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- Prayer Focus
- The Principal's Report
- Celebrating Our Faith
- Learning Together
- Staff Professional Development Digital Technologies
- Parish News
- Supporting you and your child’s wellbeing - NSW Council of Catholic School Parents Newsletter
- Premiers Reading Challenge
- Our Week in Kinder
- Research Project - Year 3
- NCSS Challenge
- Sunshine Cafe
- Student Awards
- Sport Spotlight
- Creative Corner
- PBS (Positive Behaviour Support)
- What's On Next Week ...
- Advance Dates for Your Diary
- This Week's Notes
- Billboard
Hi everyone,
Welcome to Spring and September! No doubt we are all looking forward to some warm and sunny weather, the weekends certainly giving us a lot to be happy about. Here is the video link to this week, but you can also read the messages below. Please keep communicating with us if we can help in any way.
You will notice in the video my new head wear - I had a skin cancer cut out a few weeks ago and have needed further surgery to resolve it. While it looks a bit confronting at first, it is creating quite the talking point with the children! A timely reminder of why we ask children to wear hats and protection from the sun.
Drop off and pick up during school time
A reminder that even though we are doing contactless signing in through the office when children are dropped off or picked up through the hours of the school day (8:55am to 3:10pm), a parent or carer still needs to come into the office with the child to be sighted and give the reason for the late arrival or early departure. Please do not drop your child off alone to come into the school.
Uniform
We are aware that the weather is starting to warm up at school now. While our Primary Schools in St Agnes' Parish usually maintain winter uniform until the end of this term, we will offer a transition into summer uniform as the days warm up. This means that either full summer or winter school uniforms must be worn during the next three weeks and all students will be in summer uniforms from the start of Term 4. Remember that there are options within the winter uniform for students such as short sleeve shirts and socks rather than long sleeves, long pants and stockings.
Webinars for Parents
We are fortunate that there are many webinars that are being offered to our community for parents and carers in support of the role we play in our children’s lives. Some are offered through Parent Assembly, which are fantastic. If you register for these ones, you will be able to see them for a couple of weeks afterwards in your own time.
The one below is a very important topic for young people and one worth looking at if this is something you feel would assist you. Don’t forget, being a parent is a tough job, it truly does take a community to raise our children.
Love Your Body Week - positive body messages and healthy relationships with food and exercise
Butterfly is Australia's largest charity that promotes healthy body image. This year their new initiative Love Your Body Week provides a range of free resources for families to ensure positive body messages and healthy relationships with food and exercise are encouraged within the home. Included in this is a relaxed and informative webinar for parents/carers of primary and secondary age children to give knowledge, information and tips to help families better understand and promote positive body image in the home.
To find out more and register for the FREE webinar go to: https://butterfly.org.au/get-involved/campaigns/love-your-body-week-for-families/
Our Community
With so much to feel concerned about in the world around us, it is always wonderful to spread some good news around. Here are my reflections on our school community this week:
Kindergarten - Science project
Well done to our Kindergarten students who this week have been designing and making clothes for a favourite toy as part of their Science unit. The concept was that the clothing needed to keep the toy dry and warm in wet and cold conditions. They did a fantastic job with Mrs Hawkins and Mrs Young. We have shared some photos in "Our Week in Kinder" article this week.
Year 1 - Prayer
Thanks 1R for leading us in prayer this week via Zoom with the rest of the school participating from their classrooms. We appreciate Mrs Blundell working with the technology aspect of this positive way to keep us meeting together.
Ruby Holmes - Year 3
We are very proud of our students who give to their school and wider community. Ruby in 3D went to great lengths to do this by having her hair cut on Tuesday to donate to being made into wigs for cancer patients. That is a wonderful act of service Ruby!
Our Staff
Thank you to our staff for engaging in a day of learning that will help us to improve the way we collect data and use it to define the needs of our students so that we can help all children to improve in their learning.
Congratulations
Congratulations to the Mulligan family (Chase in Year 2 and Imogen in Year 4) on welcoming their new baby boy, Fox Remy, into the world. We were so excited to hear your wonderful news.
Father’s Day
We wish all of our fathers and father figures who support us and help us in our daily life all the best as we celebrate you this weekend. We hope you have a wonderful day and our P&F are proud to have supported a special gift for you that the children have put together to bring home to you for Sunday.
Tess Koning
Principal
Next Thursday 10th September is ‘R U OK?’ Day across Australia. ‘R U OK?’ Day is a national focus on wellbeing, raising awareness of mental health throughout communities and promoting action through simple actions such as asking someone, “Are you ok?”
To celebrate this day, the students at St Joseph's will participate in #Lismmeditates, an initiative run by the students of St Mary’s Catholic College, Casino. #Lismmeditates is a diocesen wide Christian meditation project with many Catholic schools within the Lismore Diocese participating in this event. Christian meditation is a traditional form of prayer that promotes healthy spiritual and mental wellbeing.
Nathan Porter
Assistant Principal Mission
Why Digital Technologies is part of the curriculum
In a world that is increasingly digitised and automated, it is critical to the wellbeing and sustainability of the economy, the environment and society, that the benefits of information systems are exploited ethically. This requires deep knowledge and understanding of digital systems (a component of an information system) and how to manage risks. Ubiquitous digital systems such as mobile and desktop devices and networks are transforming learning, recreational activities, home life and work. Digital systems support new ways of collaborating and communicating, and require new skills such as computational and systems thinking. These technologies are an essential problem-solving toolset in our knowledge-based society.
The Australian Curriculum: Digital Technologies empowers students to shape change by influencing how contemporary and emerging information systems and practices are applied to meet current and future needs. A deep knowledge and understanding of information systems enables students to be creative and discerning decision-makers when they select, use and manage data, information, processes and digital systems to meet needs and shape preferred futures.
Digital Technologies provides students with practical opportunities to use design thinking and to be innovative developers of digital solutions and knowledge. The subject helps students to become innovative creators of digital solutions, effective users of digital systems and critical consumers of information conveyed by digital systems.
Digital Technologies provides students with authentic learning challenges that foster curiosity, confidence, persistence, innovation, creativity, respect and cooperation. These are all necessary when using and developing information systems to make sense of complex ideas and relationships in all areas of learning. Digital Technologies helps students to be regional and global citizens capable of actively and ethically communicating and collaborating.
(Courtesy of Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA))
Jeannine Ucdereli
Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching
Staff Professional Development Digital Technologies
Last week our staff had a very productive session with JJ Purton Jones from the Catholic Schools Office (CSO). We explored the Digital Technology strategy and gained an understanding of where to next with Technology use.
The workshop included ‘hands on’ time with a range of technologies available from the CSO that can be implemented into learning environments such as Osmo Kits, Virtual Reality with Google Expedition, Merge Cubes, Break Out Kits, drones and Turning Tumbles.
We participated in robust conversations based upon planning learning opportunities for students using technology as an enabler and developed goals around implementing technology inline with effective pedagogy.
Technology tools for the classroom are known drivers for changing teacher pedagogical practice and engage students in contemporary learning and a richer curriculum in all KLA areas.
Why Digital Technologies in the Curriculum?
https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/f-10-curriculum/technologies/digital-technologies/rationale/
The New Work Reality:
https://www.fya.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/FYA_TheNewWorkReality_sml.pdf
Creativity in Learning report:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/19neMkFlxq9_qZhmGkQ-MZQz5S_ydxhA3/view
Sarah Blundell
Leader of Digital Pedagogies/STEM
NEW MASS SCHEDULE AND BOOKING SYSTEM
Our new Mass schedule began on Tuesday 1st September. The new schedule includes Masses at St Agnes' Church Lake Cathie, St Francis of Assisi, Christ the King and St Bernard’s at Telegraph Point. Please refer to the Parish website or the Parish bulletin for details of times and locations.
It is great to have St Agnes' Church in Hay Street back in action after the completion of maintenance works (see progress photo).
As per the Government's COVID guidelines we are still required to keep a record of the contact details of anyone who attends a Mass service. If you would like to attend Mass there are a number of ways you can book in to do so:
- Phone the Presbytery on 6583 1024.
- Book online via the Parish Website (go to Mass Times then click on the 'Book into Mass here' button and follow the prompts).
If you are vulnerable, unwell or unable to attend Mass in person, don't forget that each Sunday at 8:00am, Bishop Greg Homeming celebrates Mass at the Carmelite Monestary in Goonellabah, which is live streamed via the Lismore Diocese YouTube channel (click here to view the site).
JOURNEY INTO THE CATHOLIC FAITH FOR CHILDREN
Supporting you and your child’s wellbeing - NSW Council of Catholic School Parents Newsletter
The latest edition of the NSW Council of Catholic School Parents (CCSP) newsletter contains many helpful resources and links to assist parents and carers to support their own and their children's wellbeing during the continuing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Challenge has now CLOSED for student entries. Coordinators have until Friday 11th September to complete and validate any student reading records. If you have not finished entering books onto your Student Reading Record, please contact your school's PRC coordinator ASAP to finalise this, so that records can be validated by the Coordinator's closing date.
2020 Challenge: Important update
There have been important updates to the 2020 PRC Challenge rules to help all students meet the Challenge requirements this year. Please see the Rules page for more information on these amendments.
Key changes include:
- All students will be able to include 10 choice books on their 2020 Student reading records. Please refer to the support article below for information on adding bonus choice books.
- All students will be able to include books read as part of collaborative reading with teachers or parents/ carers, either in person or online.
- Students who do not complete the Challenge in 2020 will not be disadvantaged from achieving cumulative PRC awards in the future.
You can watch this guided video which will show you how to add your bonus choice books.
If you have any questions about challenge requirements for 2020, please contact your school's PRC coordinator, or email the PRC team at prc@det.nsw.edu.au.
science and technology
Our clever Kindy students put their creative thinking hats on in Science this week and designed clothes that their teddy bears could wear to a picnic on a day that's predicted to be cold and wet. They learnt to keep trying when it was challenging and to ask for help from others. Well done Kindy on your clever creations.
library
Kindergarten students enjoy visiting our library and the great selection of books to read!
Joanne Hall, Education Officer Mathematics K -12, Diocese of Lismore, is currently undertaking the unit EDCP601 Capstone (a research project), as part of a Masters of Education (Mathematics Leadership) at the Australian Catholic University. The purpose of the research project is primarily for the purposes of assessment for the course not for publication purposes.
The project aims to analyse the existing Diocese Mathematics Assessment Interview (MAI) data captured in February from 2018 - 2020 for the students that are currently in Year 3. The data collected will be de-identified prior to analysis and stored securely for the duration of the project.
If you have any objections to the use of your child’s de-identified data in this research assignment, please contact your child’s teacher.
Amazing Results!!!
Over the last five weeks our Year 5 and 6 students have been participating in the National Computer Science School (NCSS) Challenge demonstrating tremendous skill and perseverance to achieve outstanding results.
What is the NCSS Challenge?
The NCSS Challenge is a Programming competition open to all school students and teachers. The Grok Learning team have been running coding competitions like the challenge for over 12 years.
Why Learn to code?
Programming (also known as coding) is how sites like Facebook and apps like Instagram are made. Knowing how to program is like having a computer superpower.
Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates have all said that students should learn how to code. It's a skill that not only teaches you how to work with computers, but also teaches you how to think about solving problems with systems.
Congratulations to the following students who received perfect scores in this national challenge!!
NCSS Challenge Newbies 2020 (aligned to the Year 5/6 Digital Technology Curriculum)
- Amelia Dowd (6MH)
- Erin Little (6H)
- Jhed Monckton (6MH)
- Eva Francis (5G)
- Tori McGrath (5H)
NCSS Beginners Challenge 2020 (aligned to the Year 7/8 Digital Technologies Curriculum)
- Eva Francis (5G)
Congratulations to Eva Francis (5G) and Jesse Steinhour (5G) who received High Distinctions in the NCSS Intermediate Challenge which is aligned to the Year 9/10 Digital Technologies Curriculum.
Sarah Blundell
Leader of Digital Pedagogies/STEM
FLEXI FACTS
- Flexischools orders cut off time is 8.30am each day.
- You can cancel your order if your child is not coming to school up until the 8:30am cut off time. After that you will need to call the school office to let them know and your child can have a credit for that lunch order to be had at a later date.
- You can now order your child’s whole lunch online including fruit for Crunch'n'Sip (morning fruit break), bottles of water, lunch, drinks, ice blocks, and a snack for Lunch 2. If you are ordering fruit for Crunch'n'Sip, please remind your child to come and collect it from the canteen.
- I update Flexischools every day so you are able to see what is and is not available for ordering.
- Over 95% of our lunch orders come in through Flexischools online ordering.
- Flexi orders include the lunch bag and all utensils needed for the order, there is no need to send in a bag.
- You can order in advance for the whole week or even the whole month!
If you do not already have an account with Flexischools, please follow the link below to set one up.
There are still some issues with supplies but I am updating Flexischools daily. If children order something that is not available, I will offer a suitable alternative or can give them a credit or refund.
VOLUNTEER NOTICE
We are still unable to have volunteers in the canteen at this stage until further notice.
LUNCH ORDERS
The canteen is operating as usual and lunch orders can be placed via Flexischools or by dropping them in the basket on the counter each morning.
Don't forget you can order online by 8:30am- it's so easy!!
- Download the Flexischools app from the App Store or from Google Play.
Note: for iPhone and iPad please select ‘Allow’ notification - Click “Register Now” to create account
- Top-up your balance
- Start ordering immediately
- Alternatively Go to www.flexischools.com.au
Kim Goldie
Canteen Coordinator
KM | Elijah Van den Boom | James Thorburn | Anika Suveesh |
1R | Tilly Scott | Flynn Watts | Bronte Wood |
2S | Millie Schneider-Smith | Byron Thompson-Mcleish | Lucas Single |
2T | Taz Gawith | Dakota-Rose Fletcher | Alivia Johnson |
3D | Charli Hoitink | Lailah Watson | Cooper Bell |
4B | Isabella Russell | Bailey Thompson | Matilda Coleman |
4F | Harmony Amanatidis | Jaxon Smurthwaite | Jaskaran Saini |
5G | Aaron Biju | Sienna Edwards | Phoenix Charnock |
5H | Tori McGrath | Luke Davies | Zara Lawrence |
6H | Jack Duncan | Savannah Beard | Sophie Pynaert |
6MH | Ella Carroll | Cruz Rebecchi | Jesse Cooper |
SYDNEY SIXERS WWBL VIRTUAL Q&A
On Wednesday 9th September, each class will join an online Q&A session with one of the players from the Sydney Sixers Women's Big Bash League (WBBL). The students have come up with their own questions to ask. Thank you to Cricket NSW for giving our students this opportunity.
Year 2 Soccer Game Refs
A big shout out to our Year 6 students who have volunteered to be on a roster to referee the Year 2 soccer game held every lunch time. Our Year 2 students have good role models to follow and are learning the important skills of fair play, turn taking and good sportsmanship.
Summer Sports trials - Year 4 and 5
The Hastings Zone Sports Committee has invited St Joseph’s to send representatives to the Hastings Zone Summer Sports Selection Trials. These trials will be held in the form of a round robin Gala Day. The day will be held on Monday 26th October (Week 3 Term 4) with a backup date of Monday 2nd November.
If your child has the ability and would like to trial for this year’s Summer Sports Trials, they will need to have a nomination letter from their current coach in their chosen sport. Students may elect to trial in boys or girls Touch Football, Softball, Cricket or Tennis at Kempsey Sporting fields and Basketball at Port Macquarie Stadium. Please refer to the emailed note for more information.
Yours In Sport
Leah Toole
INFANTS DRAMA CLUB
Infants Drama club continues this term on Thursdays at Lunch 1. Due to new restrictions, it will alternate between Year 1 and Year 2 for the remainder of the term, with Year 1 going in Week 8 and 10 and Year 2 going in Week 9.
Yours in the Performing and Creative Arts
Leah Toole
INFANTS ART CLUB
Infants Arts Club continues this term on Wednesdays at Lunch 1 in KM. Due to new restrictions, sessions will alternate between Infants classes for the remainder of the term.
Year 1 will go in Week 8.
Year 2 will go in Week 9.
Kindergarten will go in Week 10.
Sarah McKinnon
Infants Art Club
PBS (Positive Behaviour Support)
Our focus for Week 7 and 8 is ‘I am like Jesus’. Being like Jesus is central to who we are and all we do at St Joseph’s Primary School. Being like Jesus includes being positive, being a role model, acting with integrity, being honest, being welcoming and caring, showing love and forgiveness and loving God. We can pray to be more like Jesus, to be more mindful and to embody these qualities, but God doesn’t always click his fingers and snap us into action. Often, we are granted an opportunity to demonstrate love, forgiveness and positivity in challenging moments. This week and next, can you identify those challenging moments that God sends us to be like Jesus?
Week 8 - Term 3 2020
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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 2020
Our remaining planned Staff Development Day (pupil free) is:
- Monday 12th October (Term 4, Week 1)
Limited child minding places will be available on this day for those who are unable to organise care outside of school. Please contact the Office Aunties or email us at sjpport@lism.catholic.edu.au to book. We will need to have bookings finalised by 3:00pm Thursday 24th September.