Filter Content
- Prayer Focus
- The Principal's Report
- St Agnes' Parish Education - Uniform Review
- Celebrating Our Faith
- Learning Together
- Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD) Information
- Busways School Service Changes
- Growing Minds
- P&F Fundraisers
- Parent Workshops
- Lizard Visit in Kindergarten
- Sport Spotlight
- Premiere's Reading Challenge Deadline
- Parish News
- Sunshine Cafe
- Student Awards
- What's On Next Week ...
- Advance Dates for Your Diary
- Launching the SZapp
- This Week's Notes
- School Photos
- The Billboard
CELEBRATING STUDENTS
Many parents and carers in our school wouldn’t be aware of some of the amazing things our students are involved in at school and beyond, unless their children are involved. We try where possible to showcase some of this in our newsletter at times when they occur. In past newsletters we have showcased areas such as STEM, Sport and Creative Arts.
Year 2 have thoroughly enjoyed improving their cricket skills during our cricket program and Year 3 are exploring states of matter and the changes between those states during their science program.
This week a couple of examples of the great experiences that students are engaged in that are related to other learning areas.
TOURNAMENT OF MINDS
Tournament of Minds 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.
This year we have three teams of seven students from Years 5 and 6 who are participating in Tournament of Minds. These students were chosen for their ability to think creatively, work as a team member, and exhibit exceptional performance skills. They have been giving their time after school one day a week with the support of Mrs Toole, Ms Hatherly and Mrs McDougall, to complete a long term challenge, which they have six weeks to solve. They will present this at the Regional Tournament on Saturday 31st August in Coffs Harbour. On Tournament day, the teams will also be given a spontaneous challenge, where they will have a short time to discuss, plan and present a response.
We are hoping the teams will be able to present their long term challenges to students in our school on the day before they go to Coffs Harbour, as a practice and to show other students the possibilities.
INTER SCHOOL DEBATING COMPETITION
This term, some of our Year 6 students are participating in an inter school debating competition with St Joseph’s Wauchope, St Agnes’ Port Macquarie and St Joseph’s Laurieton. There are several rounds, with students debating either at our school or away at one of the other schools. The team of four is given the affirmative or negative side of the debate and must work as a team to convince the judges that their argument is the strongest.
One of our teams won the first round with the topic “Zoos should be abolished”. Look out parents and carers, if they are able to produce a convincing argument in debating, they may have a challenge for you!
GLASSHOUSE PERFORMANCE
Our students in all classes have been busy preparing for our big event at The Glasshouse in September. You will be very impressed with the ideas that have gone into the performances and the amount of effort to make those ideas come to life! It has also been wonderful to see students getting involved in designing the images and covers for the programs and DVDs.
Congratulations Erin Little for winning our Glasshouse concert desgin competition. the runners up were Christie Preston, Millie Paine and Sophie Pynaert with their wonderful art designs. Thank you to all who entered.
Along with the work at school to prepare all of this, we need help to bring it to life with costume items. A comprehensive list has been put together with Mrs Toole gathering information and formatting it to go home to you shortly. Please take a look when you receive it at what your child will need. We really encourage families to see what friends and family may already have that may help. If there are any questions around this please speak to the teachers involved for advice.
BOOK WEEK
We will be celebrating Book Week this year with a dress up parade and some other fun activities. Our staff already have some fantastic ideas that we will build on for so much fun! We will speak with the students as well to get their input on what they would like. Officially, Book Week this year is celebrated from 18th-23rd August, and I shared this in a previous newsletter. On reflection around a super busy term where we are already asking so much of parents, carers and teachers, we would like to acknowledge Book Week in August but to celebrate it in a special way in October. The second part of this thinking is that we can match it with National Grandparents Day in October and have our whole school community involved.
Please save the date in your calendars for Friday 25th October and we will provide more details of the events as we refine them. The theme is “Reading is my secret power” - this could inspire some of the dress ups and characters that children choose. This also gives you plenty of time to think about and gather what you need for those fantastic costumes.
I am always inspired by the words of the great writer Dr Seuss, so what a fitting way to end the week with some of my favourite quotes about learning and life for our kids, which we can strive to live…..
Tess Koning
Principal
LIFE AND LEGACY OF MARY MACKILLOP
How fitting it is to celebrate Education Week at the same time we celebrate the faith, life and legacy of Mary MacKillop. As the founder of the Order of St Joseph's, Mary MacKillop is revered for her strength in faith and commitment to service those in need of an education.
Founded by the legacy of the Sisters of Saint Joseph’s, Lochinvar in 1913, St Joseph’s Primary School, Port Macquarie, is inspired by the Josephite spirit everyday; a spirit that lives on through the work of our dedicated staff.
Since 1913, St Joseph’s has a proud history of serving and educating students in Port macquarie.
Thank you to the students of 4 Green and Mrs Howard for our Monday Prayer that celebrated the life and legacy of St Mary, of the Cross, MacKillop.
Mary, of the Cross, MacKillop pray for us….
For every student past and present,
For their families,
And the Staff who commit to their Catholic education in the spirit of the Sisters of St Joseph's.
Amen
Picture of Mary MacKillop by Sienna, Isla, Laura and Amelia (Year 5)
COMBINED SCHOOLS YOUTH AND FAMILY MASS
St Agnes' Feast Day
MENTAL WELLNESS AND RESILIENCE
This week's article has been taken from an exerpt I read by Michael Hawton. Michael Hawton is an Australian psychologist, trained teacher, author, international speaker and media commentator. He has extensive experience in working with children and families from diverse cultural backgrounds around mental wellness and children’s behaviour. It certainly made me think.
“...Hardly a day goes by without a report in the media about the rising rates of anxiety, depression and other mental illnesses in children and young people. The causes are, no doubt, complex and varied. We live in a busy world, with many demands on children and their families and sometimes the pressure to ‘do it all’ places an undue burden on us and our kids. As well, using technology and engaging with social media may be affecting us and our children in ways we had not foreseen.
If we think about mental wellness and resilience, it is more than just the absence of mental ill health. It is the ability to enjoy life, to bounce back from difficulties (this is also known as resilience), to set goals and enjoy achievements and to form positive social relationships. Children learn to do this from the time they are infants by watching and interacting with those around them, by developing a sense of competency and self-efficacy by learning to do things for themselves and by having fun, playing and making friends. Mental wellbeing is also enhanced by having positive connections to family and the wider community.
So, what steps can we, as parents, take to help our children gain the skills and mental fortitude to cope with the challenges and difficulties life brings their way? How can we build their resilience?
Clearly, providing a safe, happy family environment helps our children feel secure and can nurture their confidence to try new things outside the comfort of familiar environments. Promoting mental wellness and resilience is key for building strong stable young adults.
- Normalise making mistakes and see them as learning opportunities. When children are learning new things, we can show them and encourage them, giving them time to learn and make mistakes, rather than jumping in too soon to do it for them or to save them from failure. Children need to make mistakes occasionally to understand that they can survive mistakes and mistakes are a part of life.
- Model constructive self-talk. When you have a problem or an unexpected difficulty arises, show your child how you think about it. Instead of saying, ‘It’s all my fault’, ‘I’m so stupid’, ‘Bad things always happen to me’, demonstrate a more realistic way to interpret what has happened. For example, ‘I made a mistake but I’ll be able to fix it’ or ‘I didn’t do as well in that task because I was tired. I’ll make sure I get a better night’s sleep next time’. Catastrophising and assuming one difficulty will automatically lead to another are not helpful ways to view the world. If we model a negative mindset that interprets problems as being unfair, insurmountable and a reflection on who we are, then our children will learn from us. Try to encourage the view that mistakes are an opportunity to learn about ourselves, reassess our values and to do things differently.
- Challenge distorted thinking. School-age children are especially prone to coming home and saying things like, ‘My teacher hates me’, ‘I’ve got no friends’ and ‘I hate school’. This is your chance to challenge this way of thinking. Take time to sit down with your child and do some ‘detective thinking’. Look at the statement from all sides and see if there is evidence that suggests the statement is not true. For example, ‘Your teacher kept you in a lunchtime because the class was too noisy, and you think this is unfair. But has there been a time when your teacher allowed you to do something you really enjoyed?’. Teaching problem-solving skills can also build resilience in your child. If your son or daughter says they have no friends and your detective thinking suggests that perhaps your son or daughter would like more friends, ask your child to come up with some other ways they could make some new friends. Discuss ways to meet other students and help your child to decide on some lunchtime activities or strategies that might help them extend their social connections.
- Watch out for perfectionist tendencies. Another group of children who may suffer from distorted thinking are children or young people with perfectionist tendencies. These children can set unrealistically high expectations of themselves. They may engage in negative self-talk when things don’t turn out as they planned, blaming themselves and exaggerating the negative consequences of the failure. They are often prone to anxiety. Again, try to challenge these distorted views, help them to see things in a more realistic light and let them know that it’s okay to fail and it is part of the human experience.
- Resilient people are flexible. Flexible people can cope with change and the unexpected. Help your child to expect change and give them strategies for adjusting to change. Some children’s temperaments allow them to deal with change more easily than others. Acknowledge that change is part of life and sometimes change can present new opportunities and more positive experiences. For children who struggle with change, give them notice of any planned change and remind them of the ways they have coped with previous changes. Talk about why the change is happening and how it could be a positive experience for them.
- Positive connections to friends, family and their community are protective factors for children growing up. Social connections help children to feel part of something bigger, they build a sense of belonging and identity and help children develop their resilience. Social connections also mean children have more people to learn from and more people to seek help from. Encourage your children to see their extended family and community as positive resources who can help them when they are struggling.
Mental wellness and resilience is something we all can work on, just like our physical health. Look for opportunities to build your children’s capacity to deal with life’s ups and downs, learn from mistakes and have a robust sense of their own abilities…”
Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching
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.
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 this 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 1 - WHAT IS DYSLEXIA? HOW TO ADVOCATE FOR YOUR CHILD
with Sonja O'Connor, Triple Thread Learning
Thursday, 15th August, 2019 at 5:30 – 7:30pm
Charles Sturt University, Port Macquarie Campus
Cost: $10
This workshop will help parents to understand:
- What is dyslexia? - definitions, characteristics of dyslexia
- What is it like to have dyslexia?
- Evidence Based Support/Interventions
- Strategies to advocate for your child
- Useful adjustments, including technology
This workshop is suited to parents and carers of children struggling to learn to read, write and spell. Teachers, learning support and education professionals also welcome.
Please register via this link: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/what-is-dyslexia-how-to-advocate-for-your-child-tickets-65780512283?aff=efbeventtix&fbclid=IwAR3zGFrnvodEBylPewI9XD6Jec9VGxfuak61YiO9Oefdi_VlvhZhKQVz98Y
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
Last week as part of our learning in English we had a special reptile visit our classroom. Caleb our Indignous Education Worker, brought in his pet lizard and shared a special talk with Kinder all about lizards. The students in Kindergarten had a wonderful time.
I liked watching the lizard eat.
Keilah - K Gold
Caleb gave the lizard crickets and lettuce to eat.
Kyelle - K Gold
Harry S - K Green
I liked when Caleb held the lizard and showed us.
Wynter -K Green
I liked the lizard’s beard. I was wondering when it would put out the beard and show us her beard.
Talon - K Green
Laura Stapleton and Sarah McKinnon, Kindergarten Teachers
ZONE ATHLETICS RESULTS
Our Zone Athletics Champions were wonderful representatives of our school last Friday! Well done to all our athletes now competing at Diocesan level on Friday 23rd August in Lismore.
Congratulations to Zara Lawrence on setting a new record for the 10 year old girls 1500m and to Zoe Little and Jasmine Lacey for Runner Up Age Champion 11 Year girls.
PAUL WILSON CUP
Paul Wilson Cup was held on Thursday at Laurieton Sports Ground. Well done to our Netballers and Soccer players from Years 5/6. A great day was had by all.
Yours in Sport
Laura Hatherly
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.
Want to train your children’s taste buds to help them maintain a healthy diet into adulthood?
Avoid processed sugary foods that train the taste buds to crave more and more sweet tasting foods. A sweet tooth is not the harmless trait adults like to lay claim too. Sugary processed snacks contain only empty and valueless calories. Swap them out for whole fruit or veg’, or take a stroll down the health food aisle of your supermarket to look for items that may replace mainstream snacks aimed at children and busy parents. Better still have a go at making some nutritious treats yourself, with or without the kids help.
The best thing, according to Dr Daria Fielder, a Bondi GP, is a sandwich or wrap with whole grain bread and some fruit and veg’ in the lunchbox.
It is also a myth that children will only eat white bread. Start them early on whole grain or wholemeal and they will continue to eat it as they grow. Whole grains help to lower cholesterol and are linked to a lower risk of heart disease. Our canteen provides only wholemeal bread and rolls.
So kick the bars and packets of highly processed foods out of the lunchbox.
Your kids will love you for it, when they are adults.
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 4 Term 3
Monday | Sue Quinn |
Tuesday | You are welcome to join us |
Wednesday | Sally Marsh |
Thursday | You are welcome to join us |
Friday | Jacqui Skinner & Dani Bosjnak |
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
K Gold | Keilah Long | Ella Roach | Elsie Enriquez |
K Green | Harry Slater | Kingston Shooter | Heidi Lawrence |
1 Gold | Millie Schneider- Smith | Advik Thapa | Byron Thompson-McLeish |
1 Green | Jack Cunneen | Isla Schneider-Smith | Taz Gawith |
2 Gold | Rocco Davidson | Drew Evans | Ruby Gilmour |
2 Green | Charlie Burns | Lacey Sinclair | Sebastian Bennett-Tonkin |
3 Gold | Harmony Amanatidis | Ruby Comer | Jesse Leslie |
3 Green | Justin Dennison | Bronte Gawith | Abbey Delforce |
4 Gold | Zayden Field | Eva Francis | Cooper Grant |
4 Green | Bailey Elphick | Aaron Biju | Oscar Turner |
5 Gold | Jack Banks | Lenox Pearce | Kobi Dixon |
6 Green | Riley Hunt | Eliza Bajt | Tyler Charnock |
Week 4 - Term 3 |
|
Monday |
|
Tuesday |
|
Wednesday |
|
Thursday |
|
Friday |
|
Week 5 - Term 3 |
|
Monday |
|
Tuesday |
|
Wednesday |
|
Thursday |
|
Friday |
|
Saturday 24th August |
|
Sunday 25th August |
|
Week 6 - Term 3 |
|
Monday |
|
Tuesday |
|
Wednesday |
|
Thursday |
|
Friday |
|
Saturday |
|
Week 7 - Term 3 |
|
Monday |
|
Tuesday |
|
Wednesday |
|
Thursday |
|
Friday |
|
Week 8 - Term 3 |
|
Monday |
|
Tuesday |
|
Wednesday |
|
Thursday |
|
Friday |
|
Week 9 - Term 3 |
|
Monday |
|
Tuesday |
|
Wednesday |
|
Thursday |
|
Friday |
|
Week 10 - Term 3 |
|
Monday |
|
Tuesday |
|
Wednesday |
|
Thursday |
|
Friday |
|
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.
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.
Father's Day Stall
Lismore Diocesan Athletics Trials- Selected Students
Head Lice alert - Year 3
Information Letter to parents - Year 1 Sensitive Issues PDHPE
Year 5 Leadership Retreat 2019 added information
2019 Debating Competition - Round 3
School photos will be arriving during Week 4 and will be sent home as soon as they come in. Thank you for your patience.