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Thank you from the Saunders Family and St Joseph’s
I would like to thank you on behalf of our school staff, students and the Saunders family for your kindness, messages, gifts, thoughts and support during the really difficult time over the past few weeks, in particular on Tuesday. The remembrance of Ro’s life was just as it should be and we appreciate the part of this you played. It was heartwarming to see so many children and their parents honouring Ro with the guard of honour and presence at the funeral. When we are ready, we will work with our community and Ro’s family on a way to place a reminder in our school of her great service to our school.
Farewell to our Year 6 students
It has come to that time of year when we say goodbye to our Year 6 students as they move into highschool. We thank each family and student for what they have added to our school in their time here. We wish them all the very best in their move to highschool and look forward to hearing all about their successes. We will enjoy spending some final special days with them next week for their Mass, Dinner, Awards and fun day.
Transition to 2021 classrooms
Today students transitioned to their new classrooms for 2021 and met with teachers who will be working with them next year. There are some new teachers joining us in 2021, we will send a note out on Monday with the final list of staff for you to know.
Principal
Mass for Thanksgiving
The school gathered together to celebrate our Mass for Thanksgiving on Wednesday with Fr Paul Gooley. The Mass began with lighting a candle in honour of Mrs Ro Saunders who we will miss dearly, but whose presence still remains. An opening procession reminded us of our interesting year of trials and triumphs and home learning. However, through such challenges we have cause for celebration with thanks to God for we have grown so much in new ways. Fr Paul reminded us of the true meaning of Christmas, being the gift of God’s Son, Jesus. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life Who offers us love, mercy and an alternative path through this life, one that will fulfill us with an abundance of gifts to be shared with our families and friends this Christmas.
Mrs Rosemary Saunder's Funeral
A beautiful Mass took place on Tuesday morning to farewell Ro Saunders. Students and staff from St Joseph’s and from our St Agnes' Parish schools attended the celebration of Ro’s adventurous life of travel and teaching. She was a special lady who touched the lives of many in her time and we offer our prayers to her family and friends during this difficult time. Rest in peace Ro, we will miss you.
MAI - Maths Assessment Interview - What is it?
The Maths Assessment Interview (MAI) is an assessment which is undertaken by each individual student prior to the commencement of Term 1 and focuses on four main areas of Mathematics- Counting, Place Value, Addition/Subtraction and Multiplication/Division. It is designed to provide the teacher with valuable data which is then used to guide our teaching. This information is entered into a database which allows us to track the progress of each student and target learning experiences at their point of need.
Our aim is to provide engaging learning experiences which help students develop a conceptual understanding of numbers ie. understanding that each ‘number’ consists of a numeral/symbol (eg.7), a name (eg. seven) and a quantity (eg. ///////). Many children learn to count rote (just like learning the words to a song). The problem with this is that they may not develop an understanding of the number concepts. They will often not be able to give the number before or after, or understand the concepts of ‘more/less than’, and will experience difficulty grasping addition, subtraction, multiplication and division skills without this foundational knowledge.
Please remember to book your MAI Interview for your child using the link below www.schoolinterviews.com.au using the Event Code e9qdc
WATER SAFETY OVER THE HOLIDAYS
As you plan your holiday adventures remember to keep water safety at the forefront of your mind. It is always a lovely time of year to enjoy the beach and pools together as a family. Here are just a few tips to assist over the holiday break:-
- CEO Supervision (Constant Eyes On) - Never turn your back on your child around water. It takes just seconds for him/her to be in serious trouble. Segment the supervision responsibilities so there are never questions about which adult is responsible for watching the child and be aware of the distractions unique to the winter months: holiday parties, house guests, etc.
- Educate Others - When traveling to relatives' and friends' homes they may not understand the importance of keeping gates closed, doors locked, closing toilet seats, emptying buckets, etc. Visiting family, holiday parties and celebrations can lead to breakdowns in routine supervision and effective barriers to the water.
- Decoration Hazards - Decorations and lights can pose problems with young children around the house and water. Watch for lights and electrical cords around water, make sure no outside decorations provide a means for a child to climb over a fence or open a locked gate.
- Bathtubs - Do not allow anyone who is uneducated about bathtub safety to bathe your child. Consider bathing an infant or young child in a tub with a handheld shower attachment, eliminating the risk of drowning in accumulating bath tub water.
- Self-rescue Skills - Teach young children self-rescue skills. For an Infant Swimming Resource - Pool Safety please click here.
Please visit the infants swim site for more information.
Please add this link https://www.infantswim.com/assets/docs/FamilyAquaticSafetyList.pdf
Thank you for all your support throughout what has been a unique year. Have a very happy and safe holiday break with your family and friends. We look forward to seeing everyone back in 2021.
Jeannine Ucdereli
Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching
CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES
St Agnes' Uniform Store Summer Trading Hours
St Agnes' Uniform Store's last day of trading for 2020 is Saturday 19th December 2020 and will re-open on Monday 4th January 2021.
January Trading
Trading hours from 4th January to 30th January 2021
Monday to Friday - 10:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday - 9:00am - 12noon
Trading hours revert back to normal from Monday 1st February 2021.
Monday to Friday - 12noon - 5:00pm
Saturday - 9:00am - 12noon
VOLUNTEER NOTICE
I am starting to plan for next year and am really excited about having volunteers back for Term 1, 2021.
If you have never helped out before, are new to our school, or have been helping for years and want to come and help again, please fill out the online form via the link below and I will be in touch with you soon to work out the roster for next year.
Volunteer form link - https://forms.gle/q4e2ZbthyFvKQQzi7
Thank you for your support and I look forward to seeing you in 2021!
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 | Anika Suveesh | James Hubbard | James Thorburn |
KS | Isabella Connor | Jade McGinley | Alexia Lynch |
2S | Archie Holloway | Millie Schneider-Smith | Ivy Dalton |
Ollie McCormick | Lenny Dixon | Marielle Obeid | |
2T | Jack Armitage | Kyra Edkins | Alivia Johnson |
Isla Schneider-Smith | Layla Porter | Poppi-Lee McGeoch | |
Chayse Jones | Taz Gawith | Noah Alchin | |
4B | Samuel Cummins | Rocco Robinson | Justin Dennison |
Joshua Hiam | Murphy Maher | ||
4F | Harmony Amanatidis | Edvin Benny | Ruby Comer |
Riley Tattersall | Chelsea Meehan | ||
5G | Bronte Hood | Phoenix Charnock | Lawson Bentley |
Zayden Field | Jhett Moore | Lucinda Giurissevich | |
5H | Ella-Yindi Jenkin | Charlee Webber | Hayley Rickard |
Bailey Elphick | Taj Davis | Oscar Turner | |
6H | Sofia Atkinson-Blundell | Jack Banks | Olivia Green |
6MH | Sheridan Barker | Ella Everingham | Kiara Tattersall |
Heath Hunter | Charli Acorn | Peyton Harris |
Sports Star of the Week
Congratulations to Ollie McCormick in 2S!
Ollie worked as a true team member during soccer, including and encouraging all players to get involved and try their best.
Multisports Event
Our Year 6 Sports Captains have been amazing leaders this week in running a Multisports event for every grade. All students played a range of sports in their House groups and received house points for participation, teamwork and sportsmanship. We would like to thank our Sports Captains for their leadership and organisation.
Primary Swimming Carnival
Our Primary Swimming Carnival is planned to take place on Thursday 4th February (Week 2 Term 1) at the Wauchope Memorial Olympic Pool. Please encourage your children to practice their swimming all summer holidays and, early next year, you will be given the option to enter your child in competitive events or non-competitive events. Only the competitive events will be timed and these students will have a chance to make it into the Zone Swimming Carnival. This carnival will include all students who are aged Under 8’s to Under 13’s. Happy swimming!
Yours in Sport
Leah Toole
Are You Moving During The Holidays?
If you are leaving Port Macquarie and your child/children will not be returning to St Joseph’s in 2021 please ensure that you have notified us as we have families looking for enrolments for next year. If you are just moving house or changing your work place within Port Macquarie please ensure that you give us up-to-date contact details before the start of the school year. You can email us at sjpport@lism.catholic.edu.au
Thank you for your assistance in this regard.
Student Activity Statements were emailed to families last week. These statements are separate to the school tuition fees collected by St Agnes' Parish Administration.
Thank you to those who have already finalised these accounts. If you have not already done so, please make payment of any outstanding amounts as soon as possible.
Please note that Student 2021 Book Pack costs have been billed to your school based activity account. This expense is not due until the end of Term 1, 2021.
If you are experiencing financial difficulties and would like to discuss a payment plan, please contact myself or Mrs Tess Koning at the school office on 6583 3848.
Antoinette Smith
Finance Officer
shining STAR OF THE WEEK
And the Oscar goes to…Marielle Obeid in 2S!
Marielle has spent many hours learning lines for the part of Jonah in the Jesse Tree play, ‘Jonah and the Whale’. What a star!
Christmas Celebrations and Performances
As we didn’t have a Glasshouse showcase this year, classes have prepared Christmas videos and the link to watch these will be shared with you next week. The classes have put together Advent themed videos which will go through the meaning and significance of the Jesse Tree. Some classes may have also filmed a Christmas themed dance. We hope you enjoy these presentations and we look forward to returning to live performances in 2021.
Yours in Creative and Performing Arts
Leah Toole
What'll Happen to the Wattle? Update
Some very exciting updates about our Wattle seeds.
They have launched and are on their way to the International Space Station!!! We can’t wait for more information about their progress as we busily prepare for their return.
Below is footage of the launch and an interview with One Giant Leap Foundation Director Jackie Carpenter for more information.
Primary Inter School STEM Challenge
Over the past two weeks students from Year 3, 4 and 6 have been participating in an Inter School STEM Challenge with students from St Joseph’s Wauchope, St Joseph’s Laurieton and St Peter’s Port Macquarie.
Using their prior knowledge and research they were challenged to design and create a swinging paint pendulum to create an artwork that was judged by Christy Ismay from CSO Lismore. The winning teams will each receive a Micro:bit. All students had the opportunity to participate and produce an artwork that was then judged by their peers with the winning artworks then submitted to the final judge.
Congratulations to the following students who made it to the final stages of the competition.
Year 3: Drew Evans, Joseph Jarvis, Charli Robinson and Ruby Holmes
Year 4: Peyton Berry, Lara Hardy, Isabelle Moane and Imogen Mulligan
Year 6: Sheridan Barker, Charlee Maher, Erin Little and Isla Dalton
Thank you to all our students who participated and challenged themselves.
Our school was very fortunate to secure a grant to participate in the cyber awareness program, Project Rockit. This complements not only our Personal Health and Development learning but our general safety online.The program provides students with valuable tools and strategies that they can employ when negotiating a range of digital platforms, including gaming and chat functions in a number of programs. For more information about the program we encourage you to talk with your child about their learning. You can also find more details on https://www.projectrockit.com.au/
Given that we are about to enter the holidays, and we are likely to be spending more time online, you are also encouraged to find out the latest information to ensure you child’s safety online by checking the eSafety Commisioner’s page on https://www.esafety.gov.au/
Week 10 - Term 4 2020 |
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Monday 14th December |
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Tuesday |
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Wednesday |
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Sunday 20th December |
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Week 1 - Term 1 2021 |
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Wednesday 27th January |
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Thursday 28th January |
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Friday 29th January |
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Week 2 - Term 1 2021 |
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Monday 1st February |
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Tuesday 2nd February |
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Wednesday 3rd February |
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Thursday 4th February |
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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 2021 school term dates are listed below. They are also located on our website. Click on the words “TERM DATES” on the home page.
TERM 1 2021
School Administration Day (Pupil Free) - Wednesday 27th January 2021
Year 1 to 6 Maths Assessment Interviews - Thursday 28th January and Friday 29th January 2021
Kindergarten Best Start Interviews - Thursday 28th January to Wednesday 3rd February 2021
Year 1 to 6 commence classes - Monday 1st February 2021
Kindergarten commence classes - Thursday 4th February 2021
Term finishes – Thursday 1st April 2021
TERM 2
Term commences - Monday 19th April 2021
Proclaim Lismore 2021
Staff Development Day (Pupil Free) - Wednesday 5th May 2021
Term finishes – Friday 25th June 2021
TERM 3
Term commences – Monday 12th July 2021
Term finishes - Friday 17th September 2021
TERM 4
Term commences – Tuesday 5th October 2021
Term finishes - Friday 17th December 2021
Other Holidays in 2021
Australia Day – Tuesday 26th January 2021 (Public Holiday)
Good Friday – Friday 2nd April 2021
Easter Monday – Monday 5th April 2021 (Public Holiday)
ANZAC Day – Sunday 25th April 2021
Queen’s Birthday – Monday 14th June 2021 (Public Holiday)
Labour Day – Monday 4th October 2021 (Public Holiday)
Christmas Day - Saturday 25th December 2021
Boxing Day - Sunday 26th December 2021
Port Macquarie Indoor Stadium – DEC 2020 / JAN 2021 Holiday Program.
The Program will run from the 17th – 23rd December 2020 and then again in the New Year from 4th – 22nd January 2021
(excluding weekends)
Times: 8.30am-5pm
Cost: $30 per child
For all other information and requirements please go to our webpage to find the Registration Form! www.portstadium.com.au
2021 Enrolments Now Open!
2020 has been an interesting year, with lots of challenges that we've had to overcome together. Even so, we've loved every minute of our time with you, and we hope to spend even more time with you in 2021!
As well as keeping all our current classes running, we've added some new ones as well. New classes include Acting for Fun, Singing for Fun, and even an Adult Improv class. To find out more about our classes, see the timetable on our website.
Enrolments are already open, so sign up now!
If you have any questions, please reply via email, phone or Facebook
Kindest regards,
Theatre Oz
Port Macquarie
0490 441 724