THAT'S A WRAP FOR WEEK 7...

CONGRATULATIONS!

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Families

As summer is approaching our school has commenced preparations for the upcoming bushfire season. We are developing a plan should a fire emergency occur in our area during school hours. Our Bushfire plan takes into consideration the safety of students and staff while at school as well as families needing to collect their children from school and make their way home safely.

In general terms, should the Rural Fire Service or relevant Authority escalate a Fire Alert Level to ‘Watch and Act’, our school leadership team, in consultation with the Catholic Schools Office, will determine if it remains safe and viable for our school to remain open. Please be assured that our Bushfire Management Plan will always err on the side of caution.

Should we need to change the opening status of the school, you will be advised via Compass and text message. We ask that all parents or adults in a household download Compass and have their phone on and available throughout the summer bushfire season. This message will clearly state that if the school will be open or remain closed for the next day, or if the school is closing and the request and instructions to collect your child/ren.

Should the opening status of the school change, this will also be posted on our school website (and social media). I take this opportunity to remind you during this time to avoid calling the school to ask if the school is open or closed as we must remain easily contactable to first authorities. Please rely on the information distributed via Compass, text message, school website and school social media.

It is strongly recommended that you and your family consider developing your own plan of what you will do in a bushfire event. Please talk to your children about what to expect if there is a bushfire near your home or the school. The Rural Fire Service has resources available to help you with your family bushfire plan.

We are confident in our planning and also hopeful we will not need to action it this coming season.

Troy Baker
Principal

This term we have been learning about God’s Creation. We looked closely at Day 5: Birds and Sea Creatures and Day 6: Land animals. Year 1 has been busy making an animal of their choosing out of clay.  

We expect the best of our Year 6 Leaders at Joeys. That includes being the best citizens of our coastal community that they can be. This week we ensured they are trained in CPR by Cameron from the Royal Lifesaving Society. Our Year 6’s engaged in this learning with maturity and enthusiasm.

During this week, our Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 students went on an excursion to the Glasshouse to see the puppet performance 'Hiccup'.

"We had a fantastic time on the bus trip and relished the show from the upper deck!"

Bravehearts Day was on 30th August. It is dedicated to raising funds and awareness for the prevention of child sexual abuse. Established in 1997, the day was previously known as Bravehearts White Balloon Day.

Bravehearts Day continues the legacy of White Balloon Day, which is credited for breaking the silence around child sexual abuse and creating a cultural shift in how Australians understand and respond to child sexual abuse and survivors of this crime.

More information about Bravehearts Day can be found in this link: Bravehearts Day 30th August 2023

Hey Sigmund is a great website developed by Karen Young that helps children and parents better understand worry and anxiety.

I recently attended a learning day with her based on her book ‘Hey Warrior’. The book helps explain to kids the reason why anxiety feels the way it does in our body, where the physical symptoms come from and some steps to help feel better.

I have started using her resources in my sessions with children and am finding that the children are responding well to them…..especially when we talk about the amygdala as our own protective warrior!

The website has a number of online courses for parents and children to better understand how to manage anxiety.

A number of her books can be found online as well as in our library - so I would really encourage you to look through the website if you are worried about your child.

Click here for Hey Sigmund Website

Click here for Hey Warrior Visual

Kelly Russell
School Counsellor

Diocesean Athletics Carnival

Congratulations to Ruby Holmes and Keilah Long for both of them coming Age Champion Runner Up in their respective age groups. Good luck at the Polding Athletics Carnival in Sydney!

David Lynch
Sports Coordinator

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 2023 school term dates are listed below. They are also located on our website. Click on the words “TERM DATES” on the home page.