Important Dates Thursday 9th April * Last day of Term 1 Friday 10th April * Good Friday Monday 27th April * Term 2 commences

ST JOSEPH’S PRIMARY SCHOOL

85 Larmer Street NARRANDERA NSW 2700 PO Box 248 Telephone: (02) 6959 2238 Email: sjn-info@ww.catholic.edu.au Website: www.sjnww.org

25th March 2020 NEWSLETTER 9/2020 Term 1—Week 9

As we reach the halfway point of Week 9 Term 1 2020, we would like to say thank you to all the parents of St Joseph’s. The way that you have supported the staff of the school and the calm way you have approached all of the chaos which has been created by this COVID-19 pandemic is an absolute credit to you. Thank you for taking in your stride the numerous emails you are receiving and for providing permission around issues like technology so quickly. Please be ensured that all staff continue to work hard to provide a positive learning environment for your children whether that be through online platforms or face to face. Thanks for your continued support. Last week Steph Cooke visited the school to meet with staff and students and to learn more about our school. Tom Williams in Year 3 recognised Steph as soon as she walked into the classroom and was able to provide her with lots of information about her role as an MP as well as previous times that he has met her. Great work Tom.

We would like to take this opportunity to welcome Mark Sykes to the staff at St Joseph’s. Mark is our new Teacher Assistant replacing Angela O’Mahoney. Please make Mr Sykes feel welcome if you see him around the school.

On Tuesday we had our existing flag pole moved and a new one installed so that we can now fly both the Australian and Aboriginal flags. Thank you to Darren Light and staff at W. Clarke & Sons for their assistance with this project

Bernadette Irvin &

Anita Stibbard

Please note: There will be NO school

banking until further

notice.

There will be NO school canteen for

the rest of the term.

There will be NO mobile library until

further notice

Kids Camp Out has been

cancelled

To the following students who are celebrating their birthdays over the coming week;

Madisyn Bengston, Isaac Gordon, Cohen Tunks, Adelaide Partridge & Archie Powell

We hope you have a fantastic day!

WEEKLY AWARDS

Congratulations to the following students who received awards in Week 8;

Year 5M: Bellah Longford, Charli Church

Year 5F: Harry Taylor, Noah Purtill

Year 4S: Ethan Hoffmann, Grace Whyte, Ashton Whitby

Year 4B: Ryan Broad, Declan Ragen, John Hallam

Year 3SJ: Eden Folker, Amelia Ragen

Year 2P: Erik Light, Sierra Parker-Eade, Kabe Flanagan

Year 1G: Hilton Hill, Laikyn Williams

Kinder: Cooper Mimmo, Joe Irons, Grace Higgins-Bevan, Kobyn Tindale, Luca Quinn

Positive Behaviour Awards: Vincent Davis, Abby McLean, Max Smith, Isla Donaldson,

Chelsea Lawrence, Jai McNaughton, Eden Lilford, Jess Wright, Zoe McLean, Taj de Legh

As you have already been made aware our Colour Explosion Fun Run has been

postponed until later in the year. Students may continue to raise funds as the fundraising

period has been extended until Friday 3rd July, (last day of Term 2).

The new date will be advised once details become available.

Thank you for your patience at this time.

Family Mindfulness Schedule

Mindfulness, simply put is being focused on the present moment. This skill

improves emotional awareness and reduces stress. A parent can help their child

achieve mindfulness by modelling mindfulness themselves or by teaching their

child to focus on the present moment.

Below and in the coming weeks you will find mindfulness techniques you can

practice with your child during a busy daily routine. Focus on doing one technique

very well each day, rather than trying to do to many.

Waking up

Five sense: With your child, take a few moments to explore the morning through

your sense. Take turns naming things you see, hear, feel, taste, and smell. Try to

notice things you would normally tune out, like the distant buzz of a neighbour’s

lawnmower, or the softness of a pillow.

Body Scan: Starting with your toes and working your way up to the top of your

head, notice the sensations in each part of your body. For example, notice the

feeling of clothing resting on your legs, tension in your muscles, or cool air on

your face.

Source: therapistaid.com

25 March 2020

Dear Parishioners of St. Mel's,

As you are well aware by now the Australian Government has enforced the closure of

many public facilities, including places of worship. This has affected us here at St. Mel's.

Therefore, as of midday Monday 23rd of March, all public worship at St. Mel's has been

indefinitely suspended i.e. Mass, Stations of the Cross, Rosary, Holy Hour's, Parish Council,

Chosen Youth, Legion of Mary, Men's Group and so on.

Funerals, baptisms and weddings will have limited numbers of people, in accordance with

Government regulations. I understand that this news is very distressing for you.

I will still Offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass each day, but privately in the church. I will

remember and pray for you all at the altar each day.

What can you do?

1. I have been encouraged to leave the church doors open each day for people's private

worship, being mindful of the physical distancing requirement of 4 square meters per

person. Please come into St. Mel's and pray!

2. Confessions will still be available at the regular times:

- Friday 4.30-5.30pm

- Saturday 9.30-10am & 5-5.45pm

3. Personal Prayer: Please continue to pray, especially at the time when you would

usually come to the Saturday Vigil or Sunday Mass e.g. pray the Rosary as a family, Bible

readings, Divine Mercy Chaplet, novenas, private meditation etc.

I will ring the church bells at 6pm Saturday and 9.30am Sunday to remind you that Mass is

about to commence. I pray that this will motivate you to pray with me at home during

those times.

I will be available for spiritual direction or counselling for anyone who would like it. Please

contact me personally in the Parish Office or by phone to make an appointment: 6959

2080.

Finally, as you can imagine, bills for St. Mel's church will not cease and without the

collections at Mass our income will depend solely on those who have set up direct debit

from their accounts. If you would like to, and are able, we would appreciate any

contribution you can manage.

Our Bendigo Bank account is: BSB 633 000 Acc no. 126 708 338.

The CoronaVirus will pass and things will get back to normal. But, in the meantime, let us

pray that this pandemic will be contained quickly.

God Bless you,

Fr. Bradley Rafter S.T.B

Parish Administrator of St. Mel's, Narrandera