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- Message from the Principal
- Catholic Identity and Mission in Our School
- Learning & Teaching in Our School
- Student Awards
- Sporting News
- Primary Athletics Carnival (3-6)
- News from the Enviro Team
- The Wellbeing Team
- Be a Hero for Heartkids!
- Enrol Now for the Kindergarten Class of 2023
- iHUB News
- School Terms & Pupil Free Days for 2022
- COMPASS- School Communication Platform APP
- Canteen News!
- St Joseph's OOSH & Vacation Care
- You are invited to celebrate the Centenary of the All Saints Catholic Church, Kempsey
- How to Purchase your child's School Uniform
- Applying for a Bus Pass & Bus Safety
- BILLBOARD
- Newsletter Sponsors
We begin today by acknowledging the traditional custodians and ancestors - the Dunghutti people - of this sacred land where we stand today. We thank the elders past and present for their care and protection of this land.
National Reconciliation Week
May 26, was National Sorry Day. This day acknowledges and recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children known as the Stolen Generations. The National Reconciliation Week 2022 theme is, ‘Be brave. Make change’. The anniversary dates which mark National
Reconciliation Week are significant milestones for reconciliation. National Reconciliation Week commemorates two significant milestones, the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision.
2022 marks twenty two years of Australia’s journey towards a more just, equitable and reconciled nation and twenty two years since 250,000 Australians walked across the Sydney Harbour Bridge and across bridges in all capital cities and many other cities and towns around the country. Sourced from; https://nrw.reconciliation.org.au/
Picture below was commissioned by St Joseph’s from local artist, Jason Ridgeway, Black Boy Creations.
Thank you for our successful Open Morning
Last week we witnessed a great example of community spirit and support when we held our first Open Morning for two years. It was so great to see our parents and families in the School, some of whom had not been on school grounds for several years. We began the morning with a ‘welcome back’ assembly, where we had our Year 3 classes start with a prayer, and our Kinder students performed a poem and song. The morning then moved into a showcase of classes, our grounds and iHub, where this year’s Book Fair was held. Our visitors enjoyed a hot coffee from our school coffee shop, Jitters, and cakes and scones from our school canteen. The morning invigorated the School and was just the thing we needed after such a difficult few years.
Being Kind
At our last school assembly I spoke to the students about, being kind to others. I talked about all the good things that can come from being kind, such as this making us feel happy and rewarded, and making those around us feel the same. I then challenged everyone to smile and do something kind for others.
I would love it if you could continue this conversation at home.
As always, I thank you for your support in regards to your child’s ongoing learning and growth.
Guy Campbell
PRINCIPAL
GOSPEL REFLECTION
Pentecost Sunday
Mathematician Archimedes, 250 years before Christ, was credited with defining the Eureka moment when he solved a problem relating to water displacement while he was taking a bath. When he realized that he had his answer, when he finally knew, he ran through the town yelling, “Eureka!” Today, it is often called the ‘Aha’ moment. That moment when everything becomes clear, understood and real.
For the disciples of Jesus, that moment came at Pentecost. Following the death of Jesus, they had dispersed, fearful and seemingly without purpose, despite several encounters with the risen Jesus. I imagine they would also have pondered the promise he made that he would not leave them alone but would send them an advocate.
“I have said these things to you while still with you; but the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and will remind you of all I have said to you.” And then, gathered in a room together, they were filled with the Holy Spirit. The sound of a powerful wind and the appearance of something like tongues of fire that settled on each of them, and the gift of speech was experienced. And in that moment, they knew and their faith in the risen Jesus was real and he was present with them.
St Paul in his letter to the Galatians, provides a list of nine fruits of the Spirit: “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Gal 5:22, 23). These fruits reveal what the Holy Spirit is like and therefore what God is like. The feast of Pentecost is also called the birthday of the Church. For when the apostles went out from that room, they began preaching to the world about Jesus, thereby laying the foundations of our Church. That day, they preached to people from all nations in all languages showing us that God’s message and love is for all people, and that the Church was universal and home to all. (Reflection by Greg Ryan)
“Be aware of how the Spirit is moving within you throughout this week and His gifts you use, in the service of others.”
Prayer
“Lord send out your Spirit and renew the face of the earth.”
Amen
Sourced from: https://www.vinnies.org.au/icms_docs/331712_Spiritual_Reflection_Guide_May_2022.pdf
Read LessCatholic Identity and Mission in Our School
WITH MRS ERIN MCGOVERN
LEARNING ABOUT BAPTISM
This week, Year 3 students have been learning about the Sacrament of Baptism as part of their RE lessons.
SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
Key dates in the lead up and preparation of the Sacrament of First Holy Communion.
- notes and student workbooks have been sent home
- Week 6- Friday 3rd June; Narrated Commitment Mass 9:30am All Saints Catholic Church. Parents and family are welcome to attend.
- Week 7- Tuesday 7th June; Accendere student faith retreat. Note has been sent out via COMPASS. At school 9-3pm. (Wear sports uniform - $5 for pizza lunch).
- Week 8; Practice and preparation here at school
- Sunday 19th June 9:30am - Sacrament of First Holy Communion All Saints Parish Church. Shared brunch to follow
To do... White Garments to be returned to school prior to Wednesday 15th June, along with completed workbooks and $6 in an envelope clearly named.
RESILIENCE… it’s a familiar word, isn’t it? But what does it really mean?
When we talk about resilience, we’re talking about a child’s ability to cope with ups and downs, and bounce back from the challenges they experience during childhood – for example moving home, changing schools, studying for an exam or dealing with the death of a loved one. Building resilience helps children not only to deal with current difficulties that are a part of everyday life, but also to develop the basic skills and habits that will help them deal with challenges later in life, during adolescence and adulthood. Click here to read more.Learning & Teaching in Our School
WITH MRS KRYSTAL BRADY
OPEN MORNING
Thank you to all our families and friends that joined us last Tuesday for our open morning. It was such a wonderful time of sharing our beautiful school and learning with our community.
BOOK FAIR
Thank you to all our families who supported the Book Fair over the past 2 weeks. We sold so many books, posters and novelties. We have earnt some great Literacy reward vouchers for our school and can’t wait to spend them!
HOME READING
Find some tips from PEETA about Home Reading.
Some tips for home reading
- Establish a home reading routine. Read aloud with your children everyday. Ten minutes for each child around a book of his/her choice. If English is your second language, read in your home language. If you lack confidence in reading aloud, the fact that you are reading with your child is what matters. Talk about the illustrations and contribute where you can. Share your excitement for reading and this will be the model your child will adopt.
- The reader holds the book! There is a lot of power and control in the world of reading. The reader needs to have the power.
- During home reading time, turn off electronic devices and give each child ten minutes of your undivided attention.
- Before you read a book, set your child up for success. Reading is not a test! Reading time is only ten minutes so do some of the following: Keep the introduction short – one minute is enough. Talk about the illustrations and the title. Read the blurb and talk about the author, talk about any unusual words, read a page here and there as your child flicks through the book, discuss the characters. This is a short introduction, not an interrogation. If the book is already a familiar one, then this step is unnecessary.
- If reading time is stressful, move the reading to a new location. Instead of sitting at the kitchen bench, move to the lounge room floor, or go outside and sit under a tree or take the books to the local coffee shop.
- Find a reading time that works for your family. Limit the time and set the timer if reading in the past has always been difficult. It is better to have an enjoyable 10 minutes than a laborious 30 minutes where everyone is left feeling frustrated.
- At the end of the 10 minutes, ask questions that encourage discussion, for example: What was your favourite part? Tell me about the characters. What do you think will happen next? What did you think about that setting? What do like/ dislike about this book? There is no need to interrogate the reader. Make it a conversation as you would in a book club.
- Encourage your child to read independently. A bedside light is one of the best enticements for your child to read before going to sleep. After the 10 minutes of reading with you, the child can elect to continue reading independently.
- The less you interrupt the 10 minutes of reading, the more you are supporting the readers independence, resilience and confidence. Zip your lips, monitor any errors, and listen as your child reads.
- If your child is reading independently and has reached the level of chapter books, it is not necessary for you to read aloud together any more. Your job is done. That is not to say, you cannot continue to share reading time because it is what you love to do as a family or that you sit and read silently together or that you talk about the books your child is reading because you are interested in his reading choices. Readers read differently in their heads as compared to reading aloud.
- Visit the local library — make it a family ritual on a set day every week. Let your children select their books while you select books you are interested in reading. Not every book has to be read cover to cover. Your child might select books based on illustrations or factual information about a topic of interest.
- Independent readers pick and choose what they read. They are entitled to read some and reject others. They are entitled to not complete books because they are boring. Readers make choices.
- Model what it means to be an enthusiastic reader. Create a home of readers where everyone reads – It is just what we do in this house! Talk about what you have read. Read aloud what makes you laugh and share it with your child .
Reference: https://www.petaa.edu.au/w/teaching_resources/parents_guide.aspx
STUDENT AWARDS FOR WEEKS 5 & 6, TERM 2
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 |
KTruth |
Dustin Buck | Montana Matthews | Lacey Kyle |
KHonour |
Marcella Mainey | Xavier Giddy | Macey Malcolm |
1Truth |
Tate Buckley | Brax McManus | Magnus Johannson |
1Honour |
Karthika Arun | Thomas Simpson | Kodhi Webber |
2Truth |
Levi Males | Neelav Das | Harper Kennedy |
3Truth |
Madeline Battle | Sam Ocean | Glydel Clarke |
3Honour |
Brylee Romer | Quinn Woods | Phoenix Berrigan |
4Truth |
Jackson Quinlan | Hunter Glass | Idabelle Tamblyn |
4Honour |
Cheyanne Matheson | Ella Orr | Bella Morrison |
5Truth |
Ivy Miller | Dhanish Lingamneni | Lily McConnell |
5Honour |
Brea Wade | Peter Murray | Ava Bayford |
6Truth |
Ethan Layton | Dane Fisher | Marcos Scott |
6Honour |
Adeline Crilley | Aiden Rudder | Ruby McLeod |
WITH MR MICHAEL WATTS
Primary Athletics Carnival (3-6)
As per details sent out via COMPASS last week, next Wednesday, students in Years 3, 4, 5 & 6 will participate in our annual Athletics Carnival to be held at the Services Park Sporting Fields. If you have not done so already, please provide consent via COMPASS.
Details as follows:
- Students in Years 3-6 will walk to the Services Park Sporting Fields after roll call.
- Make sure all uniform items, especially hats and jumpers are clearly labelled.
- Bring morning tea, lunch and drink bottle.
- Bring sunscreen, though the school will have supplies at the Fields.
- Notify us of any medical details for your child.
- In the event of wet weather still come to school prepared for the Carnival as the weather may clear up by the time we leave.
- Parent helpers and spectators are welcome.
CANTEEN FACILITIES
The School Canteen will be open at the Services Park. Hot Dogs, Meat Pies, Sausage Rolls, Snacks and Drinks will be available for purchase (cash) at the Grounds. Please note that there will be NO lunch orders at school this day for Years 3-6.
Read LessHave a little spare time? We need your help to cover our new library books and home readers. Contact us on 65 62 5501 if you can help.
Do you have any overdue Library books at home? We are in the process of carrying out a stocktake in the Library, so if you have any unreturned books at home please send them into school next term. Thank you.
Joey's Makerspace is looking for donations of items such as: tissue boxes, paper towel tubes, old CD's, any cardboard, string, paper cups etc.
Any donations can be brought to the School Office. Thank you.
Read LessCOMPASS- School Communication Platform APP
To learn more about the COMPASS Platform please click here
About the Compass Platform
The Compass platform is a web-based system that is accessible on any modern web browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome & Safari) or by using the Compass School Manager iOS or Android App. Every parent receives a separate login to Compass which we will provide to you tonight after 5pm.
At the start of term 2, you have the ability to;
- Receive notifications about school events, news and information
- Enter an explanation for absences
- Communicate with your child’s teachers,
- Update your family contact details (mobile phone & email)
- View your child’s timetable and the school calendar
- Download and view your child’s academic reports
- Book parent-teacher conferences (parent/teacher interviews)
- Pay and provide digital consent for events (No more permission slips)
- Order lunches from the Canteen
- Pay school fees
We are asking that all families become connected to Compass as soon as possible. Support will be offered for those parents who require help. You will need to ensure a high level of security around your Compass app, as you would your personal banking apps.
For any assistance email the school at kmpp@lism.catholic.edu.au.
Read LessFor the cold mornings, before school (8.30-8.50am), grab a cup of Cadbury Hot Chocolate for $1.
Hot Chicken & Gravy Rolls & Hot Roast Beef & Gravy Rolls freshly made in the Canteen available to order from Compass Online ordering (please find under "Chicken"& "Roast" -) OR order over canteen counter
Don't forget to order online via the COMPASS APP prior to 8.45am.
If you currently have money on your Flexischools Wallet and do not have a child at St Paul's College you will need to arrange a refund. Click here for instructions.
Please note, on Page 7 it covers how to add funds to the parent & student wallets - it should be made very clear that parents should ONLY add funds to their own wallets, as students do not have the ability to do their own orders through Compass.
If by accident parents add the funds to the student wallet, a request to Compass to transfer the funds back would have to be made. It is preferred that parents not use wallet funds for Canteen wherever possible, and just pay using your attached credit card at check out.
Also, all refunds/cancellations are refunded back to the parent wallet, NOT to their credit card. It is in the Compass terms of service that this is the process, so it should be made clear as a reminder for the parents.
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