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- Message from the Principal
- Catholic Identity and Mission in Our School
- Learning & Teaching in Our School
- Come along to our School Open Morning
- Student Awards
- Sporting News
- iHUB News
- News from the Enviro Team
- The Wellbeing Team
- School Canteen
- You are invited to celebrate the Centenary of the All Saints Catholic Church, Kempsey
- Enrol Now for the Kindergarten Class of 2023
- How to Purchase your child's School Uniform
- COMPASS- School Communication Platform APP
- St Joseph's OOSH & Vacation Care
- Applying for a Bus Pass & Bus Safety
- School Terms & Pupil Free Days for 2022
- BILLBOARD
- Newsletter Sponsors
Since our last newsletter, the School continues to be very busy with our learning and teaching. We celebrated Mother’s Day with a beautiful Mass. It was great to see so many mothers and motherly figures who could make it on the day to experience Mass with your children. Our student readers did a great job sharing the Liturgy of the Word, and all Mothers were given a flower to symbolise love, creation and life.
Embedding Extension and Intervention into Learning
This year, I have failed to mention the ongoing literacy support programs that we have running at St Joseph’s. While many of these programs occur outside of the classroom, they are strongly linked to classroom learning outcomes, and help, support, encourage and improve student learning and growth. At St Joseph’s we understand the importance of both intervention and extension in enhancing the learning growth of all our students, allowing them to achieve their full potential across literacy and numeracy.
NAPLAN
NAPLAN for Years 3 and 5 was held last week. I thank our terrific teaching staff and our IT staff for ensuring our students had the opportunity to perform their very best, in a relaxed and non-stressed environment. As always, I must thank Mrs Krystal Brady for ensuring the days were perfectly set up and smoothly run.
Full Kinder Classes in 2023!
Last week I began the interview process for our newest students, our 2023 Kinders. It is exciting to see these classes filling up so quickly. We are definitely on track to having another full Kinder year group next year, which is great news for our schools continuing positive growth. Keep spreading the word, St Joseph’s is the learning environment for excellence.
Our Mobile Phones and Electronic Devices Policy
Bringing mobile phones and electronic devices (including; laptops, iPads, digital/video cameras, electronic games, smart watches etc.), to school, is strongly discouraged. The School takes no responsibility for the safety and security of these devices. For security purposes, mobile phones must be handed into the office before the 8:55am bell each day, and are to be collected after the 3:10pm bell. Students may leave their phones switched on and on silent in order for messages to be received by that device only. Smart watches and other devices worn or carried on a person, are not to receive messages or be data active during the school day. Any photographic or video material taken at School or at a School event must be used in an appropriate manner or else consequences may apply. This includes the use of a school device under staff instruction. Consequences will apply when students contravene this policy. Depending on the severity of the offence, consequences may include, detention, suspension or termination of enrolment. If a student’s Mobile phone or electronic device is seen and or heard whilst the student is under the Schools duty of care, an Assistant Principal will contact parents, informing them of the action and consequence. This policy aims to reduce class distraction and cyber bullying, control inappropriate access to social networking sites and help to manage potential legal and sensitive issues that may arise.
Parents/Caregivers, I am sure that you all agree how important is for the school to have complete control and knowledge of the information coming into the School and going out from the School. Therefore, I ask that all communications to and from your children, while they are at school, goes through the Front Office or through a member of staff.
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
Fresh Heart and Encouragement
Even in the enthusiastic world of the early Church, the Apostles recognised the need to ‘put fresh heart into the Disciples, encouraging them to persevere in the Faith’. The same is true for all who try to live out their faith in the way that Jesus left us, through personal and practical concern for the wellbeing of others. The life and work of conferences of the Society is based on spiritual, not just material, realities. An essential quality of that spirituality has to be present in order to give fresh heart and hope to each other, and to those who are experiencing difficult times and circumstances.
That is very much what Rosalie Rendu advocated when she said: A Daughter of Charity must be like a milestone on the street corner where all those who pass by can rest and lay down their heavy burdens. And this is also the pattern of advice she gave to Frederic and his companions in the early days of their commitment to the Society in 1833: ‘Always remember, that if we had been through the hardships they have had to meet – if our childhood had been one of constant want — perhaps, we too, would have given way to envy and hatred, as I must admit have many of the poor in this quarter’. The Vincentian Rule (3.12) expresses that it is essential for members to “deepen their knowledge of the Society and their spirituality”. Formation offers the opportunity to be renewed in spirit and understanding of our purpose. The Society is not just a welfare service or a transaction of assistance. The Society is driven in meaning and a deeper purpose, one that needs assurance, nourishment, encouragement and prayerful support.
Goodness is stronger than evil, love is stronger than hate, Light is stronger than darkness, life is stronger than death, Victory is ours through Him who loves us. (The late Archbishop Desmond Tutu)
PRAYER
Father of all, Bless and strengthen those who work throughout the world to bring relief to the oppressed, the hungry, those without hope.
Give them courage. Keep them safe.
Amen
Sourced from: https://www.vinnies.org.au/icms_docs/325558_Spiritual_Reflection_Guide_May_2021.pdf
Read LessCatholic Identity and Mission in Our School
WITH MRS ERIN MCGOVERN
STAFF SPIRITUALITY
Each year under the direction of Bishop Greg and in line with our Mission goal, staff engage in the Parish School Spirituality modules. These modules are designed to strengthen and deepen our own faith and Catholic formation as we live out our diocesan mission.
On Wednesday afternoon, staff engaged in Module 1 - Right Relationship. The first and great Commandment is: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, love your neighbor as yourself" (Luke 10:27). A person's love for God must show itself in love for people.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
Please keep our Year 4 students in your prayers as they prepare for the Sacrament of First Holy Communion on Sunday 19th June at 9.30am.
First Communion is a rite of passage also known as the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist and is a celebration of a child's decision to follow the teachings of the Catholic Church. He/She will eat the Bread of Life (or a “host” – a round white wafer made of wheat) and drink wine from the Cup of Life.
Learning & Teaching in Our School
WITH MRS KRYSTAL BRADY
NAPLAN - Year 3 and 5
Congratulations to all our students in Years 3 and 5 who have completed their NAPLAN assessments over the past 2 weeks. Thank you to the staff who prepared the students to participate in a calm and confident manner.
Open Morning
Next Tuesday 24th May, we look forward to sharing with you the learning and teaching taking place in our classrooms every week. We have missed having families on site.
Reading Q & A Workshop Session for Parents & Carers
After our Open Morning next Tuesday 24th May, we will host an informal parent & carer session focussed on reading. During this session, we welcome questions about reading and we will discuss topics such as the new K-2 syllabus, the research behind the way we teach reading and phonics and practical tips for you to use at home with your child.
Book Fair
Our book fair so far has been alive with kids excited about reading. The Book Fair will continue next Tuesday 24th May for our Open Morning. All purchases earn literacy rewards for our school. Thank you for supporting the Book Fair!
Thank you to the P&F for our Learning Resources
Special thanks to the 2021 P&F for their kind donations of new resources to support learning in our school. Over the past term, the items have slowly been arriving. Thank you for the new books purchased for our Library, the wooden scale for Messy Maths in our LP Play Area, the 3D Printer, iPad baskets and decodable texts. Thanks to all the families who supported the P&F Fundraisers last year.
STUDENT AWARDS FOR WEEKS 3 & 4, 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 |
Taylah Morris | Alex Pollock | Dustin Buck |
KHonour |
Blake Micallef | Lockie Gosling | Hudson Woods |
1Truth |
Ava Sinclair | Kara Miller | Veronica Button |
1Honour |
Hughe Lyttle | Max Hanna | Charlotte Edwards |
2Truth |
Amailia Brandt | Jazmin Crilley | Anna Prasanth |
3Truth |
Mason Gagnuss-Vale | Lillyan Moore | Zaya Button |
3Honour |
Charlotte Mainey | Charlette Matta | Chelsea Mainey |
4Truth |
Jason Micallef | Terrence Liang | Lilly Campbell |
4Honour |
Zak Kane | Olivia Rutledege | Astin Mackay |
5Truth |
Emmie Dyson | Anysia Clarke | Kristen Spalding |
5Honour |
Hamish Osborne | Orla Kennedy | Lily Vickers |
6Truth |
Patrick Smith | Pierson Kemp | Anugraha Biju |
6Honour |
Harrison Shore | Pippa Smith | Isaac Weston |
WITH MR MICHAEL WATTS
We were gifted with abnormally good weather for the Zone Cross Country which was held at the Verge Street Oval on Wednesday.
With barely any preparation due to poor weather, St Joseph's runners did exceptionally well against children from Bowraville to Laurieton.
Those in the first 8 qualify for the Diocesan Trials which will be held at the Grafton Racecourse next Tuesday, 24th May.
Congratulations to all and best of luck to the 11 children who qualified.
9yrs - Ryder Sproule 3rd, Hallie Edwards 5th, Belinda Rudder 6th
10yrs - Noah Davies 1st, Will Clarke 5th
11yrs - Hamish Davies 4th, Addison Norton 7th
12yrs - Oliver Tamblyn 1st, Harrison Shore 3rd, Taj Webber 4th, Pierson Kemp 7th
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 LessEnvirobank Recycling Project
Thank you to those families have got involved so far with this recycling project. If you need another bag please have your child see one of the Year 5 Enviro team members.
This project works closely with our school, teaching students about sustainability through the container deposit scheme. This raises awareness of recycling and helps us raise money to fund our end of year reward day.
JOIN IN:
- Each family will receive an Envirobank orange bag
- Collect empty 10c eligible bottles (removing lids)
- Once bag is full, return to school and go in the draw to win prizes each term
- Your family will receive a new bag on return and are encouraged to continue to collect and help us raise awareness about sustainability
If you would like extra bags for extended family members, please let us know.
Happy Recycling!
** If you already participate in bottle recycling as a family, please return your empty orange bag.
Read Less
WINTER MENU SPECIAL!
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.
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 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