Medal in the K1 event. Waiting and watching her fellow competitors anticipating a time that would mean she would ‘lose’ the gold medal. 

I am constantly amazed at the dedication and resilience of the athletes. I admire and respect the many years of training that they have endured. They have failed but continued to strive for their dream. I wonder about the team of supporters that they have behind them and the role that they have in the success of the individual. I wonder at the passion that each athlete has. I wonder when they discovered their talent and how and when they decided to nurture and persevere. I am thankful that we live in a country where we can strive to achieve our dreams. I am proud of being Australian and hearing our national anthem. I am reminded that being part of a team is what reaps the results. I will be among the many Australians, setting an alarm to watch, admire and celebrate the amazingness lessons that sport can teach us.

I acknowledge and frequently am grateful that I, too, are part of an amazing team,  the teaching team here at St Joseph’s Queenstown. A team that is resilient, passionate and dedicated.

Staffing News

We would like to welcome Ms Alice Karpiniec. Alice is taking all classes for PE and Health for the remainder of the year. Alice has recently been working in our Kinder space and we are excited to have her join our teaching team.

NAIDOC Week

Held across the country from 7-14 July 2024, NAIDOC Week will celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’s theme was Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud.

The theme honours fire as a symbol of connection to Country and the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture. As a catholic community, fire is also a symbol and reminder of God’s presence and gift to us. The importance of fire for First Nations peoples is something that unites us. As Catholic People we are called to be stewards to look after God’s Earth. Through a range of techniques, looking after the resources on the Earth is another unifying characteristic.

As schools in Tasmania are on holidays for NAIDOC week celebrations, as a school we celebrated NAIDOC week on Friday of week one. The celebrations began with a Mass, including prayers and readings reminding us of the importance to acknowledge, accept, and celebrate the First Nations People. We then gathered in our new fire pit area to participate in a smoking ceremony. The remainder of the day was spent  involving a range of cultural experiences with our guests Fiona and Jason as well as art/craft activities with Mrs Thompson. Each child made clap sticks, learning about how they were made, decorated and used. Students also constructed a paint brush from natural materials, a weaved necklace or threaded bracelet from traditional items.  

Vision and Mission

In 2024, as a school we have undertaken to create a new Vision and Mission.  This has involved consulting with staff and the board to craft a statement that summarises the purpose of our school.  A Vision unifies all parts of a school community with a single purpose.  Below is the vision that we have drafted.  We are keen for any feedback from the parent community.  Please contact the office or Teresa if you have any suggestions or improvements.  

Our school community strives to foster a sense of belonging as we teach, enrich, and nurture the joy of lifelong learning in all, guided by Catholic values.

Our next steps include the actions of what we as a community need to be doing to ensure our vision is visible.  Again, we invite the parent community to make any suggestions.

School Board News

The board met last night.  The following items were discussed.  

• Homework Policy
• Mission and Vision
• Staff Housing

Please contact any of the board members if you would like any further information on these items, or any other item/s to be raised.

Christian Meditation 

During this week teachers are engaging in professional learning in Christian meditation.  Christian meditation  is the process of deliberately stopping, silencing our bodies and minds to be able to focus on specific thoughts and reflecting on their meaning in the context of the love of God. Christian meditation aims to heighten the personal relationship based on the love of God by creating a window of opportunity for God to come and spend time and communicate with us.  The act of meditation is a difficult one to perfect as in our business we struggle to quiet ourselves as needed to then dedicate some time to just being with God.  As a staff, we are thankful to Sr Margaret Henderson, in teaching us about the environment necessary to promote and encourage Christian meditation in our school.  As we have been learning, all classes have been invited to participate regularly in Christian meditation. 

Upcoming Events

There are many weeks of events to highlight, prmote and celebrate school priorities.  These include, Science Week, Book week and Catholic Education week.  

Parents and Friends are invited to celebrate this week in our school by attending Mass on Friday 16th August.  The community is then invited to join us for a celebration in our assembly hall immediately after.

Book Week

Students are invited to dress up as their favourite (or one of) characters to participate in a parade on Tuesday 20th August. Parents are invited to watch the parade at 8.50am (weather permitting). Costumes do not need to be elaborate but all students are encouraged to participate.

Fathers Day
Save the date - Friday 30th August (8.30am - 9.30am) - Breakfast followed by activities. More details to follow.

With Kindness

Teresa

2024 TERM DATES

Term 1: 7th February - 11th April

Term 2: 29th April - 5th July

Term 3: 23rd July - 27th September

Term 4: 15th October - 17th December

2025 TERM DATES

Term 1: 7th February - 10th April

Term 2: 28th April - 4th July

Term 3: 22nd July - 26th September

Term 4: 14th October - 17th December

Food Drive

A huge thank you to all staff and families who donated to our SRC food drive! Last term King Billy dropped the food items into the Queenstown Vinnies Shop.