Last week we acknowledged Reconciliation Week, here at St  Joseph’s.  Reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians. Reconciliation is an ongoing journey that reminds us that while generations of Australians have fought hard for meaningful change, there is still more work required in this domain

In a just, equitable and reconciled Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children will have the same life chances and choices as non-Indigenous children, and the length and quality of a person’s life will not be determined by their racial background.

The students across Kinder – Year 6 engaged in a variety of activities throughout the week that helped to raise awareness of Indigenous events and history, in our country.  You might be interested in viewing the story, Sorry Day by Coral Vass and Dubb Leffler - NAIDOC Storytime: Listen Together (Ngarral Wakulda) - YouTube to familiarise yourself with what we read and discussed with the students last week.

Throughout the week they also had the opportunity to brainstorm what we can do as individuals and as a school community to embrace Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and help bring about reconciliation.

The end of the week culminated in an installation of ‘hands’ in Tookoolibah that were decorated with indigenous themes and colours, which served as a visual reminder of reaching out between all our cultures to love, care and support one another.

2025 Enrolments

We are coming to the end of our Kindergarten 2025 enrolment period and we are very excited about the next  group of children and their families who will be joining our Joey’s family. Nicole Charnock and I have met so many wonderful families and the children have been so well mannered and patient when we are speaking with their parents, that we have great hope for the next generation coming through our doors.

We are also, very impressed with this year’s Year 6 students.  The feedback we receive about our student led tours is very good, each year, however this year the feedback has been outstanding.  Our Year 6 students have been commendable in showing the families around the school, talking about our school and very confidently answering the many questions that are asked of them.  The parents have told us that they cannot believe how articulate, proud, and enthusiastic the students are.  One parent commented this week that when they asked what is the best thing about the school the answer was ‘the dedicated and exceptional teaching staff’ and when the parent countered with, ‘what is the worst’ they were told ‘when Dad doesn’t take me to The Hood on Friday afternoon for a milkshake’. 

I’d like to also thank the many parents that have spoken to friends and acquaintances about our school as what we have heard time and time again this year, is when asked why they are choosing St Joseph’s they are telling us that it is because of what their friends, neighbours, colleagues etc have been saying to them.  Thank you so much for sharing your pride and high opinions of us, as well.  Word of mouth is a very powerful thing. 

What a wonderful community we all make together!

Mural

After many months of delay due to inclement weather and various unfortunate events experienced by our mural artist, Jordan Lucky, we finally have ‘lift off’ or perhaps I should say ‘spray off’ !  The mural that the 2023 Year 6 class wished to leave as a legacy to our school has begun this week and we are so excited to see it come to life.  It is fabulous to hear the children wonder, predict and ask questions about what is going to be in the mural.  If you are in the playground for pick-up or drop-off please feel free to take a walk by the vegetable garden wall towards the Quad and see it for yourself. 

I wonder what you think will begin to emerge on those dull old grey Besser blocks?

Have a wonderful long weekend. Take care, stay warm, dry and safe,

Karen

Semester 1 Reports

Teachers have begun working on the Semester One reports. These reports for students in Years 3-6 will look a bit different this year for English and Mathematics as new curriculum documents have been implemented across the state. This is what teachers will report on in English and Maths:

English:

• Reading Fluency, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Understanding and Responding to Literature, Phonic Knowledge, Oral Language and Communication, Spelling, Handwriting and Creating Written Texts.

Mathematics:

• Number and Algebra: Representing Whole Numbers, Combining and Separating Quantities and Forming Groups
• Measurement and Space: Geometric Measure (length, position), 2D Spatial Structure
• (2D shapes and area), 3D Spatial Structure (3D objects and volume) and non-spatial measure (time, mass)
• Chance and Data

Other important points to note when reading these reports include:

• The strands of English: Reading & Viewing, Writing & Representing, and Speaking & Listening, will be broken down to specific skills in these three areas.
• The comments for Religion, English and Mathematics will be in two sections:
  • Areas of Strength (2)
  • Areas for Development (1)
• Commitment to Learning for each key learning area has a 3-point scale: high, developing & emerging
• Personal & Social Development and Learning Dispositions have a 5-point scale: consistently, usually, often, developing or requires support

As mentioned above, the comments for Religion, English and Mathematics will be in two sections: Areas of Strength and Areas for Development. Specifically identifying two strengths and one area for development essential in the learning process. Together we can build on the strengths of your children whilst addressing areas of development which support us to identify learning goals for your children within the classroom.

Reports will be made available to parents in Week 9 on Friday 28th June. There will be opportunities for learning conferences (interviews) with your child’s teacher/s in Week 10. Further information regarding the format and booking procedures for these interviews will be shared via Compass in the coming weeks. When reading your child’s report, celebrate their achievements with them, look closely at their commitment to learning and the ‘Learner Profile’. Talk to them about their learning goals and how they are working towards achieving them. Continue to encourage your children to be curious about learning, to develop creative thinking skills and be resilient in their learning.

Tell Them from Me Survey

The Tell Them from Me parent survey is only open for this coming week. This survey provides the school with valuable information that is used to affirm and inform. We ask that you please take 15 minutes to contribute your thoughts and feedback.

Please click on this link http://tellthemfromme.com/stjosephs  and it will take you directly to the survey. The survey will close on Friday, 14th June 2024.

Positive Behaviours for Learning (PBL)

Congratulations to the Blue Sports Colour House for achieving the most tokens in the first half of this term! Students enjoyed an out of uniform day as their reward.

Our PBL focus this fortnight is Care for All - Care for belongings and equipment. This is a big focus area as we currently have our lost property bins filled with belongings such as hats, jackets, ties, lunch boxes and drink bottles. In class, students are learning strategies that will help them take responsibility for their belongings. This includes making sure their names are on items and that they develop a routine to check they have all their belongings with them. If you have an opportunity, please discuss these concepts with your children. Please regularly check that all your children's belongings are clearly labelled.

Nicole Charnock
Assistant Principal

Confirmation

Congratulations to all our Year 4-6 candidates who received their Confirmation on Tuesday 21st May, or Wednesday 22nd May. May this sacrament empower them with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, guiding them on a path of righteousness, wisdom, and love. Their dedication and devotion have brought them to this point, a testament to your strength, support, and perseverance. Embrace this newfound spiritual maturity with humility and gratitude, and let it inspire them to make a positive impact in our community. May God's blessings be with them always as they continue to grow in faith and serve as a beacon of light to others.

Our candidates will participate in the final sacrament of initiation in August where they will receive the eucharist through the Sacrament of Communion. Please keep these students in your prayers.

Class Masses

We wish to extend an invitation to come celebrate Mass with our classes. Each grade is rostered on to attend Mass at St Joseph’s Church on a Friday at 10:15am once a term. For the remainder of the term the following classes will be attending Mass;

• Year 4 – 14th June
• Year 6 – 21st June
• Year 2 – 28th June

From Term 3, Kinder and Year 1 will begin attending Mass. Times for each grade will be published early next term.

Ms Donna Morgan

REC

Exciting Maths Incursion: The Amazing Maths Race and The Maths Show

Who is Felstead Education?

Felstead Education is an educational organisation specialising in creating innovative and interactive learning experiences. Their programs are designed to enhance students' understanding of complex subjects through hands-on activities and real-world applications. With a team of experienced educators, Felstead Education has a proven track record of inspiring students and fostering a love for learning.

The Amazing Race is a dynamic and engaging event designed to make Mathematics fun and interactive. Inspired by the popular television show, this incursion transforms mathematical learning into an adventurous race, encouraging teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking among students. Participants will navigate through various stations, each presenting unique mathematical challenges that they must solve to progress to the next stage of the race.

Benefits of The Amazing Race:

1. Enhanced Engagement: By incorporating physical activity and competition, students are more likely to stay engaged and enthusiastic about learning Mathematics.
2. Teamwork and Collaboration: The race format encourages students to work together, fostering essential social skills such as communication, cooperation, and leadership.
3. Real-World Application: The challenges presented in The Amazing Race are designed to show students the practical applications of mathematical concepts, making learning more relevant and meaningful.
4. Critical Thinking: Each station requires students to think critically and solve problems efficiently, enhancing their analytical skills.

We believe that The Amazing Race and The Maths Show will be a memorable experience for our students, helping them to see Mathematics in a new and exciting light. We are confident that this incursion will inspire a greater appreciation for Maths and boost their confidence in tackling mathematical challenges.

Thank you for your continued support in making our school a place where learning is an adventure.  Feel free to share any feedback with us, about this incursion.

Leanne Skinner

Primary Coordinator and Pedagogical Mentor

AFL – Paul Kelly Cup 

After weeks of rain and a cancelled event, we were finally able to put on our jerseys, roll up our socks and go out and show everyone what we were made of! 

For the first year, we entered a girls team into the Paul Kelly Cup and, boy,  did they do us proud! We had a mixed bag of athletes with some currently playing AFL, some netballers, Oz taggers and a whole lot of energy from those giving a new sport a try.  Yes, there were nerves at first to engage in a sport foreign to them, especially with the tackling side of it. But that didn’t deter them! They fought hard, never gave up, listened to the advice given to them and worked amazingly as a team.  

To watch these girls continue to improve game after game was extremely enjoyable. They may have started off a little slow with a loss in our first game, but their skills developed over the course of the day where they got a few wins under their belt, because they never gave up! Their parents were fist pumping the whole way. A huge thank you to Grant Vickery who gave up his time to help train and coach on the day. I am sure the girls were very appreciative of your guidance and support on the day. 

The boys were much similar, going from strength to strength. Considering they were a player short the whole tournament, the fact they were undefeated in their pool was nothing short of amazing. 

It was truly wonderful to witness the Year 6 boys step up and show their leadership skills where they rallied their mates together, stayed tight as a team, spoke positively towards one another and basically led themselves into warmups, tactics and game plays. We made it to the finals and the adrenaline kicked in. Unfortunately, they didn't walk away with a win, but considering they were a man down, their efforts should be acknowledged. Thank you to Bruce and Julia Kiem, for their support on the day, along with giving up their time for training sessions.  

Until next year. 

Polding Cross Country

On Wednesday our endurance runners took on the grueling track at the Sydney Equestrian Centre, vying for a place in the State Cross Country. Year 6 watched on and cheered for the boys via live stream as the tough course took its toll on our competitors as they traversed hills, gravel, grass and dirt striving to reach the finish line. We congratulate Archie D, who finished in 5th place and will continue on to the State competition, and Sam G, who finished in 30th place. Amazing results for both boys. Unfortunately, Eve was sick on the day and didn’t get to race, but I’m sure she’ll be raring to go next year.

Diocesan Rugby

Last Wednesday, Vincent M, displayed outstanding skills and sportsmanship at the diocesan rugby union trials held at Maitland. He carved up the field, despite feeling a little under the weather, and we congratulate him on his selection in to the Polding team as fullback. Well done Vinnie!

Diocesan Touch Football

While the rest of Year 6 enjoyed the first day in Canberra, Toby B took on the touch football trials held in Singleton. He stepped, dummied, and made some great touches, and we congratulate him on his selection in the Polding team. Great work, Toby

SchoolTV

Click HERE to watch interviews with leading specialists regarding bullying and its impacts.

Joyful June

Even in tough times life can still be joyful. There are lots of small things we can do to generate positive emotions like hope, gratitude, enthusiasm and awe. This Joyful June calendar is full of actions you can try at home to help you and your children focus on what's good. 

What’s on?

Monday 17^th June – Friday 21^st June

Week 8 is Wellbeing Week at St Joseph’s. The staff and student Wellbeing Team are working hard to organise a week filled with joy, self-care and positivity.

Chloe Coe 
Wellbeing Coordinator

St Joseph’s Merewether Productions Presents…

Ladies and gentlemen, gather 'round as we unveil the magical tale that has captured the hearts of St Joseph's Primary School!

On a crisp Monday morning, a mystical letter graced our classrooms, heralding the arrival of our 2024 Musical Production. Picture yourselves transported to a whimsical forest, where the Legend of Mythical Creatures convenes after a century's slumber to share their wondrous tales of adventure and intrigue!

Discussing the exciting announcement with sisters Sofia and Alex, Sofia bubbling with excitement, said, "I can't wait to perform with everyone on stage!" With Alex echoing the sentiment, "It's an incredible chance for our school to come together and showcase our creativity to the world!”.

Don't let this enchanting evening slip away! Mark your calendars for Thursday 19th September and be part of an unforgettable experience, where talent and camaraderie illuminate the stage like never before at The Factory Theatre in Adamstown. Prepare to be dazzled as every student takes the stage in a spectacle that will leave you spellbound!

Dear Parents & Carers,

There will be a few changes to the canteen menu as of this coming Monday. The canteen has had a change of suppliers and there will be new branding. This will only impact drinks; chocolate and strawberry milk, fruit poppers with the addition of some extra flavours.

I have also added some new items to the winter menu, ham & cheese croissants, and jacket potatoes with a choice of fillings.  Any questions or concerns please contact the canteen.

Anna Aird
Canteen Supervisor

Disco

Saddle up, put your boots on and enjoy a boot scootin’ night at the Country & Western Disco. Each ticket includes a Hotdog, a glow stick and a zooper dooper!

Before the event please:

· Book your tickets on QKR. $12 per student (includes hotdog, glow stick & zooper dooper).

· Ticket sales will close at 3pm on Monday 24 June.

· There will be no cash sales on the night.

Make sure each student brings a labelled, refillable water drink bottle, as they get very hot and thirsty.

We’re also looking for volunteers to help supervise and pack up at the end of the night. If you can help and have volunteer clearance, contact the office.

We look forward to seeing all the Cowgirls and Cowboys at the dance. Yee Haw!

P&F Meeting

Monday 17 June 2024

6-7pm

Staff Café - just come to the office and you’ll be directed to the room. Wine and cheese provided. 

The agenda and minutes will be posted on Compass prior to the meeting. 

If you have any questions or agenda items, please get in touch: sjpandf@gmail.com

We hope to see you there.

Spring Ball

You’ve got the spring ball save the date, now get ready to buy your ticket!

The St Joseph’s P & F events committee have been busy planning the Spring Ball to be held at Ravella on Saturday 14 September.

Tickets go on sale 9am on 1 July via QKR and are $180 per person. We’re mixing things up this year with long communal tables so you don’t have to pre-organise a table of ten. But get in quick as tickets are limited!

All the information you need to know is included below. 

Do you or your business have an item to donate to the P&F for the silent auction or a promise for the fundraising games?  Please email sjpandf@gmail.com

St Joseph's P&F Committee

If you have indicated you are settling your 2024 fees via a lump sum annual payment - this is due and payable by 30th June 2024. If your circumstances have changed and you cannot meet this due date please contact the school to make alternate payment plan arrangements.  

Term Planner

Unless otherwise stated, the advertisements placed in this newsletter are placed by independent third parties who have no legal relationship with the Diocese.  The activities or services of the advertisers are not supervised or controlled in any way by the Diocese.  The Diocese is not in a position to endorse the advertisers or the services provided and makes no representation about those matters.  Accordingly, the Diocese cannot accept any responsibility for the advertisers or the activities or services that are the subject of these advertisements.