Filter Content
- Message from the Principal
- Class Teachers for 2022
- Catholic Identity and Mission in Our School
- An Invitation to the Christmas Eve Children's Mass
- Learning & Teaching in Our School
- Book Your Child's Best Start Interview and/or MAI Interview NOW!
- 2021 Award Recipients
- Student Awards
- The Wellbeing Team
- Sporting News
- News from the Enviro Team
- School Terms & Pupil Free Days for 2022
- St Joseph's OOSH & Vacation Care
- How to Purchase your child's School Uniform
- School Travel for 2022
- Newsletter Sponsors
I would like to thank everyone, students, staff and families who have supported the School throughout the Year. As we move towards the conclusion of the year, to our parents, caregivers and students who are leaving us, I thank you for the partnership you have had with our St Joseph’s family. And to all the families who I will see again in the New Year, including our new families, I look forward to welcoming you back to St Joseph’s.
Farewells
We are very sad to be saying farewell to some of our great staff members.
To Mrs Sammy Walters, all best in regards to the birth of your second child. We hope to see you back at St Joeys again soon.
To Mr Will Pollock, what a blessing you have been to us. We will all miss you and we wish you all the best next year at St Paul’s as Leader of Evangelisation.
To Ms Shelley Spurrier, thank you for the support you have given students and families. We wish you all the best for your new direction next year.
To Mrs Vicki Ashton, who will be taking Term One off. Have a great time, and we look forward to your return later in the new year.
To Mrs Monica Walker, who is taking 2022 off. Have a great year, and we hope to welcome you back in 2023.
To Mrs Alli O’Donnell, who after a long stint at St Joseph’s, is moving off to a new challenge. Thank you for all the support and knowledge you have given to St Joseph’s over the many years that you have been here. We wish you all the best.
And finally, To Mrs Marianne Debelle, who is retiring into the sunset. After many decades at St Joseph’s, you truly deserve your retirement. We all wish you the best as you embark on the next journey of your life. Thank you, and we will miss you.
To all these lovely people, we will miss you all. You will always be friends of St Joseph’s, and we wish you all the best for your futures.
As we move through Advent towards Christmas Day, I hope to see many of you celebrating Mass at this very special time of the year. Have a Holy and joyful family Christmas.
Growing Student Leaders Who Make a Positive Impact by Steve Francis, Lead Educator
Our world needs great leaders. For our schools to be great, we need great student leaders, because students follow students.
Great leaders seek to serve rather than be served. They seek to contribute to others and the World, rather than take what they can get. They set an example for others. They are kind and respectful. They seek to unite, rather than divide. They take positive action, understanding that simply having a badge doesn’t make them a leader. They work with others, because leadership is not a solo act.
Great leaders are committed to making a positive impact.
Accessed 23 Nov 2020 from: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgxwKjdqkKcRrHvLFGMmBTPpBbKdD
Using the statement above from Steve Francis, as a segway, it gives me pleasure to announce the newly elected School Captains for 2022;
Dylan Micallef
Taj Webber
Ruby McLeod
Zarli Kirkman Dates
I have great faith that these students will represent themselves, the students and our school in a mature fashion, with truth, honour, responsibility and respect.
Of course we cannot forget our 2021 Captains, who, as I have already mentioned, had to represent their peers in a very unusual year, which meant that many of the traditional responsibilities were not required to the same extent as previous years. In saying that, the four Captains held themselves with great poise and maturity, and took up the challenge of the position.
To our outgoing 2021 Captains;
Maddison Ball
Chelsea Darling
Ashton Kemp
Anthony Smith
I thank you.
As always, I thank you for your support in regards to your child’s ongoing learning.
Have a great Christmas break and see you in the new year.
Guy Campbell
Principal
‘Driving Excellence’
GOSPEL REFLECTION
The third Sunday in Advent shifts focus slightly from “preparing the way” to the celebration of new life and the birth of a Child. This shift is very much a visual act in many of our churches as the liturgical colour of vestments and banners have changed from purple to rose. The traditional name is Gaudete Sunday and it has a liturgical counterpart in Lent with Laetare Sunday. The significance of both celebrations is witness, hope, joy and encouragement.
There is a known phenomenon that couples celebrating the soon birth of a child experience. It is essentially a time of cleaning and clearing in preparation. It is a time of hope-filled joy, shared between the couple and it also makes it all very real!
Children provide us with a week by week “visual” of the stages of growth of our babies. In those first few months we count down the weeks and prepare the house for a new family member. Then at some point there is a change in focus from preparing for a child to the birth of a baby. This change is slight, however, comes with excitement, anxiousness, fear, tears, joy, apprehension and trepidation.
Christmas is just around the corner. There is so much that needs to be prepared. Our challenge is to find time now for a slight change in our preparations from simply experiencing the birth of a child in a manger over 2000 years ago to the wonder and awe of a God incarnated bringing a radical source of joy, love and light to lives darkened by despair and hopelessness.
THIS WEEK…
“You have come near, God-with-us… making of our heart a habitat of love”
(Joyce Rupp)
PRAYER
Emmanuel, God-with-us, draws us near and enliven our heart to the joy of Christmas.
Amen
Sourced from; https://www.vinnies.org.au/icms_docs/320527_Spiritual_Reflection_Guide_Sept_2020.pdf
2022 Class Transition will occur next Monday at 10.30am.
Teaching Staff 2022 |
|
Mrs Brooke Davies & Mrs Julie Miles |
Kindergarten |
Miss Lily Barrow |
Kindergarten |
Miss Taylah van Leeuwen |
Year 1 |
Miss Louise Daley & Mrs Nicole Edwards |
Year 1 |
Mrs Casey Micallef & Mrs Karly Edwards |
Year 2 |
Mrs Michelle Tarrant |
Year 3 |
Mrs Julie Chambers |
Year 3 |
Mrs Kate Darling & Mrs Julie Miles |
Year 4 |
Mrs Riitta Kytola & Mrs Karly Edwards |
Year 4 |
Mrs Judy Brady |
Year 5 |
Mr Adam Clay |
Year 5 |
Mr Tim May |
Year 6 |
Mrs Kathryn Foster |
Year 6 |
Catholic Identity and Mission in Our School
WITH MR WILL POLLOCK
Another school year has almost come to a close. What a strange and different year it has been!
Our annual Giving Mass was truncated this year, with only our Year 5 students being able to attend with their teachers. We were able to celebrate the election of our new School Captains for 2022 with a nice brief ceremony at the conclusion of Mass. Many thanks to Fr James for celebrating Mass for us. We were also able to showcase a small selection of the Christmas Hampers our school community gathered to be distributed to the needy in our community.
Speaking of Christmas Hampers, our school collected many overflowing hampers of wonderful goodies to be distributed to those in need within our community. Thank you to all of our families for your generosity.
This Monday we will be saying goodbye and good luck our Year 6 students with a Mass and presentation from 5.30pm. Families are asked to be at the Church by 5.15pm for a 5.30pm start time. There will a chance for photographs both prior to and after the Mass. All students are required to wear their full academic school uniform for this Mass. Parents and other family members are requested to follow the current Covid-19 requirements, such as signing in with the ServiceNSW app, wearing masks while inside the Church (for adults and high school children over 12) and following the distancing requirements within the Church.
Families can find Mass times for Christmas by clicking on this link.
Finally, thank you very much to the whole St Joseph’s community for welcoming me so readily these last 3 terms. Have a Merry and Holy Christmas and Happy New Year.
God Bless,
Mr. Will Pollock
(Assistant Principal- Mission)
Learning & Teaching in Our School
WITH MRS KRYSTAL BRADY
2021 has been a fabulous year for learning even through the interruptions of floods, school improvements and Covid-19. The students have all shown growth in themselves academically, socially, emotionally and in their faith. We are so proud of the resilience shown by our students, staff and families throughout the year. We look forward to commencing 2022 for a wonderful year of learning and fun!
Please book your child a Literacy & Numeracy Interview at the beginning of the 2022 school year. This gives the staff an opportunity to meet with your child and learn about their strengths and areas for development. This information is then used for our planning for 2022. We look forward to welcoming you all back!
I hope you enjoy a happy and holy Christmas and some much deserved time with your loved ones over the school holiday break.
Mrs Krystal Brady
YEAR 2 CREATIVE ARTS
Year 2 made special Christmas candles with Mrs Smith and Mrs Roberts. Special thanks to Mr Roberts for making all the timber bases for the students.
YEAR 5 PRACTICE COMMUNICATION & TEAM BUILDING
Year Five developed speaking and listening skills through a variety of activities today where they had to work in teams to practice communication and team-building. Through these activities, students learned the importance of respecting and listening to each other.
SEMESTER TWO REPORTS
Reports for Semester Two learning have been distributed today to students K-5. Year 6 reports will be handed out at their Farewell Mass next Monday.
Students have been working hard towards their learning goals this semester. Due to COVID-19 interruptions, the report will look different (similar to Semester One, 2020). A detailed comment will be provided for both English and Mathematics which describes your child’s progress in these specific Key Learning Areas. A General Comment and Engagement in Learning indicators are also included in the report. Please contact your class teacher if you have any questions about your child’s report.
Read LessBook Your Child's Best Start Interview and/or MAI Interview NOW!
YEAR 1-6 MAI TESTING 2022
Students in Years 1-6 will need to book their MAI testing interview for the beginning of the 2022 school year (Tuesday 1st February to Thursday 3rd February inclusive).
These assessments are an opportunity to get to know your child better. We are committed to giving your child the best possible start to the new school year and beyond.
These are student only appointments and parents are not required to attend. Parents are asked to drop off and collect their child at the the School Hall gates.
Please note this is not a full school day, students are not required to wear school uniform and students are only required to attend school for the duration of their assessment.
We ask that you provide a water bottle for your child to bring with them. If you child wears glasses, please ensure your child brings them to the appointment.
If you have any further queries please contact the school on 65 62 5501 or email kmpp@lism.catholic.edu.au
To book please click on the link below or visit www.schoolinterviews.com.au and use event code 7397m https://www.schoolinterviews.com.au/code/7397m
KINDERGARTEN BEST START INTERVIEWS 2022
Prior to the first day of Kindergarten, you will need to book your child's Best Start interview. These interviews are a relaxed opportunity to develop a relationship with your child and to identify their current literacy and numeracy skills. Appointments will be available from Tuesday 1st February to Monday 7th February. These interviews will be held at school for one hour and drop off and pick up will be at the hall gate.
To book your child's Best Start Interview go to www.schoolinterviews.com.au and use event code r4jev
Read LessCongratulations to the following students in K-5 on receiving an award. Each award recipient would have bought home an individual QR code so that parents can access photos of the Presentation. NB: Year 6 Awards will be presented at the Year 6 Farewell Mass next Monday 13th December at 5.30pm.
KINDGARTEN AWARDS
The Reading Encouragement Award |
Charlotte Edwards |
The IGA X-Presss Quiet Achiever Award |
Lennox Edwards |
Academic Excellence Award |
Kodhi Webber |
Outstanding Effort Award |
Ayva Battle |
YEAR 1 AWARDS
Jessica Hine Memorial Award | Amali Webber |
Nicole Cooper Memorial Award | Levi Males |
Parents & Friends Association Award | Liam Reynolds |
The IGA X-press Quiet Achiever Award | Indali Miller |
Academic Excellence Award |
Abella Raffaele |
Outstanding Effort Award |
Neelav Das |
YEAR 2 AWARDS
Parents & Friends Association Award | Evie Brady |
The IGA X-press Quiet Achiever Award | Madeline Battle Nevaeh Lewthwaite |
Academic Excellence Award |
Jack Brett |
Outstanding Effort Award |
Hallie Edwards |
Year 2 Swimming Awards |
Glydel Clarke |
YEAR 3 AWARDS
The IGA X-press Quiet Achiever Award | Zak Kane Astin Mackay |
Sports Award | Noah Davies |
Outstanding Effort Award | Heshma Lingamneni Terrence Liang Hope Kenah Spencer Atkinson |
YEAR 4 AWARDS
The Enviro Team Award | Kye Males |
The IGA X-press Quiet Achiever Award | Honorah-Jane Akee Mason Stever |
Academic Excellence Award | Baylin Flanagan Dhanish Lingamneni |
Outstanding Effort Award |
Charlotte Hegerty |
YEAR 5 AWARDS
Parents & Friends Association Award | Anugraha Biju |
Jack Clarke Memorial Award | Dylan Micallef |
The IGA X-press Quiet Achiever Award | Zarli Kirkman Dates Abbey Spokes |
Sports Award | Oliver Tamblyn Lakyah Bell |
Academic Achievement Award | Hamish Davies Oliver Tamblyn Ruby McLeod Ethan Layton |
Outstanding Effort Award | Eliza Piggin Dane Fisher Mitchell Clarke Levi Williams |
STUDENT AWARDS FOR WEEKS 9 & 10, TERM 4
CLASS |
MARY MACKILLOP AWARD Recognises Catholic attitude, behaviours & helping those in need |
ST JOSEPH Recognises positive actions witnessed within our school community |
CATHERINE McAULEY Recognises a growth mindset & effort in learning |
KE |
Thomas Simpson | Frankie Thurlow | Charlotte Smith |
KB |
Veronica Simpson | Mackenna Dillon | Charlotte Edwards |
1D |
Layla Fraser | Anna Prasanth | Amailia Brandt |
2K |
Quinn Woods | Madeline Battle | Evie Brady |
2D |
Saoirse Kennedy | Brax Matheson | Claire Meehan |
3M |
Addison Connors | William Clarke | Peyton-Maree Moor |
3D |
Londyn Sutton | Hope Kenah | Indy Hawtin |
4D |
Peter Eller | Orla Kennedy | Lily Vickers |
4T |
Peter Murray | Jasmine Toomey | Anysia Clarke |
5M |
Nell Westerman | Abbey Spokes | Jayden Van Kal |
5W |
Aiden Rudder | Grace Westerman | Sophie Smailes |
6A |
Xzanda Lewthwaite-Clarke |
Amay Freeman | Charlee Potts |
6B |
Bailey Hardie | Charlotte Latham | Macrae Pilbeam |
As 2021 is coming to an end the Wellbeing Team would like to wish you all a safe and happy holiday period. Shelley Spurrier will also be farewelling St Joseph's after 6 years of being the School Counsellor. Shelley would like to say thank you and farewell to the St Joseph's community.
If you or your child need support throughout the holidays please see the below services.
Parentline: 1300 1300 52 The Parentline is a telephone counselling, information and referral service for parents of children aged 0 to 18 who live in N.S.W. Any parent/carer can ring with no question or query being too big or small. They are open: Weekdays: 9am to 9pm Weekends: 9am to 4pm
NSW Mental Health Access Line 1800 011 511 is staffed by mental health professionals, the line gives NSW residents access to expert mental health advice, support and referrals for people dealing with a mental health problem and their families and carers.
Kids helpline: 1800 55 1800 Kids helpline is a free national telephone counselling service for kids 5 or older meaning kids can safely access it directly. I would suggest helping your child navigate it first to help them. Any parent/carer can also ring with no question or query being too big or small. The service is open 24 hours and they can also do web chat and email counselling.
Smiling Minds, Thrive inside is a special initiative to help you stay calm and healthy in the physical constraints of your home, while remaining calm and healthy inside your mind. Within this link you will find information and activities for all members of your family.Z-CUP HANDBALL COMPETITION
Congratulations to the following who won their division of the Annual Z Cup Handball Competition. Also well done to the Year 6 boys and girls who gave up their lunch time to umpire the games.
YEAR 3
Leyton Kemp & Heshma Lingamneni
YEAR 4
Alastar O'Donnell & Lily McConnell
YEAR 5
Dane Fisher & Ruby McLeod
YEAR 6
Bailey Rogan & Sybella Eakin
Worth noting that Bailey Rogan has won each year since Year 3!
SKIPPING DEMONSTRATION
TENNIS HOT SHOTS
SPORT IN 2021
Although we have had another year of interrupted sporting events, mostly outside the School, we still managed a very active year of sport at Joey's. All children progressed with their skills and are ready to hit the ground running in 2022.
Congratulations to those who have won sports awards and reached representative level with limited opportunities.
Thank you to all parents for supporting our activites by sending children to school with appropriate uniform, footwear, bikes, scooters, swimmers, rash shirts etc.
I look forward to a busy 2022.
Merry Christmas from Mr Watts
Indigenous Bike Safety Workshop
Read LessWONDER RECYCLING REWARDS FOR SCHOOLS
Pictured are some of our Year 4 students with the rewards we were able to redeem this year.
We have had early notification that this program will run again in 2022 so start collecting now!
The Collection Bin is located in the Canteen foyer. Click here to find out more!
RECYCLING AT ST JOSEPH'S
Listed below are items we currently recycle at St Josephs:
- Printer cartridges
- Used stationary (plastic whiteboard markers, textas etc)
- Mailing bags
- Used Batteries
- Preloved glasses
- Oral care products
- Used stamps
- Mobile phones
- Return and Earn 10c containers
St Joseph's OOSH & Vacation Care
Joey’s welcomes students from Kindergarten to Year 6 from all schools in the Macleay Valley and surrounding areas. We provide high quality Before School, After School and Vacation Programs.
Joey’s is located in two dedicated classrooms on our St Joseph’s Catholic Primary Campus. The Program is headed by a qualified teacher and is supported by dedicated and experienced staff who plan and manage programs that offer both fun and educational activities.
The Before and After School Care may cost as little as $3 per day after the child care subsidy and Vacation programs as little as $8 per day. You can make both casual and permanent bookings.
To find out more and to explore the enrolment process visit our website at https://www.kmpplism.catholic.edu.au/out-of-school-hours-care
How to Purchase your child's School Uniform
Applications for student bus travel in 2022 opened on Tuesday 12 October 2021.
Students who need a travel pass for 2022 can apply now. A new application will need to be submitted if they are applying for a school travel pass for the first time, or if they are requesting an additional travel entitlement as a result of a new shared parental responsibility situation (e.g. joint custody).
Students who change address, school, campus location, or who have repeated a year or received an expiry notification from Transport for NSW for their school travel entitlement should renew or update their details before the end of term 4. This will ensure that schools can endorse applications and current entitlements are updated and remain valid.