St. Joseph's Primary Penshurst.

At St. Joseph’s Primary School we pay our respects to the traditional owners of the land, the Kolorer gunditj people and pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.

The area around Mount Rouse is the country of the Kolorer gunditj clan of Aboriginal people. Their title is derived from their name for Mount Rouse which is Kolor. The permanent spring that is now located within the Penshurst Botanic Gardens was a traditional meeting place for Aboriginal people in the region.

Dear St Joseph’s Community,

It is with bittersweet emotions I announce my decision to resign as Principal of St Joseph's Primary School at the end of the school year.  I have accepted an offer for a new professional opportunity as principal at St Patrick's Camperdown. My new position will begin with the commencement of the 2025 school year.

Leading this beloved school has been an incredible honour. I am truly grateful for your trust, support, and the joy of being part of such a special community. On reflection of my three meaningful years as your Principal, I am filled with gratitude for the journey we’ve shared. These years have been marked by professional growth, collaborative initiatives, heartfelt memories and high community engagement, all of which have made my time here truly fulfilling.

I am incredibly thankful for the trust, support, and genuine connections that have shaped our school community. Leading our school has been both a privilege and a joy, and I will always carry with me the special memories of the wonderful children and adults that make the St Joseph family.

In the weeks to come, I’ll work closely with DOBCEL to ensure a smooth, positive transition. My priority remains the well-being of our students and preserving the strong foundation we have built together.

Thank you for welcoming me into your lives and making these three years unforgettable.

Be sure to read on in the newsletter to find out more information about exciting events soon arriving including St Joseph's 150 year celebration, Graduation and staff appointments for 2025.

Take care and have a great week everyone.

Darren.

Our students will be visiting the Penshurst War Memorial.on Monday morning at 10.45 and participating in the Remembrance Day ceremony.  The students will place a poppy as a sign of respect. Parents are welcome to attend. 

1st Sunday of the Month = NO SERVICE.

2nd Sunday of the Month = 5pm Mass (Fr Paddy)

3rd Sunday of the Month = SAWS 8.30 am.

4th Sunday of the Month =  5pm Mass (Fr Paddy)

5th Sunday of the Month = NO SERVICE.

St Joseph's wishes to welcome Miss Cara Watt to our 2025 School Staff.

Miss Watt is exited to be teaching the Year 3-6 Class at St Joseph's in the 2025 school year.

Miss Watt joins us from St Malachy's Edenhope where she has been an integral part of their school for three years leading in roles of Learning and Teaching, Religious Education, Performing Arts, Digital Technologies and Learning Diversity.

Miss Forbes is also excited to be returning to teach in the Year F-2 Class at St Joseph's in the 2025 school year. Miss Forbes brings the valuable connection and experience with all school students. Her recent professional development in Structured Literacy and leadership role in Learning and Teaching will guide the schools curriculum pathway.

Towards the conclusion of the school year St Joseph's will acknowledge Mr Clifford's contribution to our school community as he has chosen to take a break from teaching.

  Term Four - Special Dates to Remember:

November:

Monday 11th November - Remembrance Day.

Saturday October 23rd - Penshurst Race Day - Volunteer fundraiser.

December:

Sunday 1st December - Penshurst Christmas Carols student participation.

Sunday 1st December - St Joseph's 150th Celebration Mass.

Wednesday 4th December - St Joseph's 150th Celebration afternoon.

Tuesday 10th December  - Statewide Orientation Day

Tuesday 17th December - Graduation Mass.

Wednesday 18th December - Students Final Day. 

Happiness is a term that captures a huge variety of positive emotions such as humour, serenity, optimism, joy, pride, inspiration, love and hope. Happiness means different things, to different people and is essential to your understanding of emotional literacy. Throughout history, philosophers, religious writers and poets have pondered on the meaning of happiness and how it might be achieved. In the last few decades, scientists and psychologists have researched this further by studying a field of science called positive psychology.

The result of this research suggests there is a strong correlation between gratitude and greater happiness. Practising gratitude helps you shift your focus to positive memories or experiences, noticing the good in your life. Over time, this will re-wire your brain to create new neural pathways, increase your state of happiness and overall wellbeing.

In this edition of SchoolTV, parents and care-givers will learn how to achieve happiness and the benefits of practising gratitude.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to the Happiness & Gratitude edition of SchoolTV https://sjpenshurst.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/happiness-gratitude