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- Prayer Focus
- The Principal's Report
- Girls Day Out STEM
- Celebrating Our Faith
- Learning Together
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- St Agnes' Parish Education - Uniform Review
- Parish News
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- Sunshine Cafe
- #Yr6leaders
- Principal's Award
- Student Awards
- Growing Minds
- Premiere's Reading Challenge Deadline
- P&F Fundraisers
- Parent Workshops
- Launching the SZapp
- What's On Next Week ...
- Advance Dates for Your Diary
- This Week's Notes
- The Billboard
Lord God, you are the source of Life! We praise you for the gift of life.
Prepare our hearts to meet you face to face.
Amen
NATIONAL SCIENCE WEEK
Destination Moon: more missions, more science is the school theme for National Science Week in 2019. 10th - 18th August marked National Science Week.
This theme has been a way for teachers and students to explore space programs and missions to the Moon and how these have helped solve science, technology and engineering problems to help forge our future paths in the area of space science, commuications and more.
A regular part of what we do at Joey's is related to science through class units of work and STEM initiatives. Read all about the Girls Day Out STEM in a later article of this newsletter.
GLASSHOUSE PERFORMANCE
Our performance is quickly approaching, with practices at school refining the process of getting ready for this exciting school activity. Please carefully check the note that has come home to you for requirements on costumes and props. We really encourage families to see what friends and family may already to borrow. If there are any questions around this please speak to the teachers involved for advice. We are very proud we have been able to reduce the costs that may normally be incurred in the lead up to the performance and encourage you to make sure you have booked tickets through the Glasshouse Box Office.
COLOUR RUN
Our P&F have been working away behind the scenes on the preparation for our Colour Run on 6th September. They will be asking for help in a number of areas, which we would appreciate your support where you are able. Our P&F meeting yesterday addressed the particular areas where assistance is needed, so please keep a check on their Facebook event page, newsletters and emails relating to this so that you have every opportunity to be involved. The countdown is on!
BOOK WEEK
Next week is officially Book Week, so in classes, students and teachers will be focusing on some of the themes and practices around reading as a lifelong skill that supports all other learning. A reminder that we will not be having our major celebrations of Book Week until Term 4, when we will be joining it with National Grandparents Day for a really exciting series of activities that everyone can enjoy.
The theme of “Reading is My Secret Power” can inspire some of the dress ups and characters that children (and adults who want to be adventurous) choose. Feel free to start planning for this early to gather what you need for those fantastic costumes.
BRAVEHEARTS K-2 'DITTO'S KEEP SAFE ADVENTURE SHOW' - CHILD PROTECTION
As outlined in our note home on 29th July, our K-2 students will be attending ‘Ditto’s Keep Safe Adventure Show’ at 10:30am in the MPA on Tuesday 20th August. The show teaches children personal safety in a non-confrontational, fun and engaging fashion. Students will receive an activity book to take home and share with parents and carers. We will also have some of our Parish preschool children visit share in the experience.
Tess Koning
Principal
On Sunday Eureka Explorers hosted their first inaugural Girls Day Out in STEM (GDOS) to the greater Port Macquarie area. The aim of the event was to provide a unique opportunity for young girls, in a fun and safe environment, to access the best STEM opportunities with hands-on learning and activities to inspire their future dreams.
The girls were provided the opportunity to meet local professional women who are successful role models who have achieved their own dreams and aspirations in the STEM world.
Attending the STEM masterclasses provided pragmatic self-efficacy opportunities to undertake hands-on activities that demonstrates STEM as fun and engaging.
A group of Year 4 students were lucky enough to attend the event and they had this to say about their experiences.
“Sunday was the best fun ever. My favourite part was when we did our own Guinness World Record. I didn’t get the highest but it was still a good go.” Storm Hardy.
“At the girls day out it was the best. They had fairy floss and pop corn. When I did the world record it was fun and hard at the same time.” Matilda Kos
“At girls day out I had so much fun. I really liked when we made a tower out of paper. It was 64cm high. I also enjoyed attending the master class." Eva Francis.
"I enjoyed the day very much and hope I can do it again next year”. Ella Herbert
THE FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION
On Thursday, 15th August the Church celebrated the Feast Day of the Assumption of Our Lady when according to our faith, the Holy Mother, “having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory”.
In Australia this feast day is a holy day of obligation.
Although defined as an article of faith by Pope Pius XII just over half a century ago, the Assumption of Our Lady into heaven has been accepted from back to the earliest of Christian times. The Assumption signals the end of Mary’s earthly life and marks her return to heaven to be reunited with Jesus. While the bodies of both Jesus and Mary are now in heaven, there is a difference between the Assumption and the Resurrection. Where Jesus arose from the tomb and ascended into heaven by his own power, Mary’s body was taken up to heaven by the power of her Son. Catholic News
PRAYER OF THE ASSUMPTION OF MARY
Father in heaven, all creation rightly gives you praise,
For all life and all holiness come from you.
In the plan of your wisdom she who bore the Christ in her womb was raised body and soul in glory to be with Him in heaven.
May we follow her example in reflecting your Holiness and join in her hymn of endless love and praise.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
CHILDREN'S LITURGY OF THE WORD
You are always invited to Children's Liturgy of the Word each Sunday during the school term 5:00pm at St Agnes' Church. This is a Youth and Family Mass for 4-12 year olds where Prayer and activities based around the Gospel of the day are led by our adult volunteers. For all other Masses there are boxes near the side entrances and the Pieta containing special kits for children to borrow and activity sheets to complete during Mass or to take home.
UNDERSTANDING FAITH
Understanding Faith interviewed a few students in our primary schools on how they learn about religious education in the classroom. Watch the video to hear what they had to say!
If you would like to learn more about what Understanding Faith does you can check out their website here: https://understandingfaith.edu.au/
Ann Thurgate
Assistant Principal Mission
WHY TEACH CREATIVE ARTS - A FOCUS ON DANCE AND DRAMA
At St Joseph’s we offer a variety of ways for our students to be involved in Creative Arts. Students learn about culture and community through the study of creative arts. Teaching practice in creative arts is explicit and purposeful. Experiences are sequential and meaningful to develop students’ skills, knowledge and understanding. It is a process of refining ideas and their artworks which develops resilience and persistence. Creative Arts therefore develops the whole child through its unique content and experiences. Each art form has its own unique skills, concepts and a capacity to inspire and enrich lives. Students discover a variety of art forms through a study of dance, drama, music and visual arts where they learn to appreciate, make and perform.
Currently all our students are engaged in performing arts through Dance and Drama, in preparation for our upcoming ‘Once Upon a Time’ performance at The Glasshouse. The performing arts provides our students with the opportunity to engage the mind, the body and emotions into a collaborative expression. They discover their own voice, grow in confidence and develop fundamental movement skills. This opportunity allows our students to work collaboratively, creatively, develop their communication and critical reflection skills.
These 4 C’s are core skills for our contemporary learners to develop.
Students gain valuable life skills by learning the importance of feedback, both positive and constructive. The arts also provide a place of solitude, where students can immerse themselves without interference from their environment. This also provides a space for students to engage in self-reflection – a vital skill for life after school.
2. Collaboration
Performing arts is an opportunity that encourages teamwork, whether that is in writing, creating or during the act of performing. Students have the opportunity to engage in creative collaboration, a skill they have limited chance to develop outside of a rehearsal space.
3. Creativity
Through creative expression, students learn to understand the world in a unique way, preparing them to navigate the challenges after school. There is also great cross-over between performing arts and other key learning areas – the creative thinking learned during rehearsal can be transferred to all areas of learning
4. Communication
Communication skills can be enhanced through performing arts, as students learn to use verbal and non-verbal techniques in new ways to deliver their message. Some students also find new levels of confidence through performing arts.
We are looking forward to showcasing the students endeavours in Week 9.
Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching
DIOCESAN ATHLETICS - LISMORE FRIDAY 23RD AUGUST
Students who have made it through to Diocesan Athletics, please make sure your forms are completed. Good luck to all our competitors next week! Remember to check the Diocese of Lismore Sport website under Primary for program of events, wet weather information etc.
https://sport.lism.catholic.edu.au/
CRICKET AUSTRALIA
We are loving our weekly Physical Education sessions from Cricket Australia!
TOUCH FOOTBALL GALA DAY
Next Thursday 22nd August sees 88 of our primary students heading to Tuffins Lane for a fun day of touch football. Students are to be at school at 8:50am, with a hat, water and a packed lunch. There will be limited canteen available. Thank you to our wonderful parent helpers making this day possible.
Yours in Sport
Laura Hatherly
Changes to Flexischools
Please check your online ordering account. Flexischools have updated their app.
Don't forget you can order online by 8:30am- it's so easy!!
- Go to www.flexischools.com.au
- Click “Register Now” to create account
- Top-up your balance
- Start ordering immediately
If you have a spare morning a month please volunteer at the Canteen - more helpers are always needed. Your children will love having you help at school and the rest of us will really appreciate it also!
Our Volunteers for Week 5 Term 3
Monday | You are welcome to join us |
Tuesday | You are welcome to join us |
Wednesday | You are welcome to join us |
Thursday | You are welcome to join us |
Friday | You are welcome to join us |
We ask that if you are unable to attend on your rostered day it would be very much appreciated if you could organise your replacement and let me know. This would really assist me enormously. Thank you.
CANTEEN MENU - TERM 3
Annemaree Tonkin
Canteen Coordinator
DEBATING COMPETITION - ROUND 2
Topic: Internet, more harm than good.
Congratulations St Joseph’s Primary debating team, you did an amazing job especially with one less person than what you practiced with. A special thanks to Dom for stepping up in Blake’s spot when he couldn’t make it, and a special thanks to Ms Hatherly for helping the team get together and stand up to the Affirmative Team. You did a great job and we loved your catchy starter. Thanks to Eliza and Dom for writing all the rebuttals and thanks to Christie for starting the debate and setting the example. Sadly the St Joseph's debating team (Negative team) lost.
(Dom, Eliza and Christie)
The Affirmative side was a success and we won against St Agnes. It was a very closely contested competition. Our expression, strong arguments won us the debate.
(Eleanor, Izzy, Tom and Jacob)
Dominic Matheson - 6 Green
For showing resilience and great teamwork inK Gold | Flynn Watts | Tyler Mat | Indii Love |
K Green | Nevaeh Fletcher | Ivy-Lea Harris | Hudson Young |
1 Gold | Lenny Dixon | Josie Shipp | Jade Hanks |
1 Green | Poppi-Lee McGeoch | Jacob Gluckstern-Hill | Kalani Berry |
2 Gold | Marlee Hearne | Harrison Hoade | Sophie Lawrence |
2 Green | Lilliana Anderson | Ryder Monckton | Laila Thorburn |
3 Gold | Peyton Berry | Isabelle Moane | Baxter Matthews |
3 Green | Mikayla Love | Ada Zerafa-Johnson | Billy Stapleton |
4 Gold | Ella Herbert | Ella-Yindi Jenkin | Bronte Hood |
4 Green | Tate Van Veen | Sydney Forsyth | Lawson Bentley |
5 Gold | Lucy Geary | Jesse Cooper | Charlee Maher |
5 Green | Sienna Weston | Sheridan Barker | Jai Watts |
6 Gold | Eleanor Bennett-Tonkin | Tom Turner | Isabella Skinner |
6 Green | Byron Alchin | Christie Preston | Eliza Bajt |
OUTDOOR CLASSROOM WORKING BEE
Our school Sustainability Team have been working with Mrs Shannon Kelly (Teacher) and some experts in the field, to plan and organise the concept of our “Growing Minds' Outdoor Classroom”. The area between the Library building and Year 1 classrooms has been cleared in preparation for this work to commence. See the flyer below for all of the details for the project. We warmly invite parents, carers and children to be involved so if you have a little bit of time, or the whole day, available on Saturday 24th August, we would love you to play a part in the work. It will start at 9:00am and go until it is complete.
Premiere's Reading Challenge Deadline
A reminder that Student Reading Records for the NSW Premiere's Reading Challenge need to be completed by 30th August. Please record all books online before this date, and try not to leave it to the last minute to avoid delays due to heavy website traffic.
The Challenge aims to encourage a love of reading for leisure and pleasure in students, and to enable them to experience quality literature. It is not a competition but a challenge to each student to read, to read more and to read more widely.
If you have any queries please see your class teacher or Ms Gamack in the Library.
FATHER'S DAY STALL
Father's Day is fast approaching and thanks to a wonderful group of volunteers we are able to once again offer a Father's Day Stall on Thursday 29th August.
All you need to do is send in $6.00 per present by Thursday 22nd August with the order form that was sent home last week.
Year 6 will have the opportunity to choose a gift on their return from camp on Friday 30th August.
More order forms are available from the Office Aunties if you would like them.
COLOUR RUN
Regards
St Joseph’s Primary School P&F Committee
Dyslexia Support Mid North Coast are excited to be hosting SPELD NSW Executive Officer, Georgina Perry, in August and September to conduct a series of workshops.
PARENT WORKSHOP 2 - UNDERSTANDING LEARNING DIFFICULTIES
with Georgina Perry, Executive Officer SPELD NSW
Wednesday 11th September, 2019 at 6:00 – 7:30pm
Venue: Port Macquarie - venue to be advised.
Cost: $10
This workshop will help parents to understand:
- What are the specific learning difficulties in reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia) and maths (dyscalculia)
- What are the signs that a child may have a specific learning difficulty?
- What are evidence based interventions and how they help children to read and spell
- What instructions and adjustments can support your child in the classroom.
This workshop is suited to parents and carers of children struggling with reading, writing, spelling and/or maths. Teachers, learning support and education professionals also welcome.
Please register via this link: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/understanding-learning-difficulties-tickets-66741103437
SZapp is the new mobile app for the school to communicate directly to parents and carers. It works through both smart phones and smart devices (such as Androids and iPads). We will no longer be using the ‘Skoolbag app’.
Through the app we are able to communicate - push notification alerts, school events, newsletters, school documents and emergency notifications. You can use it for canteen ordering, submitting a student absence and more. See the below flyer for information on how to install SZapp. If you have any questions please contact the Office Aunties.
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STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAYS 2019
As we are aware that parents and carers need to know about Staff Development Days so they can forward plan work arrangements, our remaining days (pupil free) are:
- Friday 27th September (Term 3, Week 10)
- Monday 4th November (Term, 4, Week 4)
For each of these days we will offer limited child minding places. Closer to each date we will advise on how to register for the child minding if you require it.
Please note these dates can change from time to time due to unforeseen circumstances and we will endeavour to advise you of any changes at the earliest possible opportunity. Our school Google calendar can be accessed via this link for additional advanced dates -
For your convenience school term dates are located on our website. Click on the words “TERM DATES” on the home page.