Dear Parents,

What a jam-packed week we have had this week.  Harmony Week, St Joseph’s Day, NAPLAN, World Happiness Day, Big Vegie Crunch day and Ride to School Day. 

Harmony Week

Harmony Week began with viewing a video to learn what Harmony Day is all about. It also included hearing or reading stories related to the theme of diversity and belonging, including Whoever You Are, by Mem Fox, and Let’s Talk About Race, by Julius Lester.  On Wednesday all stages had the opportunity to learn a dance from a different part of the world. Kinder danced the Reo Ora which has Maori/New Zealand origins; Years 1 and 2 learnt the Danza Kuduro from Latin America; while Years 3 and 4 learnt to do American line dancing.  Years 5 and 6 enthusiastically engaged in dancing the Jai ho, which is a Bollywood style dance from India. 

Thursday saw the children munching their way through orange fruit and vegies whilst our week ended with a magnificent sea of colour.  A number of children wore traditional dress of their family’s country, or of where they have travelled to.  Our liturgy this morning was a kaleidoscope of colour, total engagement and was full of the message how, though we may look and sound different on the outside, on the inside we are all the same.  Ask the children to tell you about the ‘lemons’!  Our Kinder students shared a most beautiful song with us about peace, which nearly brought everyone to tears.

Our Union St fence has been adorned with the most colourful posters that we hope to share messages of inclusiveness and diversity with both our school  community and local community.

Delicious lunches, ranging from French quiche, to Welsh pasties, Indian butter chicken, Mexican burrito bowls and Chinese Yum Cha were on offer and both the children and staff enjoyed experiencing food from around the world. The children gave their meals a 10/10!

Harmony Week is always marvellous here at St Joseph’s; and we value it as a way of bringing about greater tolerance and understanding of one and all.

St Joseph’s Day

Our school’s patron saint, St Joseph, was celebrated on his feast day, Tuesday 19th March.  The whole school engaged in a meaningful liturgy,    led by Year 3, acknowledging what a wonderful person Joseph was. 

St. Joseph did not draw attention to himself. He listened, acted, and exemplified what a disciple is: the one who hears “the word of God and acts on it” (Lk 8:21). Whenever we turn our attention to Joseph, we are led, by him and through him, to discover the God whom he heeded and the divine mission he served.

NAPLAN

Years 3 and 5 students over the last two weeks have worked hard to show their learning in the areas of Reading, Language Conventions and Spelling, Writing and Mathematics through the NAPLAN suite of tests.  We are proud of their efforts and look forward to receiving their results, which is meant to happen much sooner than in previous years.  This will be invaluable as class teachers can then analyse the results and identify what is needed for each student and class, to work on over the course of the year.

World Happiness Day

On Wednesday the whole school engaged in a sing-a-long of  ‘If you’re happy and you know it …”.  The children also created their own ‘happy emoji's’ and shared the biggest and friendliest of smiles all throughout the day. What a beautiful feeling there was about the school on this day. We are also enjoying singing and moving to Ferrel Williams’ song, ‘Happy’ as it is played at lining up times. 

You may be interested in Andrew Fuller’s  “How to be happy” article.” Andrew has recently been described as an “interesting mixture of Billy Connolly, Tim Winton and Frasier Crane” and as someone who “puts the heart back into psychology”. As a clinical psychologist, Andrew Fuller works with many schools and communities in Australia and internationally, specialising in the wellbeing of young people and their families.

Ride 2 School Day

What an amazing array of bikes and scooters were on display today at our first ever ‘bike and scooter show’.  The SRC have created a range of posters that are displayed around the school which promote the benefits of riding to school.  Newcastle Council have supported this intitiave and donated some fruit and hot cross buns to the students along with two bike bells.  The children put their name into a draw for these and the proud recipients of them are Lily G and Katharina M.

Reverse Lunch Survey

Thank you to all those parents who have completed the survey and offered their feedback to us for consideration.  If you are yet to do this, you can access the survey here.

Parent Webinar – e-safety

Free webinar for parents and carers- understanding parental controls to safeguard your child  

It’s important to put in place measures to protect your child’s safety when they go online, but it can be difficult to know where to start.

To assist you, the eSafety Commissioner in conjunction with the Council of Catholic School Parents is hosting a free, 30-minute online webinar.

The webinar will provide an overview of different types of parental controls and, how to set them on smart devices and computers, in apps and on gaming platforms.

Date:              Tuesday 26 March
Time:              7.30pm-8.00pm

Register here

NAPLAN

We are now nearing the completion of the NAPLAN testing fortnight. We would like to thank the teachers in Years 3 & 5 as well as Mrs Milgate and the learning support staff for their assistance in ensuring the smooth running of NAPLAN. Most of all, we would like to thank and congratulate the Years 3 & 5 students for their focus and engagement in the NAPLAN tests.

It is important to remember that these tests only give us a snapshot of where the students are on their learning journey. Teachers analyse the results to assist students to continue to grow in their skills and understanding of the curriculum. This is only one tool teachers use to measure progress. Students are also regularly assessed within the classroom activities. The data collected regularly by staff enables the teachers to help develop your child and target their individual needs, through appropriate planning and curriculum delivery, to improve the lear1ning outcomes for each child.

If you have any concerns about your child’s progress, appointments to discuss the issue with your child’s teacher can be made through the school office. Official interviews with families will be conducted in Term 2.

Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT)

Early next term students in Years 4 and 2 will complete the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT).

This test measures students’ reasoning abilities in three areas: verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal. The verbal battery measures how well the student is able to learn and solve problems related to words. The quantitative battery measures your child’s ability to apply numerical concepts. The nonverbal battery assesses skills in using figures and pictures to solve problems. Like any standardised test, the CogAT measures only some of your child’s skills, and the results represent ability on the day the test was given. Therefore, these scores form one point of reference to measure a student’s potential. Test scores should never be used alone to make decisions about services or supports, but they can be helpful when interpreted in conjunction with other information and metrics. In the Maitland – Newcastle Catholic Schools Diocese, CogAT results are used as one of several measures to inform classroom differentiation, supports, enrichments, and extensions.

If you have questions, please contact Bek Henshaw - Gifted Education Mentor via admin@merewether.catholic.edu.au; or the Gifted Education Officers, Maree Karaka maree.karaka@mn.catholic.edu.au or Cathy Curk catherine.curk@mn.catholic.edu.au

Positive Behaviours for Learning (PBL)

Do Your Best: Learn and let others learn!

During our Do Your Best focus, students are learning how to do their best through learning and letting others learn. At St Joseph’s we highly value learning and we are focused on our own desire to be active learners. We do this by fostering a great love of learning and mastering new skills. PBL lessons over this fortnight will outline ways each student can make an effort to be a creative learner. Lessons will also focus on the importance of how our behaviours impact the learning of others in the classroom too.

In the classroom we are highlighting the importance of respecting others’ right to learn by working quietly, listening, staying focused, asking for assistance and challenging ourselves. We aim to complete our set work tasks with quality and attention to detail. When working collaboratively we are learning to be great listeners, to take turns and ensure we actively contribute. This means that we respect different points of view and we are inclusive of all members in our group.

If you have an opportunity, please discuss these concepts with your children. 

Safeguarding - “It’s everyone’s responsibility”

Ride2School Day

Today is National Ride2School Day. This is a time to celebrate kids being active on their way to school. National Ride2School Day is Australia’s biggest celebration of active travel. The day has helped thousands of schools to empower and enable students to get physically active on their journey to school, giving them the opportunity to create healthy habits for their future.

We had so many students who joined in the fun today. This was highlighted at our Recess ‘bike parade’, showcasing all those that rode their bikes and scooters to school today!

Please see the link below should you wish to engage with any resources of tips to support your children to ride safely to school.

https://bicyclenetwork.com.au/tips-resources/

Nicole Charnock

Assistant Principal 

As we come to celebrate an important season in the Church’s year, Easter, we will be celebrating Holy week on Thursday 28th March in the church presenting Jesus’ final days with a Holy Week remembrance. Students will be in the church while a group of Year 5 students reverently reenact this special time. Families are warmly invited to attend this service in St Joseph’s Church at 2.30pm.

Holy Week is a time to remember Jesus’ last days and moments. As the image above shows, it begins on the Sunday before Good Friday, called Palm Sunday, when Jesus triumphantly enters Jerusalem on a donkey and was greeted by many people praising him. On Holy Thursday, Jesus performs an act of service for his disciples and washes their feet. He also shares a meal with them which is the Last Supper. On Good Friday, Jesus, as the ultimate sacrifice for us, is sentenced to death and is crucified on the cross. Finally, on Easter Sunday, three days later, we rejoice as Jesus is risen. This is known as Easter Sunday.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a safe and enjoyable Easter break and I look forward to us coming together as a whole school community in worship after the break, to celebrate Jesus' resurrection.

Donna Morgan 
Religious Education Coordinator  

Easter Mass Times - St Joseph's Church, The Junction

Friday 29 March 

10am - Stations of the Cross 

Sunday 31 March 

11am - Italian Mass

Easter Mass Times - Sacred Heart Cathedral, Newcastle West

Thursday 28 March 

4.30pm - Lord's Supper Polish 

7pm - Lord's Supper 

Friday 29 March 

10.30am - Stations of the Cross

3pm - Solemn Passion

6pm - Solemn Passion Polish 

Saturday 30 March 

7.45pm - Easter Vigil 

Sunday 31 March 

9.30am - Easter Sunday 

11.30am - Polish Mass 

5pm - Easter Sunday

For services at other parishes please visit https://www.mn.catholic.org.au/news-events/easter-mass-times-2024/ to find your nearest location

Curriculum Corner – Spelling

Throughout this term all teachers and learning support assistants have been engaged in professional learning in the teaching of spelling. We have partnered with Jocelyn Seamer from Jocelyn Seamer Education. Jocelyn Seamer is a former classroom teacher and school leader who now works as an educational trainer and consultant in early literacy development and student support. She is committed to promoting evidence-based reading and spelling practice in schools both in Australia and internationally. As part of our professional learning Jocelyn worked with classes this week to model spelling lessons and the instructional practices and routines that are incorporated into the spelling program Spelling Success in Action 2. Years 3-6 will use the resource and data collected from pre-assessment to inform their spelling practice.

                               Figure 1 https://www.jocelynseamereducation.com/spelling2

Ways to Unlock Spelling Proficiency

Phonics - Connecting sounds to letters

Phonics focuses on the relationship between sounds and their corresponding letters or letter combinations. By mastering phonetic principles, your child can decode words phonetically and apply sound-symbol correspondences to spelling eg c - a - t.

Morphology - Understanding word structure

Morphology focuses on the structure of words, including roots, prefixes, and suffixes. By exploring word families and analysing word parts, your child can decipher unfamiliar words and predict spelling patterns.

Figure 2 https://curriculum.nsw.edu.au/learning-areas/english/english-k-10-2022/content/stage-1/fa39e0d73c?show=example

Orthography - Mastering spelling conventions

Orthography refers to the standardised spelling system of a language. By teaching spelling rules, patterns, and conventions, your child gains insight into the principles governing spelling.

Figure 3 https://curriculum.nsw.edu.au/learning-areas/english/english-k-10-2022/content/stage-1/fa39e0d73c?show=example

Figure 4 https://curriculum.nsw.edu.au/learning-areas/english/english-k-10-2022/content/stage-2/fa0e9b346f?show=advice%2Cexample

Etymology - Tracing word origins

Etymology involves studying the origins and historical development of words. By tracing word roots back to their linguistic origins, your child gains insights into spelling variations and connections across languages.

Integrating Linguistic Tools into Home Learning

Interactive Word Exploration: Encourage your child to explore words dynamically, incorporating morphology, orthography, etymology, and phonics into spelling practice sessions.

Word Investigation Challenges: Challenge your child to investigate the origins and meanings of unfamiliar words they encounter in everyday reading, promoting curiosity and vocabulary expansion.

Leanne Skinner  
Primary Co-ordinator and Pedagogical Mentor  

Dio Cricket trials

On Friday 8 March, Smith Park witnessed an exhilarating display of cricketing talent as our very own St. Joey's boys took to the field at the Diocesan Cricket Trials. Max D, Thomas P and Hamish M showcased their skills amidst an atmosphere charged with excitement and determination. The ball was bowled with speed and accuracy, collecting wickets and making boundaries. The boys displayed athleticism and sportsmanship as they gave it their best.

We congratulate Thomas and Hamish who were successful in making the Diocesan Team to trial for Polding in Lismore in September. Well done...you are totally wicket!

Surf Life Saving Championships

From Friday the 8^th March to Sunday 10^th March, Archie, Joe, Gabe and Xavier made a fantastic impression in the sands at Manly Beach for the NSW Surf Lifesaving Age Championships. The boys made waves amongst the 2500 Nippers competing in the various events - running, swimming and paddling their way through the challenges.

We congratulate Archie and his team on their 2^nd place in the board relay and 3^rd place in the U12 1km beach run among other notable results; Joe on making the final of the U11 Ironperson; Gabe on making the final in the U11 board; and Xavier on his results in the beach flags, swim and board relays. It was undoubtably a splashing good time!

National Touch League

Our very own Miss Parish recently competed against the finest teams in Australia in the National Touch League, playing for the Hunter Western Hornets Women’s 40s in Coffs Harbour. Her team was undefeated in the round games, but sadly went down by one try in the Championship game to claim the silver medal. We think it was an amazing feat considering only days before the tournament she dislocated her shoulder! You can’t keep a good woman down...unless it’s to dive over the try line.

AFL Trials

Maya V, Andie L and Lila K attended the AFL trials on 4th March at Tulkaba Oval, Teralba. Around 55 girls attended the trial from Maitland to the Central Coast and everywhere in between. From the trial they selected a squad of 22 to play in Albury. The girls trialled strongly and represented St Joseph’s well, however they were unsuccessful in being selected. 

Aerobics Super Series

Our sports committee aims to provide our students with a diverse range of sporting opportunities to nurture their talents and interests, and as such, we have come across an opportunity to participate in Sport Aerobics; combining elements of traditional aerobics with dance and fitness. If this is something your child is interested in, please contact either Shannon or Emma so we can investigate the details further.

Reminders

Cross Country

Friday 5 April will see our students from Years 2-6 travel to Empire Park to traverse the countryside and compete in our Cross-Country event. We are looking forward to the sounds of footsteps and cowbells! Don’t forget to wear your sports uniform and accessorise with your colour house items.

AFL Nominations Due

The AFL Paul Kelly Cup will be held on Thursday 9^th May 2024. St Joseph’s will be submitting one boys’ team and one girls’ team. Please note that this competition is a contact sport. If your child is interested in trialing, please complete the form on compass by next Wednesday 27^th March.

Gala days

Upcoming gala day dates are as follows:

Knights Rugby League 9s (mixed): Year 5/6 Thursday 11^th April 8.30 - 2.30pm at Hunter Barnett Fields, Windale. Parent spectators welcome.

Newcastle Regional Futsal Tournament: U8 mixed, U10 boys and girls, U12 boys and girls teams. Monday 6^th May, 8.45 - 2.30pm at Howzat/Genesis Newcastle.

Student Wellbeing Team

This year we will be implementing a Student Wellbeing Team made up of 20 students across Years 3-6. Please see the Expression of Interest form that was sent home with your children on Wednesday for further details.

To conclude the Harmony Week celebrations, click here to view this week’s SchoolTV edition on Diversity and Inclusion. "We need to embrace neurodiversity as a tapestry of brilliance, for within each unique mind lies extraordinary potential waiting to be unleashed. By celebrating our differences, we create a world of understanding and acceptance." - Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

International Day of Happiness

Amongst our Harmony Week celebrations this week, we also acknowledged International Day of Happiness. There were many healthy, happy and joyful emojis getting around St Joseph’s on Wednesday. There is simply no better way to spread happiness in our community then to witness the laughter and creativity of our students. Thank you to our wonderful Music Teacher, Mrs Butler for leading us in song and dance for a bit of fun after lunch. 

Chloe Coe 
Wellbeing Coordinator

Premier’s Reading Challenge

At St Joseph’s we encourage all our students to complete the Premier’s Reading Challenge.

Kinder, Year 1 and Year 2 students will receive information and a card with their logon and password for the challenge this week.

Passwords for all students are the same as last year. Password lists will be in each classroom.

All challenge information is available on the PRC NSW website.

Happy reading.

2025 Enrolments

Enrolments for 2025 are now open and will close on Friday 24 May 2024. 

Our school is a pilot school for online enrolments which means you can now apply online.

Information regarding the new Enrolment Policy can be found here.

If you have a younger child that will be starting Kindergarten in 2025 you are encouraged to submit an application prior to the closing date.

Student lead tours have already commenced. To register your interest please visit Student Lead Tours

Open Morning

We are also holding an Open Morning on Wednesday 10 April, this will replace our annual expo held as part of our Kindergarten transition days.  All families who have children starting Kindergarten next year are welcome to attend.  Please spread the word to any families and friends who might also have a child due to start Kindergarten next year.

School Fees

2024 School Fees have been invoiced for the full school year.

There is an expectation upon enrolment that fees are paid in full. The collection of these fees is to ensure the best possible learning environment for your child.

Payments can be made over the course of the year via BPay, direct debit or credit card.

For fee payers wishing to establish a new direct debit or adjust their existing direct debit please contact the office.

School fee payments are expected to have commenced by 31 March and be finalised by 30 November 2024, please contact the school office if assistance is required to work out a best payment method or frequency to accomplish this requirement.

For those families experiencing financial hardship it is important to arrange an appointment with the Principal, to discuss your account.

Easter Raffle

Term Planner (Terms 1 & 2)

St Nicholas OOSH Vacation Care

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