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- Message from the Principal
- Catholic Identity and Mission in Our School
- Learning & Teaching in Our School
- COMPASS- School Communication Platform APP
- K-6 Term One Learning Conversations 2022
- Student Awards
- Learning Support in our School
- Harmony Day 21st March - Special Pre order Lunch Menu
- SJ News
- Sporting News
- The Wellbeing Team
- News from the Enviro Team
- School Canteen
- St Joseph's OOSH & Vacation Care
- How to Purchase your child's School Uniform
- School Terms & Pupil Free Days for 2022
- School Fee Statement
- Applying for a Bus Pass
- BILLBOARD
- Newsletter Sponsors
Learning Happens Here Everyday ... Firstly, my prayers go out to all those effected by this week’s floods. I hope you all made it through safely and with all property intact. This week surely was not on our schedule, and I thank you all again, for the support and understanding that you gave the School during the closure.
Such a decision is always a last resort, and the School Executive in consultation with the Catholic Schools Office, take many factors into account before making such drastic decisions, with the primary focus always being the safety of your children first. While on this occasion, for us, the event was relatively minor, it is only with hindsight that we know this. I am grateful to the Kempsey Shire Council and Catholic Schools Office for their early preparedness, prior to Wednesday.
Last week, at our first school assembly of the year, I spoke to the students about, staying positive. I reminded students that it is OK to make a mistake, as long as you learn from that mistake and you don’t make it again. Likewise, it is also OK to fail, as long as you stay positive, get back up and give it another go. Quoting Dory from Finding Nemo;
“When life gets you down, want to know what you’ve gotta do? Just keep swimming”
I encourage you to continue this conversation with your children.
Last Wednesday, our school community gathered for a special Ash Wednesday Liturgy. Ash Wednesday, and the receiving of blessed ashes, made from the burned palm branches, on the forehead, marks the beginning of Lent, the 40-day preparation period for Easter. We would like to thank Father James for celebrating this very special occasion with us.
As always, I thank you for your support in regards to your child’s ongoing learning and growth.
Guy Campbell
Driving Education in the Macleay
GOSPEL REFLECTION
Listen to Him
In last week’s readings, Jesus was led into the desert by the Holy Spirit. Led into the wilderness for a time of prayer and reflection. There he was tempted by the devil prior to commencing His public ministry. This week he once again retreats, but only for a short time, taking Peter, James and John with him to a high mountain.
In ancient times, mountains were sacred places, places of encounter with God, and it is here that the Disciples literally see Jesus in a new light. In their presence, he was transfigured. They saw Jesus with Elijah and Moses, surrounded by dazzling light. Elijah representing the prophets and Moses, the Jewish Law, with Jesus now fulfilling that Law. The divine Jesus in all his glory was revealed to the Disciples in that moment, and Peter’s response was, “Master, it is wonderful for us to be here.” As wonderful as it was, I imagine they also experienced fear and uncertainty in that moment, wondering at what it all meant. Jesus was talking of his passing which he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem. By journeying with Jesus up that mountain and spending time with him in prayer, their eyes were opened to his glory, opened to the real Jesus. And when they listened, they heard God speak to them saying, “This is my Son, the Chosen One. Listen to him.” Jesus was now being seen by the Disciples as someone much more than just a Rabbi.
Being with Jesus in prayer can be a challenge, in much the same way the Disciples were challenged to climb the mountain with Jesus and listen to the voice of God. It can also be a fearful and uncertain time as we wait, watch and listen for those moments of revelation. When we truly hear God speaking to us, and see his radiance in the people and world around us, we experience our own moments of transfiguration. We too can reveal the glory of God to others and be a shining light of hope in our world. (Reflection by Greg Ryan)
Rest a while in prayer and say,” it is good to be here!”
Prayer
“I will walk in the presence of the Lord, in the land of the living.”
Amen.
Sourced from: https://www.vinnies.org.au/icms_docs/323223_Spiritual_Reflection_Guide_January_2021.pdf
Read Less
Catholic Identity and Mission in Our School
WITH MRS ERIN MCGOVERN
Project Compassion
This year the theme for Project Compassion is ‘For all future generations’. Each year, Caritas Australia, (the international aid and development organisation of the Catholic Church in Australia) runs ‘Project Compassion’ during the six weeks of the Church season of Lent. The aim is to help us raise funds and stand in solidarity with the millions of people across the world who still live in poverty. Project Compassion is also an opportunity for students to learn about social justice on a global scale, and the importance of helping those in need. Each class has a nominated Ministry Leader who is helping to drive this important cause.
Whole School Mass
Next Wednesday 16th March we will celebrate a whole school Mass to commemorate the feast of St Joseph and formally commission our 2022 School Captains. Parents are welcome, 10am at the All Saints Catholic Church.
Flood Appeal
It has been a very heartbreaking and challenging time for our friends and colleagues in Lismore and surrounding areas as they experienced the unprecedented flood and destruction. We keep them in our thoughts and prayers and are grateful that our beautiful Macleay was not too badly affected this year. If you would like to donate or know more about Bishop Greg Homeings Flood Appeal, see link. https://www.catholicweekly.com.au/lismore-bishop-launches-flood-appeal-after-very-tragic-days/
Learning & Teaching in Our School
WITH MRS KRYSTAL BRADY
Years 3 & 5 NAPLAN
NAPLAN online practice tests will occur in Week 8. We are participating in a coordinated practice time on Friday 25th March at 9:15am. This is a practice test for the students to familarise themselves with the online locked browser platform and a chance for the NAPLAN to ensure they have ironed out any issues prior to NAPLAN in May Further details around NAPLAN will be published closer to the date in Term 2. Parents & Carers are encouraged to read the NAPLAN parent info page for more information or please contact your child’s classroom teacher.
Reading
When learning to read there are several key skills that students require to become a skilled reader. Our goal is to move all students from learning to read to reading to learn. We have a clear vision of our instructional practices that are evidence based to ensure all children learn to read. Over the coming weeks we will unpack each of the following areas more deeply.
- Phonological Awareness
- Phonics
- Fluency
- Vocabulary
- Comprehension
Sounds Write - Explicit Systematic Phonics Instruction
Over the past weeks many teachers and leaders in our K-2 area have been engaging in professional development around the explicit teaching of phonics, in particular our alphabetic code. We will be talking about sounds not letter names in the classroom, so please encourage your child to use sounds rather than letter names. If you have any questions please feel free to contact your classroom teacher or a member of the school leadership team who will be able to discuss this wonderful initiative. If you are interested in learning more John Walker (the founder of Sounds Write) has developed a fantastic free parent course (click here for the link).
Our Year 6 students love spending time learning with their Kindy Buddies.
Year 5 exploring Narrative writing with Mrs Garthon!
COMPASS- School Communication Platform APP
As part of a restructure across the Diocese of Lismore, St Joseph’s Primary School will be moving to a new communication & school management platform called - COMPASS School Manager. The entire Compass platform will become our school community application from the beginning of Term Two this year. Please note that the Compass Platform will replace our current SZapp from the beginning of Term 2.
We will be on-boarding all of our families early to the new platform to avoid learning two new platforms for booking a time for learning conversations on Wednesday 23rd March 2022.
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.
Your login details will arrive via your personal email address, and each parent will receive a username and login (provided we have a valid email or your correct email address). If you share an email address with your significant other, then you will receive two emails with two unique log-ins and these have now been sent to you. Your username and password is unique to you, families will not share a username and password, and will come from an address noreply@compass.email - you may need to check your junk mail box. If you have not received your username and password please contact the school office or Mrs Krystal Brady (krystal.brady@lism.catholic.edu.au).
The email will look like this:
SMARTPHONE ACCESS
- Download the Compass School Manager App (Google Playstore OR Apple Store)
- Wait for your unique username and log in to be emailed to you after 5pm today (Thursday 10th March 2022)
- Open the app on your device
- Search for our school by searching for “West Kempsey” or “2440” and then by scrolling through the list of schools and choosing “St. Joseph’s Primary School - West Kempsey”
- Use the unique username and log in sent to you by email
- Confirm the mobile number and email address
- Read the welcome message that will be posted on the dashboard
DESKTOP ACCESS
If you wish to use the desktop version of the platform please note the following;
- Once you receive your unique username and log in, open a new tab on your preferred browser and navigate to https://kmpplism-nsw.compass.education/
- Use your unique username and password to log into the platform
- Confirm the mobile number and email address
- Read the welcome message that will be posted on the dashboard
For more information you can visit Compass for Parents or for any assistance email the school at kmpp@lism.catholic.edu.au.
Read LessK-6 Term One Learning Conversations 2022
Term 1 Learning Conversations will take place on Wednesday, 23rd March, 2022.
To make an appointment you will need to download the Compass App or login through a web browser. Please see your email from Thursday 10th March 2022 for your unique Compass login and password.
Once you are logged in - click on the information provided to book an interview time. If you require any assistance please contact the school office on 6562 5501.
If you are unable to attend on this date please contact your child’s classroom teacher via email or dojo to find a mutually convenient time.
Please arrive at our School Hall 5 minutes before the appointment time. Please adhere to social distancing rules and ring to cancel your appointment if you have any sign of illness. Please find a seat in the waiting area of the Hall and wait for your time.
There will be a buzzer that will ring at 9 minutes (to signal a reminder that time is almost up) and a timer ringing at the conclusion of 10 minutes to signal the movement to the next appointment. If you need to follow up, the Staff will arrange a suitable time for this.
Jitters Coffee Shop will be open for purchasing coffee, tea and water (cash only).
We are looking forward to seeing you to continue to build the important partnership between school and home.
Read LessSTUDENT AWARDS FOR WEEKS 5 & 6, TERM 1
Principal's Award - Pierson Kemp
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 |
Azariah Akee | Richard Tian | Rory McGovern |
KHonour |
Harry Hotlmann | Logan Mainey | Evelynn Russell |
1Truth |
Daisy Abigall | Wyatt Donney | Carter Wade |
1Honour |
Chase Cudlin | Isla McIver | Gus Meehan |
2Truth |
Tyler Sang | Neelav Das | Macie Jones |
3Truth |
Lillyan Moore | Glydel Clarke | Hallie Edwards |
3Honour |
Zane Jordan | Ryder Sproule | Belinda Rudder |
4Truth |
Amelia Latham | Noah Coade | Gemma Rayward |
4Honour |
Tilley Cook | Ruby Sinclair | Lacey Drew |
5Truth |
Lily McConnell | Jagger Hudson | Isabelle Northey |
5Honour |
Charli Delforce | Sienna Rooney | Lucy Judd |
6Truth |
Zarli Kirkman Dates | Chelsea Workman | Patrick Smith |
6Honour |
Chelsea Kerfoot | Mitchell Clarke | Sophie Smailes |
Learning Support in our School
WITH MRS TRACEY DUNCAN
2022 Harmony Day
Harmony Day, held on the 21st of March every year, is a time to celebrate Australia’s cultural diversity and promote inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging with its key message being ‘Everyone Belongs’.
At St Joseph's, while fostering a sense of belonging in the Classroom happens on a daily basis, there are some special dates throughout the School Calendar, such as Harmony Day, that provide a further opportunity for us to celebrate the rich diversity of our amazing country.
On this day we will be having a special preorder lunch menu (below). Orders will need to be placed by next Monday, 14th March. Please note that there will be no normal canteen ordering on Harmony Day.
Diocesan Sports Trials
The following events have been postponed to the dates below:–
Touch (Venue, Lismore) - Tuesday 15/3
Cricket – early Term 2
Rugby Union, Rugby League, Soccer, Netball (Venue Grafton) – Friday 18/3, backup date 23/3
Rugby League 7’s
Six teams of tackle and three teams of League tag will take part in the Aiden Tolman 7’s Gala Day to be held at Kempsey next Tuesday 15th March.
Children will come to school as usual in sport uniform and after roll will walk to Verge Street for games.
A reminder that for those playing tackle a mouth guard must be worn.
Consent forms went out late due to floods so please return on Monday.
Netball Gala Day
Year 3-6 children who have been participating in the Netball clinics have shown an interest in taking part in the local Gala Day to be held on Thursday 24th March. Information and consent note will be sent home next week. This event will have a cost $5.
Read LessMACLEAY VALLEY LITTER COMPETITION
Kempsey Shire Council's current litter message is ‘Please keep litter out of our hood and in the bin’.
Litter in our streets will often find its way into our waterways. It’s up to all of us to reduce litter to keep our environment safe and clean.
Council along with artist Stephen McLeod, has produced 4 litter designs using native animals each with their own message around litter. We would like to add more designs and messages by running a competition for school students to design their own poster including their litter message using Stephen’s design as a background.
Each participating school will have at least one winning entry and each winner will receive a family pass (for 4) for 2 games at Galactic Ten Pin Bowling Kempsey valued at $76.00.
Design a poster to help reduce litter in our local area using one of Stephen McLeod’s backgrounds (obtain a copy from the School Office). The design should include native animals from our local area plus their litter message. Any materials can be used for the design, however, keep in mind a selection of the winning designs will be produced as posters.
Winning entries together with Council’s original designs, will be promoted via Council’s digital channels including a social media advertising campaign, and as posters around the Kempsey Shire.
Competition closes on the 6th April. Entries need to be handed to the School Office prior to this date.
Earn Garden Points between 24 February - 31 October by collecting toothpaste tubes and caps, manual toothbrushes, electric toothbrush heads, toothbrush and toothpaste tube plastic packaging, floss containers.
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
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
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
School Fee Statements have now been sent home via email to families. If you have not received your statement please contact the School Office on 65 62 5501.