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Hope and Gratefulness
Today I had the great privilege and honour of sharing in remembering one of our school community parents in her farewell with her family and friends, whose condolences we shared in our previous newsletter. I would not normally write about something like this in our newsletter particularly, but it struck me profoundly.
In the immense sadness of the loss of a mother, grandmother, friend, cousin, daughter was the message of hope and joy that was parallel in this farewell. While we were there in support of the family and shared in their sadness, we were gifted a very special message that I certainly feel I need to keep in mind regularly but sometimes forget in the craziness of life.
This special lady was spoken of in terms of her love and commitment to her family and the way in which even through illness and tragedy, always focussed on what was good. Her Christian faith sustained her through tough times and was demonstrated in the amazing people her children are and the way they have helped each other through this most devastating loss. Often we can focus on what is not working, what we are not happy with, what we want more than what we have and who we are frustrated with. Of course, this is normal and human, and not a judgement on us being good people. But what if we replaced some of this frustration and negativity that creeps in unexpectedly with hope and gratefulness? What might be different?
There is much research to suggest that simply finding something to be grateful for, even a tiny part of a normal day, can have an enormous impact on our mindset and wellbeing. I often forget to do this when I am busy, tired, stressed and annoyed with something. Today was a reminder to me that even in the most tragic of circumstances, there is hope and an opportunity for being grateful. This is not only my experience of a special lady’s life story today, but what the Word of God listened to and interpreted by Christian people is all about.
I invite you to join me this week in finding something to be grateful for that will shine a light to those around us and support someone who may need something as small as a smile! I wish you all a wonderful weekend and ask that you continue to keep Tracy McMahon’s family (especially her son Joe) in your prayers and wishes as they become used to life being different without her, knowing that she is now in the care of her loving God.
Principal
Sacrament of Penance
We continue to pray for the children receiving the Sacrament of Penance. The Sacrament of Penance takes place on 25th May, 26th May, 2nd June and 3rd June.
The Ascension of Jesus
2T led us in whole school prayer this week with a focus on the Ascension of Jesus. The children made a personal prayer to Jesus before releasing a balloon into the sky, reminding us of how Jesus has taken His place in heaven, yet is still with us until the end of time.
Mini Vinnies - Donate a Sock!!
Our Mini Vinnies Team are leading a sock donation campaign to break a world record for longest clothes line of socks to help raise funds and awareness of various charities run through the Rotary Club. Families are encouraged to donate an old, unpaired sock for the cause. Our hope is to help homeless youth by supporting the YP Space MNC (YPS). YPS is a specialist Youth Homelessness Service.
If you and your family would like to partake in this record attempt on Saturday 5th June, volunteers and teams of people are needed to help with pegging. Please contact Trevor on 0429 439 232 if you can help.
May is the Month of Mary
It is during the month of May that we are invited to devote some of our time and prayers to our Mother, Mary. Mary, who intercedes for us, takes our prayers to enact God’s will. We pray the Hail Mary using the Rosary, to pray for an end to conflict in places such as Palestine and Israel and other regions of the world.
Year 6 Incitare
On Thursday, our Year 6 students completed a faith formation experience led by our Incitare students. Incitare was a spiritual formation day for students that took place last term. These students ran our sessions for the entire Year 6 group, focusing on how to be a courageous Christian in our world today. Students grappled with some very real examples of times we might find it difficult to be Christian, particularly in social situations. We pray these students are ignited with the fire of courage to stay true to their Christian faith in all they do.
Nathan Porter
Assistant Principal Mission
NATIONAL SIMULTANEOUS STORYTIME
National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) is held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously around the country. This year is extra special for St Joseph's Primary School because the book 'Give me some Space' by Philip Bunting was read to us by astronaut Dr Shannon Walker from the International Space Station where our ‘wattle seeds’ are being held as part of the inaugural Australian Seeds in Space Program. We are anticipating the return of our wattle seeds in June but this week we were happy just to see where they were.
SCHOOL UNIFORM
Over the past few weeks we have been seeing a lot of students wearing jewellery to school. In accordance with the Parent Handbook jewellery is not permitted to be worn except for simple studs or sleepers or medical bracelets. Could you please check with your child that they are not wearing additional jewellery to school eg. rings, necklaces and dangling earrings. If students wear the incorrect jewellery they will be asked to remove it and leave it in the Office until the end of the day.
Jeannine Ucdereli
Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching
This term, Year 4 has embarked on a highly engaging learning journey that incorporates knowledge building in both Geography and Science and Technology. This week we welcomed Anne Tutt into our classroom to share her knowledge of the Rural Fire Fighting Service. Year 4 extended their understanding of how the sun, weather, climate and seasons can have an effect on the way we use and manage our land. We explored how quickly extreme weather events can lead to natural disasters, what we can do to ensure that we are prepared for such an event and how to minimise extremes by caring for our land through sustainable and renewable means. We will continue our learning next week with the support of Caleb Smith, our Indigenous Education worker, exploring Aboriginal land management techniques.
Mrs Emma Francis, Mrs Kate Mitchell and Mrs Vanessa Goldstein
Year 4 Teachers
2021 Australian Early Development Census (Kindergarten)
Along with most schools around the country, our school has been asked to participate in the fifth Australian Early Development Census – the #AEDC2021.
The #AEDC helps keep our kids on-track by measuring their development in Primary school.
Find out how the AEDC can benefit your children’s future and your community: www.aedc.gov.au/schools/school-stories
We’re training Kindergarten teachers to complete the upcoming 2021 Australian Early Development Census for children in their classes, which will start in May this year.
The #AEDC results help to identify the things that are influencing early childhood development and create positive change.
LUNCH ORDERS
Canteen 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.
Don’t forget you can place your online orders days or even weeks in advance, making the morning rush even easier!
Kim Goldie
Canteen Coodinator
Students in Year 3 and 4 are invited to represent St Joseph’s Primary School at the 2021 Todd Woodbridge Cup which is to be held on Friday 23rd July, at Wood Street, West Port Macquarie Tennis Club, Port Macquarie. Students do not need previous experience playing tennis - the event encourages participation, teamwork and a positive experience in physical activity. If your child would like to participate please see the note and complete the online nomination form via the link below by Monday 24th May.
Athletics Carnival
Our annual whole school Athletics Carnival will take place on Friday 4th June and this year it will be held at St Joseph’s Regional College, College Drive, Port Macquarie.
Kindergarten and Year 1 will run 100m races and enjoy Novelty games during the morning, while Years 2 to 6 will compete in Athletic activities for the day. House points are awarded for each event.
All students in Year 2 to 6 will be competing in 100m and 200m sprints along with novelty games. 100m and 200m sprints will be straight finals with times determining places. 100m sprints are conducted in individual age groups whilst all other events are run as Juniors (8, 9 and 10 years), 11 years and 12 years.
800m, 1500m and Discus events will be optional and you must nominate your child via the link in the note. The 1500m will be run between 9:00 - 9:30am on the day of the carnival. Any child wishing to compete in this event will need to be dropped to St Joseph’s Regional College by private transport by 8:50am.
Successful competitors from the carnival will be invited to attend the Hastings Zone Carnival to be held at St Joseph’s Regional College on Monday 19th July (Week 2 Term 3).
As the carnival is offsite we require your permission for your child to be able to attend. Please complete the online permission and nomination form via the link in the note by Tuesday 25th May.
Lunchtime Sporting Skills
Last week’s soccer training was a hit! Thank you to this brilliant group of students for our first soccer training session.
Leah Toole and David Lynch
Sports Coordinator and Assistant Sports Coordinator
PBS (Positive Behaviour Support)
Congratulations to Isabella Hoang in KSC!
Isabella received 3 bonus MJR crosses for displaying positive behaviour. At our whole school assembly she was awarded a certificate of appreciation.
KSC | Morgan Marlowe | Ariana Renton | Savian Sain Karickal |
1R | Matihias Bridger | Evie Ervine | Wyatt Hough |
2S | Emelia Stoner | Angelrose Sefin Vallooran | Elsie Steadman |
4F | Sebastian Bennett- Tonkin | Ruby Holmes | Eli Collier |
4MG | Xavier Mat | Zada Robinson | Charli Robinson |
5L | Isabella Hawkins | Asia Steinhour | Blayde Redding |
5S | Joseph Hunt | Mikayla Love | Riley Tattersall |
6B | Eva Francis | Tori McGrath | Ella Herbert |
eSafety's Guide to Parental Controls Free Webinar
This eSafety free webinar will look at how parents and carers can set up devices and apps to help kids and young people stay safe online. It is designed for parents and carers of children aged 4-13.
It will cover:
- the benefits and limitations of parental controls
- how to set up iOS and Android devices for safety
- how to set up popular games and apps like YouTube and Roblox for safety
- using family tech agreements and other parenting strategies to manage online risks
- how eSafety can help when things go wrong.
This webinar will include practical tips, demonstrations and advice.
Choose from one of the following dates/ times:
- Tuesday 8th June 12:30pm to 1:30pm
- Wednesday 16th June 7:30pm to 8:30pm
Parents/carers can register at https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/9188680659348918543
Whole school concert at The Glasshouse
This year our whole school Creative Arts program will run in Term 3, culminating in a whole school concert at The Glasshouse. ALL students in the school will be involved in a Technical and Dress Rehearsal at the Glasshouse on 30th August and a Matinee and Evening performance on 31st August. Student participation will be through acting, singing, dance routines, Glee Club and Band.
Year 6 Auditions
We are inviting all Year 6 students to audition next Thursday 27th May for a host role in our Glasshouse concert. We ask that they come prepared to act as a famous Australian character or personality of their choice. We can’t wait to see what they come up with!
Musica Viva Concert
All grades have been engaging in the Musica Viva program ‘Adventures in Antarctica’ this semester. The program culminates in an exciting live performance at school on Monday 24th May at 12:30pm for Kindergarten - Year 2 and 2:00pm for Years 3 - 6.
The Carnival of Animals - Got ya Back Productions
Students in Year 6 will be attending the performance ‘The Carnival of Animals’ at The Basement in Port Macquarie Panthers on Friday 18th June 2021.
Year 6 students will experience their childhood wonderment, with brand new musical arrangements of French composer, Camille Saint-Saëns', classical masterpiece CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS! Giant puppetry, confetti, artistic mastery, tons of bubbles and musical mastery combine to make this theatrical experience like no other!
A permission note will be sent out next week with further details.
Infants Art Club
Last week in Infants Art Club we created pattern art. We explored the way colours compliment each other and create a rainbow of colours.
Yours in Creative and Performing Arts,
Leah Toole
Creative Arts Co-ordinator
Week 6 - Term 2 2021
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Monday 24th May |
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Tuesday 25th May |
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Wednesday 26th May |
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Thursday 27th May |
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Friday 28th May |
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Week 7 - Term 2 2021
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Monday 31st May |
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Tuesday 1st June |
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Wednesday 2nd June |
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Thursday 3rd June |
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Friday 4th June |
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Week 8 - Term 2 2021
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Monday 7th June |
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Tuesday 8th June |
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Wednesday 9th June |
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Thursday 10th June |
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Friday 11th June |
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Week 9 - Term 2 2021
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Monday 14th June |
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Tuesday 15th June |
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Wednesday 16th June |
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Thursday 17th June |
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Friday 18th June |
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Week 10 - Term 2 2021
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Monday 21st June |
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Tuesday 22nd June |
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Wednesday 23rd June |
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Thursday 24th June |
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Friday 25th June |
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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 2
Kindergarten to Year 6 commence classes Term 2 - Monday 19th April 2021
Proclaim Lismore 2021
Staff Development Day (Pupil Free) - Wednesday 5th May 2021
Limited child minding available
Staff Development Day (Pupil Free) - Tuesday 22nd June
Limited child minding available
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
NO child minding available
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
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
Year 6 Garden Club
Year 6 Graduation Dinner Survey Results