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Welcome back to the 2022 School Year. It is a great privilege to be leading St Joseph’s Primary School in 2022 and it was with great excitement that I welcomed all of you back into the School last week.
Tuesday was also a very special day with our new Kinder students experiencing their first day at big school. It was great to see their smiling faces along with their parents and family members.
A special welcome to all of our new students and families joining us at St Joseph’s this year.
We also welcome fantastic new staff to our family, Mrs Brooke Davies, teaching Kinder, Miss Taylah Van Leeuwen, teaching Year 1, Mrs Kathryn Foster, teaching Year 6, and Mrs Ruth Nolan, who is our new School Counsellor.
Last week I spoke to the whole staff about Our Big Picture for 2022, which is to;
- Ensure we deliver, Excellent instruction, Every day, in Every class for Every Student,
- Guide each student through the ‘Fullness of Life’.
- Create a positive learning environment for all,
- Always remember that all students are capable of learning and achieving their full potential, and
- To nurture and educate all students in partnership with their families.
The Staff of St Joseph’s also know the importance that a strong parent partnership has in helping create positive and significant growth in your child’s life. Our staff make sure that the spirituality, social & emotional wellbeing and academic success of your child is always at the centre of a well-rounded education.
School to home and home to school communication is vital if we are all to ensure that your child’s spirituality, social & emotional wellbeing and academic success is an authentic partnership. As such, our St Joseph’s Facebook page, which can be found at https://www.facebook.com/stjosephskempsey/ , will remain a vehicle for positive messages and stories from Joey’s.
Staff email addresses are also available for you to make direct contact with your child’s teachers. These can be found on the School Website under the ‘About Us’ tab, ‘Staff’. A live School calendar is also available online. This can be accessed by clicking on ‘School Calendar’ in the upper ribbon on the Website, or through SZapp. The calendar contains Term dates, Staff Professional Learning (pupil free) days, and other important School events.
Assemblies this year will be again held fortnightly on Mondays (school weeks 1, 3, 5, 7 & 9) at 9.00am. Unfortunately, due to our current Term 1 COVID-19 Guidelines, parents are not allowed to attend assemblies, however, as soon as this changes, all families will again be welcome to attend. Our first assembly for the year at this point will be Monday the 14th February.
The School newsletter will continue to be published on Friday of every second week (school weeks 2, 4, 6, 8 & 10).
Family-School Partnership
Class teachers will shortly make contact with parents and caregivers by phone or in person, with the purpose of this conversation to inform parents on how their child has settled into the new school year. Parents will also have the opportunity to discuss with the Teacher any concerns they might have, and/or give the teacher information that he or she needs to better understand and support the child.
Formal Learning Conversations will be occurring on Wednesday 23rd March. Information about this will come home closer to the event.
School Photos
This week, all of our students had their 2022 school photos taken. While this was held over two days, we are aware that some students may have still missed having their photo taken due to being absent. This year, I have organised a third session to held on Friday the 18th February at school. Parents, today is the last day for you to place your photo orders online.
Parent Social Media Reminder from the Catholic Schools Office
It is quite common for parents to establish social media groups or pages to share information or connect with other parents in your child’s class and school community. Please be reminded that it is not permitted to establish a social media presence using the School's name or logo without written permission from the Principal. Any permitted social media pages/groups/accounts must adhere to the Schools and the Catholic Schools Office Diocesan Social Media Policies.
Drop-Off/Pick-Up Zone
A reminder to all parents that student drop-off in the mornings and pick-up at the conclusion of school is to occur within the designated School Drop-off Pick-up Zone, adjacent to the Hall. In order to minimise congestion and for safety reasons we ask that parents do not wait for children at this location, it is for quick and safe drop-off and pick-up only.
A Remind of the importance of keeping school and community members safe by:
- Parking safely and legally
- Always turning legally around the school
- Not double parking as it puts children at risk
- Not using manoeuvres such as U-turns and three-point turns
- Making sure your children use the rear footpath side door to get in and out of the car
- Reminding your child to stay buckled up until the vehicle has stopped in the drop-off and pick-up area
- Modelling calm, safe and considerate behaviour.
NOTE: Please be extra mindful of the Bus Zone and Disabled Parking Zones outside of the School and Church. Many parents have been fined for unwittingly entering these zones outside of designated times and/or without the appropriate permit.
Before School Care
A reminder that the School does not open until 8:30am, and does not have any supervision/duty of care for students on the grounds until this time. Knowing that for some families an 8:30am school drop off is too late and clashes with your own work start times, our After School Care Facility, (OOSH), includes Before School Care. This service will be available from 6:30am-8:30am on school days. Due to the availability of this service, school gates will be locked in the mornings until the arrival of the first bus. As such, parents and caregivers who need to drop students at school prior to 8:30am will need to register a place with Before School Care.
Regular playground supervision will begin as normal at 8:30am.
Kind Regards,
Guy Campbell
PRINCIPAL
Driving Catholic Education in the Macleay
GOSPEL REFLECTION
“Who Enters God’s Kingdom?”
Jesus is strongly saying that if you are poor, hungry, weeping, the kingdom of God is yours. Is this really possible? What does it mean? God is inviting us to express love to the marginalised in our communities. We may need to think about who the marginalised are.
As I reflect on this, I realise anyone who feels excluded from society because they lack the power, resources or skills to advocate for themselves is voiceless and so marginalised. In thinking about how much God loves the marginalised and those who are grieving and suffering, I am reminded of the story of a young woman who was diagnosed with MS. Her relationship with her partner had broken down, and she needed to go into the hospital for ongoing treatment. Her grief at her body not functioning as before, which made her unable to look after herself and her children, was profound. This woman’s identity was so strongly connected to the idea of being a mother that she felt her role in life had been taken away from her.
Anyone who is marginalised in any way has to work extra hard to be able to find a fulfilling life financially, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. As this woman learned to accept the progressive changes in her condition and the dynamics of her family, she found the courage to connect with others, including people with disabilities. By humbly asking for assistance, she was able to rebuild a life of independence. (Reflection by Peter Gormly)
PRAYER
Dear Lord, give me the strength and courage to be committed in everything I do, and is done from a place of love and integrity.
Amen.
Sourced from: https://www.vinnies.org.au/icms_docs/329242_Spiritual_Reflection_Guide_Jan-April_2022.pdf
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Catholic Identity and Mission in Our School
WITH MRS ERIN MCGOVERN
A warm welcome back to all families and students as we embark on this school year, I hope everyone was able to enjoy some rest and play over the break and are ready for another great year ahead. May it be a year filled with learning, enriching experiences, new friendships and warm memories for all.
On the 9th February, the eSafety Commissioner celebrates Safer Internet Day, sharing awareness for being safe online, and the Theme for 2022 is #PlayitFairOnline. As a school community we will be promoting the importance of safe and respectable practices online for all. Strong communication with your child about internet use, its positives and negatives, is a great way to open up a discussion about how to be safe online and when to let an adult know if something concerns them. The esafety commissioner website has many great resources and findings to support your family. https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents
At St Josephs we have many great opportunities for students to be involved in Extracurricular groups of their interest. Our Enviro Team raises our collective knowledge about better ways to recycle, reuse and give back to our planet. Our Mini Vinnies team shares the message of St Vincent de Paul to help those in need and sees students engage in ‘faith in action’ activities such as fundraising and raising awareness for the plight of those less fortunate. Our Ministry Leaders are students who share their faith with others and help out with school liturgical celebrations. Our Student Representative Council (SRC) are voted in by their peers, and are the leaders and voice for their respective year groups.
At the end of last year we recognised and congratulated our 2022 School Captains, and we look forward to officially presenting these students with their badges as a whole school community as soon as the guidelines for schools allow us to do so. At this stage we are also unable to celebrate Mass to mark the opening of our school year. More information will be shared with families as it becomes available.
Beginning of the School Year Student Prayer
Lord Jesus, I ask for Your help as I begin this new school year.
Allow me to experience Your presence in the many blessings You put before me.
Open my eyes to the new challenges and exciting opportunities that this new school year brings.
Open my heart and mind to new friends and new teachers.
Give me a generous spirit to be enthusiastic with my learning and courage to accept new opportunities.
Help me to be attentive to my teachers and let me experience Your presence in my new friends.
Jesus, inspire me to do my best this year!
Amen.
Learning & Teaching in Our School
WITH MRS KRYSTAL BRADY
Welcome back to the 2022 School Year! It has been a great start to the School year however I’m aware that it is still interrupted for many of our students and families. Our students have returned to school eager and ready to learn. Welcome to our new families and students who have joined us this year.
CHANGES TO OUR READING, WRITING & SPELLING PRACTICE
This year as part of our school improvement plan and goals - we have a focus on English and in particular the way we teach Reading, Writing and Spelling. We are very eager to share our learning with you and will communicate this through future newsletters. Due to these changes we are delaying the start of our Home Reading Programme to ensure we are using best practice and the correct resources. In the meantime we highly encourage you to spend this time reading TO your child. We will have picture books available from the Classroom if you would like them. However, reading anything to your child and talking about it is extremely beneficial. You could read picture books, non-fiction books of interest and talk about the language in the book and ask some questions about what you have read to increase your child’s understanding of the story.
EMU - Extending Mathematical Understanding - Mathematics Assessment Interview
Thank you to all families and students for attending these valuable interview sessions in Week 1 of this year. During this time, staff have individual time with the students to develop a clear understanding of their growth and areas of development in Mathematics, in particular the number strand.
BEST START
Thank you to our Kinder Families for beginning our school partnership with the Best Start interview. This is a great opportunity for the teachers to get to know your child and their individual learning needs especially in the areas of Literacy and Numeracy. A letter regarding your child’s strengths and areas for growth will be sent home shortly.
ATTENDANCE MATTERS
UNIFORM
Thank you to all families for ensuring students are in the correct uniform for the beginning of the School year. All students are expected to be in full school uniform everyday. If your child is out of uniform, please write a note to the teacher. All students are expected to wear the school hat for outside play.
Learning Support in our School
Parent-Teacher Relationships and Communication
At St Joseph’s we value our home/school partnership and the communication between your family and the staff. It is important that your first point of contact is the classroom teachers as they spend the majority of time with your child. The classroom teachers will communicate any necessary information with other members of staff.
This contact can be made through the following avenues;
- Class Dojo - Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2.
- Direct email to the Classroom Teachers.
- Phone - please phone the School Office and leave a message for the Classroom Teacher to return your call.
- In Person - if you would like to meet in person for a chat - please email your classroom teacher or phone the Office to set up a time that works for both the Teacher and the Family.
Good two-way communication between families and schools is necessary for student success. Not surprisingly, research shows that the more parents and teachers share relevant information with each other about a student, the better equipped both will be to help that student achieve academically.
YOUR CHILD'S TEACHER IS THE FIRST POINT OF CONTACT
Teachers can be contacted via their work email address or by phoning the School office and requesting a return phone call.
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PRIMARY SWIMMING CARNIVAL
We started the Sporting Year off on a good note with a great display of participation, sportsmanship and effort at our annual swimming carnival.
Thank you to all staff, St Paul's students and others who contributed to a smoothly run event.
Results as follows:
CHAMPION BOYS |
RUNNER UP BOYS | CHAMPION GIRLS | RUNNER UP GIRLS | |
8/9 Yrs | Ryder Sproule | Vincent Thurlow | Petyon-Maree Moor | Claire Meehan |
10 Yrs | Ethan Shore | Lleyton Kemp | Molly Grace |
Honorah-Jane Akee |
11 Yrs | Hamish Davies | Matthew Collins | Pippa Smith |
Orla Kennedy |
12 Yrs | Ethan Layton | Aiden Rudder | Ruby McLeod |
Sophie Smailes |
P&F Spirit of Sport Award | Grace Brett & Lawson Seam | |||
25m Encouragement Award | Xavier Berrigan & Chelsea Workman |
ZONE SWIMMING CARNIVAL - YEARS 3-6
The Zone Swimming Carnival (Tuesday, 15th February in Macksville) is a quick turnaround so could all selected students please return their notes and $14 to the School Office next Monday.
ZONE SUMMER SPORT TRIALS (YEARS 5 & 6)
Touch & Cricket
This will be held on Wednesday, 16th February in Kempsey. (This event was postponed from 2021). Those involved have been given a note that will need to be returned by next Monday, 14th February).
ZONE WINTER SPORT TRIALS (YEARS 5 & 6)
Rugby League, Rugby Union, Netball, Soccer and Hockey
This event will be held in Port Macquarie on Monday 21st February and teams will be sorted and notes sent home next week.
Read LessSt 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
Don't forget to order online at Flexischools prior to 8.55am.
Workers Needed
We need volunteers to help in our canteen once a week, fortnight or month. No special skills required. If you can make a salad wrap, toastie or put some drinks in the fridge, your help will be greatly appreciated. All welcome - mums, dads, nannas, pops, aunts and uncles. Should you be able to spare just a few hours, please contact one of our canteen team members; Angie Hagger or Nadeen Crowe
E: angela.hagger@lism.catholic.edu.au
P: (02) 6562 5501
School Fees can be paid via regular Bpay from your nominated bank account using the Biller Code and Reference number from last year. Payments can also be made on Compass Pay. EFTPOS is also available at the School Office.
For new families the Biller Code and Reference number will be on your first statement emailed in early March. For new families wishing to make payments before the statement can be made via the Compass App or at our school office.
Term 1 Fees are due by March 31, 2023, or please contact Tammy, our School Fees Officer to discuss a regular payment plan. Tammy can be contacted by phoning 65627200 Ext 2 or email kmpp-schoolfees@lism.