Week 4 - Term 2 Newsletter 2024

Principal's Message

Dear Parents, 

Thank you for another week of learning, a big thank you to all those families that completed our Annual School Improvement Survey last week. We value the role of parents and carers within our school community,  and this feedback and information you provide will be used to maintain our commitment to working together in partnership further to improve student learning and wellbeing in our school. 

For those interested, the results from this survey will be shared at our Term 3 Parent Forum Meeting.

Attendance  - Early Departure Concerns

We are noticing a trend in the number of students being picked up between 2:15 pm - 3:00 pm, before the end of the school day at 3:15 pm. Whilst I understand a number of families have after-school care commitments that start shortly after the conclusion of school and that on the odd occasion, family events or appointments may dictate an early departure, I am asking that all parents please be mindful of the importance of allowing their child to finish their school day at 3:15 pm.

Over time, a consistent pattern of early departure results in your child missing out on core learning. Most afternoons, classes study Science, History, Geography, Creative Arts etc. If they regularly go home at 2:30 pm-2:45 pm, this can result in the loss of 30 minutes of important learning. On the surface, twice a week of early departures may not seem of a concern, but if this continues, it can result in your child missing up to 8 full days of learning. 

I ask all families to consider the reasoning and regularity of early departures & the impact it can have on your child's education.    

Winter Uniforms 

As we begin to feel the cool change of winter, we have started to notice students wearing non-school jumpers and other attire. This a reminder to all families of our Winter Uniform options outlined below. Whilst I understand that sometimes uniform items either go missing or need washing, we ask that if your child is out of uniform, a note be provided to the student to present to the class teacher. 

GIRLS Winter Uniform

• Maroon & white check top
• White plain long-sleeve shirt under check top (optional)
• Maroon skort with maroon/black tights (optional) OR Maroon/Black Pants 
• Black lace-up shoes/joggers (low cut)
• White socks
• School jacket or jumper
• School hat
• Maroon, white or yellow ribbons/headbands

BOYS Winter Uniform

• Maroon school shirt with white and gold trim
• Plain Black shorts OR Maroon/Black pants
  
• Black lace-up shoes/joggers (low cut)
• Black socks
• School jacket or jumper
• School hat

Please also note that feedback regarding our school unifrom was provided by our Parent Class Reps at this week's Parent Forum meeting. Whilst I acknowledge the feedback provided, moving forward we are open to some  minor changes during the review process of our Uniform Policy (attached). A survey will be distributed in the coming weeks seeking some further feedback directly from our families.

NCCD - What is this?

Each year, our school participates in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). At the moment, our school and classroom teachers are currently moderating and collaboratively working together to clarify what adjustments are being provided for our students. The NCCD is a collection that counts:

• the number of school students receiving an adjustment or ‘help’ due to disability
• the level of adjustment they are receiving to access education on the same basis as other students.

Students are counted in the NCCD if they receive ongoing adjustments at school due to disability. This ‘help’ allows them to access education on the same basis as a child without a disability. The NCCD uses the definition of disability in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.  In early August, this information is provided to both the Catholic Schools Office and Catholic Schools NSW.  Attached below is a Fact Sheet that explains this process in more detail. 

Have a lovely weekend.

Dale

Upcoming School Dates

• Pupil Free Day (Thursday 30th May)
• Confirmation Retreat (Monday 3rd June)
• 'Close the Gap' Day - Stage 2 & 3 (Tuesday 4th June)
• Stage 2 Excurision (Thursday 6th June)
• Confirmation - St Mary's Church Maclean 5pm (Monday 17th June)
• The King's Birthday Public Holiday (Monday 10th June)
• Winter Appeal - Pyjama Day (Thursday 13th June)
• Athletics Carnival ( Friday 21st June)
• School Photos (Wednesday 26th June)
• Stage 3 Camp (Mon 1st July- Thurs 4th July)
• Last Day of Term 2 (Thursday 4th July)
• Pupil Free Day - Staff Development Day (Friday 5th July)
• First Day Term 3 (Tuesday 23rd July)

Leader of Learning

Understanding How Students Learn to Read: The Rope Metaphor

Literacy researcher Hollis Scarborough offers a helpful way to understand the complex process of learning to read. She compares reading to the "strands of a rope," where various skills intertwine to form "skilled reading." This metaphor illustrates how students read fluently and comprehend text simultaneously.

Scarborough's rope consists of two main strands, each with its own sub-strands: Word Recognition and Language Comprehension. 

Word recognition involves:

• Phonological awareness (recognising and manipulating sounds).
• Decoding (using letters and sounds to read words).
• Sight recognition (automatically recognising words).

Language comprehension includes using background knowledge, vocabulary, understanding language structures, verbal reasoning, and literacy knowledge to make sense of text.

Understanding that these reading skills don't develop in a strict sequence is essential. Instead, they should be nurtured together to help students become proficient readers. 

Parents can support their child's reading development by engaging in activities that enhance both word recognition and language comprehension. You can encourage phonics practice through sound games, decodable books and repeated reading. To build vocabulary and comprehension, try reading a range of books together, discussing new words, connecting books to real-life experiences and asking open-ended questions about the text.

Mrs Senz, Mrs Mclennan and Mrs Mullins

Leader of Mission

Term 2 Parish School Mass

All family and friends are warmly invited to attend our Parish School Mass on Sunday, 2nd June at St. Mary's Church commencing at 8:30am. This mass will be led by our students and staff.

If there are any students (Kindy to Year 6)  who would like to assist with the Mass, please contact me at louise.senz@lism.catholic.edu.au

The jobs include:

• Hospitality - welcoming parishioners at the entry and handing out hymn books,
• Readers (2 students) 
• Prayers of the Faithful.

Mercy In Action Award

This fortnight's Mercy Award goes to Zachary Turner in recognition of displaying the Mercy Value of RESPECT. He consistently demonstrates a deep understanding of the importance of treating others with kindness, courtesy, and consideration.

In his interactions with peers and teachers, Zac shows empathy and genuine care for those around them, providing an excellent role model for his fellow students and embodying the value of respect in all aspects of school life.

Congratulations, Zac.

The First Papal World Children's Day

This weekend 25 -26 May 2024 the Catholic Church around the world will mark its first ever World Children’s Day. There will be a gathering in Rome of children with their families to mark the occasion. It is also Pope Francis' desire to share a message with children everywhere, telling them they are ‘precious in God’s eyes’ (Isaiah 43:4). Pope Francis lovingly encourages children to ‘pay attention to the stories of grown-ups’, urges them to stay close to Jesus and shares with them a ‘special secret’. please click the link below to read Pope Francis' special message.

Mrs Senz

Awards

Our Principal's Award winners this week are:

Our Class Award winners this week are: 

Class News - Stage 1

Year 1 have been exploring the text 'Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!' to help us identify persuasive writing techniques.
Students are now experts in constructing a persuasive argument (some students told me they have even tried it out on their parents!)
We are now constructing a whole class book on what job Pidgeon may like to try out next.

Year 2 have been reading the text ‘Koala Ark’ and exploring how and why the author used animal characters with human characteristics.They have also engaged with informative texts about Koalas and created their own persuasive text, which they supported by their own opinions. Year 2 now have some compelling reasons why we need to protect our koalas.

Miss Stokes & Mrs Connor

School Sport

As always, there has been lots of excitement in the sports realm at our school. First, I'd like to recognize the efforts of all students who attended our Zone Cross Country. Everyone displayed outstanding sportsmanship, accountability, and resilience, powering through a tough competition on a challenging track in very hot weather to give their best effort.

A special mention goes to Sophia Wright, who finished second at the Zone Cross Country, placed fourth at the Diocesan Carnival, and will now advance to the Polding event in Sydney. Additionally, congratulations to Jacob McIntyre in Year 6, who has successfully progressed through the Zone, Diocesan, and Polding events to represent Polding at the NSW PSSA event in Sydney for Hockey.


This term, we are also excited to introduce the 'Get Into Rugby' program. It is a fantastic opportunity for students to learn skills associated with rugby union. So far, we have practiced the fundamentals of changing direction, reaction times, and throwing and catching. We look forward to implementing these skills into more comprehensive practice in the coming weeks.

Looking ahead, we have the Athletics Carnival in Week 8 (21/06), which promises to be an exciting event for students, staff, and families. We look forward to sharing more information in the coming days.

We also had a fantastic time at the Far North Coast Netball Cup on the 23rd of May. All students showcased our Mercy values and demonstrated versatility in learning new skills and, for many, a new sport. The day was amazing, filled with plenty of dance breaks and good sportsmanship on display. The Year 5/6 competitive team excelled, finishing in the top 2 with two impressive wins over rival schools, meaning they will now represent St. Joseph's at the Far North Coast Netball Finals later in the year.

Each team coach identified one player who could be awarded the 'Best and Fairest' award. This award was given to students who tried their best, maintained high effort levels, and showcased encouragement, gratitude, and good teamwork. The students identified were Alex Greentree, Meesha Ellis, Jack Kirkland, Sam Kirkland, Tully White, and Marlie Cook

This term, we are also excited to introduce the 'Get Into Rugby' program. It is a fantastic opportunity for students to learn skills associated with rugby union. So far, we have practiced the fundamentals of changing direction, reaction times, and throwing and catching. We look forward to implementing these skills into more comprehensive practice in the coming weeks.

Looking ahead, we have the Athletics Carnival in Week 8 (21/06), which promises to be an exciting event for students, staff, and families. We look forward to sharing more information in the coming days.

Mr Gilchrist - Sports Coordinator

Creative Arts

Maclean Show

Throughout the holidays, Maclean had its annual show on the 16th & 17th of April. A veritable unmissable calendar event for our beautiful little town! Whilst showcasing various features, activities, showbags and entertainment; the art pavilion was where all the St Joeys action was at! Over Term 1, whilst also working on their ‘Post It Note’ show entries (absolutely amazing, just to recap!), the students were working tirelessly and creatively on a piece to enter into the show.

The students in their respective classes produced:

• Kindy - Collage Creatures (w/ recycled paper and collage equipment)
• Year 1 - Pop Art Buildings, inspired by James Rizzi
• Year 2 - Monochrome Monsters (created through ‘Roll-a-Monster’ with dice and body parts)
• Stage 2 - Instructional Zebra drawing w/ Piet Mondrian inspired background
• Stage 3 - Mason Jar Monsters (focusing on depth and drawing and object INSIDE an object)

Proud is an understatement for all the students to be able to produce these amazing masterpieces within the term!

A massive congratulations to the pictured students, who were recognized for their artworks with ‘Highly Commended’ awards and a ‘Second Place’!

Big arty love,

Ms Phoebe Zietsch

Bullying and Friendships

Conversations about Bullying

Having an open dialogue about bullying with your child is crucial for fostering trust, understanding, and resilience. You could use this video from Bullying No Way as a conversation starter.

Here are some tips for initiating and maintaining this important conversation:

• Ensure that your child feels comfortable and safe discussing sensitive topics like bullying. Choose a quiet, private setting where your child feels relaxed and free to express themselves without fear of judgment or reprisal.
• Be ready to manage your reactions.
• Start the conversation by asking open-ended questions that invite your child to share their thoughts and experiences. For example, you could ask, "Can you tell me about what's been happening at school lately?" or "How are things going with your friends?"
• Practice active listening by giving your child your full attention and demonstrating empathy and understanding. Avoid interrupting or dismissing their feelings, even if you disagree with their perspective. Reflect back on what they're saying to show that you're truly listening and validating their experience.
• Let your child know that their feelings are valid and that it's normal to feel upset or worried about bullying. Reassure them that they're not alone and that you're there to support them every step of the way.
• Focus on empowering them with knowledge and strategies for dealing with bullying. Help your child to brainstorm possible solutions or strategies to manage the situation. If your child is experiencing bullying or if the conversation reveals other issues, contact the school.

By fostering an open and supportive dialogue about bullying, you can help your child feel empowered, resilient, and equipped to navigate challenging situations with confidence. Starting the conversation about this topic should be grounded in your family's beliefs and values. Make sure you have early, regular conversations with your child about the values you have as a family regarding respect and care for others and the dignity of each human person.

What are your family values? How do you, as a family, provide healthy opportunities to grow in mutual love and respect?

Pastoral Care - School Chaplain

SRC Fundraiser- Pirate Day

Thank you to all our staff and students for dressing up as pirates and donating. 

We were fundraising for Pirate Day to help turn the tide on kids' brain cancer. 

We raised $190! This money will go to The Kids' Cancer Project to fund vital scientific research to develop better treatments for all children with cancer. 

Seasons For Growth-Stage 2

Seasons for Growth is an innovative, evidence-based change, loss and grief education program that draws on the metaphor of the seasons to understand the experience of grief. It builds the knowledge and skills necessary to strengthen social and emotional wellbeing. Seasons for Growth offers children and young people a safe space to come together, and share their experiences of change and loss. 

Seasons for Growth is being offered to all students this year. 

This program will be available for stage 2 in term 2. More information will be sent out through the compass app.

St Vincent De Paul Winter Appeal- Thursday 13th June

As the cool air blankets us, we are reminded that winter is approaching.  We think of those people less fortunate this winter. 

St Joseph’s will be once again participating in Vinnies Winter Appeal this term. We will be inviting students to wear their pyjamas and raise funds for this needy cause. 

The SRC has decided that we will be serving hot dogs!

More information will be available over the coming weeks via compass.

Ms Mead

Pastoral Care - School Counsellor

Raising Resilient Kids

The five resilience building areas to be covered this term include Thinking, Habits, Relationships, Emotions and Strengths.

Last week I focused on the THINKING style that contributes to building resilience.

Optimistic thinking, in contrast to pessimistic thinking, promotes hope and encourages kids to not give up when times get tough.

This week the focus is on healthy HABITS that can contribute to building resilience.

In order to be resilient kids need to be feeling good and functioning well.  Healthy habits and routines that promote positive physical and mental wellbeing help set kids up for success, give them the best possible chance of achieving their potential, and help them manage setbacks.  Every family is different, and no-one gets these right 100% of the time, but even small changes in the following areas can make a big difference to your child’s resilience.

1. Nutrition

A nutrient-rich diet will promote healthy physical and mental growth and development.

It will also help provide them with the energy needed to successfully navigate the daily physical, emotional and social challenges they face at school and home.

Kids Health Information : Nutrition – school-age to adolescence

2. Exercise

Physical activity promotes many aspects of child and adolescent development, including social and emotional skills, physical motor skills and it boosts their psychological wellbeing.

https://www.health.gov.au/topics/physical-activity-and-exercise/physical-activity-and-exercise-guidelines-for-all-australians/for-children-and-young-people-5-to-17-years

3. Sleep

Quality sleep helps your child with their concentration, memory and their ability to manage their emotions and behaviour.

School-age and pre-teen sleep: what to expect

4. Screens

The Australian recommendation for kids aged 5 - 17 years is less than 2 hours of recreational screen time per day with no screen usage at least 1 hour before bedtime.

Actively monitoring your child's screen usage to ensure they are not exposed to frightening or violent content which may lead to anxious thoughts, poor sleep and negative behaviour, is an equally important part of ensuring that screen use is not negatively impacting your child.

SCREENTIME

Managing screen time and digital technology use: strategies for children 3-11 years

I've provided links to resources and strategies to help if you’d like to make changes in one or more of these areas. Establishing new and healthy habits can be hard and often met with resistance (particularly around screen usage). Start with small changes. It may help to communicate why you are making a change and the positive impact you're expecting.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss further you can contact me at the school on Thursdays and Fridays or via jessica.jones@lism.catholic.edu.au

Jessica Jones  - School Counsellor

Parent Forum

Thank you to all of the parents that attended our Term 2 Parent Forum Meeting. Mintues will be published in the next school newsletter or can be obtained from the front office.

Our next meeting will be in Term 3 and again, we welcome and encourage anyone to attend.

Lauren Kirkland - Chairperson of the Parent Forum

Library News

On Wednesday 22nd March our students at St Josephs joined with over 2 Million other Australian students tuned into Aura Parker reading us Bowerbird Blues for National Simultaneous Storytime. The story came to life with beautiful illustrations and a lovely message, the students were inthralld and the story was loved by all classes. How lucky we are to have a book read by the author and remind us of the importance of sharing a story together.
Why not ask your children what their favorite part was? 

Happy Reading!

Mrs O'Brien

Community Notices