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- Prayer Focus
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- P&F Colour Run
- Learning Together
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- Sunshine Cafe
- Lost Property
- This Week's Notes
- What's On Next Week ...
- Advance Dates for Your Diary
- Busways School Service Changes - Update
- Parish News
- Parent Workshops
- The Billboard
YEAR 6 CAMP
I had the pleasure of spending some time with Year 6 at The Great Aussie Bush Camp this week. They were super excited when leaving on Monday and engaged in a full day of physical activity when they arrived at camp. Day 1 on Monday was high ropes, canoeing and trivia night; where students challenged their comfort zone by doing things they may not have tried previously and encouraged each other when the going got tough. There were some funny moments in there too, where they needed to build their team skills to manage different tasks. Tuesday’s activities were raft building, archery, a rainforest walk, sand dunes and a movie night. Wednesday saw students completing crate climb, fencing, giant swing, lost island and night time commando. Finally on Thursday, students packed up ready for the dual flying fox and bushcraft. It was a massive week of fun, activity and challenges with great camp leaders who expertly managed tasks with students and promoted safe fun in the physical challenges. No doubt students were early to bed last night and ready to share lots of great stories with families and friends. Thank you to the Year 6 staff for their organisation beforehand, made possible by the fantastic venue. A big thank you to Laura Hatherly, Kate Mitchell, Holly Hough, Jeannine Ucdereli, Elise Howard and Tarran Marr-Harris for giving up personal and family time to be with our students for this experience. It was enjoyed by all and we hope you enjoy the photos and camp quotes in our #Yr6leaders article of this newsletter.
GLASSHOUSE PERFORMANCE
Our performance is quickly approaching …. only 3 weeks to go! Practices at school continue and we remind families to please carefully check the note that went home for requirements on costumes and props.
We have had some enquiries around securing tickets for the shows, especially as the evening show is highly sought after and tickets sold quickly. Based on feedback from parents, carers and students after our Glasshouse concert last year, we are holding two performances this year in an effort to give all of our families an opportunity to see the concert.
All tickets are purchased directly through The Glasshouse. There are currently tickets still available for the matinee performance. Families who are unable to attend that time slot and missed out on tickets for the evening performance have been advised to contact The Glasshouse Box Office on 6581 8888 to place your name on a waiting list. You will need to also leave a contact number and the number of tickets you hope to obtain. If you find you have tickets you don't require after all for either performance, please contact the Glasshouse Box Office for a refund. They will then be able to on sell these to people on the waiting list.
COLOUR RUN
Now there is only 1 week to go until our Colour Run on 6th September! We are in need of volunteers to set up the obstacle course on the afternoon before and support the organisation on the day. Please register your availabilty via this link https://forms.gle/PUt3yMK82MKsfFqd8 or contact the office Aunties by Tuesday for organisational purposes. Thank you to the parents who have aleady started helping out.
We are pleased to let you know that our aim in raising funds is to purchase new shade tents for our sports houses to be used at school events. Our goal is $12,000 for these resources, help us reach it!
GROWING MINDS GARDEN WORKING BEE
What a beautiful day we were gifted with on Saturday for the work on our Food Forest to commence. Mrs Shannon Kelly has been working for quite some time on the planning and organisation for the garden area, over many hours of her own time. We acknowledge Shannon’s commitment (and that of her family who supported the work leading up to and on the day), as well as the support and creation of the ideas for the space by Lauren O'Reilly from Free Range Change. The Sustainability Team and all of the helpers on the day brought the plans to reality and we are so excited with this achievement. Thank you to all of the staff, parents, children, grandparents and friends who came along to assist us on the day. It will continue to grow as we add to and nurture the area, which currently requires it to be fenced off for a few more weeks. Please feel free to look from the steps of the library building but we ask you not to move into the space until the fencing is removed.
SOCIAL MEDIA and GAMING WORRIES - What can you do?
As you will have read throughout the year, Social Media and Online Gaming are areas of concern for parents and schools, with many children being involved in these with their friends. They can be fun when used correctly, but can turn into sources of negativity when used without supervision. You don’t need to look far to find stories and comments around the negative impact that these can have on children, especially through messaging. We have also experienced times when students are using these away from school, but bring the problems and disagreements to school, which impacts on learning and socialising.
Police Liaison Officer Constable Wendy Hudson visited in Week 4 and was very clear with our students that from the age of 10 there are serious consequences for using the internet in any way as an avenue for intimidating, bullying and harassment. This can be from one nasty comment to a series of taunts designed to upset someone. This shocked our students but unfortunately Constable Wendy was not shocked with how many children in Primary school have social media and gaming accounts which are mostly rated at 13 years and above. As easy as it is for children to sign up, unfortunately, they are not ready for the responsibility.
The only way to truly keep children away from experiencing negative impacts from these online platforms is to not use it until they are ready for the responsibility. Up until the age of 18, parents are responsible for keeping track of their use and when finding things that are of concern, acting on it responsibly. If you find yourself faced with something that concerns you online enough to tell someone, you should report it to the police. Schools are not responsible for what students do at home and parents are accountable to their child’s behaviour and use of their accounts.
Tess Koning
Principal
Don't forget to send your completed sponsorship forms in by Tuesday 3rd September to be able to be a part of the day and be included in the count for the AWESOME prizes.
Regards
St Joseph’s Primary School P&F Committee
CHALLENGING OUR MINDS
This weekend some of our Stage 3 students will be traveling to Coffs Harbour to compete in the annual Tournament of Minds. This event is an Australia wide program designed to give students the opportunity to participate in creative activities involving stimulating open-ended challenges, which demand experimentation and reward divergent thinking.
Our students were given a long term challenge, in which they have had six weeks to solve. They will now present this at the Regional Tournament on Saturday. During that day, the team will also be given a spontaneous challenge, where they will have a short time to discuss and plan a response.
The Tournament of Minds program is an extremely rewarding and beneficial experience for all involved. It helps students develop the sorts of attitudes and skills that will hold them in good stead throughout their lives. We wish all our teams the very best on Saturday.
Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching
MINI VINNIES
Mini Vinnies will be holding a soup day on Wednesday on Week 7 during Lunch 2.
Some of the soups to try will be Pumpkin, Chicken Noodle and Tomato. Please bring in soup cans or packets to donate for Sister Majorie to use for the Port Macquarie Soup Kitchen which provides meals for the homeless. A cup of soup will cost $2 and all money raised will go to Sister Majorie.
CONFIRMATION PREPARATION
Our St Joseph's students have begun their preparation for the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation. An exciting and special Initiation Sacrament where they will receive a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Through Confirmation, the Holy Spirit gives them the increased ability to practice their Catholic faith in every aspect of their lives and to witness Christ in every situation.
The effects of Confirmation are as follows:
- An increased portion of the gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, knowledge, right judgement, understanding, courage, piety, and fear of the Lord.
- A deepening and strengthening of the grace received at Baptism, which is considered the presence of God in the soul.
- A more intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.
- A closer bond with the Catholic Church.
- The ability to take a greater, more mature role in the Church's mission of living the Christian faith daily and witnessing to Christ everywhere.
- A special mark, or character, on the soul that can never be erased.
Each person's ability to embrace these effects depends on his or her openness to the Sacrament and willingness to accept it as God's personal gift. Over the coming weeks, we journey with our students as they continue to prepare for this exciting time in their lives.
CONFIRMATION DATES
Confirmation Registration Evening
St Agnes’ Church - Tuesday 3rd September 2019 at 6:00pm
(Or Thursday 5th September 2019 at 6:00pm as a follow up for those who missed Tuesday 3rd September. )
Confirmation Workshop
St Joseph’s Primary School - Thursday 12th September 2019 at 3:30 - 4:40 pm.
An email will be sent following the registration evening on how to register for the workshop.
FATHER'S DAY
St Josephs’ celebrates the important role that fathers and grandfathers and all male role models play in their children’s lives.
Thank you to our wonderful Kindergarten classes and the SRC who hosted our Fathers’ Day prayer service. What a wonderful turn out. The students loved sharing their school with their visitors. A lovely family moment at St Josephs’ Primary School.
Happy Fathers’ day to all our Fathers, Grandfathers and important men in our lives. Have a wonderful weekend.
Ann Thurgate
Assistant Principal Mission
YEAR 6 CAMP QUOTES
“The dark point Sand Dunes was a work out - we brought half the sand dune home with us in our shoes. Before the dunes I had to explain to everyone what a pit toilet is!” Jacob Queripel |
“High ropes in the rain - slippery but fun!” Brennan Corless-Brown |
“Archery really got the spot” Milly McGrath |
“If this is a stick, and this is a stick is this a stick?” Kiara Hawkins |
“High ropes - challenging and scary!” Lilly Maher |
“Raft building - we are the champions!” Byron Alchin |
CONGRATULATIONS
Congrulations to Ruby Holmes, Jasmine Lacey, Zoe Little, Milly McGrath, Tori McGrath, James Meehan and Milla Swain who competed in the Hastings Zone Athletics Team at the Lismore Diocesan Athletics carnival last Friday. You were wonderful ambassadors of Joey's displaying great sportsmanship and spirit. An extra special congratulations to Jasmine on coming 2nd in Girls 11's Discus, making it through to compete at Polding Athletics on Friday 18th October at Homebush, Sydney.
Yours in Sport
Laura Hatherly
Awarded to
Jaxon Bruton - 4 Gold, Jhett Moore - 4 Gold,
Cooper Preston - 4 Gold, Laiken Richardson - 4 Gold,
Riley Robinson - 4 Gold, Oliver Mat - 4 Gold, Hudson Bell - 4 Gold
Rocco Robinson - 3 Green
For sportsmanship, resilience and outstanding effort at the Touch Football Gala Day
K Green | Mearah Canty, Sianna Sain Karickal, Archie Rex |
1 Gold | Toby Smurthwaite, Sunny Stapleton, Emily Smith |
1 Green | Ayla Moss, Zoe Lawrence, Oscar McKern |
2 Green | Evie McKenzie, Liam Jones, Chloe Morgan |
4 Gold | Oliver Mat, Tori McGrath, Jhett Moore |
4 Green | Ella Moore, Logan Evans, Amara Crutcher |
5 Green | Sofia Atkinson-Blundell, William Naseby, Evie-May Riske |
6 Gold | Reef Chapman, Niah Evans, Lourdes Obeid |
6 Green | Marty Fisher, Molly Dowse, Ethan Mueller |
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 7 Term 3
Monday | You are welcome to join us |
Tuesday | Paul Davey |
Wednesday | Lorraine Bennett & Sally Marsh |
Thursday | Avril Ferraro |
Friday | Danielle Jarvis & Erin Bennett |
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.
Annemaree Tonkin
Canteen Coordinator
Colour Run - program and final reminders
Kinder Term 3 2019 Science and Technology
Staff Development Day 27-09-2019
Year 1 Term 3 2019 Science and Technology
Dance Eisteddfod 2019 - tickets going on sale
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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.
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. For child minding for Friday 27th September please contact the Office Aunties or email us at sjpport@lism.catholic.edu.au by Friday 20th September to book in your child/children. Closer to Monday 4th November we will advise on how to register for the childminding if you require it.
Busways School Service Changes - Update
Due to the completion of roadworks on Lighthouse Road, services will return to normal operations from Monday 2nd September 2019.
Busways drivers will also distribute this information to students on the affected services for the remaining days leading up to the commencement date.
For information regarding the normal operating path please refer to your Schools Timetable at https://www.busways.com.au/school-services/school-timetables (select “Port Macquarie Region” then your Schools name).
For further information please contact our Customer Service Team via email at infoline@busways.com.au or phone on 1300 69 2929.
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
MID COAST FUTSAL JUNIOR SUMMER COMPS = 2019/20
Presented by MID COAST FUTSAL INC
Starts Wednesday 16th October
Team or Individuals (CO-ED)
(VENUES -Westport/St Pauls Campus)
* WED 4 to 7yrs (Beginners) = skills/games
* WED U 8’s - (6/7/8yrs), U 14 - (12/13/14yrs)
* FRI U 11’s – (9/10/11yrs)
Regos 12mths, U7yrs $60, 8 to 14yrs $70. (Game Fee $10 p/player)
* Active Kids $100 Vouchers, (sport.nsw.gov.au/activekids)
Contact Alison 0412 191923 or 0411 501 744
Email alison@midcoastfutsal.com Website www.midcoastfutsal.com
2 x 5 block sessions with Soul Surfing starting Monday 26th August. 1 - 5 week block of the original and loved After School Surfing program. Only $130 and $100 Active Kids Vouchers welcome. School collection, afternoon tea and surf and earth til 5.30pm collection. 2 - 5 week block of KIDS YOGA. 4.00-5.00pm on Thursdays. Cost is $60. +++ For the adults - YOGA Mondays and Fridays, Soul Sisters October retreat and WOW adults weekend surf program. Soul Surfing servicing the whole family with healthy, fun and soulful programs. |