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- Celebrating Our Faith
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- Sport Spotlight
- Sunshine Cafe
- Cowboy Monkey Talks Fluff
- Student Awards
- Student Leadership Changes
- Creative Corner
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- Advance Dates for Your Diary
- This Week's Notes
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All I can say is Wow! To all of our Kindergarten students, their parents and carers, what a wonderful group to be able to so smoothly transition to independent drop offs in the morning this week. We have been so proud of our youngest grade for the way they have said goodbye to their parents and carers in the morning and come in to drop off their bag and go to play. If you have any concerns about your child with the routine, please let your class teachers know. Well done to you all and keep up the great work!
Band Program - Try out an instrument session
This week we made a start on our new Band program format with our tutors visiting school and working with students. As this is new, it will take a couple of weeks to refine the groups, and then the regular format will take place. We are looking forward to seeing our students make great progress in their learning. If you are still interested in the Band Program and have not yet registered, information is available from school and there is a try out session at St Joseph’s Regional College on Saturday 20th February from 10:00am to 12:00pm. This is an opportunity for students to try different instruments so that they are able to choose the best one for them.
Meet and Greet interviews
Each year during Term 1, we offer parents and carers a chance to meet with their child’s teacher/s in a one on one approach. This is an opportunity to meet their new teacher if you haven’t already, and speak with them about how your child has settled into school as well as any information you can offer to assist them in supporting your child this year. We will inform you of the dates for this through an email note that will come home to you in the coming weeks. You will be able to book online an interview time with your child’s teacher and meet with them at school in a similar way to the way you booked the MAI interviews for the start of the year. Our COVID-19 guidelines allow us to meet one on one with parents in such a schedule, still following our protocols.
Principal
Ash Wednesday
Students and staff came together to celebrate the beginning of Lent with a prayer service for Ash Wednesday. The service was run by members of Year 6 and students who wish to be a part of our Minnie Vinnies Team. The service was reverent and reflective, calling us to think about our promises and our opportunities to renew our relationship with Jesus. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, ashes were not used which is tradition. Rather, staff and students received a purple wrist band as a reminder of their promise to Jesus this Lent.
Reconciliation
Thank you for registering your child for the Sacrament of Reconciliation for those who attended the registration on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. We look forward to our partnership in preparing your child to learn about and utilise this Sacrament as a source of healing for years to come.
We do appreciate your feedback. Please forward any feedback to myself nathan.porter@lism.catholic.edu.au
Nathan Porter
Assistant Principal Mission
BUS SAFETY WEEK - 22nd to 28th February
Each year, Bus Safety Week raises awareness for all road users on how to stay safe on and around buses. There is a 40km/h speed limit for traffic passing a school bus that is picking up or setting down school children. The speed limit is for all traffic travelling in the same direction as the bus, whether the bus is stationary or moving. The 40km/h speed limit must be observed when the rear ‘wig-wag’ lights on the bus are flashing. Flashing headlights on these buses also alert oncoming motorists that children are close.
We ask families to talk with their child about:
- Waiting until the bus has gone to cross the road safely.
- Not getting distracted by a mobile device.
- What to do if they get on the wrong bus or off at the wrong bus stop.
More Road Safety tips can be found at: https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/downloads/keeping-our-kids-safe-around-schools.pdf
Jeannine Ucdereli
Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching
We welcome all Parents & Friends to our upcoming P&F Meeting to be held on Wednesday 24th February at 5:30pm. This meeting will take place at St Joseph’s in the school staffroom.
Expressions of interest are available for the following positions:
Treasurer
Catering Coordinator
Fundraising Assistant
With the weather getting cooler you are all probably thinking about getting the warmer uniforms out again. If you don’t want to buy new, consider popping into the second hand uniform pool and see if there is anything there that can meet your needs. There is a large selection of boys and girls items including shirts (long and short sleeved), shorts, tunics (winter and summer), sports uniforms, socks and jumpers. To access the clothing pool, please see the Office Aunties between 8:30 and 3:30pm Monday to Friday.
Change and loss are issues that affect all of us at some stage in our lives. At St Joseph’s Primary School we recognise that when changes occur in families through death, separation, divorce or related circumstances, children and young people may benefit from learning how to manage these changes effectively.
We are therefore offering a very successful education program called Seasons for Growth. This program is facilitated in small groups and is based on research that highlights the importance of social support and the need to practise new skills to cope effectively with change and loss. The program focuses on issues such as:
- self-esteem,
- managing feelings,
- problem-solving,
- decision-making,
- effective communication,
- support networks.
St Joseph’s Primary School is pleased to be able to offer this important program to children in Years 3 and 4 and we are confident that it will be a valuable learning experience for those who request to be involved.
There are limited spots available so if you think your child would benefit from Seasons for Growth we would encourage you to talk to them about participating in the program.
If you require further information please contact Kelly Russell (School Counsellor) who will be facilitating the program. Kelly can be contacted via the School Office.
Zone Swimming Carnival
On Monday, our talented swimmers attended the Zone Swimming Carnival in Macksville. It was a fun day, with our students representing our school proudly.
Congratulations to the following students who have been selected to attend the Diocesan Swimming Carnival in Murwillumbah on Friday 26th February.
Tyler Mat | 8 Years Boys Freestyle |
Gemma Cooper | 9 Years Girls Freestyle |
Lailah Watson | 10 Years Girls Freestyle and Breastroke |
Tori McGrath | 12 Years Girls Breastroke |
Penny Little | 12 Years Girls Butterfly |
Evie Johnson, Lailah Watson, Zada Robinson and Charli Robinson | Junior Girls Relay |
Gymnastics
This week we welcomed the Dance Fever Multi Sports team back to teach Gymnastics for Kindergarten to Year 6. Gymnastics is an important part of our PDHPE syllabus, developing skills in balance, strength, flexibility and coordination.
Soccer Clinic
Last Friday Kindergarten to Year 3 had Football Mid North Coast come to do a Soccer clinic with them. Students engaged in defensive and attacking ball skills and learning the value of good sportsmanship. So much fun was had by all.
Cricket NSW
For the next 4 weeks, Kindergarten to Year 6 will enjoy Cricket sessions with Cricket NSW who are coming in every Friday. We look forward to sharing our skills and learning with you.
Leah Toole
Sports Coordinator
The children have been making some great healthy choices at the canteen lately. Each day I have a variety of healthy options available for 50c or $1, as well as the usual offerings. It has been really nice to meet some of the new Kindergarten children this week as they have come to visit the Canteen, but it can be a little daunting for them if it is their first visit. A good idea if you are giving them money to spend, is to have a chat about what they can buy. The items that are the most popular with the students are the Frozen Milks - Small 50c/Large $1, TNTs - $1, Snapstix - $1, and the Frozen Yoghurts - $2. There are plenty of signs around the canteen to help them choose which flavour they want.
Flexischools
Flexischools has issued an apology to all suppliers and users for the recent technical issues they have been having which may have affected your ordering on the last two Fridays. The peak time for orders being placed is between 8:00am-8:30am on Friday mornings as that is the busiest lunch order day for Canteens across the country. Although I hope these issues have been fixed now, it might be a good idea to place your Friday lunch orders the night before, if possible, to avoid these traffic jams.
Volunteer Notice
We are unable to have volunteers in the canteen at this stage, however we are hoping this will change very soon. If you would like to volunteer when it is possible, please fill out the Volunteer Form using the link below.. If you have already filled out the form, I will be in touch with you soon to discuss rostering and look forward to meeting you all soon (hopefully!).
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.
Flexischools is our preferred method for submitting lunch orders.
Reminder - Cutoff time for online orders is 8.30am.
- 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 or you can find the link on the school website under Canteen.
Don’t forget you can place your online orders days or even weeks in advance, making the morning rush even easier!
Helpful websites
For help and ideas for getting back into the routine of making school lunches every day, check out these websites:
https://healthylunchbox.com.au/#
https://www.healthyliving.nsw.gov.au/food/healthy-school-lunch-box
Kim Goldie
Canteen Coodinator
Port Macquarie author, Michael Rohr, has just released his latest book Cowboy Monkey Talks Fluff through publisher Boolarong Press and with the support of Bookface, Port Macquarie. This hilarious book is about the natural occurrence of fluffs that happen to all human and animal species. Children follow a monkey in a cowboy hat as he teaches children the circumstances of when it is appropriate, and not so appropriate, to fluff with this great rhyming story.
Buy it now @ BOOKFACE Port Macquarie
Or online:
https://www.boolarongpress.com.au/product/cowboy-monkey-talks-fluff/
https://www.booktopia.com.au/cowboy-monkey-talks-fluff-michael-rohr/book/9781925877762.html
Michael's book was reviewed by our very own Lilliana Anderson (4MG)!!!
Links:
https://www.facebook.com/MichaelRohrOfficial
https://focusmag.com.au/past-editions-port-macquarie/ (page 86 Feb 2021 edition)
KBC | Leilani Mani | Mary Yllainne Verano | Remy Collier |
KSC | Daniel Shijo | Isabelle Mat | Malakai Enriquez |
1B | Islah Kingsmith | Yzekiel Nieva | Ashvik Thapa |
1R | Matihias Bridger | Wyatt Hough | Cleo Gawith |
2S | Angelrose Sefin Vallooran | Kyelle Webber | Keilah Long |
2T | Tyler Mat | Toby Hamilton | Harry Lawrence |
3D | Ayla Moss | Savannah Loosemore | Lucas Single |
4MG | Blake Herbert | Dakota Simpson | Rocco Davidson |
5S | Miley Ashcroft | Charlie Holloway | Maddyx Gray |
6B | Eva Francis | Hayley Rickard | Isaac Angland |
After discussions with the new Student Captains and Student Representative Council (SRC), the team has opted to make a change to how we run our group. The SRC has opted to work as a team across the whole year rather than have two specific leaders for each Term. This means a shared approach to volunteering and involvement in various events throughout the year.
Our School Captains this year are:
Millie Paine, Penny Little, Jesse Steinhour, Jack Cremins, Luke Davies , Tori McGrath, Riley Robinson, Macey Stewart
Creative Lunch Clubs
Check out our Creative Lunch Clubs at Lunch 1.
All new and old members welcome!
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Primary Art Club Mrs Howard |
Primary Drama Club Infants Drama Club |
Infants Art Club Primary Dance |
In Infants Art Club we've learnt to sketch faces, creating face portraits.The children drew amazing masterpieces! Super proud of everyone's efforts.
Junkyard Beats
Our Stage 2 students are very fortunate to be going to see a performance at the Glasshouse called ‘Junkyard Beats’ on Thursday 18th March.
Students will learn about sustainability with this high energy, imaginative music-in-education performance combining drumming, dance, theatre and comedy.
In the hands of Junkyard Beats, ordinary household items are transformed into extraordinary musical instruments and unwanted junk comes alive in exciting and surprising ways! They will follow four characters during their daily activities in a world made of cardboard boxes and junk. The contents of an abandoned kitchen and wheelie bins become the greatest drum set in the world; Plastic bags are an amazing musical instrument and the human body becomes a unique sound machine.
Yours in Creative and Performing Arts
Leah Toole
Creative Arts Coordinator
Week 5 - Term 1 2021BUS SAFETY WEEK |
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Saturday 20th February |
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Monday 22nd February |
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Tuesday 23rd February |
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Wednesday 24th February |
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Thursday 25th February |
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Friday 26th February |
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Week 6 - Term 1 2021 |
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Monday 1st March |
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Tuesday 2nd March |
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Wednesday 3rd March |
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Thursday 4th March |
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Friday 5th March |
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Week 7 - Term 1 2021 |
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Monday 8th March |
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Tuesday 9th March |
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Wednesday 10th March |
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Thursday 11th March |
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Friday 12th March |
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Week 8 - Term 1 2021
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Monday 15th March |
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Tuesday 16th March |
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Wednesday 17th March |
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Thursday 18th March |
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Friday 19th March |
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Sunday 21st March |
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Week 9 - Term 1 2021 |
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Monday 22nd March |
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Tuesday 23rd March |
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Wednesday 24th March |
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Thursday 25th March |
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Friday 26th March |
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Week 10 - Term 1 2021 |
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Monday 29th March |
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Tuesday 30th March |
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Wednesday 31st March |
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Thursday 1st April |
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Friday 2nd April |
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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
Kindergarten to Year 6 last day of classes Term 1 - Wednesday 31st March 2021
Staff Development Day (Pupil Free) – Thursday 1st April 2021
TERM 2
Staff Development Day (Pupil Free) – Monday 19th April 2021
Kindergarten to Year 6 commence classes Term 2 - Tuesday 20th April 2021
Proclaim Lismore 2021
Staff Development Day (Pupil Free) - Wednesday 5th May 2021
Kindergarten to Year 6 last day of classes Term 2 – Friday 25th June 2021
TERM 3
Staff Development Day (Pupil Free) – Monday 12th July 2021
Kindergarten to Year 6 commence classes Term 3 – Tuesday 13th July 2021
Kindergarten to Year 6 last day of classes Term 3 – Friday 17th September 2021
TERM 4
Staff Development Day (Pupil Free) – Tuesday 5th October 2021
Kindergarten to Year 6 commence classes Term 4 – Wednesday 6th October 2021
Kindergarten to Year 6 last day of classes form Term 4 - Wednesday 15th 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