Week 10 - Term 2 Newsletter 2024

Principal's Message

Dear Parents,  

Thank you all for another great term of learning; it is hard to believe we are halfway through the year already. Your support and active involvement have been invaluable, and I would like to commend all our students for their dedication throughout this semester. We are truly grateful for the strong partnership between home and school, which plays a crucial role in our students' success. Together, we have created a nurturing and dynamic learning environment, and we look forward to continuing this journey with you into Semester 2.

NAIDOC Day

Please be aware that on our second day back next term, our school community will join St James Yamba to commemorate NAIDOC Week. Our Celebration Day is set for Wednesday, July 24th. We have scheduled this event after the holidays, as NAIDOC Week falls within the break. The primary focus of this day is to recognize and celebrate the rich Indigenous culture, history, and accomplishments within our local area. The event will take place at St James Yamba and will begin with a Welcome to Country and a smoking ceremony. Students will participate in various activities to deepen their understanding of Indigenous culture, including Dreamtime story-telling, dot painting, and Indigenous games.

NAIDOC 2024 is an eagerly anticipated event that brings our school community together to celebrate the vibrant culture, rich history, and remarkable achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year's theme, "Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud," is a powerful call to action, encouraging us to honor and sustain the enduring spirit, resilience, and pride of Indigenous communities.

The theme underscores the importance of keeping cultural traditions alive and vibrant, ensuring that the rich heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples continues to be passed down through generations. It celebrates the strength and resilience of these communities in the face of historical and ongoing challenges, urging us to stand in solidarity and support Indigenous peoples having a voice.

Stage 3 Camp

I had the pleasure of joining our Stage 3 students on their camp at Tyalgum Ridge Retreat this, and it was an unforgettable experience. Despite the wet weather, from the moment we arrived, the stunning natural surroundings and fresh mountain air set the tone for an adventure-filled few days. The camp offered a fantastic opportunity for our students to step out of their comfort zones and embrace new challenges. They participated in a range of activities, including rock climbing, archery, and bushwalking, all designed to build teamwork, resilience, and confidence. It was heartening to see the students support and encourage each other, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and community.

The camp also provided an excellent platform for personal growth and learning outside the traditional classroom setting. I would like to thank the 4 staff (Mrs Senz, Mrs Kinsella, Mr G and Miss Ava) that attended the camp alongside myself, and the commitment to their students and for giving up time away from their families, it is much appreciated.

Staff Development Day - Monday 22nd July

Just a reminder that our first day back for students will be Tuesday, 23rd July. On Monday, our staff will participate in a Professional Development Day focused on a number of different sessions including: preparation for our upcoming school review, analysis of a recent survey data from our parent and student community as well as a session on the Resilient Doughnut tool which will be unpacked with our Stage 2 & 3 student early next term.

Thank you in advance to all our families for supporting our staff as they undertake our 7 Days of Professional Learning each year. We acknowledge the difficulty this places around care minding for families; however, these days are invaluable for staff in developing themselves as learners. If you need child care, please contact our Vacation Care, which will operate on this day.

With today being our last day for Term 2, I wish you all the best over these upcoming holidays & trust that you enjoy this time with your families. I would also like to sadly farewell the Dahlenburg family (Emily Yr 5) & the Black family (Tyler Yr 2). We wish them well in their new school communities and thank them for their involvement and partnership with the school. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Kind regards

Dale

Upcoming School Dates

• Pupil Free Day Term 3 (Monday 22nd July)
• First Day Term 3 (Tuesday 23rd July)
• NAIDOC Day (Wed 24th July)
• Clarence Zone Athletics Carnival (Tuesday 30th July)
• Little Joey's Begins (Friday 2nd August) 
• Term 3 Parent Forum Meeting (Tuesday 6th August)
• Resilient Kids Program - Stage 2 & 3 (Thursday 8th August)
• Stage 3 Netball & Soccer Knockout (Friday 9th August)
• School Review (Monday 12th - Wednesday 14th August)
• DIO Athletics (Friday 16th August)

Leader of Learning

Mentoring: A Pillar of Support for New Teachers

Entering the classroom for the first time is both an exciting and challenging experience for beginning teachers. Experienced, knowledgeable mentors play a crucial role in fostering a positive and effective teaching environment and ensuring new teachers receive the support they need to grow and succeed. Through structured conversations, regular feedback, and focused practice, mentors help new teachers navigate their first years in the profession by supporting classroom management, building professional knowledge, and promoting student learning.

Mentors support Early Career Teachers (ECT) by focusing on developing and demonstrating proficient practice against the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers. ECT are provided with structured release time and access to ongoing professional development, including coaching to help them set and achieve their professional goals. This evidence-based, inquiry-driven approach involves modelling effective teaching practices, managing student behaviour, and using evidence of student work to inform teaching strategies.

Mentors further assist Early Career Teachers in understanding their responsibilities, developing effective teaching practices, and building resilience. By addressing the diverse needs of students, mentors help new teachers enhance their skills and professional identity. They play a crucial role in this process by offering guidance, support, and challenge, ensuring that new teachers can transition smoothly into their roles and make a positive impact on their students.

Mrs Senz, Mrs Mclennan and Mrs Mullins

Mission & Values

During the pupil free day at the beginning of this term, staff spent the day at Brooms Head, engaging in the Bishop’s Spirituality modules. These modules emphasized the importance of rest. As we approach our mid-year break, I'd like to share some insights from Bishop Greg.

This year’s module built on themes from our 2023 spirituality modules, where we explored our relationship with work. Bishop Greg highlighted that work and rest are interconnected, essential aspects of our lives, despite appearing separate.

Our language highlights this division: we distinguish between the "working week" and the "weekends." However, modern life blurs these lines, with many weekday activities now happening on weekends, challenging traditional distinctions.

Our lives are often hectic, with weekends becoming catch-up periods for unfinished tasks or simply a time for much-needed rest.

Yet, rest—especially in the context of the Sabbath or Sunday—holds deeper significance. For Christians, Sunday marks the day of Resurrection, a sacred day dedicated to rest, prayer, and leisure. It's a time to reflect on God's promise and to heal relationships with God, ourselves, others, and the world.

Participating in the Eucharist on Sunday is central, serving as a profound prayer of healing and gratitude, where we acknowledge and give thanks for the blessings in our lives, both large and small.

Mercy In Action Award

Congratulations to our Mercy In Action Award winner this fortnight, Lawson Bell. We recognise Lawson for displaying the Mercy Value of SERVICE. Lawson exemplifies the Mercy Value of Service through his commitment to helping others. He volunteers to assist both peers and teachers, and he embodies the spirit of stewardship by keeping our school grounds clean and caring for the garden. Lawson enriches the lives of others by always putting their needs first. His humble and sincere efforts reflect the true essence of service. Thank you and well done Lawson!

Mrs Senz

Class Awards

Our Principal's Award winners this week are:

Our Class Award winners this week are: 

Class News - Stage 3

Walking Humbly with God

This term, Stage Three's Religious Education unit focused on how to love others. The students learned that love, as described by Jesus, is to treat others as you would like to be treated, serve others through your deeds, and treat people with respect and kindness. One of their final tasks was to create a poster based on a quote by Thomas Aquinas, 'To love is to will the good of others’. To celebrate their learning, we have attached below some examples of their completed posters.

We wish every family a happy and safe holiday and pray you receive love in abundance.

Mrs Senz & Mrs Kinsella

School Sport

Zone Athletics

Congratulations to our Zone Athletics Team who will be traveling to Coffs Harbour to represent St Joseph's Maclean on Tuesday 30th June:

Max Cook, Phoebe Senze, Rose Mclennan, Alex Greentree, Oliver Want, Dotti Kemp, Bella Camilleri, Jesse Bennett, Jai Agic, Isaak Bailey, Byron Ellis, Sam Kirkland, Sophia Wright, Hugo Simpson, Jack Kirkland, Jimi Lennon, Owen Moss, Roman Hickling, Jessika Dalton, Penny Chapman, Marlie Cook, Roo Coulson, Reece Bennett, Avah Anderson, Zoe Brett, Grace Bell and Georgia Salter.

Attached is a lost of events that the students will be competing in. We wish them all the best of luck!

Mr Gilchrist

Pastoral Care - School Chaplain

SRC Funday- social connections

We are thrilled to share with you the incredible success of our recent SRC Fun Day! The day was filled with laughter, friendly competition, and a whole lot of gaming excitement.

The highlight of the day was our Esports Challenge, where our talented students showcased their gaming skills. From strategic manoeuvres to lightning-fast reflexes, our students truly amazed us with their talent and passion for gaming. The Esports Challenge not only provided a platform for friendly competition but also promoted teamwork and sportsmanship among our students.

We owe a huge thank you to Miss Ava for her outstanding efforts in organising this event. Her dedication and hard work were instrumental in making the day such a success. Additionally, we extend our appreciation to our Student Representative Council (SRC) for making sure that everything ran smoothly throughout the event.

We also want to express our gratitude to all families for your continued support. All funds raised during the SRC Fun Day will go towards helping those in need this winter.

Term 3-  Events 

 Here's what's coming up:

Principal's Day - 2nd August Join us in celebrating our Principal on 2nd August! This day is dedicated to recognizing the leadership and guidance that our Principal provides to our school community. Stay tuned for more details on how we will honour this special occasion.

Teachers' Aide Day on 2nd September- This day is dedicated to honouring the invaluable contributions of our teachers' aides who play a vital role in supporting our students' learning and well-being.

"Are You OK?" Day - 12th September Mental health awareness is crucial, and on 12th September, we will celebrate "Are You OK?" Day. This day serves as a reminder to check in with one another, support each other's well-being, and promote open conversations about mental health.

Seasons for Growth (Stage 1) Begins We are excited to announce that Seasons for Growth, a program designed to support students in dealing with change, loss, and grief, will commence for Stage 1 students. This program offers valuable skills and strategies to navigate life's challenges with resilience and strength.

Juana Mead - Student Wellbeing Officer

Pastoral Care - School Counsellor

Raising Resilient Kids

Thank you to everyone who was able to make it to the Raising Resilient Kids parent education session last week. It was lovely to meet more St Joseph’s parents and discuss ways to boost our kids' wellbeing and resilience.

The five resilience building areas that were covered in the session and in the newsletters this term include Thinking, Habits, Relationships, Emotions and Strengths.

1. STRENGTHS

When children are taught how to use their strengths they develop wellbeing and resilience, as well as skills for learning and achievement. All of these are essential for promoting positive mental health and preventing mental health problems developing.

Strengths include skills, abilities, traits, characteristics and talents. They have 3 key elements including:

1. Ability - what are they good at?
2. Enjoyment - what are they interested in and have fun doing?
3. Use - what do they spend their time doing?

How can you build your child’s strengths?

• Observe and be curious about their interests, where they choose to spend their free time and what energises them.
• Identify and name their strengths. Think not only about skills such as sport, music or reading, but also characteristics such as persistence, leadership or curiosity.
• Share with your child what you have noticed. This can be done in casual conversation or you can make a family activity out of it.
• Encourage and look for opportunities for your child to use their strengths.

Remember you also have your own strengths and can use them to build the strengths and resilience of your child.

One of the great things about using a strengths based approach is that you don't have to do anything new or different. You just need to identify your child's strengths and find ways for them to use them more.

In previous newsletters you can read about the other four areas that have been covered by clicking these links:

Week 2 - Thinking 

Week 4 - Habits

Week 6 - Relationships

Week 8 - Emotions

 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

Jess Jones - School Counsellor

Bullying & Friendship

Is My Child Bullying Others?

A student facing personal and social challenges may exhibit behaviours that disregard school rules and codes of conduct or threaten their peers' wellbeing and safety. How you respond upon discovering that your child may have engaged in bullying behaviour is equally crucial as addressing the bullying behaviour itself. Help your child to be the best expression of their unique self through their words and actions.

What are the signs that your child could be bullying others?

• Aggressive Behaviour. This could include using verbal or physical aggression such as hitting, pushing, name calling and teasing to deal with conflict including with siblings.
• Lack of Empathy: They show a lack of empathy towards others' feelings or dismiss the pain they may have caused to someone else. They may put down other children or siblings in conversations and have difficulties understanding the feelings of others.
• Dominating or Controlling: Your child could dominate or control others, seeking power and control over their peers or younger children. This could include using threatening or demeaning language when talking about others. They may be unable to play games without being a ‘sore loser’ or a disrespectful winner.
• Blaming Others: Your child could often blame others for their actions and refuse to take responsibility for their behaviour. They may talk about or display behaviours that involve “getting even” with others.
• Unexplained possession of other students' belongings: If your child has items that don't belong to them without a reasonable explanation, it could be a sign of bullying behaviour.
• Increased secrecy about their activities: Your child might become secretive about their interactions with peers, avoiding discussing their day or social experiences.

Helping your child to stop bullying others requires a proactive and supportive approach. It's important to approach this situation with care and understanding. If you suspect that your child may be bullying others, have open and honest conversations with them about their behaviour and its consequences.

Teach empathy and appropriate ways to interact with others. Engage with your child's school to address the issue collaboratively and consider seeking professional help if necessary. The goal is to help your child recognise the harmful effects of bullying, develop empathy, and adopt positive social behaviours.

Addressing bullying behaviour requires patience, understanding, and consistent effort. Be supportive of your child's efforts to change, and celebrate their progress as they learn to interact with others in a more positive and respectful manner.

If the behaviour persists or if you are concerned about your child's ability to change on their own, seek advice from your GP. They may recommend a pediatric review to help understand your child’s behaviour.

Read more at Helping your child stop bullying A guide for parents by the Australian Government.

Community Notices