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WELCOME BACK
We hope that all families experienced a safe and enjoyable school break. Term 4 has come so quickly, it is hard to believe! There will be many wonderful learning experiences to fit in between now and the end of the year, so don’t forget to watch out for the communications in the newsletter, emails and Facebook page to ensure you don’t miss anything.
A reminder that our last Professional Learning Day for teachers is on 4th November 2019. This is a pupil free day and we are offering childminding for this day. Please let us know by contacting the school office prior to Tuesday 29th October if you require childminding so that staffing can be arranged.
The last day of the school year is on Wednesday 18th December.
PARISH MASTER PLAN
Our School Design Team is very excited to be starting our "Project Nest" this week in our Hall, after our work with NOTOSH last term. From now until 11th November when NOTOSH work with our Design Team to engage in the information we collect from our community, we will be seeking that collection in a variety of ways. We understand that all families and members of our community have different needs and like to engage with the school in different ways, so we are aiming to provide opportunities to hear from everyone. Watch our Facebook page and newsletter for dates, times and activities on offer.
Our Project Nest, located in our school Hall (at the end of the Year 4 and 5 classroom blocks), is where ideas collected from families, students and staff will be literally all over the walls! We will be inviting you at varying times to wander in and take a look, have a cuppa or refreshments, chat with some of the Design Team and add your ideas to our display. We will also have a mini Project Nest in the front office for those who can’t make it to the Hall this term.
Our first step to seek your ideas, is sending home an activity where students can interview their families around a small number of questions and bring your thoughts back to place in the Project Nest. Children will receive MJR tokens for completing this and returning to school. Once these ideas are up on the walls, you can see what others are saying and add to the comments. I have included a link to the Project Nest activity that was sent home this week.
Click here for Project Nest Activity
Each week in the newsletter, we will highlight an aspect of the work in the Nest so you can be there in virtual form. We would like this to be an authentic and collaborative process, so we value all contributions. Please don’t think that any idea is too big or too small to be included.
If there are a few parents out there who would like to assist in this process by sitting with some of our Design Team early in Term 4, and then be available on some key times during October and November to help other families share their ideas with us, we would love you to contact the office. This is not a big investment of time, just some conversations with our Design Team members in the Project Nest to help other parents and community members know what we are seeking to understand.
Please remember that we are planning for the future as a community, so in offering comments, be respectful of what others have to say and choice of words to do so.
TERM 4 - PEER SUPPORT AND LEARNING JOURNEYS
Starting in Week 2 of this term, we will be working in vertical groups for our Peer Support program, led by our wonderful Year 6 leaders. This will be a wonderful opportunity for students to work together to build community and learn about how we work together.
In an effort for parents, carers and special people in our lives to learn more about what we do at school, we will be holding an Open Classroom session in Week 2 for all grades on the same time and day, to coincide with Grandparents Day and our Book Parade. Please read about this special day in the newsletter article from our committee. Mark your calendars for Friday 25th October to join us for a day of sharing. Don’t forget to get those dress up clothes ready for the Book Week parade.
This Open Classroom experience will replace our individual Learning Journey sessions that have previously been shared in the MPA for Term 4 on Friday afternoons, so that it is a “one-stop shop” for parents, especially if they need to visit more than one classroom during the day. There will be other opportunities for sharing learning throughout Term 4 too, look out for more ways to come in and enjoy learning with us!
STUDENT TECHNOLOGY DEVICES
There are many students who now have devices at home which they bring to school for learning or to be in contact with parents when away from home. Students should not be accessing devices during the time they are at school unless they are directed by their teacher for use in the classroom for learning. To ensure students are using these as intended, we will be storing them in the office from Week 2 this term. If your child brings a phone or other device, they will need to come into the office and hand it in before school and collect it at the end of the day from the office. If you need to get a message to your child during the day, you can phone the office. Students are responsible for the use of their devices when they are not on school grounds.
YEAR 5 RETREAT
It was my great pleasure to join Year 5 on their first retreat day at Bonny Hills. We were blessed with David Ogg who lead us with prayer, stories and the wonderful art you will have seen last night. Thank you all for sending your children with us, we enjoyed spending this special time with them.
PRINCIPAL APPRAISAL PROCESS
CLASS PLACEMENTS FOR 2020 SCHOOL YEAR
Later this term, teacher teams in each grade will begin to ‘split’ their classes to create two new class groups for 2020. This is an important and complex process as teachers aim to create two ‘even’ groups. Children will be asked to complete a sociogram to identify a few friends they believe they work well with, and teachers ensure that every child is placed with at least one of these friends. Considerations include, but are not limited to, assessment data, peer dynamics, learning and behavioural needs and the ratio of boys and girls.
If you believe that teachers need to consider a specific factor for your child to be a successful learner, please submit a written response to the Principal by the end of Week 3 (Friday, 1st November). You can email to: sjpport@lism.catholic.edu.au
Please understand that requests from previous years will not be referred to and only written responses received by 1st November will be considered.
P&F THANK YOU
On behalf of the P&F, I would like to thank the whole school community for such an amazing effort, help and generosity with our two main events hosted this year; the Disco in Term 2 and Colour Run in Term 3. We are very proud to be a part of such a positive community that worked together to create two special events, raising some funds to improve our children’s educational experience.
We are excited to let you know that the funds raised from our Disco and the Colour Run will be used firstly to purchase outdoor shade shelters which can be used for our sporting and other community events, including signage to promote our school. These will be purchased as soon as possible.
The P&F is representative of all parents and carers, and without the assistance of those who supported and supervised at the Disco and filled bottles and bags, set up the course and raising money for sponsorship at the Colour Run, these would not be possible. We would especially like to thank the staff who were so generous in their support of both the Disco and the Colour Run, taking time to make these wonderful experiences for our children and community. In particular, the Colour Run was a collaborative event and we thank in a special way, Laura Bell for her coordination of the event together with our P&F group, Mrs Ucdereli for her coordination on the day, Aunty Heather for the admin support, Matt and Darren and other staff who organised and set up the course with parent helpers. We certainly can achieve extraordinary things when we all work in partnership together with our children at the centre of all that we do.
THINKING OF OUR COMMUNITY
Tess Koning
Principal
Firstly I would also like to welcome our school community back to our final term for 2019. I hope you all had fun making memories and enjoying being together as a family over the break. Next week we have an opportunity to celebrate Book Week and spend precious time with our Grandparents and Friends in our school environment. In light of this I have focused this week's Learning Together on fostering the love of reading in our students.
Reading is essential to just about everything in life – from cooking to driving to just getting through school. It is important to start at a young age and teach your child the value of reading so they will grow to practice it often and value their ability to do so. It helps them develop stronger social skills, vocabulary and writing skills, and helps them to better understand and process more complex ideas. Reading also expands their ability to build knowledge overall - it is a life skill!
Look for new books and authors that your child may enjoy.
Organise an area dedicated to reading and writing tools.
Visit the library for story time and book recommendations.
Encourage your child to talk about what they are reading.
Talk to your child, and sprinkle interesting words into your conversation.
Offer a variety of books to read.
Read with your child every day.
Expand your home library to include magazines and nonfiction.
Ask questions if you're concerned about your child's development.
Decide to raise a reader!
CONFIRMATION
St Joseph’s celebration of the Rite of Confirmation is upon us. The following information will support us all as we move into next week.
Presentation Mass - This weekend
All Candidates are invited to attend a weekend Mass to be presented to the Congregation of St Agnes’. This will involve a blessing and prayers from the Parish community who are always keen to select a candidate's prayer cards and nominate to pray for these children. Please bring your prayer cards that children prepared at their Confirmation Workshop.
Mass times include the following:
Saturday 19th October - 6:00pm St Agnes’ Parish Church
Sunday 20th October - 7:30am St Agnes’ Parish Church
Sunday 20th October - 9:00am St Agnes’ Parish Church
Sunday 20th October - 5:00pm St Agnes’ Parish Church
Sunday 20th October - 8:00am Star of the Sea, Lake Cathie.
Confirmation Practice
Candidates from St Joseph’s will be going to St Agnes’ Church for their practice on Monday 21st October. Thank you to all our parents and carers who have completed the permission form. The bus will pick us up at school at 11:45am and will return to school at 1:00pm.
Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation - Tuesday evening - 22nd October 2019
Welcome Bishop Homeming to our Parish Celebration of Confirmation.
A few reminders before our Celebration:
- There will be designated seating for students and their sponsors identifiable with a name tag.
- Please be at the Church at 5:15pm for a 5:30pm start.
- No photos in the church please (photo opportunity at the end)
- Smart dress for the children
- A reminder that this Ceremony requires reverence and respect in the Church by waiting quietly.
Thank you sincerely to Mrs Saunders and Mr Lawrence who have prepared the students so very well. There will be a class celebration on Wednesday at school.
YEAR 5 RETREAT
Year 5 have spent the last two days involved in a rich variety of activities that help them explore their leadership skills. Mr David Ogg led the workshops on Thursday. We love their T-Shirts. Thanks David for some wonderful experiences in faith and leadership.
Thank you also to our regional CSYMA students who led their sports activities on Friday morning. Great fun was had by all.
We hope to share some personal reflections on the Year 5 retreat experiences next week.
Thank you to the students and staff for their commitment to a wonderful couple of days.
YOUTH MASS INVITE
On Sunday 27th October at 5:00pm, St Joseph's will be hosting and providing supper for Youth Mass at St Agnes' Church. We’d love to see you there. Please complete the google form and let us know if you’re coming. The link to the google form can be found in the note sent home earlier this week.
EXURO
Next Tuesday several students from Year 5 have nominated to participate in the Year 5 Exuro Student Discipleship Retreat at the Parish Youth Hub.These students will need to wear their sports uniform, bring their hat, water bottle and lunch, including snacks and morning tea. The bus will pick them up at school after 9:00am and will return at approximatley 2:30pm. Looking forward to a great day.
Ann Thurgate
Assistant Principal Mission
SUMMER SPORT TRIALS
Congratulations to the students who have been selected to represent St Joseph's in the Hastings Zone Summer Sports Trials on Monday, 28th October in Kempsey for Touch Football and Cricket in Kempsey and Basketball in Port Macquarie. The bus for Kempsey will depart the school at 7.30am sharp. If your child is attending Basketball they will need to be dropped directly to the Port Macquarie Stadium. We wish all our students the best of luck.
TERM 4 PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Term 4 will see our students experience outside coaches in both Futsal for Year 2-6 and Netball for K-6.
Yesterday was the start of the Futsal program which was thoroughly enjoyed by the students.
Sport Uniform will need to be worn on Thursday and Friday for K-6.
Intensive swimming at Port Macquarie Pool for Kinder, Year 1 and 2 will be in Week 7 and 8 of Term 4, finishing with a small carnival in the final Friday lesson on 6th December. The note for intensive swimming will be sent out shortly requesting permission and payment if you would like your child to participate. Please note the intensive swimming program is optional however if you nominate your child for the swimming program the commitment is for the whole two weeks and you will therefore be required to pay the full amount even if your child is away or sick during the program.
The Primary swimming carnival will be held in Week 9 on Thursday 12th December.
We look forward to a wonderful Term 4 of sport and physical education.
Yours in Sport
Laura Hatherly
ATT: CONFIRMATION PARENTS
In October, Confirmation candidates will be completing their Sacrament.
To cater for these very special events, the MacKillop Centre welcomes you!
They are fully stocked with beautiful and affordable gifts, cards and books that are available for purchase.
Their normal trading hours are Monday – Friday 10am – 2pm
Their lovely volunteers are also opening the doors at their premises in Horton Street, Port Macquarie on Saturday the 19th October 9.30 – 12.30pm to ensure you have time to get that special gift.
We look forward to seeing you.
MacKillop Centre – 106 Horton Street Port Macquarie
(nearly opp NRMA)
EDUCATION - ENROL IN EXCELLENCE
NEWMAN 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Click here to purchase tickets for Newman College 40th Anniversary Celebration. If you enter the code MATESRATE at the checkout you can bring a friend for free!
CATHOLIC FAITH FOR CHILDREN
YOUTH AND FAMILY MASS
Applications for student travel in 2020 opened on Friday, 11th October 2019.
Students progressing to Year 3 and Year 7 no longer need to re-apply if they:
- are continuing at the same school
- are residing at the same address
- have not been sent an expiry notification from Transport for NSW.
Where a student meets the new distance eligibility, the system will automatically update their entitlement. If they do not meet the new eligibility, they will receive an expiry notification via email.
Students who have an entitlement approved under a medical condition which is due to expire will receive a notification advising them to re-apply.
Term Bus Pass holders will receive a notification to re-apply.
If students need to update their information or re-apply, they should go online to https://apps.transport.nsw.gov.au/ssts/updateDetails
Applications need to be submitted before 31 December 2019 to ensure student entitlements are updated and their current entitlement/card is not cancelled. If their application is submitted after 31 December 2019, the system will automatically cancel an entitlement/card and a new one will need to be issued.
Students residing in Rural and Regional (R&R) areas should receive their travel pass at the commencement of the new school year from their nominated operator, this may be distributed via the school or sent direct to their address. Note: some R&R operators do not issue travel passes. Students/Parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.
In Science this term Year 4 are investigating forces and as part of our learning, we will be visting Maryknoll House four times during the term. On Tuesday in phase one of the project, the students interviewed residents so that we can understand how our lives change as we get older. This will help us identify possible solutions that we can design and make gadgets which will improve residents lives. It was an honour and a privilege to spend time with these wonderful members of our community. All of Year 4 were commended by the staff on their engagement with residents and their mature questioning. We are really excited to see what solutions we come up with next week!
Elise Howard
Year 4 Teacher
Stage 2 Leader of Learning
TERM 4 CANTEEN MENU
Check out our new items:
Pasta salad lovingly made in house.
A Lasagne and a Macaroni Cheese cooked in Port Macquarie by St. Agnes Food Services.
Also from St Agnes' Food Services, a meal on a tray! This terms offering is a tasty, nutritionally balanced Sweet Lamb Curry with rice, broccoli and pumpkin - Yummo.
All meals comply with dietary requirements.
Our Volunteers for Week 1 Term 4
Monday | You are welcome to join us |
Tuesday | You are welcome to join us |
Wednesday | Trish McKenzie |
Thursday | Amanda Rojo |
Friday | Robyn Hunt, Sue Quinn |
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.
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
Annemaree Tonkin
Canteen Coordinator
K Gold | Layla Dobson, Savina Fernando, Sam Ocean |
K Green | Nevaeh Fletcher, Brayden Johnson, Kingston Shooter |
1 Gold | Toby Smurthwaite, Harlow Maher, Byron Thompson-McLeish |
2 Gold | Eli Collier, Joseph Jarvis, Anabel Shijo, |
2 Green | Lucy Bennett-Tonkin, Violet Richardson, Charli Hoitink |
3 Gold | Noah Dowd, Jaskaran Saini, Edvin Benny |
3 Green | Jaina Thakrani, Riley Tattersall, Jackson Coleman |
4 Gold | Jaxon Bruton, Hayley Rickard, Chaise Winn |
4 Green | Ivy Basanovic, Phoenix Charnock, Penny Little |
5 Gold | Lucy Geary, Jesse Cooper, Zoe Little |
6 Gold | Milly McGrath, Oliver Paterno, John King |
6 Green | Indy Shafer, Brennan Corless-Brown, Ronan Gooch |
PEER SUPPORT
Our Year 6 Leaders will be starting Peer Support Groups next Tuesday.
Peer Support is a program that supports wellbeing and positive relationships across the school. Placing students at the centre of learning, Peer Support empowers them with practical skills and strategies to positively navigate life and relationships.
The whole school will participate in Peer Support for 30 minutes each week. Two Peer leaders facilitate a small group of 8-10 younger students, who work together through a number of structured activities. Each teacher will supervise 2-3 groups in their classroom. We are working on a module called Living Positively helping us explore the concept of optimism. The module runs for 8 sessions. Our first session enables the children to get to know everyone in the group, agreeing on how they will work well together and interact cooperatively with others. They will also begin to think about what it means to be optimistic. We encourage you to talk to your children about Peer Support every week, as it will help to reinforce the concepts learned in each session.
Laura Hatherly, Leah Toole, Kate Mitchell and Holly Hough
Year 6 Class Teachers
Week 2 - Term 4 |
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Sunday 27th |
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Week 3 - Term 4 |
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Thursday 31st October |
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Week 4 - Term 4 |
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Thursday 7th November |
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Friday 8th November |
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Week 5 - Term 4 |
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Thursday 14th November |
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Friday 15th November |
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Week 6 - Term 4 |
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Wednesday 20th November |
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Thursday 21st November |
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Friday 22nd November |
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Week 7 - Term 4 |
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Wednesday 27th November |
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Thursday 28th November |
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Friday 29th November |
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Week 8 - Term 4 |
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Wednesday 4th December |
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Thursday 5th December |
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Friday 6th December |
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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 last remaining day (pupil free) is:
- Monday 4th November (Term 4, Week 4)
The last day to book your child in for childminding is Tuesday 29th October so that we can organise staffing for the day. Please see the note that was sent home this week.