Laura Hatherly - Assistant Principal Mission
Troy Baker - Principal
Jeannine Ucdereli - Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching

Harmony Day

On Tuesday 21st March, we will celebrate Harmony Day at St Joseph’s by wearing a ‘splash’ of orange. We invite students to wear their regular school uniform and choose to wear something orange (such as orange socks, a ribbon, wristband, a badge or t-shirt). 

We will also be holding a fair-style showcase in the Hall, where students who have chosen to share something from their culture, will have a display set up. Parents are welcome to attend from 2:20pm.

Caritas Project Compassion - Water is Life

You can donate this Lent to help transform the lives of people living in poverty in your child's classroom or at the front office.

On Thursday 8th March, Year 3 explored the history of our local area through a visit to the Port Macquarie Heritage Museum, the Glasshouse Archaeology exhibit and special local Aboriginal history told to us by Nikki Parsons our Idigenous Education Worker (IEW) and local Elder, Uncle Frank. We are very appreciative for the support of our parents and carers who accompanied us on the day. Thanks to everyone involved in organising our walking excursion. We are looking forward to seeing what amazing projects Year 3 produces. 

Our Sacramental Candidates and their families from across the Parish, gathered at St Joseph’s last week for the first Reconciliation Workshop. Students and their families explored The Prodigal Son and The Beatitudes to support their journey in saying sorry and seeking forgiveness. We look forward to celebrating this special Sacrament with them in Week 9.

Diocesan Winter Sports Trials

On Friday 10th March selected students travelled to Grafton to compete in the Diocesan Winter Sports Trials. Congratulations to the following athletes who were selected to move on to Polding Trials in Tamworth on 28th April:

Diocesan Swimming Carnival 

On Friday 3rd March selected students travelled to Kempsey to compete in the Diocesan Swimming Carnival. Congratulations to Harry and Zoe Lawrence for making the Polding trials at Homebush on Thursday 30th March! We are so proud of all of our athletes who travelled up for the competition.

Cross Country

It is that time of year again! Our annual school Cross Country Carnival will take place on Tuesday 28th March (Week 9, Term 1) in and around Stuarts Park, Wood Street Port Macquarie. This carnival is for all students in Kindergarten to Year 6. Students will travel by bus to and from the park, leaving school at 9:15am. Kindergarten to Year 2 will return to school at 11:15am with Year 3 to 6 returning at 1:00pm. Please see the note emailed this week for the online permission link for your child to participate. If you would like to volunteer on the day please nominate yourself in the same online form.

Yours in Sport

David Lynch
Sports Coordinator

In the wake of the storm ‘microburst’ on Friday 3rd February that saw trees in our school (as well as in the wider community) be felled by the strong winds, many children that sought counselling support were concerned about the impact on our wildlife - especially the koalas that Port Macquarie is known for.

The Australian Psychological Society (APS) have recognised that environmental concerns play a role in the wellbeing of children as well as adults and have released a number of documents on coping with climate change that can be found here. 

Kelly Russell
School Counsellor

Together with their partners NSW Police Legacy has been producing the Child Safety Handbook for over 10 years. The Handbook aims to raise awareness about risks to children and steps that can be taken to protect and keep them safe.  The “NSW Police Legacy Child Safety Handbook” is a comprehensive and free resource to assist parents and carers on a range of topics essential to child safety.  

The updated digital edition (linked below) also includes important content updates from: NSW Rural Fire, NSW Ministry of Health, NSW Police Force, Fire and Rescue NSW, Transport NSW, State Emergency Services, NSW Department of Family & Community Services, eSafety Commissioner and NSW Office of the Children's Guardian.

Joeys Hosting 5pm Mass - Music and Hospitality Night 2023

Premiers Reading Challenge 2023 - Year 1 to 6

Liturgy of the Word Celebration Pray and Play - Kindergarten to Year 2

2023 Year 6 Camp warning note - information for parents and carers

Stations of the Cross and Church Visit - Year 6

Year 6 Camp 2023

Year 2 Science and Technology Term 1 2023

2023 Whole School Cross Country Carnival

2023 Hastings School Futsal Titles - Nomination_permission and medical details (Year 5 and 6)

Notification of Head Lice - Kindergarten

Out of Uniform Day for Project Compassion AND Easter Hat Parade 2023

Year 6 Going on Camp - A Guide for Families (with brochure)

Staff Development Day (Pupil Free) 06-04-2023 and Staff Spirituality Day (Pupil Free) 24-04-2023

Please note these dates can change from time to time due to unforeseen circumstances and we will endeavour to advise you of any changes at the earliest possible opportunity. Our school Google calendar can be accessed via this link for additional advanced dates -

For your convenience 2023 school term dates are listed below. They are also located on our website. Click on the words “TERM DATES” on the home page.