Term 1 Week 4 - February 20th, 2024

From The Principals Desk

Dear Parents and Carers,

Zone Swimming Carnival

Well done to all of our St Joseph’s swimming team who competed at the Zone swimming Carnival yesterday. It was a pleasure to see them perform, in and out of the pool. Tough competing and wonderful sportsmanship! A special congratulations to Caleb Bourke and Carter Alexander who both won their respective Age Championship for the Tweed Region. A huge congratulations to the team who brought home the Aggregate Shield!

Parent Information Evening - Thursday 22nd February, 2024

We have our Parent Information sessions for years 1-6 in week 4 here at school. (Kindergarten had theirs during the transition program late last year) These meetings are held in stages within the stage classrooms. Times for each stage have been staggered to cater for families with children in different classes.

1st Session: Stage 1 (Years 1 & 2) 5:00pm – 5:30pm

2nd Session: Stage 2 (Years 3 & 4) 5:40pm – 6:10pm 

2nd Session: Stage 3 (Years 5 & 6) 6:15pm – 6:45pm 

Uniform Policy - Wearing our uniform with pride!

As outlined on our website, please be aware of the school uniform policy. Please encourage your child to wear their school uniform with pride! View the School Uniform policy here.

It is noticeable the number of boys who are wearing a ‘mullet’ hair style, while the ‘mullet’ is not being banned from St Joseph’s, the length of the hair at the back should be above the collar or tied back.  

Homework Policy

As you would be aware, we have been working on our homework policy after Stage 2 (2023) presented their persuasive texts to me. We followed this up with data gathering from our families and teachers. While the students were adamant that they wanted homework cancelled, the adult stakeholders vested in their education had varying opinions.

In an attempt to acknowledge student voice, parent voice and teacher voice the following homework policy has been formulated:

Homework Policy

Date issued: February, 2024

Introduction:

The establishment of this policy has been completed after collaboration and consultation between students, parents/caregivers and teaching staff at St Joseph’s. Student voice initiated the process of policy review, after careful consideration of the feedback and data gathered through the consultation period the following policy and guidelines for homework at St Joseph’s have been developed. The policy will be reviewed in June 2025.

Rationale: 

The purpose of homework is to provide an opportunity to strengthen the partnership between parents/caregivers and the school and is designed to support each child in developing the attributes of a lifelong learner. 

Homework bridges the gap between learning at school and learning at home. It reinforces concepts learnt in class. Homework helps to establish the habits of study, concentration and self discipline. 

At St Joseph’s we acknowledge the importance of family time in an increasingly complex and busy world. Our homework policy aims to support equitable practices whilst recognising the diversity of families in our school community. 

For the purpose of this document, reading is not considered to be an optional homework task. Regular reading is strongly encouraged for all St Joseph’s students and is considered an essential home activity. 

Policy Guidelines: 

Content: 

• Homework tasks are offered to children in all grades.
• Homework should be appropriate for each student's age and ability.
• Homework should be a consolidation of work covered in class
• All students should engage in daily reading. 
• Other homework offered to students may include spelling, reading and mathematical concepts. 
• Occasionally a task may be offered that links specifically with a current unit of work or concept being explored in class. 
• Student Diaries are currently used in years 3-6 (2024). 

Time: 

• The amount of time taken to do homework will vary according to individual capabilities and family circumstances. 
• The time frame for completion of homework activities will be flexible, taking into account students' other commitments, such as sport, music tuition, creative arts endeavours and other recreational and lifestyle activities.
• Homework is not intended to be an onerous or stressful activity, therefore a specific time frame is not necessary. It is up to the discretion of the family to limit or extend this time. 

Roles and Responsibility: 

Teachers will:  

• Ensure the homework policy is implemented and followed.  
• Clearly communicate their expectations for homework to parents/caregivers and students.  
• Collaborate with year/stage level colleagues to organise a system that ensures that homework is relevant to the NSW Curriculum being taught at that time.  
• Refrain from setting tasks for homework that will be used for assessment.  
• Monitor the homework practices of their students.  
• Contact parents/caregivers to discuss any concerns regarding homework.  
• Provide opportunities for students to discuss any difficulties they are experiencing with homework.  

Parents/Caregivers will:  

• Provide a suitable ‘work’ space for children to complete homework.
• Encourage participation in tasks set, especially nightly reading. 
• Be aware of and support the school’s homework policy.  
• Discuss homework activities and expectations with their children.  
• Contact the relevant teacher/s to discuss any concerns about homework. 

Students will:  

• Be aware of the school’s homework policy. 
• Read regularly (daily where possible). 
• Submit any completed homework when expected.  
• Discuss any difficulties they are experiencing with homework with their teacher/s.

Date to be reviewed: June, 2025

Attendance

Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school and themselves. Help your child to learn that going to school on time, every day is important.

Reinforcing the idea that attending school regularly is crucial for a positive school experience. Foster a love for learning by encouraging your child's natural curiosity. 

Help your child to see school as a place to explore new ideas, discover interests, and develop a lifelong passion for learning. Foster positive social connections at school by encouraging friendships. Knowing that they have friends to look forward to can motivate children to attend school regularly.

Is your child anxious about coming to school? Is your child refusing to come to school?

Watch this clip by Michael Hawker for strategies to help an anxious child return to school.

Congratulations to our Published Artists Again! 

Last year we had students prepare artworks for inclusion in a book publication ‘Gami Winda and Dyindi-Dyindi’ by Bianca Stawiarski. Some of our students were successful and had their work published. Bianca has since written a second title in the series ‘The Adventures of Gami Winda and Dyindi-Dyindi’, Emily Pham and Ava Hunt’s combined art piece has been selected to appear in the new publication! Congratulations Emily and Ava!

We look forward to welcoming Mr Davis and Mrs Hughes back to school next week as they return to us from their Conference in Los Angeles. I’m sure they will return with a wealth of ideas and plenty of stories from their experience. 

We have a new facebook page, live as of yesterday! We thank our Year 6 teacher, Miss Annabelle Nance, for taking on the role of  senior administrator of the page. I realise that many have already seen it and are following. Another platform to keep our families up to date and informed.

Have a great couple of weeks!

Peace and blessings,

Jason Clarke

Principal

"You Can Do It!" Awards

WEEK 2

Kinder
Dustin Casagrande for Confidence and Taking a Risk.
Lexie Clarkson for Confidence and Showing "I can be Independent."

Year 1
Harriet Stovold for Organisation and Planning my Time.
Hyde Jenkins for Confidence and Taking a Risk.

Year 2
Elsie Mcleod for Confidence and “I Can Do It” Thinking.
Revie Cambridge for Confidence and “I Can Do It” Thinking.

Year 3
Sierra Casagrande for Confidence and Taking a Risk.
Zander Gale for Resilience and "I can do it" Thinking.

Year 4
Loki Jenkins for Confidence, Taking a Risk and Being Independent.
Allira Smith for Confidence and Taking a Risk.

Year 5
Bonnie Lindsay for Getting Along and Being Socially Responsible.
William Hoffman for displaying Confidence and "I Can Do It" Thinking.

Year 6
Max Bourke for Persistence and Giving Effort.
Layla Walsh for Organisation and Planning my Time. 

WEEK 3

Kinder
Grace Duffy for Organisation and Planning My Time.
Clara Higgins for Organisation and Planning My Time.
Henry Conroy for Organisation and Planning My Time.

Year 1
Jacob Hoffman for Getting Along and Playing by the Rules.
Clara Polson for Persistence and "I Can Do It" Thinking.

Year 2
Harry Lindsay for Confidence and Taking a Risk.
Mila Kendall for Organisation and Planning my Time.

Year 3
Luca Anderson for Organisation, Setting Goals and having a Growth Mindset.
Meadow Chapman for Confidence and showing "I Can Be Independent."

Year 4 
Shelby Walsh for Organisation, Planning my Time & having a Growth Mindset.
Aria Dunning for Persistence, Giving Effort and having a Growth Mindset.

Year 5
Indigo Cleak for displaying Confidence and "I Can Do It" Thinking.
Jaxon Mann for displaying Confidence and "I Can Do It" Thinking.

Year 6
Brock Sasse for Persistence, Giving effort and having a Growth Mindset. 
Zoe Wharton for Confidence and "I Can Do It" Thinking.

Leaders Induction Mass 2024

It is always wonderful having our community together. Celebrating Mass, Liturgy, and Assembly is always a special time. People often refer to our school as being the St Joseph's Family, a welcoming place to all who enter. Last week we prepared for the year ahead with our new leaders and celebrated being together again as one family, placing our trust in God, knowing he is there to guide us each and every day. We offered this mass for all the children, families, staff, and volunteers within our school.

May your year ahead be filled with many blessiings.

Thank you, Miss Nance for preparing such a wonderful celebration.

Congratulations to our 2024 School Leaders!

School Captains
Pearl Wilkinson & Indi Asanuma. 

Student Disciples
Sienna Alexander, Amelia Alley, Archie Anderson, Indi Asanuma, Declan Behan, Caleb Bourke, Max Bourke, Ava Bray, Kobi Buckroyd, Holly Dorahy, Zillin Hatton, Ava Hunt, Ivy Hunt, Emily Pham, Brock Sasse, Lani Smith, Blake Stuart, Layla Walsh, Eadie Workman, Pearl Wilkinson and Bella Higgins.

Sports Captains
Parker House - Brock Sasse & Layla Walsh.

Leonard House - Ava Bray & Kobi Buckroyd.

Mackillop House - Max Bourke & Ava Hunt.

Leaders Induction Mass 2024

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 17

Next

SRC

Our new school year has begun again. It is already looking like it is going to be a busy term. Each class from 3-6 voted for a class representative for our SRC for semester 1 2024. The new SRC were inducted into their new roles last Friday at assembly. They recited their pledge and very competently ran our assembly. We look forward to working with each representative over the Semester.

Congratulations to our SRC representatives for semester 1 2024 - Tahan Heterick, Hamish walsh, Misha Reed & Lani Smith.

Sharing the Gospel

 Get ready to chill for a cause!

Tomorrow, on the 20th and the 27th of February, we're excited to announce that Stage 2 will be selling delicious ice blocks for just $1 each, all in support of Caritas.

 What - Ice Block Sale for Charity   

Date - Tuesday 20th/27th February, 2024  

Time - Lunch and Afternoon Tea  

 Location – Undercroft­­­

It's a sweet opportunity to indulge in a refreshing treat while making a difference in our community. Every dollar raised will go directly to Caritas, supporting their invaluable work in aiding those in need.

Together, we can make a significant impact while enjoying a cool treat!

Thank you for your generosity and support.

Warm regards,

Stage 2

Fundraising fun!

Shrove Tuesday

On Tuesday last week, we explored the cherished tradition of Shrove Tuesday, a significant day in the Catholic calendar that heralds the beginning of Lent.

Shrove Tuesday, derived from the word "shrive," means to confess. 

Pancakes hold a special place on Shrove Tuesday. They symbolize using up rich foods like eggs, milk, and sugar before Lent's fasting period. 

However, Shrove Tuesday isn't just about pancakes; it's a time for reflection. As we indulge, we're reminded of our imperfections and the need for repentance.

Shrove Tuesday also marks the beginning of Lent, a time for fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. It's an opportunity to deepen our faith and renew our commitment to living as disciples of Christ.

Pancake Day

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 10

Next

Ash Wednesday

A heartfelt thank you extends to Year 5 for their exceptional leadership during the Ash Wednesday Liturgy. I commend the reverence displayed by the entire school community and gratitude  to all who attended. It was a profoundly special moment to witness the school united in celebration, receiving the sign of the cross on our foreheads at the commencement to the Season of Lent. Particularly touching was the participation of the kindergarteners. Your presence and participation enriched the experience for us all.

Last Wednesday marked the beautiful observance of Ash Wednesday, a significant day in the Catholic liturgical calendar. It signifies the beginning of Lent, a time of spiritual reflection, repentance, and preparation for Easter.

The ashes used on Ash Wednesday are typically made from the burnt palm branches blessed on the previous year's Palm Sunday. This practice connects us to the journey of Jesus, from his triumphant entry into Jerusalem to his ultimate sacrifice on the cross.

During Lent, Catholics are called to prayer, fasting and alms giving. It's a time to realign our hearts with the teachings of Jesus.

As we embark on this Lenten season, let us embrace the spirit of Ash Wednesday with sincerity and humility. Let us open our hearts to God's transforming love and allow His grace to guide us on our journey of spiritual renewal.

Kinder's First Day 2024

Kindergarten have had an eventful first day of school. 
There were lots of brave students who quickly said their goodbyes to loved ones to begin the day. 
While it was a big day, it was certainly successful! 
Well done Kindergarten!!

Kinder's First Day!

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 13

Next

CurriculumNews

MATHEMATICS ASSESSMENT INTERVIEWS

Thank you to all parents and guardians for supporting the Mathematics Assessment Interviews (MAI’s) at the start of the year. Through the MAI your child was observed individually completing a range of specially designed tasks to determine their current mathematical understanding. The MAI provides valuable information to class teachers that informs and guides their teaching of Mathematics to progress learning for every student.

Last week a summary was sent home. It contains information that your child's teacher has learned about their current mathematical understanding and some ideas for how you can assist them to continue to develop their mathematical understanding at home.

If you did not receive this information or you have questions or concerns, you are very welcome to discuss this feedback with your child's teacher.

NAPLAN News

Sports News

DIOCESAN BASKETBALL: In week 2, Friday 9^th February Ivy Hunt travelled to Coffs Harbour for the Polding Basketball trials.  It was a long, hot day, showcasing their skills against strong competition.  Christie Hoffman (NSW Basketball Development officer) ran 1.5hrs of skills and drills which was then followed by 3hrs of Basketball games! Ivy were part of the Diocesan team.  They played exceptionally well against the other Diocese with teams coming from as far south as North Sydney.  Well done Ivy! Such a fantastic achievement to have represented at this level!

AFL SUNS PLAYERS VISIT: Last Thursday we were visited by Coach Darren (Northern Rivers Development Officer).  We played fun games that developed our footy skills and had us working our fitness along with tips on how to kick the footy, take a mark and handball the footy.  A flyer was also handed out to promote the Auskick programme, details are as follows:

NAB AFL Auskick is back at our local club! Registrations are open and we can't wait to see you at Murwillumbah JAFC Auskick!

Starting Tuesday 5^th March at Rabjones Oval for 8 weeks! Only $90 and you get an amazing benefits pack. 

 Click below to register and become a Vucans Auskicker! 

AFL Auskick Program

TWEED ZONE SWIMMING CARNIVAL:  The Tweed Zone Swimming Carnival took place today (Tuesday 19^th February). Results / details will be published in next week’s newsletter once it has all been collated.

TWEED ZONE WINTER SPORTS TRIALS: Nominations for the Tweed Zone Winter Trials have now closed for students in Year 5 and Year 6. Students who have nominated for either Rugby Union, Rugby League, Hockey, Netball or Soccer have received a note detailing the date, location, time and equipment needed for their chosen sport.  Selections will take place across week 4 and week 5 after school (day, time and location will vary depending on the sport).

Wishing the following students the best of luck at their trials:  Sienna Alexander, Eadie Workman, Holly Dorahy and Bonnie Lindsay (Netball), , Will Hoffman, Nate Linkins, Nakoha Heterick, Frank Ahrens, Kobi Buckroyd and Declan Behan (Soccer) Ace Colleton, Jaxon Mann and Misha Reed (NRL).  Max Bourke, Levi Campbell and Archie Anderson (AFL) which is going straight to Diocesan trials in Grafton this Friday along with Hockey for Violet Williams the following week in week 5.

AFL NSW AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL ALL SCHOOLS GIRLS 12YEARS AND UNDER TRIALS

Any girls who play AFL and are interested in attending one of the following trials please see locations / dates and follow the link to register for these trials.

SCHOOL RUNNING CLUB:  Due to the wet weather towards the end of last week our running club was postponed.  We are looking forward to starting up again this Friday before school at approx. 8.20am or whenever you arrive to school! Students may wish to wear play socks (not school socks) for running club and change into school socks once class begins to avoid wet feet all day.  A singlet is also encouraged for running club as it is very hot in the mornings at the moment and every little bit helps to stay as cool as possible! This week we are tracking our laps by getting a texta mark every time you cross the finish line and trying for as many texta marks as possible!

SATURDAY RUNNING CLUB:  Unfortunately the Showground was too wet to begin our running club last Saturday but we are looking forward to the following Saturday 2^nd March at 8am to meet up and practice the Zone Cross Country course.

Library News

Our Library Lovers

General News

Canteen News

New menu items for 2024
- Twisted frozen yoghurt cups - strawberry/vanilla, chocolate/vanilla  $2
- frozen banana popsicles  50c
- frozen watermelon slice popsicles 50c
- frozen orange wedges 50c

Our canteen menu has been endorsed by the NSW Healthy Canteen Strategy. 75% of items on our menu are "everyday foods" and all our foods have a health star rating of 3.5 or above!

Ideas and feedback on the canteen menu from our school community are always welcome.

School Bus Travel 2024

Compass

Have you logged onto Compass?

Compass is a school management solution that allows parents and cares to access up-to-date and meaningful information about St Joseph's school and your child's progress.

Compass is a user-friendly app that will allow you to pay school fees, send out sick notes. contact teachers, order from the canteen and give permission to attend and pay for excursions and sporting events. 

If you haven't set it up yet, please click on the link below to see what it is all about.

If you need any assistance using your Compass account, please contact the school office. We are here to help with any questions you may have about:

• accessing Compass
• viewing your newsfeed
• fee balance
• canteen ordering
• school events
• permissions & payments

Information is also available in the links below.

Parish News

Tuesday 20 February            1:00 pm - Lenten Group | Parish Admin Centre
                                                       5:30 pm - Mass
                                                      6:30 pm - First Reconciliation Parent Meeting
Wednesday 21 February    10:00 am - Catholic Men’s Group 
                                                       5:30 pm - Mass
Thursday 22 February          8:15 am - Mass
Friday 23 February                9:30 am - Legion of Mary|Parish Meeting Centre
                                                     12:00 pm - Mass
                                                     12:30 pm - Stations of the Cross
Saturday 24 February          9:00 am - Rosary
                                                      5:30 pm - Rosary
                                                      6:00 pm - Vigil Mass
Sunday 25  February            SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT - YEAR B
                                                      8:30 am - Rosary
                                                      9:00 am - Mass
                                                     10:15 am - Baptism

Health & Wellbeing

Community News

After School Care

Our Sponsors