Last week we celebrated our Opening School liturgy for 2021 and the investiture of our Year 6 student leaders. The liturgy was a moving one and the key elements that we could all take away from it are in being God’s chosen ones we should clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience and that love should permeate all of this. We were also reminded to have gratitude in our hearts and that in whatever we do, in word or deed, to do it in the name of the Lord Jesus.  May we all hold these messages close to our minds and hearts this year and act accordingly. Thanks go to all our staff and students who helped to organise and lead us in this celebration; congratulations to our Year 6 students, who I am sure will take on their leadership roles with a great sense of service; and thank you to the family members who were able to come along to witness this special occasion in their young peoples’ lives.

How wonderful it was to have you back on our school grounds for our Parent Information Evening on Wednesday. The teachers very much appreciated the opportunity to share with you their goals, procedures and expectations for the year as well as begin to get to know you. We hope you can now put a face to the name when your children are talking about their various teachers.  Tony Petersen, our P&F President, and myself also welcomed the opportunity to talk with you and we both commented on what a lovely atmosphere there was to the night.

If you were unable to make it on the night or couldn’t make it to see all your children’s teachers and haven’t yet received an information booklet please contact the office staff and let them know which class/es you require a booklet for.

A number of families have also expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to reconnect with the school and one another. Thank you for letting us know.

Thanks for the information at the Parent Info evening last night - it was great to hear what the kids are up to. Sounds like there are lots of fun topics planned across the year!

I just wanted to say how lovely it was to come and spend half an hour sitting in the kids’ classroom, seeing what they see, hearing about all the incredible hard work that goes on behind the scenes to teach and nurture them. I was sitting here explaining to my husband all the areas of learning I heard about this evening and I must tell you I was genuinely taken aback by what the kids are learning this year. It really helps for us to know how we can support them in these areas at home.

I just wanted to say thank you so much for allowing us parents to come onto the school grounds and allow us to be informed. It really was very much appreciated. 

As parents of a child that started their schooling in 2020 tonight went a long way in making us feel welcomed into the school community. 

The information presented to us was so informative, comprehensive and (the) delivery was engaging and welcoming.

Regional Swimming Carnival

Last week I had the privilege of attending our regional swimming carnival at Lambton Pool. Our swimming team, both in their swimming performances and behaviour were a credit to our school. Thank you to all our swimmers for your efforts and sportsmanship. A big congratulations goes to you all.

Class Parents

Each year our class parent network develops a little more. We are hoping that in 2021 it becomes very well established, particularly as Covid regulations are easing. Ideally we would like two parents from each class to volunteer for the role and for these volunteers to work in with their fellow class parents from the neighbouring class in the grade. The role of the class parents is a pastoral one and helps all families to feel connected to the class and grade. Please seriously consider taking on this role, even if you do not know many other families.  It is a great way to build up a network.

For more information about Class Parents and the Expression of Interest Form click here

Late/Early Arrivals

If you are dropping off late, or picking up early, your child you need to use the intercom at the Union Street gate and follow the instructions of the office staff. Generally parents are still not able to be on site unless for a pre-arranged meeting or for volunteer duties, for example uniform shop, canteen or in class. Parents are unable to come on site to go through lost property bins or bring forgotten items. For this reason, please make sure that all your child’s property is very clearly labelled and check that they can recognise their name and/or labels. Forgotten items will need to be dropped off at the Union St gate using the intercom and office staff will collect them and arrange for your child to get them. If the forgotten item is imperative for the day and you can bring it, that is fine, but if your child can manage without the item for the day then we suggest you not come out of your way.  This is a great opportunity to teach the children about responsibility as well being one that can save you both time and money.

School Entrances

Union Street gate and Farquhar Street are the only entry points and we have the one-way system that was established last year still in operation. This means in one way, Union St, and out via the Church car park. Please remember to model safe road safety procedures for your children or grandchildren when picking them up and crossing roads or walking through car parks.

5 Top Road Safety tips

1. Be alert and aware

Take note of the dangers you come across on your walk and bring them to your child’s attention. Point out dangers, such as vehicles coming out of driveways. Talk to your child about being alert in a road environment.

2. Hold hands

When on the footpath, at a crossing or in a car park always hold your child's hand. It is advised to do this up to the age of at least 8 years old and closely supervise until at least the age of 10.

3. Choose a safe crossing

Lead by example and choose a safe place to cross the road. Explain why it is the safest place to cross.

4. Set a good example

Your child watches everything you do, so if you cross at the crossing they will too. It is also important to share these messages with other carers who may walk with your child to school.

5. Stop, Look, Listen, Think every time you cross the road

Discuss this important road safety message.

STOP! one step back from the kerb.

LOOK! continuously both ways.

LISTEN! for the sounds of approaching traffic. THINK! whether it is safe to cross.

Communication

Communication consultation is something that will be occurring to further develop our home-school engagement connections. We would like to hear from you as to what you consider are effective ways to communicate with our families. We are aware that there are a number of people who don’t read the newsletter as well as those who do not like Compass; some parents say we communicate too much others too little …  so we are very interested in hearing your thoughts around things such as -  Compass Newsfeed items as opposed to, or in conjunction with, newsletters or the best use of the school Facebook page, frequency of communications etc. There will be opportunities throughout the year for you to offer your thoughts however please feel free if things come to mind outside of these times to email me with your ideas. In the subject line please use: Communication

Cyber Safety Agreements

Cyber Safety Agreements have been sent home for all students. Please find the time to sit down and read/explain these with your children at a level they understand. Often, when incidents have occurred at school and we remind the students about this document that they have signed they tell us that they haven’t read it and haven’t discussed it with mum or dad.  Keeping your children cyber safe is the responsibility of us all so it is crucial that these discussions are had regularly and that your children see that both school and home share the same values and expectations in regards to this area.

Hair

Students are continuing to come to school well presented in their uniforms, however one area that needs some attention is ‘hair’. Any student with shoulder length hair or longer must wear all their hair tied back or put up (eg. a bun) not just a section of it.  Hair, if it is coloured can only be of a natural colour and not various tones. The main concern we are noticing, at the moment, is hair that is quite long and is falling across the students’ eyes and faces. This poses problems for reading, seeing the board, using their devices and displaying socially appropriate listening habits. Regardless of whether a student is a boy or a girl, long hair such as this needs to be pinned or clipped back and, equally, all students are required to come to school with neat hair. Please support us in these school expectations as it makes it very difficult for your child to be pulled between two different sets of standards.    

Volunteers

As mentioned at our recent Parent Information Evening there have been some changes to the procedure for volunteering at schools in our Diocese.

If you wish to volunteer, or think you might like to volunteer, at some stage, at St Joseph's please collect, or download, the latest Volunteer Induction Handbook (version 1.5) here.

You are asked to read through this booklet and then complete the following pages:

• Volunteer Policy Declaration - page 20
• Code of Conduct Declaration - page 25
• Statutory Screening Selection Tool for Volunteers in Schools - page 26

Volunteer roles include, but are not limited to:

Canteen, uniform shop, assisting in class, excursions, carnivals and sports gala days, assisting with events such as morning teas, Kinder orientation, liturgies, school discos, fun days and events such as assisting with bbqs or school musicals and concerts etc.

Previously all volunteers were required to have a Working with Children Check (WWCC).  This is no longer the case if you are a close relative (see p.26) of a student enrolled at the school where you will be volunteering (other than the three exceptions outlined in the flowchart on p.26).  All ‘close relative’ volunteers are, however, required to have a National Police Check (NPC) which is arranged by the diocese once you have submitted the three above mentioned documents.

Any volunteer that has already completed the NPC last year are still cleared to volunteer, however everyone else will need to resubmit their handbook and receive clearance. If you are unsure whether you have completed the NPC please contact the school office for confirmation. There are quite a few parents on our list that have a WWCC number however very few with the NPC.  Until this is done, we are unable to involve you in any school-based volunteer activities. 

We have been told that most hold ups in this process are due to the incorrect completion of forms. Please check that you have completed all three documents, responded in all the necessary sections and signed all forms.  Once you have done this, please return the completed forms to the school offices and we will submit them to the diocesan HR-Volunteers team on your behalf.

We appreciate that there have been many changes over the last few years regarding this process and ask that if you have any questions regarding this matter to speak to Angela or Gina in the front office.

How can I learn more about ways to help my child learn?

So, you’re wondering how you can find out more about Cybersafety? Maybe you want to listen to national and international experts on anxiety, building resilience in children and young people and learn more about keeping your kids safe or listen to experts share tips on supporting young people approaching the HSC?

You need to join the Federation of P & F Association Facebook page.

What does the “Federation of P & F Association” do?

The Federation works to strengthen the participation of all parents and carers in Catholic schools in the Diocese and to promote and advance Catholic Education and its excellence. Along with our work in advocacy and supporting Catholic education generally, we regularly invite you to events (currently via Zoom) where you can build you understanding of lots of issues that impact our children….and it’s all FREE!

Use this QR code to get onboard!  

For further information E: cath.garrett-jones@mn.catholic.edu.au

Thank you

Ray O’ Malley, the President of the Merewether Beach St Vincent de Paul Society has sent us a letter thanking all the students and their families for your generous donations of food that was given to people in need at Christmas time.  They were very appreciative of your generosity.