Filter Content
Dear Parents and Carers
It is hard to believe that we are at the halfway point of the term!
Almost 12 months ago I was writing to you during the devastating floods that we were experiencing. This week we have watched other communities go through similar devastation and I know that many of you will feel for those communities but also feel some anxiety watching the weather closely here.
It is important for us to remember that our children have been through many stressful experiences over the past few years. I saw this post on Facebook this week from Donna Ashworth and thought it was well worth a share.
KEEP YOUR DOOR OPEN..................
Finally seeing light at the end of a two-year tunnel they are now hearing talk of war.
Their minds are absorbing everything they hear and see on the news and in the playground, and if you think those worries do not run deep, you are wrong.
You see, to them the world is a shaky place.
Not to be relied upon.
Things can change overnight and this they know very well.
Bad things can happen. It is, and has been, their reality.
So, what can we do?
We can talk.
Talk until there are no words left to be said and then when that point is reached, hug.
Keep a calm environment, make safety, and love the aim of life right now.
But above all, keep your door open. Do not berate little visitors at night.
Do not expect perfect teens with sunny dispositions and for the love of all that is reasonable, do not expect academic achievement.
This is huge to them and comes hot off the back of a traumatic and frustrating time.
They are kids.
Teachers, carers, parents…
Keep your door open.
Donna Ashworth https://www.amazon.co.uk/.../ref=cm_sw_r_em_api_glt_i...
Art by Lucy Campbell Lucy Campbell #kids #teachers #mums #women #parents #talk
COVID Update
I am so pleased that we have been able to begin to ease restrictions in the school. You would have seen in my note last week, that we are now able to welcome visitors back on to our school grounds. We are very excited to welcome parents and carers back on site and have some wonderful events planned during the rest of the term. Keep an eye our for these and we hope you can join us.
COVID is still active in our community, and we are asking that if your child is sick, please keep them home. If you require RAHT tests or any support, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Ash Wednesday Liturgy
This week we were able to gather in the hall for the first time in a very long time. Our Year 3 students hosted a beautiful Ash Wednesday Liturgy, and it was so special for us to gather as a school. For Catholics, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent and our preparation for Easter, it is an opportunity for us to reflect on ourselves and what we can do to become better people and how we can serve others better.
It is the small things that you notice during these events. For the first time in over 12 months, we have been able to sing together as a school. I was watching the students from the back of the hall, and it was like a small pebble being thrown into a still pond with the ripples slowly moving outwards. Slowly but surely our students started to join in the singing, it was a very special moment to witness.
School Fees
Annual School Fee Statements were issued to parents yesterday. If you are ever in the situation that you are struggling to pay your fees, please make a time to see me and I am more than happy to come to an agreement which supports you.
Complaints and Grievances
Staff make decisions every day and many are directly concerned with your child.
Professional judgement, educational guidelines, school policies and experience are just some of the factors used to frame these decisions. However, what is consistent in all decisions is the genuine care the staff have for your child and the fact that they always have their best interest at heart; regardless of whether it is rewarding a positive action or giving a consequence to an inappropriate choice.
With that said I accept that not all decisions, although made with every good intention, are absolutely 100% correct and from time-to-time disagreements and conflict may arise which may result in complaints and grievances being expressed. St Joseph’s, like all schools – in fact most workplaces have a “Complaints and Grievance” Policy. In short, it outlines appropriate and acceptable procedures to express dissatisfaction, so that mutual respect and fairness are ensured and that the dignity of those involved is maintained. I stress that the office foyer is not the place to display anger and frustration.
All matters should be dealt with in a calm manner and preferably in a quiet place. A copy of the Complaints and Grievance Policy is available on the school website and by request from the school office.
Become a Volunteer
Are you interested in becoming a volunteer at school??
If so, the volunteer paperwork has finally shifted to online and is much more simple for our families that want to volunteer. All you have to do is click on the following link; https://www.mn.catholic.org.au/people/volunteer/
Children's Universty
This year we will be participating in the Children’s University again. The Children’s University is a program that is run by the University of Newcastle and is open for children from Year 2 to 6. The program encourages students to connect new learning opportunities and discover education events and experiences at home, in their local and regional areas. All children receive a passport book that records these experiences and children work towards a minimum of 30 hours to be able to join the Graduation ceremony in Term 4. The cost of the program is $20. If your child is interested in joining this program, please ask them to get a note from the office.
Premiers Reading Challenge
Parents can find more details including the rules and tips at http://www.premiersreadingchallenge.nsw.edu.au
If your child is interested in participating in the Challenge please ask them to speak to their teacher so that we can register them for the challenge.
Please join me in saying a prayer for those communities that have been devastated by floods, may they find solace in the community that is rallying around them to help them to rebuild their lives.
God Bless
Making Jesus Real - Values of the Week
Week 7 - I am a bucket filler
Week 8 - I play safely
Prime Minister Award
‘ Being a steward of creation’, ‘trying your best’, ‘speaking with kindness’ and ‘ being a responsible learner’ are some of the qualities that teachers consider when awarding ‘Prime Minister’ at our weekly assembly. It is an acknowledgement of the student’s efforts and they have the privilege of wearing the badge with honour, of suggesting a focus the school can work on, award Gotchas to other students at lunch time as well as earning Gotchas for themselves. Congratulations to Lewis Downie (Week 6) and William Robinson (Week 7).
MJR Awards
As part of our MJR system ,we acknowledge that the following students, Ridhima Vineeth has reached 100 Gotchas, Susannah Healy, Savannah Hagarty, and Matilda Ryan have reached 200 Gotchas and Nic Pereira has reached 400 Gotchas. Well Done!
Dio Swimming Carnival
On Tuesday 22nd February 7 students travelled to Lambton Pool at Newcastle for the Newcastle/Maitland Diocesan Carnival.
The students participated in a variety of events and represented the Manning Region wonderfully. Our students were well behaved and extremely tired after a big day of travel and swimming. Well done and congratulations to our Diocesan representatives. Eleanor Healy, Savannah Hagarty, Scarlet Sheather, Riley Knoke, Charlie Crittenden, Caitlin Watters and Adena Campbell.
What I like about Year 6....
Lara Prior
Being in Year 6 is really fun. I love having a buddy and I love doing the school work. We did a dot painting with Aunty Kylie, it was fun. Thank you Aunty Kylie.
Caitlin Watters
I love being in Year six! I think the best part is seeing my buddies everyday and having myjobs. Year six is so fun!
I had lots of fun doing dot painting with Aunty Kylie, I did two dolphins with thick blue paint thin white paint and green paint. Thank You Aunty Kylie!
Adena Campbell
I love being in Year 6, there is so much to do. When our kinder buddies started, I was soexcited. We also did our beginning year liturgy where we got our badges and Year 6 shirt.During the term we did dot painting with Aunty Kylie it was so fun. I did a koala. We werepainting and drawing. THANK YOU SO MUCH AUNTY KYLIE!!!
Molly Pattison
Being in Year 6 has a lot of jobs and having a kinder buddy is fun. The other day we did a dot painting and it was so much fun to do.
Harry Macmillan
My buddy Aria O is a kind, caring and energetic little girl who loves to play. As soon as I knew I got into Dio I was very happy with my self and what I achieved in swimming.Thank you, Aunty Kylie, for helping me with my painting.
Dulki Hollis
Year 6 has been great. Health hustle is good, the kinders are fun and I can’t wait for year 6 camp.
Tye Galea
Year 6 has been very busy, we have to do dance! But I like spending time with my buddy.We are doing a Year 6 liturgy and we get a leader shirt and a badge.
We did dot paintings with Aunty Kylie and thank you Aunty Kylie.
Destiny Mastop
Although being in Year 6 is cool, it brings on an enormous amount of responsibilities that I wouldnever have thought of. The responsibilities are starting to place pressure on us which encourages us to just power through.
Shane Clarke
In Year 6 there are so many things to do. I like helping your buddies and doing dot paintings.
Oska Reid
Year 6 is a big role in our school but I think I fit the role just right. My buddy Nicolas is just like me when I was his age shy, quiet but energetic on the inside.
Zac Wall
Having a little buddy is fun because they're really energetic.
Sam Raison
Year 6 is AWESOME, I've had so much fun with Mrs Cleaver and my classmates already! Dot painting was so much fun, drawing and painting on canvas! Thanks to Auntie Kylie forgetting it organised.
Isak Van Der Merwe
In Year six there are so many things to do. Year six is so much easier than I anticipated. Dot paintingwas a lot of fun thank you Aunty Kylie.
Lewis Downie
Year 6 has been amazing so for, it has been fun practising all our dances and playing with our buddies. Thank you to Auntie Kylie for helping us dot paint on Friday it was fun and enjoyed it.
Cooper Nowlan
So far Year 6 has been busy because we have been practising for the beginning of year liturgy. Doing the sports shed is the best job ever. We did some dot paintings, I painted a shark it was fun. Thank you, Aunty Kylie
Nicholas Pereira
I am looking forward to having fun with our buddies. I am ready to be a Year 6 leader.Thank you for working with us on our paintings.
Kyran Lewis
It has been fun being in Year 6, we have so many jobs to do.
Jakayla Minns
I love being in year 6 because I have lots of jobs and two buddies. Thankyou Aunty Kylie forthe aboriginal paintings.
Year 1 Artists.........
Year 1 has been learning about still life art. They have sketched their own version of Van Gogh's Sunflower painting in 2D and then created a 3D sunflower.
Baby Congratulations!
We are happy to announce that Mrs Grace Fraser and Jock welcomed "Billy Matthew", born 24th February. A little playmate for Luke. Congratulations on your new addition to the family. We cant wait to meet Billy soon!
Uniform Check in
At St. Joseph's, we actively encourage students to take pride in their appearance and to dress in the correct uniform at all times. You can support us by ensuring your child has the correct items and wears them daily. If you have a question about uniform, please contact the school office.
Winter Uniform: Winter Uniform changeover will be early in Term 2. The date is yet to be confirmed. Orders will open soon. Please contact the office if you would like an order form sent home or place an order through our website.
A few points to note:
Shoes: Students must wear black leather, traditional or boot style school shoes that can be polished. Sport shoes should be worn on the allocated Sport Day. Suede or canvas shoes are not acceptable at any time.
Jewellery: Students who have pierced ears should wear one set of studs, for safety, however small sleepers are acceptable (plain gold or silver). No other visible jewellery should be worn, except watches.
Socks: Summer uniform - Girls wear short (above the ankle) white socks. Boys wear short (above the ankle) grey socks and short (above the ankle) white socks on sport day. No anklets/ low cut socks or socks with logos are permitted.
Hair:
- Hair is to be neat and well groomed.
- No brightly coloured hair dye, that is in contrast to the students natural hair colour, shall be used.
- Any parts of the head shaved shall be at a ‘number 2’ barber’s comb or above.
- A small, exaggerated part-line within the hair is acceptable but no other lines or markings within the hair.
- Students with long hair (i.e. hair determined to be long enough to be pulled back into a pony tail or such) must have hair of a consistent length all the way around the head.
- Students with long hair (as determined above) must have hair secured back from the face for safety and hygiene reasons.
- School coloured (Navy, gold and / or white) hair bands or ribbons should only be used.
- No other forms of ‘extreme’ hairstyles (as determined by the school executive) are acceptable.
Kerrie Renee Dance Studio are taking enrolments for 2022 for their Wingham & Taree classes. Classes on offer are for all ages and include Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary and also a Pre-School program which introduces children to the world of dance.
We also accept Active Kids & Creative Kids vouchers!
There are numerous discounts to cater for students in performance classes and for those choosing to do multiple lessons. And if you have more than one child wishing to dance we also offer discounts for siblings. Check us out on Facebook, Instagram or www.krdancestudio.com or call 6553 1206 or 0450 704 544 for more information.