Week 6 - Term 4 Newsletter 2024

Principal's Message

Dear Families and Friends,

It is hard to believe we are already at the end of Week 6. With only four short weeks to go, the events at St Joey's are ramping up. Please make sure you have a look at the Upcoming Dates below and add them to your calendar - it's getting busy!

2025 Teaching Team

After much thought and consideration, please see below our staffing and classroom arrangements for 2025. Our spaces have been structured based on current student numbers and available staff funding for 2024. 

• Assistant Principal (Mission) - Mrs Louise Senz
• Assistant Principal (Learning & Teaching) - Mrs Carly McLennan
  
• Kindergarten - Mrs Bec Bennett & Mrs Carly McLennan (Fri)
  
• Year 1 - Mrs Elouise Stokes & Mrs Louise Senz (Fri)
  
• Year 2 - Mrs Deb Mullins
  
• Year 3 - Mr Bridon Pettiford-Dank & Miss Lauren Ross (Fri)
• Year 4 - Miss Phoebe Zietsch & Miss Lauren Ross (Fri)
• Year 5 - Mrs Emalee Kinsella
• Year 6 - Mrs Lauren Connor & Mr Anthony Gilchrist (Fri)
• Infants Literacy & Numeracy Support & RFF - Mrs Mandy Smith
• Infants Literacy & Numeracy Support & RFF - Mrs Belle McMahon
  
• Literacy & Numeracy Support & RFF - Miss Lauren Ross
• Literacy & Numeracy Support & RFF - Mr Anthony Gilchrist
  
• Teacher Assistants - Miss Ava Bowcock, Mrs Emma Dougherty, Mrs Juana Mead, Mrs Dani O'Brien & Miss Alesha Tipler
• Indigenous Education Worker - Mr Brendan Randall
• Front Office Staff - Mrs Amelia Bell & Mrs Teliesha Roach

With our narrowed focus around Literacy & Numeracy from Monday -Thursday from 9-1pm, we have tried to ensure consistency in having the same classroom teachers & support teachers for each year cohort. After 1pm KLA specialists will cover some afternoons to allow our teachers collaborative planning and programming time. Please note that due to staff funding some of our spaces will have an alternative teacher covering our Friday timetable which consists of RE, History, Digital Tech, Sport, Wellbeing Time.  

2025 Term Dates

Whilst our 2024 School Year is close to coming to an end, planning is well underway for next year. Please see below our Term Dates and Professional Learning Days for next year:

Term 1 – Monday 3rd February to Friday 11th April (10-week term)

• * Year 1 - Year 6 students commence on Monday 3rd  February
• * Kindergarten  students commence on Friday 7th February
• School holidays - Monday 14 April - Friday 26 April
• 2025 Easter Break: Good Friday 18 April to Easter Monday 21 April

Term 2 – Tuesday 29 April to Thursday 3rd July (10-week term)

• School holidays - Monday 7 July - Friday 18 July

Term 3 – Tuesday 22 July to Thursday 25 September (10-week term)

• School holidays - Monday 29 September - Friday 10 October

Term 4 – Tuesday 14 October to Wednesday 17 December (10-week term) 

• School holidays – Thursday 18 December to Monday 26 January 2026

Professional Learning Days – 2025 - For Staff (Pupil-Free days)

• Term 1 - Friday 31 January (First day of Term 1)
  
• Term 2 - Monday 28 April (First day of Term 2)
• Term 2 - Friday 4th July (Last Day of Term 2)
• Term 3 - Monday 21 July (First day of Term 3)
• Term 3 - Friday 26 September (Last day of Term 3)
• Term 4 - Monday 13 October (First day of Term 4)

End-of-Year Activity Days

We will also be celebrating the end of 2024, with "Activity Days" on Monday 16th - Wednesday 18th (Week 10). These organised days will be fun-filled and a wonderful way to celebrate our school year and build a sense of belonging amongst our staff & students. Separate 'Events' will be published in Compass in Week 8, requesting permission for both Maclean Pool and Yamba Cinemas. We are conscious of placing unwanted financial pressure on families at this time of the year, and thus as per previous years, there will be no cost involved, with all costs covered by the school.

• Monday 16th -  Yamba Cinemas
• Tuesday 17th - Christmas Activities & Christmas Carnival 
• Wednesday 18th - Water Activities at Maclean Pool & Movies in classrooms

Dale

Upcoming School Dates

• Stage 3 Night of the Notables (Monday 25th November)
• Kindy Orientation & Dinner (Tuesday 26th November)
• Year 5 Leadership Speeches (Thursday 28th November)
• Christmas Concert (Tuesday 3rd December)
  
• Last Day of Little Joeys (Friday 6th December)
• EOY Mass & Awards Assembly (Thursday 12th December)
• Yr 6 Graduation Night (Thursday 12th December)
• EOY Fun Days (Monday 16th December - Wednesday 18th December)
• Last Day of Term 4 (Wednesday 18th December)
  

Leaders of Learning

Understanding Summative Assessment: Insights for Parents

At this time of year, many students are completing assessments designed to provide valuable insights into their learning progress. Assessments are more than just tests; they are an integral part of teaching and learning, helping teachers evaluate a student’s knowledge, understanding, and skills.

What is Assessment?
Assessment is the process of collecting and evaluating evidence of a student’s learning. It serves multiple purposes, including:

• Informing teacher judgments about student achievement.
• Identifying areas of growth and development.
• Providing students with feedback to help them progress.

What is Summative Assessment?
Summative assessments occur at specific points in time, such as the end of a term or unit. These assessments provide a snapshot of what a student has achieved in relation to syllabus outcomes and performance standards. Teachers use this evidence to make informed judgments and report student progress.

Summative assessments also have a formative purpose, offering insights into what students have learned so far and what they are ready to learn next. This supports targeted teaching and learning strategies.

Principles of Effective Assessment
Effective assessments should:

• Be aligned with syllabus content and outcomes.
• Be inclusive and accessible for all students.
• Enable students to demonstrate their learning in various contexts.
• Include clear criteria, so students understand what is being assessed.
• Be reliable, valid, and free from bias.
• Provide opportunities for meaningful feedback that supports student reflection and growth.

Summative assessments play a vital role in providing clear evidence of student achievement and areas for growth. By understanding their purpose and principles, we can ensure they remain a meaningful part of each student’s learning journey.

Mrs Mullins, Mrs Senz & Mrs Mclennan

Mission & Values

Feast of Christ The King - Sunday, 24th November

This Sunday, we will celebrate the Feast of Christ the King, King of the Universe. This special feast was established by Pope Pius XI in 1925, a time when the world was recovering from World War I and unknowingly heading toward another conflict; World War 2. During this time, secularism was on the rise, and many countries were seeing the rise of powerful dictators. The Feast of Christ the King was introduced to remind us that Christ holds authority far greater than any earthly ruler, calling people to focus on His divine leadership rather than worldly powers. 

To celebrate the Feast of Christ the King, all families are invited to attend Mass commencing at 8:30am at St. Mary's Catholic Church. This will be followed by a morning tea in the Cranney Room.

St Mary's Parish Office Hours

Mrs Bell in our front office has recently taken a number of enquires in regards to St. Mary's Parish contact details. Please find below opening times for the office, where our parish secretary, Kathryn, is more than happy to assist. I encourage any families who are considering the sacrament of Baptism for their child/ren to make contact with Kathryn as the new year approaches. Baptism is the first of the Sacraments of Initiation and is run through the parish office. Preparation for the following Sacraments of Initiation (Confirmation, Reconciliation and First Holy Communion) are conducted in partnership with our school and parish. More information on these Sacraments in 2025 will come in the new year, so keep an eye on our newsletters and email for more information.

Parish Office Hours

Mon 9am-2pm

Wed 9am-2pm

Fri 8:30am - 1:30pm

Stage 3 Dry Mass

This week, Stage 3 had the wonderful privledge of participating in a dry Mass with Fr Roland.

This learning experience helped them explore and gain a deeper understanding of the sacred traditions and rituals of the Catholic Mass. The students enjoyed learning about the vestments Fr Roland wears during the Mass and seeing The Liturgy of the Eucharist from the perspective of the altar. Stage 3 students and teachers would like to say a big thank you to Fr Roland for providing us with this meaningful spiritual experience. 

Mercy In Action Award

Congratulations to this fortnight's Mercy in Action Award winner, Banksia Lee, in recognition of displaying the Mercy Value of RESPECT. Banksia consistently embodies respect by listening attentively, treating others with kindness, and using polite language in every interaction. She shows consideration for others’ belongings, cares for shared spaces, and is always ready to lend a helping hand to classmates. Banksia’s actions inspire others, making our school a more respectful and welcoming place. Congratulations! 

Mrs Senz

Class Awards

Our Principal Award winners are:

Our Class Award winners are: 

Class News - Stage 2

Stage 2 students have been exploring the exciting world of 3D printing using the Makers Empire program. Working collaboratively in groups, they have embraced the design thinking process to create innovative inventions or products aimed at helping communities prepare for, respond to, or recover from natural disasters. This hands-on project has encouraged teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity as students transform their ideas into 3D designs with real-world applications. By combining technology with empathy and ingenuity, they are developing solutions that could make a meaningful impact in times of need.

Mrs Mclennan & Mr P

School Sport

There has been plenty of excitement in the world of sport at our school lately. Our students are making great strides in both swimming and surfing. Each week, our surfers are honing their craft at Turners Beach, with significant growth and plenty of "yews" and "cheers" heard as they ride the waves. Similarly, the water familiarisation program at Maclean Pool continues to prove valuable in building our students' confidence and skills in the water.

A special mention goes to the Patten boys, Archie and Albie, who competed in the 100m ocean swim, 100m board paddle, and various relays and sprints against teams from Lennox, Byron, and Cudgen Surf Life Saving Clubs. Their effort and determination in completing all these events was truly impressive. A big shout out as well to Callie Wright, Jack Connor, Maeve Connor, Sophia Wright, and Flynn Crowley, who gave their all at the Yamba Triathlon and crossed the finish line with smiles on their faces.

As we look ahead, we have a few more weeks of swimming and surfing before the summer break, and we are excited to continue seeing our students grow and apply their skills.

Families are also encouraged to complete the Cost of Sport Survey by the Australian Sports Commission to help address barriers to participating in sport: Cost of Sport Survey.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to the exciting weeks ahead!

Mr Gilchrist

Pastoral Care - School Counsellor

HELPING KIDS MANAGE TRANSITIONS

Over the next two weeks our wonderful Year 6 students will be participating in interactive sessions designed to assist them successfully manage the big transition to hIgh school next year.

Transitions, whether big or small, are a regular part of life. For children, however, moving from one activity, environment, or stage of life to another can be challenging. Whether it’s the transition from playtime to bedtime, changing schools, or adjusting to a new home, these changes can stir up emotions like anxiety, frustration, or even excitement. As parents and caregivers, our support is key to helping kids navigate these shifts with confidence and ease.

Here are some practical strategies to guide children through transitions effectively:

1. Prepare Ahead of Time

• Talk About the Transition: Use age-appropriate language to explain what’s coming next. For example, “After breakfast, we’ll get ready to go to the park.”
• Visual Schedules: Create a visual chart or calendar to help kids see what’s happening next. This is particularly helpful for younger children or those who benefit from visual learning.

2. Use Cues and Warnings

• Countdowns: Let children know when a transition is coming. For instance, “Five more minutes of playtime before we clean up!” Gradually decrease the time to ease them into the change.
• Nonverbal Cues: A gentle tap on the shoulder or a specific sound (like a bell) can signal that it’s time to switch activities.

3. Involve Them in the Process

• Give Choices: Allow kids to feel a sense of control by offering options when possible. For example, “Would you like to put away the blocks or the crayons first?”
• Encourage Participation: Involve them in packing for a trip or choosing new school supplies.

4. Create Routines

• Consistency is Key: Familiar routines provide a sense of security. When transitions are part of a predictable routine, kids are more likely to adapt smoothly.
• Build Transitional Rituals: Small rituals, like singing a clean-up song or reading a bedtime story, can help kids associate transitions with positive experiences.

5. Acknowledge Their Feelings

• Validate Emotions: If your child feels upset about a transition, let them know it’s okay to feel that way. For example, “I see you’re sad about leaving the park. It’s hard to stop having fun.”
• Encourage Expression: Provide tools like drawing or storytelling to help kids process their emotions.

6. Be Patient and Flexible

• Give Extra Time: Rushing transitions can increase stress. Build in extra time for children who may need it.
• Adjust Expectations: Not all transitions will go smoothly, and that’s okay. Sometimes we may need to adapt.

7. Celebrate Success

• Positive Reinforcement: Praise your child when they handle a transition well. For instance, “You did a great job putting your toys away when I asked. Thank you!”

Why Supporting Transitions Matters

Helping children manage transitions not only reduces daily stress but also builds essential life skills like flexibility, emotional regulation, and problem-solving. As they grow, these skills will prepare them to handle larger changes, such as starting a new school or moving to a different city.

Transitions are opportunities for growth. With our guidance, children can learn to navigate them with resilience, building confidence that will serve them for years to come.

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

Jess Jones - School Counsellor

Pastoral Care - School Chaplain

St Vinnie's Christmas Appeal            

Last Thursday, our SRC captains launched our St Vinnie's Christmas Appeal. This appeal continues to rebuild strength in the men and women experiencing disadvantage this Christmas. 

Thank you for your generous donations so far. Already, the hampers in our classrooms are overflowing with your donations, and we invite families to continue to donate non-perishable food, new toys or money. 

Hampers are located in classrooms for students to place items. These hampers are given to families within the Clarence to help make their Christmas a bit more special.

Mrs Juana Mead 

Technology News

STEM MAD National Showcase

This week, our talented STEM MAD team traveled to Brisbane to participate in the National STEM MAD Student Showcase! 🌟 The event celebrates innovative STEM learning initiatives that address real-world challenges while embracing the Catholic call to "make a difference" by acting for justice and the common good. Inspired by Laudato Si’, the event highlights the importance of caring for our common home through creativity and action.

Congratulations to Brock Camilleri, Avah Anderson, Owen Moss, and Hailen Capp, who represented our school with their outstanding project, The Toadinator. This innovative and humane cane toad trap was designed to reduce the environmental impact of these invasive species while promoting sustainable solutions.

The showcase brought together students from across Australia to share ideas, learn from one another, and collaborate on solutions for a better future. We are so proud of our team for their passion, creativity, and commitment to making a difference!

Mrs Mclennan

Online Challenges

Young people are spending more time online than ever before. While it keeps them connected and allows them to work and play, it’s important to be aware of the risks.

For example, online challenges encouraging dangerous behaviours can quickly gain traction. What makes these challenges even more concerning is that videos are often live-streamed or posted on popular apps, spreading to a large and impressionable audience.

Read the eSafety Commissioner’s advice at  eSafety.gov.au to understand why it’s crucial to provide your child with early guidance and develop their critical reasoning skills as a protective strategy.

Community Notices