Imagine arriving at school and being met at the gate by Willy Wonka with your golden ticket for learning!
That’s exactly what students from St Joseph’s Primary School Kingswood experienced on their first day of school for 2019! By all reports this creative start to the year has already reignited students’ enthusiasm for learning.
St Joseph’s Principal Trish Reilly said both parents and students were excited about having Willy Wonka at the school. “He greeted all the children and asked them whether or not they had a Golden Ticket. When they said no, he said: “Well you can’t come to school but lucky I’ve got one I can give you!”
Starting the school year with this surprise visitor was a result of Mrs Reilly going to see Charlie and The Chocolate Factory during the holiday break. “I was inspired to create a golden ticket for the children as they came back to school to an exciting year filled with great learning,” she said.
Feedback from parents has been very positive. “The parents reported when they arrived at school and saw all the golden balloons and streamers, any butterflies in their children’s tummies disappeared. There was lots of laughter and any tension or anxiety disappeared when they saw Willy Wonka," Mrs Reilly said.
Many parents commented, saying: “It was such a lovely, warm and inviting welcome”; “This was a great idea: thank you, my daughters loved it”; “This was brilliant!” and “I love this school - it is so welcoming and everyone is so friendly. What a fun way for my son to start his schooling.”
Thank you to Tim Martin (AKA Willy Wonka), a great friend of St Joseph’s and a member of the Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta Performing and Creative Arts program Captivate team!
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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30 Sep 2025
From Facebook
During the term our Year 5 students were busy bringing their creativity to life! As part of their writing, they learned how to write play scripts and then designed and crafted puppets to represent the characters in their stories. With excitement and teamwork, they rehearsed and performed their plays — and our Kindergarten students were the delighted audience! It was a wonderful way for our Year 5s to share their learning, storytelling, and imagination, while giving our Kindy students a taste of the magic of performance.![668111002007048_1218551926962950-1]()
26 Sep 2025
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Year two have been writing procedures and what better way to test their accuracy than by following the procedures ourselves! 📝 We spent Tuesday morning conducting a range of procedures and we were all rewarded by getting to snack on what we produced.👩🏼🍳👨🏻🌾
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30 Sep 2025
From Facebook
During the term our Year 5 students were busy bringing their creativity to life! As part of their writing, they learned how to write play scripts and then designed and crafted puppets to represent the characters in their stories. With excitement and teamwork, they rehearsed and performed their plays — and our Kindergarten students were the delighted audience! It was a wonderful way for our Year 5s to share their learning, storytelling, and imagination, while giving our Kindy students a taste of the magic of performance.
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Year two have been writing procedures and what better way to test their accuracy than by following the procedures ourselves! 📝 We spent Tuesday morning conducting a range of procedures and we were all rewarded by getting to snack on what we produced.👩🏼🍳👨🏻🌾
25 Sep 2025
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Today our Year 5 students took part in their Formation Day as they begin their leadership journey. The day invited them to reflect on what it means to be a Christian Leader and how true leadership is not about power or recognition, but about service, kindness, and following the example of Jesus. Through prayer, reflection, and activities, the students explored how God is at the centre of every decision a leader makes and how being a leader means using the gifts of the Holy Spirit to guide their words and actions. This day is an important step in preparing them to be the Year 6 leaders of our community next year. We pray that they continue to grow in confidence and faith, always guided by the love of Christ and strengthened by the Holy Spirit.
25 Sep 2025
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Dear Playgroup Families. Playgroup will be unfortunately cancelled tomorrow, Friday the 26th of September. We look forward to seeing you all next term.
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On Thursday, St Joseph's was proud to support R U OK? Day. It is a National Day of action dedicated to reminding everyone that every day is the day to ask 'are you okay?' and support those around us. Both students and staff participated in this day and learnt how to offer support through the four step conversation framework- Ask, Listen, Encourage Action and Check In. A genuine conversation can sometimes have the greatest impact.
05 Sep 2025
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Year 5 have had a wonderful day at Scenic World! Students braved the cable car, skyway and railway – all with smiles and success. After a fun morning of adventure, we enjoyed a relaxed lunch in the park and are about to hop on the bus and head home. What a great camp experience it’s been. Please keep a look out for a Compass notification for our ETA for pick up.
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Year 5 have arrived at Scenic World and are ready to soak up the stunning views of the valley and admire the famous Three Sisters.
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After a great night’s sleep, Year 5 are up, fed, and ready for the day! They enjoyed a play at the park and are now on their way to Scenic World for today’s adventures.
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Year 5 finished their big day with toasted marshmallows around the fire – the perfect way to end a fun-filled day! Good night, parents – we’ll see you tomorrow!
04 Sep 2025
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Year 5 had an incredible day stepping back in time! Students tried their hand at gold panning, cooked delicious damper, made mud bricks, and even built tents. They explored the museum, listened carefully to our knowledgeable guides, and discovered so much about life in the gold rush era. To top it off, they joined in some old-time games — a perfect way to bring history to life!
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All here and accounted for! Year 5 are ready and excited to kick off their Bathurst Goldfields tour. A big day of exploring history, learning, and maybe even striking gold awaits!
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Basketball Gala Day Shout Out!! Congratulations to the Year 3/4 boys team – undefeated! A special mention to our Year 3/4 girls who placed 3rd in their division – an amazing effort!
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Our Year 5 students are all smiles this morning as they set off on their adventure to Bathurst Camp! Excitement is high as they look forward to a couple of days of learning, exploring and making memories together. We wish them a safe journey and a wonderful time!
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Basketball Gala Day! Yesterday was an action-packed day for our Years 3–6 students at the Basketball Gala Day! From fast breaks to strong teamwork, our students showcased their skills and determination. A huge congratulations to all who participated — you represented our school with pride and gave it your all.