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- Message from the Principal
- Catholic Identity and Mission in Our School
- Learning & Teaching in Our School
- Student Awards
- Sporting News
- Joey's Superhero Day
- News from the Enviro Team
- The Wellbeing Team
- Kempsey Vocal & Instrumental Eisteddfod
- Enrol Now for the Kindergarten Class of 2023
- School Terms & Pupil Free Days for 2022
- Canteen News!
- iHUB News
- You are invited to celebrate the Centenary of the All Saints Catholic Church, Kempsey
- St Joseph's OOSH & Vacation Care
- COMPASS- School Communication Platform APP
- How to Purchase your child's School Uniform
- Applying for a Bus Pass & Bus Safety
- BILLBOARD
- Interested in becoming a Newsletter Sponsor?
At our last assembly I spoke to all the students about growth mindset, and the importance of believing in yourself and your abilities. I spoke about how intelligence can be developed and improved through hard work and effort, good learning strategies, and support from others such as your family, friends and teachers, and I reinforced to the students that; They can learn anything, Effort and positive attitude will help them improve, Constructive criticism is helpful, Challenges are important, Mistakes are valuable, and Determination is important in overcoming problems.
I then gave the students some strategies to use to turn their ‘good to better’
and their ‘better to best’.
These were;
- Recognise that when you find something hard and have to struggle to understand, that this is your brain learning.
- Remember that learning often starts with mistakes. It is Ok to make mistakes, as long as you learn from them.
- We learn by taking little bites at a time. We cannot always understand everything straight away.
- Use the powerful word ‘yet’, as in “I haven’t learned this yet”.
- Know that even if you understand the work, that this is just the starting point towards fulfilling your potential.
- Have high expectations for yourself. Do not accept effort that is simply ‘good enough’.
- Do not ever compare yourself against others, only against yourself. Ask yourself, “am I better at this today than I was yesterday”.
I then finished, leaving the students with the message,
“You all have the potential to be anything that you want, however, the most
important lesson to remember is, that you have to work hard in order to
achieve it.”
I encourage families to continue this conversation at home.
Winter Warmth Uniform
While we are experiencing these very cold mornings and days, I am fully understanding of the importance to ensure our children are cosy and warm at school. However, I am seeing too many students out of uniform as they enter school in the mornings, and while I appreciate the hectic nature of a school morning, I ask that all students wear the assigned school uniform to school every day.
We have several warm options available such as jackets, fleece jumpers, unisex trousers (for our academic uniform), track pants (for our sports uniform), and navy cotton footed tights for girls. Beanies and scarves are not currently school uniform, and should not be worn to school. If on occasion, the incorrect uniform has to be worn to school, please either, contact the class teacher through email, or send a note with your child outlining why the incorrect uniform item is being worn and when this will be rectified.
As always, I thank you for your support in regards to your child’s ongoing learning and growth.
Guy Campbell
Driving Excellence in the Macleay
GOSPEL REFLECTION
THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST
Receiving the Eucharist is what set us apart from other Christian churches. Central to
our faith and religious practice is the changing of bread and wine into the body and blood of our Lord, each time we celebrate Mass. It was instituted at the Last Supper on Holy Thursday but the elements were often used by Jesus throughout his earthly ministry.
Today’s Gospel highlights this as it tells the great story of the feeding of the five thousand. This Sunday we hear Luke’s version which is basically the same as the version contained in each of the four Gospels. This fact also sets this miracle apart as it is not often that the same story is recounted in all four Gospels. Mass could be described in these terms. “Gather the people, tell the story, and break the bread.” In Luke’s version, people had heard that Jesus was nearby and despite it being remote, a large group followed him, gathered together to listen and to seek healing. After a long period of teaching, Jesus challenged the disciples to feed the crowd, when they wanted to send them away to find their own food. Finding just five loaves and two fish among them, Jesus took and blessed this small offering, and miraculously was able to satisfy the huge crowd. Jesus used the Disciples there to go out to the people and to distribute the meal and even collect leftovers. The offering was magnified and this is what he does with our own small offerings.
As disciples, when we offer up ourselves in faith, our talents or goods, are blessed and magnified by Jesus to suit the need being faced or addressed.(Adaptation of Reflection by Greg Ryan)
“Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.”
Prayer
“You are My Lord and My God”
Amen
Jn.20:28
Sourced from: https://www.vinnies.org.au/icms_docs/331712_Spiritual_Reflection_Guide_May_2022.pdf
Catholic Identity and Mission in Our School
WITH MRS ERIN MCGOVERN
Accendere Retreat
Last Tuesday our Year four students had a wonderful Retreat Day, Accendere, hosted by CSYMA students from St Paul’s, their Youth Ministry Officer and Leader of Evangelisation, Mr Will Pollock.
Accendere means; to kindle, to catch fire, to spark the flame and it is the first retreat experience student’s are offered in their faith formation journeys. It was a great day. The theme was about friendship with Jesus and ‘How to be a good friend’. We also had a shared lunch of pizza, the students had great fun, learnt more about ways to treat others with kindness and got to build relationships with new peers.
Kinder’s visit to the Church
On Thursday Kinder went on a special visit to the Church to learn first hand from Father James about the special places and things inside our Church.
First Holy Communion
This week students in Year 4 have been busy preparing for the Sacrament of First Holy Communion. This Sunday 19th June at 9:30am is the Mass that they will make the Sacrament, surrounded by their family and the St Joseph’s School Community. All are welcome to attend and support our students for this special occasion in their religious lives. A special thanks to all who have helped to teach and prepare the children, Mrs Kate Darling and Mrs Riitta Kytola, as well as Father James for his support throughout, and Mrs Helen Hart and Mr Bradley Clarke for being our wonderful musicians on the day.
Learning & Teaching in Our School
WITH MRS KRYSTAL BRADY
SEMESTER ONE REPORTS
It has been a wonderful semester of learning. At the conclusion of this term the Semester One Reports will be available via COMPASS as a digital report. An email/app notification will be sent to parents and carers advising when their child's report is available. If you have any questions or concerns about a digital report please contact the school office.
YEAR 4 VISIT KEMPSEY LIBRARY
By Heshma, Indy & Peyton-Maree.
Term 2 - Weeks 7 & 8
Awards will be presented at School Assembly on Monday 20th June at 9.00am.
Parents Welcome!
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 |
Raymond Harman | Cruz Greenslade | Alexander Pollock |
KHonour |
Brock Simmons | Ivy Fraser | Lennox Nolan |
1Truth |
Mayukh Prakhya | Archi Sutton | Charlotte Smith |
1Honour |
Chloe Sproule | Frankie Thurlow | Ryan Carroll |
2Truth |
Tate Donovan | Mia Greenslade | Jackson Cameron |
3Truth |
Brax Matheson | Brooke Collingwood | Georgina Collins |
3Honour |
Arlie Wade | Zane Jordan | Amber Drew |
4Truth |
Ruby Rogan | Amy Read | Hope Weston |
4Honour |
Lawson Seam | Adam Mickle | Lachlan Betts |
5Truth |
Baylin Flanagan | Honorah-Jane Akee | Kye Males |
5Honour |
Alastar O'Donnell | Charlotte Hegerty | Jasmine Toomey |
6Truth |
Levi Williams | Nell Westerman | Lilly Edwards |
6H |
Abbey Spokes | Sophie Smailes | Jordan Connors |
WITH MR MICHAEL WATTS
BOYS | GIRLS | |||
CHAMPION | RUNNER UP | CHAMPION | RUNNER UP | |
8/9 Yrs | Ryder Sproule | Vincent Thurlow | Peyton-Maree Moor | Emily Scott |
10 Yrs | Noah Davies | Lleyton Kemp | Idabelle Tamblyn | Amelia Latham |
11 Yrs | Hamish Davies | Addison Norton Jayden Van Kal |
Sienna Rooney | Lily McConnell |
12 Yrs | Oliver Tamblyn | Oliver Gill Dane Fisher |
Lakyah Bell | Ruby McLeod Sophie Smailes |
Spirit of Sport Award | Xavier Berrigan | Nevaeh Sines | ||
Winning House | Fatima |
Thank you to everyone for your generosity in support of this worthy cause "Heartkids, raising money to help the fight against congenital heart disease. We raised $582.65.
Thankyou to all the families who have been sending in empty bread bags (any brand). Pictured are our Year 2 Enviro team members with our first 5kg of bread bags that were sent away this week. We have until the 9th of September to fill 5 boxes @ 5kg each so spread the word and keep collecting.
ENVIROBANK BOTTLE RECYCLING
A big thankyou to all of our families. We have had an overwhelming response to our bottle collection program this term. Next week (Week 9) we will cash in our bottles with all proceeds going towards our end of year reward day. Watch this space to hear how many bottles we have recycled this term.
If you have an unused bags at home could you please return them to school, also if you require more bags send in a message and our Year 5 Enviro members will drop one off to your child’s class. Remember to let us know who has been a great bottle collector so that your name can go into the draw for a lucky draw at the end of the Term.
Keep up the great work.
Children and Unstructured Play
When we were younger, we were often told to go and play in the backyard and
entertain ourselves; as we have grown up, we have become more acutely involved in our child’s lives. We want to provide them with the best start we can and support them in their learning. One misconception when it comes to giving them the best start is that we have to schedule everything, when in fact, unstructured play (like those times we were told to go outside) is one of the most beneficial ways to help your child develop. While young children require more supervision, it doesn’t mean that we can’t encourage our children play outside and make up their own games.
As children, this was our down time – a time to relax and be creative. I wonder if children are still afforded these opportunities today? With an over scheduled calendar, smaller back yards, fewer opportunities to play with children in the neighbourhood, not to mention computers and gaming infiltrating our lives, there doesn’t seem to be much time left for unstructured, spontaneous, imaginative play. Some children seem to have a schedule packed full of structured events where they are taken from one activity to another. It is great to have a broad range of experiences and formalised activities, but at what cost.
As parents we want to give our children the very best start and we can often feel pressured to schedule everything, when in fact, unstructured play (like those times we were told to go outside by our mums, maybe because we needed to!) is one of the most beneficial ways to help our children develop.
Unstructured play means that it is improvised and child-led; it allows children the freedom to explore, create, experiment and discover new things in the world around them. Next time you feel the urge to book into yet another planned activity, and you know your child is already tired after a long day’s work and play, remember that allowing them to explore, discover and make-up play could be more beneficial than trying to squeeze in yet another activity. Unstructured play has many benefits such as creativity, problem solving, social skills, resilience building and emotional and language development. If you require more information about the benefits of unstructured play please click on the link below.
https://playworld.com/blog/why-downtime-crucial-childs-schedule/
https://www.childsplayelc.com.au/9-benefits-to-unstructured-play-for-young-children/
Headspace Mental Health Education Sessions for Parent/Carers & Community
Parents, Carers, and Community Members in NSW are invited to attend free mental health education sessions in Term 1. Click here for more information or to register.
Kempsey Vocal & Instrumental Eisteddfod
This year's Eisteddfod will be held at the Uniting Church Hall in Wide Street, West Kempsey.
Tuesday, 28th June at the 9.00am Session
- INFANT ACTION SONG IN COSTUME GROUPS = 1T and Kindergarten
- PRIMARY ACTION SONG IN COSTUME GROUPS = Year 3
Wednesday, 29th June at the 9.00am Session
- PRIMAY IMPROMPTU PLAY GROUP OPEN = Blue Team & Green Team
- PRIMARY DEBATING GROUP = Blue 1, Blue 2, Blue 3 & Green 1, Green 2 & Green 3
- INFANTS CHORAL SPEAKING GROUP = 1H, 2T, KH, KT
- YEARS 3 & 4 CHORAL SPEAKING GROUP = 3H & 3T
- YEARS 5 & 6 CHORAL SPEAKING GROUP = 5H, 5T, 6H & 6T
For 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.
Have 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 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
COMPASS- 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 LessSCHOOL HOLIDAY GROUP THERAPY SESSIONS
school holiday.
- Mon 4th & 11th July Ball Skills and Balance
- Tues 5th & 12th July Learn & Grow -Fine motor, play & social skills
- Wed 6th & 13th July Fun in the kitchen - Self-help skills, social skills & exploring tastes & textures
- Thurs 7th & 14th July Crafty Critters - Fine motor, language & cognitive skills and developing creativity & social skills