Term , Week 2 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 officially welcome you back for Term 2 even though we are half way through Week 2 of the term. I trust you and your family enjoyed a lovely break over the Easter period, and your return to school routines did not provide too much of a shock to the system.

Yesterday was Anzac Day, a significant day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand. On this day we commemorate the sacrifices and courage of Australian and New Zealand soldiers who served in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. Last week our school community came together to celebrate Anzac Day with a special Anzac Day Liturgy. In commemorating the courage, endurance and self-sacrifice of these soldiers, we also took the time to remember the gift of Jesus in this season of Easter, who like so many fallen soldiers, knew the hardship of giving his life so that others may live theirs to the full.

Congratulations and thank you to those students who attended the Dawn Service and/or represented St Joseph’s Mundingburra in the ANZAC Day Parade yesterday. Thank you also to the families who made it possible for their children to be involved and to the staff who came along to march and assist with supervision. The students participated respectfully during both of these events, and certainly gave us cause to be extremely proud. 

Anzac Day provides a valuable opportunity for students to reflect on the Anzac Spirit and its significance for their lives and the broader community. During our Anzac Day Liturgy, students who were nominated by their teacher as demonstrating the Anzac Spirit received a special Anzac Day Award. By encompassing the Anzac Spirit in their day to day lives at school, students can display attributes such as endurance, courage, ingenuity, good humour and mateship. By commemorating ANZAC Day and learning about the sacrifices of those who have served their country, students can develop a deep sense of respect and admiration for those who have demonstrated the Anzac Spirit. This, in turn, can help them cultivate these attributes in their own lives and become responsible citizens who are willing to make sacrifices for their community.

Another benefit of embracing the Anzac Spirit at school is the promotion of unity and inclusivity. The Anzac Spirit is not just about soldiers who fought for their country but also about the communities that supported them. By learning about the sacrifices of soldiers and their families, students can develop a sense of solidarity and empathy for those who have gone through challenging times. This, in turn, can help promote a more inclusive and united school community.

God bless

Tracy

APRE News

Blessed to Serve

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

ANZAC Prayer

Thank you to all of our family and friends who were able to attend our ANZAC Day prayer last Thursday. This is a time when we remember all those who died in the First World War and all those who have died in wars and conflicts since then. We remember their courage, endurance and self-sacrifice with grateful hearts and thank all those who gave their lives so that we may live in peace and freedom.  Thank you to Sargent Liam Mercer for taking time to talk to the students about the ANZAC Spirit. Congratulations to all of our award recipients.

Project Compassion 

Could we please have any Project Compassion boxes returned to the office as soon as possible.  Thank you for your continued support with this.

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. We will not be holding an assembly in Week 4 due to school photos being taken that day. Our next two assemblies will be: 

Week 5: Mother’s Day Assembly hosted by 2A

Week 6: Laudato Si hosted by 2B

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. The program will be run throughout Term 3 with the Confirmation and Eucharist being held at the start of Term 2. We will be sending out enrollment forms for the program next term.

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

Mary MacKillop Parish News

PARISH CENTENARY MASS

What a joyous occasion it was for the Mary MacKillop Parish community as we celebrated our 100th anniversary as a parish on Friday 14 April, 2023. Led by Bishop Timothy and con-celebrated by seven priests, we basked in the glory of past achievements, while looking to a bright future for our parish. There were many people who helped to bring this event to life; but special mention should be made of Ross Horner and Maureen Mosch who conducted extensive research over the last few

months to trace the history of our parish, through all its iterations. The Liturgy Committee which organised the service is also to be thanked for the moving way the various prayers and symbols were interweaved. And praise indeed for the catering team which served a scrummy supper following this once-in-a-lifetime event.

Easter House Blessing

Catholics bless their homes because God comes to meet them there. In the official blessings for homes, the Church recalls that Jesus spent much of His ministry sharing a meal with people in their homes. Zacchaeus, the tax collector, Martha & Mary, and the disciples on the way to Emmaus are examples of this. Christ continues to meet His people where they live; as a result “every dwelling is a temple of holiness”. It makes sense then, that Catholics have long blessed their homes and households, asking God to protect them and make them places of peace and holiness. If youwould like your home blessed with Easter Water, please write your name, address and phone number on the sheets available on the table at the entrance of the Church.

PALMS AUSTRALIA MISSION: TRANSFORM LIVES - THEIRS...AND YOURS

Communities in Africa, Asia or the Pacific are seeking Australians from a variety of professions and trades to share their skills and knowledge with those who have few other chances for training. Build enduring global relationships while assisting sustainable, self-reliant, community development. Explore 35 positions by scanning the QR code. Our website includes stories supporting Timor-Leste, Samoa, American Samoa and Thailand. Enquiries to: Ph: 02 9560 5333 / 0422 472/567. Our website: www.palms.org.au

Parish Lunch

Parish lunches are held at the Rising Sun Hotel at 12 pm on the last Friday of each month. Next lunch: 28/04/2023. Bookings can be made with the parish office.

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

Star Students

Information for Parents

National eSmart Week

School Photos

Reminder to return school photo envelopes to the office

School photo day is Monday 8th May.  Envelopes have been sent home.  Sibling envelopes are available from the school office.

From the Office

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  

Term 2 school fees will be issued via email this week. Please check junk/spam folders if you have not received them by Friday.  

Payment in full is required by 19 May.  Please disregard balance if you are on a direct debit.  Timely payment of fees is mandatory, as per Student Enrolment Agreement.

let the office know if you completed the edsi survey

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.

Mulkadee

Guidance Counsellor

In this edition of SchoolTV - BODY IMAGE

Kids today are more obsessed with their body image than those in past generations. This is partially influenced by the media and their social connectivity. Encouraging kids to have a healthy body image in childhood, can lay the foundations for good physical and mental health later in life.

A recent study highlighted that body image is one of the top three concerns for Australian youth. Over half of girls in high schools have tried to lose weight. One-third of teenage boys wanted to be thinner and another third wanted to be larger. Children need to understand that their body shape and size is not a reflection of their health or success. Parents and schools need to work together to help kids understand that everyone is born with their own ‘body-suit’.

In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will learn how to encourage their child to have a positive body image and why it is so important to their mental health.

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 Body Image edition of SchoolTV   https://sjmbtsv.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/body-image

For further information and resources on body image, visit 2023 Australian of the Year Taryn Brumfitt’s Embrace website:    https://theembracehub.com/

Julie and Lena

Inclusive Education Matters

Children aren’t made for sitting still.  Movement breaks give children the ability to attend to tasks for a sustained period, be it homework, watching a movie or shopping.  Brain breaks have been shown to help increase concentration and focus for all children.

Some simple break ideas are:

• Jogging on the spot
• Star jumps
• Touch your toes and stretch to the ceiling
• Press down on a table and hold
• Press your hands together and hold
• Marching on the spot
• Cross march where your left hand touches your right knee then your right hand to left knee
• Making circles with your arms outstretched
• Jump to the right then then left
• Twist to the left and right
  

Some online resources for movement breaks are:

https://classroomzen.com/

https://www.gonoodle.com/

YouTube search Just Dance 

YouTube search Line Riders Doodle Chaos

Regional Disability Expo - Townsville 

• For Information - Please circulate to families as appropriate  
• 19th May 2023 9am - 3pm - Townsville Stadium Annandale 
• An event not to be missed for people with disabilities, family, friends and carers. All things disability in one central location!
• https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/rde-regional-disability-expo-townsville-tickets-513611384477  

Paisley Panda's Day 

A Ryan Catholic College Year 7 student, Luca, has written and published her very own book! Paisley Panda was written by Luca, about her sister Billie who has ASD, ADHD, Anxiety & vision issues.The book launch will be held on Friday 5th of May at the Mary Mackillop Centre (Flyer Attached). If you are interested in purchasing a copy of Luca's book, it is available online via the Shopify link here. 

Positive Partnerships are running two sessions over the next few weeks: The Diversity of Autism and Understanding Sensory Processing - please see attached flyer for full details.  

Inclusive Education Committee

Bimbi Wadja

During our Bimbi Wadja and lunchtime activies we did assorted activities. These included making rainsticks, modelling clay, Indigenous puzzles, Easter colouring pages.
We spoke about the use of the clay and the natural materials we used for our creations eg feathers, rocks, sticks, nuts etc. 

Reef Guardians

Junior Engineers and Technology Club

The Junior Engineers Program for Term 2 commences on Wednesday 26th April at the new time of 3:00 pm - 4:15 pm and runs each Wednesday for 8 weeks. If you are interested in registering your child for the program, please visit the Junior Engineers website or click on the link below. This term students will be participating in a new aqua adventure in Minecraft Education.

The program is suitable for students in Years 2-6:  

https://jnrengineers.com.au/search/?school=988808000016478301&filter=School%20Term

After school Technology Club will start in Week 4 Tuesday 9th May 3:00 - 4:00 pm in our Computer Lab (Yrs 5/6 only). After school Technology Club will run in Term 2 until Week 8 Tuesday 6th June. If your child is interested, they have been asked to complete a Google Form emailed to them from Mrs Cantoni. Permission notes will be sent home soon.

Library News

Welcome back to Term 2 in the library! We have had another busy start to the literacy calendar, with last week being World Book Day on Sunday the 23rd April, 2023, where we all celebrate books and reading.

Library lessons this term continued with Anzac Day history and literature knowledge.

Students were learning about the ANZAC background history and why we commemorate this important national day every year. The traditions of those soldiers who died during the 1915 Australian and New Zealand campaign to Gallipoli, are honoured and remembered.

Children’s literature and book reading on ANZAC can be found on our Story Box Library website: https://storyboxlibrary.com.au 

Upper primary students also looked at the eSafety Commissioner’s online safety messages, with critical thinking, device safety, protecting privacy and where to go for help and support. These lessons assist students to have a safer and positive experience with the use of digital technology.

The library started the first of many visits from the Miniversity Kindy, who absolutely loved being in the ‘Big’ library and borrowing our fantastic books from our collection. Next week the Mary MacKillop Kindy will visit too! 

SCHOLASTIC BOOK CLUB ISSUE 3 has been sent out to students and will need to be finalized by 4th May, 2023 through Scholastic LOOP. 

Key Literature Dates to watch for:

Premier’s Reading Challenge 2023 – Online registration 24 April

National Simultaneous Storytime 2023 – Wednesday, 24 May countdown to 11.00am

Readers Cup 2023 – Tuesday, 13 June

Author ‘Nat Amoore’ special library visit – Wednesday, 14 June  

Tuckshop

Parents are reminded to contact the tuckshop if your child is absent or leaves school due to illnes.  If food hasn't been prepared it can be ordered for a different day.  If food is prepared due to not being notified of absence or if food is prepared and student goes home sick, we are unable to provide food on an alternative day.  Please let the office know if you are collecting a sick child who has tuckshop and if it is prepared, you can collect to take home.  Thank you for your assistance and understanding in this matter.

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.

Under 8s Week - Save the date

Uniform Shop

Our uniform shop is open tomorrow (Thursday) from 8am - 9am.  They have a supply of pre-loved school jumpers to purchase with the cooler months coming.

P & F News

Community News