Term 3 Week 4, 2024
From our Leadership
Welcome
On 15 August, Catholics around the world celebrate the Feast of the Assumption, a significant day in the Church calendar. This feast commemorates the belief that Mary, Jesus' Mother, at the end of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into Heaven.
The Assumption serves as a reminder of Mary’s purity and her close relationship with God. For many, it is a day to reflect on the values of faith, hope, and love that Mary exemplified throughout her life.
Parents Be Proud
Our stage 3 students returned from their camp this week…slightly wet and very tired. The teachers report that the students' behaviour was exceptional. Parents take a bow!
Book Week
On Thursday, 26 September we are celebrating Book Week. This year's theme is 'Reading is Magic'. The dress up parade will commence at 11.40am and conclude at 12.40pm.
Disco
A school disco will be held on Thursday, 26 September, celebrating the end of Term. The disco will commence at 6.00pm and conclude at 7.30pm.
Further information to come for both of these exciting events!
Father's Day
We will gather to celebrate our fathers, grandfathers, uncles and father like figures on Friday, 30 August. Please join us for a Liturgy in Mercy Hall starting at 10.15am and concluding at 10.45am.
Welcome to our new families
We warmly welcome our new students Ashton, William, Poppy, Zoey, Arlo (absent) and their familes to our school community.
Influenza A
Due to the virus being active in our community please keep your child at home if they are showing any cold or flu like symptoms. If Influenza A is diagnosed please notify the school, your child will be contagious for 7 -10 days and should remain home until they have recovered.
Let’s continue the conversation on bullying………
Teach Your Child to be an Upstander
An upstander is a student who actively observes and takes action when they witness bullying, whether it involves intervention, interruption, or speaking out against it. Their role is paramount because without an "upstander", the peer facing bullying will frequently experience an overwhelming sense of isolation, compounded by the fact that there are bystanders who choose to remain silent. This silence not only fosters the belief that others are indifferent but also suggests approval of the ongoing bullying behaviour.
There are some simple messages that you can teach your child to treat others the way we would like to be treated (Luke 6:31).
- Help your child to understand what bullying is and the different forms it can take in school and online. By teaching your child about bullying and the need to face it with courage, you can help them to be brave and stand up to bullying behaviour.
- Social exclusion is a hurtful form of bullying that is more prominent now than face-to-face bullying. Social exclusion can occur online and face-to-face. Encourage your child to talk to you or a trusted adult if they see this harmful behaviour in order to problem solve how they can help.
- Teach your child that if they are standing by and watching bullying behaviour face to face or online would they be fine with this behaviour occurring to them? This can teach empathy. Also asking ‘What if this was happening to your best friend or sibling?’ can help to teach compassion. 2. Every person, regardless of what he or she looks or acts like, is created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26-27; James 3:9-10) and is worthy of the dignity that God gives to every person.
- Modelandteachyourchild to respect diversity. Teach your child that it is hurtful to bully others based on aspects such as their physical features, skin colour, race, skill level, and age.
- Model and teach your child to be open and accepting of diversity in school and the community. A way to help your child understand empathy is to use the concept of the circle of concern. According to the Harvard University project ‘Making Caring Common’, children are generally kind and empathetic to people they know, but parents can help teach children to be kind and empathetic to people outside of their immediate circle of concern. Start with someone in your street, a new classmate or a relative who may be socially excluded, and encourage your child to start a conversation. Teach them to look for similarities, not differences. Encourage your child to ask a classmate who plays or always sits alone to join them during break time.
- Talk to them openly and honestly about how we are all unique and different. Remind your child that everyone likes feeling included and appreciated by experiencing kindness and friendship at school.
- Consider the values you reflect to your child. Encourage the values of inclusion and kindness in your family life so that your child learns and acts on these values.
Watch with your child Toasted TV: How to be a bullying upstander from kidshelpline Toasted TV: How to be a bullying upstander (youtube.com)
Mathematics Professional Learning Update
Last week, our teachers kicked off their first Professional Learning Team (PLT) meeting for Mathematics with Mrs. Donoghue, our Leader of Learning. Following the success of our English PLTs, which have significantly enhanced student growth and achievement in writing, the need for a dedicated Mathematics PLT was clear.
In these PLT meetings, teachers will review individual student data from the previous learning cycle and delve into the upcoming Unit of Work. This process will help them gain a comprehensive understanding of the content to be taught and tailor their instruction to meet students' needs. Additionally, teachers will create Learning Intentions and Success Criteria to support feedback and self-assessment in the classroom.
Mathematics PLTs are scheduled to occur twice each term. Below, you’ll find the Learning Intentions and Success Criteria for each group.
Principal-Danny Rankin
Assistant Principal-Anne Forwell
Leader of Learning - Brooke Donoghue
Leader of Evangelisation - Matthew Green
Sport Coordinator - Caitlin Crispin
Clarence Zone Soccer Knockout
Last Friday, a group of Stage 3 students attended a Zone Soccer Knockout in Yamba. The students had a great time mixing with their peers from other schools within our Clarence Zone. A big thank you to Mr Green and Ms Nelson for accompanying the students on the day.
Diocesan Athletics Carnival
On Tuesday, 20 August, Owen, Aaliyah, Isla and Kendall will be attending the Diocesan Athletics Carnival at the Coffs Harbour International Stadium. We wish them the best of luck. We know they will represent our school with pride.
Touch Gala Day
Next Wednesday, 21st August, a group of Stage 3 students will be participating in a Touch Gala Day at Rushforth Park. The games will commence at 10.00am and conclude by 2.oopm.
Olympics Day
During Week 2 we celebrated Olympics Day. The students had a great time wearing green and yellow to represent Australia and participating in Olympic style games.
Gumbaynggirr Language - Liz Hegedus
Ginnagay Ngujawiny -Hello You Mob,
Last week, on Thursday, we celebrated NAIDOC day at St Joseph’s. We began the assembly with the Aboriginal students performing different aboriginal dances. The students have been practicing every Tuesday afternoon under the guidance of Mr Michael Woods (Pop). Under his guidance we were able to put on a performance for our school and teach our fellow students different types of aboriginal dances. I personally would like to thank Michael and my Aboriginal students for their hard work in learning the different dances and to be able to stand up in front of assembly and perform. Well done!
After assembly all stages participated in different Indigenous games. Kindergarten and Stage 1 played Hunting for animals, animal relays and line tag. Stage 2 and 3 played Kia, Hunting for animals and Possum in the middle. The day concluded with everyone enjoying lunch together.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow staff members for their assistance in learning the different games beforehand. I would also like to thank the many families for attending the day. I hope you have an insight of how important aboriginal culture is to your child and our school. Lastly, I would like to thank my family for attending the day.
The theme for this year's NAIDOC was ‘KeepThe Fire Burning, Blak, Loud and Proud’
This year's theme represents the enduring strength of Indigenous cultures and is an unapologetic celebration of Indigenous identity. So, thank you to my ancestors who paved the way to enable me to learn and teach aboriginal culture, to pass down through my family and the Aboriginal students who come through our wonderful school here at St Joseph’s.
NAIDOC Celebration
My next profile is on Skyla, who is in Stage 2.
Name: Skyla
Age : 9 years old
Favorite Color: Blue and purple
Favorite Sport: Basketball
Favorite Book: Travelling Bookshop
Favorite Movie: Turning Red (Disney movie)
Favorite Food: I love eating capsicums
Favorite Breaky: Banana smoothie yum yum!
Favorite Animal: Dolphins, they are so cute!
What do you like to do outside of School? I love doing art.
Favorite Icecream: Mango
Favorite Country: Tokyo, I want to go there one day.
What do you want to be when you grow up? A vet, because I care about animals.
Dream/Goal: Create homes for the homeless people.
Darrundang Ngiinda - Thankyou
Miss Liz Hegedus
Aboriginal Education Worker
School Notes
School Photos
School photo day is Monday, 26 August. Scan the QR code below to place your online order.
Parents & Caregivers are reminded when dropping off or picking students up, the Staff Carpark is not a designated zone. Exception if you require use of a disabled parking space.
Please note the speed limit coming into this carpark at other times is 10 klms. Please be mindful of the school speed zones.
SCHOOL FEES
Thank you to those families who have made the change from Direct Debit to BPay for fee payments. BPay is the preferred payment method for school fees.
Scheduled payments can also be set up using BPay, the Biller Code and your personal reference number can be found on your Fee Statement.
Paying through BPay ensures that your payment goes directly to your account. Any enquireies please contact the School Office.
ABSENCES
Please notify the School Office if your child will be absent for an extended period of time, Principal approval may be required.
Only full day absences are to be entered into Compass, for partial absences - arriving late or leaving early please phone the School Office to notify.
Change to afternoon travel arrangements may be emailed to the school if before 12.00pm sjpgraf@lism.catholic.edu.au
After 12.00pm please phone the School Office on 6642 2899 with any changes.
Uniforms
School Calendar
TERM 3 2024
Week 5
Tuesday, 20 August - Diocesan Athletics Carnival, Coffs Harbour International Stadium
Wednesday, 21 August - Touch Gala Day, Rushforth Park Years 5 & 6
Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 August - Holy Communion Commitment Masses
Week 6
Monday, 26 August - School Photo Day
Monday, 26 August - School Assembly 2.15pm
Thursday, 29 August - Mass at St Patrick's Church 9.15am, Kindergarten & Stage 1 attending
Friday, 30 August - Father's Day Liturgy, Mercy Hall 10.15am to 10.45am
Week 7
Tuesday, 3 September - Parent Group Meeting 6.00pm to 7.00pm
Week 8
Monday, 9 September - School Assembly 2.15pm
Wednesday, 11 September - Colour Fun Run 1.00pm to 2.00pm
Thursday, 12 September - Mass at St Patrick's Church 9.15am, Stage 2 attending
Friday, 13 September - Speech Competition Finals, Mercy Hall 9.15am to 10.15am
Week 9
Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 September - Holy Communion Sacrament
Week 10
Monday, 23 September - Public Speaking Finalists at John Paul College, Coffs Harbour
Monday, 23 September - School Assembly 2.15pm
Thursday, 26 September - Book Week Dress Up Day - Parade at 11.40am
Thursday, 26 September - School Disco 6.00pm to 7.30pm
Thursday, 26 September - Last Day of Term 3 for students
Friday, 27 September - Staff Development Day (Pupil Free)
Canteen
Canteen
Open every Wednesday and Friday
Volunteers are always welcome, please leave your details with the School office if you're able to assist.
Community Notices
