Term 1, Week 8 Newsletter, 2023

Acknowledgement of Country

We respectfully acknowledge the past and present traditional owners of this land on which we stand, the Wulgurukaba and neighbouring Bindal people who are the custodians. We pray that we can walk together to a better future.

From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers, Staff and Students

I would like to acknowledge our school community for the spirit of compassion, concern and generosity demonstrated during our ‘Raise the Roof for Raphael’ fundraiser on Friday 3rd March. Due to the efforts of our school community, we were able to donate just over $1400.00 to the Zarate family. On the same day, the same fundraiser was held at Imagine Childcare at Idalia. Thank you to the Fegan family for being instrumental in organising this. Rebecca and Luke have expressed their gratitude via email for the overwhelming community support, and are very appreciative of the contribution made by St Joseph’s staff and families. 

On Tuesday 21.2.23, the service team from Townsville Catholic Education, who supports St Joseph’s Mundingburra, visited the school for our annual meeting where the school’s Annual School Improvement Plan was discussed. The team comprises Stephanie Giorcelli (Education Consultant), Lee-Ann Barton (Religious Education Adviser), Kate Sargent (Curriculum Adviser) and Kim McCosker (Indigenous Education Adviser). We had a number of staff contribute to this meeting besides myself and Mrs Taylor. Our Learning and Teaching Adviser, Cathryn Cornish, and our Inclusive Practices Teachers, Therese Lane and Diane Engert, presented information on initiatives the school is implementing in their respective areas to improve learning outcomes for all students. The Annual School Improvement Plan will be shared with the school community in the coming week.

On Monday evening the P & F Association held their AGM. At this meeting the existing executive committee members stood down from their positions and a new executive committee was elected. Thank you to the following people for taking on a new position or nominating again for their existing position:

President: Kerin Boyes

Vice President: Meagan Middleton

Treasurer: Megan McBaron

Secretary: Jason Scaf

Much gratitude to Sarah Ponti for her significant contribution to the P & F Association and our school community during her time as P & F President. She, and many of our other P & F members who are leaving us at the end of this year, will be greatly missed. A big thank you to Kerin Boyes for stepping up and taking on the role of P & F President. It is a role which requires organisational skills and I know Kerin will do a wonderful job. She also has the support of the executive and other members of the P & F, as our St Joseph’s P & F work extremely well as a team. It has been great to see new faces attending our P & F Meetings of late, and I look forward to seeing this continue. We have also welcomed two new members to the School Board this year. A big welcome to Vivienne McVeigh and Belinda Hochen, it is great to have these two ladies as part of our School Board in 2023.

Friday is St Patrick’s Day and, for a coin donation, students can have a shamrock painted on their hand or cheek. All money raised will go to Caritas. On Monday 20th March, we will be celebrating St Joseph’s Feast Day with a special Liturgy commencing at 8:45 am. Students will then participate in St Joseph’s activities in their classrooms, with a Feast Day Cake delivered to classrooms just before morning tea.

Have a wonderful week.

God bless

Tracy

An important message regarding STOP DROP AND GO ZONE

A reminder to parents/caregivers who use the Stop, Drop and Go of a morning and afternoon, this area is only to be used to drop children off or pick them up before continuing to drive out of the school. It is not a place to park and get out of your car. 

I understand parents/caregivers wanting to assist their child or children get their bags out of the boot and also walk them to the gate. Can I ask that if you wish to do this that you park in one of the available car parks in the Church/School car park or the car park near the Mary MacKillop Kindergarten.

Thank you for your assistance in this matter.

APRE News

Blessed to Serve

Bear with one another, help one another, and ever strive to serve God in a generous spirit. ~Mary MacKillop

St Patrick’s Day - Friday March 17th

To celebrate St Patrick’s day, there will be shamrock face painting available. Students wishing to have a shamrock painted on their face need to bring along a coin donation. Money raised will go to  Project Compassion.

St Joseph’s Day - March 19th

Saint Joseph was the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus. Joseph was a just and compassionate man, and protected Mary from shame when he discovered that she was pregnant, even though he did not understand that her unborn child was the Son of God. We see evidence of Joseph's deep faith when he changed his plans in response to messages from God. (Saint Mary’s Press)

The spirituality of St Joseph’s Mundingburra is based on the spirit of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, the traditions of the Sisters of St Joseph and the faith of the community. Mary MacKillop and the Sisters of St Joseph responded to the needs and challenges of her time in ways that respected the human dignity of all by being deeply compassionate, reaching out to others and fostering resilience. 

On Monday, 20th March, we will celebrate the Feast of St Joseph with a whole-school Liturgy in the Shelter Shed at 8:45am. All are welcome to join us.

Like Joseph, prayerfully seek to discover the will of God in the difficult situations you face.

Project Compassion is Caritas Australia’s annual fundraising appeal which is held during the six weeks of Lent each year.  The theme of Project Compassion 2023 is ‘For All Future Generations’.  It invites us to make the world a better place by working together now and finding long term solutions to global issues. With our theme of Blessed to Serve we are encouraging students to reach out to others in need and to find ways to enrich the lives of those around them. Project Compassion is a wonderful way to do this. 
On Monday  each students was provided with a project compassion box for donations or you can donate online via the Caritas Australia website at:  lent.caritas.org.au
Last week Mrs Luton, Summer and Campbell attended the Project Compassion Launch in Ingham at Gilroy Santa Maria College. 

This week through Project Compassion we learn about Priscilla. 

Priscilla’s Story

Climate change continues to bring unprecedented challenges for people living in the most vulnerable and remote communities in Zimbabwe. With the support of Caritas Hwange, Priscilla learnt conservation farming skills to grow drought-resistant crops and started poultry farming to support her family during the current food crisis. 

Watch a short film about Prascilla’s story here.

Assemblies

Our assembly is held on Monday morning at 8:45am in our Shelter Shed. Parents, families and friends are all welcome to join us. Our next two assembled will be: 

Week 9 - St Joseph's Feast Day Liturgy hosted by 3A

Holy Week Liturgies:
We will be holding Holy Week Liturgies in Week 10 this term and Week 1 of term 2. All are welcome to join us.
Week 10:
Monday - Palm Sunday hosted by 3B
Tuesday - Holy Thursday hosted by 4B
Wednesday - Stations of the Cross hosted by 2B
Term 2 Week 1:
Monday - Resurrection hosted by students from Years 5 and 6.

Christian Meditation will take place each Thursday morning at 8:00am in the Library.  Meditation is a form of sacred and silent prayer, known as prayer of the heart.  It is  a lovely way to start the day!  

Sacramental Program 2023
We will be running the Sacramental Program again this year. At this stage the dates are not finalised. As soon as we have more information we will let parents know. 

May God’s blessing be with you, have a wonderful week. 
Peta.

Mary MacKillop Parish News

VINNIES VOLUNTEERS
St Vincent de Paul Society Chapter needs your help to make a difference in people’s lives. If you think you would like to be involved in our local St
Vincent de Paul conference and are willing to commit to an hour a
fortnight, please contact one of our parish Vincentians for more
information. Thank you. Geraldine Feaver: 0448 472 891

St Mary Of The Cross SVDP Conference
St Vincent de Paul Society Chapter needs your help to make a difference in people’s lives. If you think you would like to be involved in our local St Vincent de Paul conference and are willing to commit to an hour a fortnight, please contact one of our parish Vincentians for more information. Thank you. Geraldine Feaver: 0448 472 891

History Photos Wanted
To celebrate the centenary of the parish, we want to find photos of two churches that were part of the parish in former years: 1. St Anthony's in Ireland Street Oonoonba, opened in 1929 and part of Mundingburra parish until 1954; and 2. the Church of the Immaculate Conception (aka St Mary's), in Wotton Street, Aitken- vale, which opened in 1931 and continued to be used until the 1950's. If you have a photo of either church among your treasures, kindly phone Maureen on 04 2749 8696. A photo of either church would be great!

Care and Concern Group
The Parish Council is seeking varied support to enable us to re-establish a Care & Concern Group. We are interested in hearing from parishioners who would become part of such a group with a focus on care for the sick including (i) Parish Welcome—looking out for new attendees &  Acknowledging regular attendees to our church, (ii) a Pastoral Pantry where we would stock 6 or so frozen meals that can be collected or given to families or individuals who need a meal; (iii) visits to parishioners no longer able to attend church services, (iv) ensure the sick and unwell are included in our collective prayer and we keep in touch with them, (v) arranging the distribution of holy communion where required, (vi) welcome to new arrivals including refugees, (vii) other matters to be decided. To register your interest please contact the Parish Office on 47757688.

Children’s Liturgy
Children's liturgy takes place every Sunday mass at 7:30 am (during the school term) Members of our parish take the children out and complete activities related to the weekly gospel. This is a wonderful opportunity for children to engage with and understand the meaning of the gospel. All children are welcome.

Parish Mass Times

Tuesday 7.00am

Friday 7.00am

Saturday 5.00pm

Sunday 7.30am

Enhancing Catholic School Identity Surveys

2023 Enhancing Catholic Identity Surveys - Request for Parents and Caregivers to complete
Dear Parents and Caregivers

St Joseph's Catholic School Mundingburra is one of a number of diocesan schools who are due to complete the next round of Enhancing Catholic School Identity Surveys in 2023. Parents/Caregivers, Staff and Year 5 and 6 students are being asked to complete these surveys. We ask that you make time to participate in this very important survey research, as high participation rates will yield results of greater validity.

The purpose of this survey research is to gain meaningful insights into how your son or daughter’s school views its Catholic identity today and how such identity might be shaped for tomorrow. Everyone’s input is important, and only you will be able to view your individual results, and this can be done once you’ve completed the questionnaires.

Please find attached all the information you will need to complete these surveys. Thank you in anticipation of your engagement in this process. It will be much appreciated.

Once you have completed the survey, please bring in the record of completion which you will receive to the office and go in the draw to win a $100 and $50 Tuckshop Voucher.

Kind regards
Tracy Nuttall

The Joey's Way

Diary Dates

NAPLAN Timetable

Star Students

Information for Parents

School Photos

School photo day is coming!  Our photo day is Monday 8 May, 2023.  Envelopes will be coming home soon.

Swimming Lessons

Final swimming lessons will be on Friday 24th March.

From the Office

Fees are now overdue. (3 March)  As per our enrolment agreement, prompt payment of fees is required.

There are various payment options available.

Our preferred payment method is via Bpay.  Payment details can be found on your statement.  

Parents are reminded to use our enquiries email for correspondance to the office.  Email enquiries@sjmbtsv.catholic.edu.au

Absent notifications can be sent to absent@sjmbtsv.catholic.edu

These email accounts are monitored by multiple office staff and by using them ensures timely replies to your enquiries.

If you have something you would like in the school newsletter (subject to approval) please email newsletter@sjmbtsv.catholic.edu.au  

Is your child absent from school?  Please notify the office via

• emailing absent@sjmbtsv.catholic.edu.au
• calling the office and leaving a message at the absent option
• parent/guardian can note the absence through Compass
  

A text message will go out at 9.30am to any parents whose child is marked absent without an explanation.  Please reply to this text using one of the above methods.  If your child arrives after 8.30am, they must pass through the office for a late pass so that if the role has been marked at the classroom, office staff can make the ammendment for the arrival.  We thank parents for assisting with this. Roles are marked promptly at 8.30am on Mondays due to assembly - students are required to collect a late pass before moving to assembly if they are late.

Enrolments - Prep 2024

We are currently taking sibling enrolments for Prep for 2024.  Enrolment application forms can be found on our website or by visiting our office for a paper copy.  Please return to the office as soon as possible as interviews commence later this term.  APPLICATIONS CLOSE 31ST MARCH.

Guidance Counsellor

In this edition of SchoolTV - HAPPINESS & GRATITUDE

Happiness is a term that captures a huge variety of positive emotions such as humour, serenity, optimism, joy, pride, inspiration, love and hope. Happiness means different things, to different people and is essential to your understanding of emotional literacy. Throughout history, philosophers, religious writers and poets have pondered on the meaning of happiness and how it might be achieved. In the last few decades, scientists and psychologists have researched this further by studying a field of science called positive psychology.

The result of this research suggests there is a strong correlation between gratitude and greater happiness. Practising gratitude helps you shift your focus to positive memories or experiences, noticing the good in your life. Over time, this will re-wire your brain to create new neural pathways, increase your state of happiness and overall well being.

In this edition of SchoolTV, parents and care-givers will learn how to achieve happiness and the benefits of practising gratitude.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to the Happiness & Gratitude edition of SchoolTV
https://sjmbtsv.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/happiness-gratitude

Other Helpful links:

https://healthyfamilies.beyondblue.org.au/ - free advice and ideas on a range of topics from birth to adulthood. Online and phone support is also available.

https://familychildconnect.org.au/ - Family and Child Connect can help with a range of family and parenting challenges. We will talk with you about your situation and work out the type of support you might find helpful.

We can connect you to local services that can help with a range of topics, and you can use this service as often as you need. There is no limit and no cost. Every family is different so when you speak with us you will get advice and support specific to your situation.

https://biglifejournal.com/  - access resources such as journals, posters, podcasts. Sign up for free to receive weekly printable resources and/or join their Facebook page.

A SPECIAL REPORT: Celebrating Harmony Week

Harmony Week is a celebration held annually in March across Australia. It’s aimed at promoting diversity, respect and inclusiveness. This event is an excellent opportunity for parents to teach their children about different cultures, traditions and customs. The goal is to encourage everyone to appreciate and celebrate differences and promote a sense of community and belonging for everyone.

During Harmony Week, there are a number of events and activities held to bring people from different cultures together. These activities include multicultural food festivals, cultural performances, art exhibitions and workshops. Participating in these events helps children to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse communities that make up Australia.

As a parent, you can engage your children in discussions about multiculturalism and encouraging them to ask questions. Promoting a more harmonious and inclusive society, can help children grow up with a greater appreciation for the richness and diversity of Australia's cultural landscape.

This Special Report hopes to instil positive values and create an opportunity to start a conversation with your child about understanding diversity and multiculturalism.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your special report:

https://sjmbtsv.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-celebrating-harmony-week-au  

Kind regards - Julie Kinnane  & Lena Hewitt - Guidance Counsellors

Parent Webinars

Inclusive Education Matters

Inclusive Practice Teachers 

St Joseph’s has two Inclusive Practice Teachers Diane Engert and Therese Lane.  They help support children with disabilities both diagnosed and undiagnosed in and outside of the classroom.  Therese and Di run our IEP meetings and help support families wherever possible.  They run supported play twice weekly in the library and  connect with outside agencies like Autism Queensland and Language Disorders Australia and work closely with classroom teachers to ensure that students have access to curriculum and learning experiences.  They are also a point of call to access the Guidance Counsellors and Catholic Education Office support services.  

 Inclusive Education Committee

We are calling for an expression of interest to join our Inclusive Education Advisory Committee.  We’d love to collaborate with families and friends who have a passion for Inclusive Education.  We aim to meet once per term starting term 2 to discuss how best to support all students in our community.  If you are interested in joining the committee in any capacity please contact Diane Engert and Therese Lane.  Email:   dengert@sjmbtsv.catholic.edu.au or     tlane1@sjmbtsv.catholic.edu.au

Tuckshop

Flexischools offers a convenient way to order school lunches online. Please update your child's class to their 2023 class so that orders go to the correct place and children are not delayed in receiving their order.

Our Tuckshop list is also available on our school website.

Jeannine is our Tuckshop Convenor and is always appreciative of volunteers.  If you can spare even an hour of your time, please contact her on M:  0407 578 105

Volunteers are required to complete our Induction process.  This includes the Online Modules, Supporting Documents and Quiz.  Please follow the link below and follow the instructions.

Japanese

In Japan, girls are celebrated on March 3rd with a festival known as Hinamatsuri. Hina means doll and matsuri means festival. The Year 3 and 5 students learned the meaning behind this festival and folded origami to celebrate the day. The Year 5’s made butterflies (chou) and the Year 3’s made dolls (ningyou). I forgot to get a photo of 3A but all students did a fantastic job folding and decorating their origami.

In our classrooms

Year 1 students have been busy learning about measurement. Students were challenged to make a bridge to help the Gingerbread Man cross a river safely. They had to measure how long their bridge needed to be and were given blocks, cardboard, paper plates and paper to try and create their bridges. They all worked so well together and did some great problem solving and measuring.

Year 6 Leadership Day

Our Year 6 students participated in a Leadership Day at Marian on Monday 6th March. The day was facilitated by Unleashing Personal Potential (UPP) and the incursion/workshop was Aspire Higher. Staff who attended from St Joseph’s Mundingburra were our two Year 6 teachers, Mr Barton and our Guidance Counsellor, Julie Kinnane. Congratulations to our Year 6's who exhibited fantastic behaviour and who participated wholeheartedly throughout the day.

Library News

March has been another exciting month in the library, celebrating Sea Week 2023 and also famous authors, especially our wonderful Dr Seuss. The library held a Dr Seuss Bookmark Competition this year and received plenty of enthusiastic entries.  Students included great quotes from Dr Seuss with imaginative drawings.  Congratulations to all, your ideas were awesome!  (The bookmarks are on display in the Library this week.)  The bookmark winners were Ruby, Summer, Bree, Jax and Lucy. Congratulations!

We also celebrated our own well-known Australian female author - Mem Fox - to go with the International Women’s Day theme on the 8th March. Students were engaged and energized with revisiting and reading new books by Mem and Dr Seuss.  All celebrations cultivate literacy skills, a wonder and lifelong love of books!!

“The more that you read,
The more things you will know.
The more that you learn,
The more places you’ll go.”
Dr Seuss

Happy Reading Everyone!

Orders for issue 2 will need to be in by today, remember to order through
Scholastic LOOP.  A link can be found on our school website under the Parents tab.

e Book Hub
Students are invited to join their friends, every Thursday at lunchtime 1.10pm,
where they learn skills and knowledge about our Sora e book program in our
library.

School Sport Trials

Uniform Shop

P & F News

Community News

TCC Easter School Holiday Guide 
Council is once again putting together their School Holiday Guide - Easter Edition, filled with fun low/no cost activities to keep the kids happily entertained over the Easter break. 

The guide will be a free downloadable digital booklet available on Council's website from Monday 27 March.