Term , Week 10 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

As we reach the end of Term 2, I would like to express my appreciation for the dedication and commitment shown by our students, teachers, staff, and parents/carers throughout what has been an action packed term. In amongst a multitude of activities including Masses, Liturgies, competitions, camps, sporting and cultural events, showcases, P & F/school fundraisers/events, learning and teaching, assessing and reporting, we have embraced the values of faith, compassion, and service, and have endeavoured to create a nurturing and enriching environment for our students.

While the majority of students, staff and parents/carers are absent from the school grounds during the two week holiday break (we still have students attending OSHC), the school will continue to be a hive of activity with a number of projects/works happening. The roof of the shed is being cleaned and the area where students wait to be picked up each day is being painted. Trees throughout the school grounds will be trimmed and tree branches cut. Work will also commence on our new Yarning Circle,  which will be situated behind the Yrs 2 - 6 playground where the rocks are at the moment. 

For families who are able to enjoy the break together, it offers a valuable opportunity for rest, reflection, and rejuvenation. It is a time to reconnect with loved ones, and find joy in the simple pleasures of life. Take the time to cherish the moments of togetherness, engage in acts of kindness, and extend a helping hand to those in need. Finally, embrace the spirit of gratitude during this holiday time by counting your blessings and being thankful for all that is good and positive in your life. 

Have a wonderful break and I will see you all in Term 3.

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

Year Level Masses 

Last Wednesday we held our Year Level Mass for students in Years Prep, 3 and 5. Thank you to parents and family who were able to join us. 

Next Terms Masses are planned for the following dates: 

Years 6,4,2 & 1: Week 2 Friday 21st July 8:45am

Years 5,3 & Prep: Week 3 Friday 28th July 8:45am

Naidoc Week 

In week 1 of Term 3 we are celebrating Naidoc Week. The theme this year is ‘For Our Elders’ Naidoc Week is a time to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. You can support and get to know your local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities through activities and events held across the country. 

Please join us for our Liturgy.

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 assembly will be: 

Week 1: No Assembly 

Week 2: 5B Sustainability

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

If your children are in Years 3-6 and would like to participate, notes can be collected from the school office. All notes must be returned to the school office by Friday 23rd June.

May God’s blessing be with you.
Peta.

Mary MacKillop Parish News

Bishop’s Annual Diocesan Appeal

The appeal for Diocesan Ministries will be held in Parishes over the next two weekends. The need for the Bishop’s Appeal is greater than ever to financially empower the Church to serve all the people of God, regardless of belief. Among those ministries to benefit from your generous gifts are: Outreach to youth and young adults including YCS in schools; Promotion of Social Justice and Cultural Diversity in our Community; Parish mission renewal and formation; Liturgical training; Men and Women who are called to a vocation to the priesthood or consecrated life; Catholic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ministry; and vital Chaplaincy services. You can contribute via (i) giving at the weekend Mass, Or (ii) by visiting this link: https://bit.ly/23bishopsappeal. + Bishop Tim.

Accommodation Needed

A new parishioner, Ibekwe Franklin from Nigeria, is studying for an MBA at JCU. He asks if any parishioner might be open to renting him a room at a reasonable rate and where he can park his car. If interested in offering such a room, please contact Ibekwe on 0413197505.

Mary MacKillop Centenary Celebrations

(i) Saturday 8th July: a Champagne Garden High Tea Party at 2pm. This event will be held at the back of the church and will raise funds to assist with Centenary costs.

(ii) Sunday 6th August: St Mary MacKillop Feast Day celebration. 8.30am Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Timothy Harris, followed by the Mary MacKillop Fair in the school grounds and it is there that the Centenary Book will be officially launched. What a wonderful year ahead!

Parish Lunch

Parish lunches are held at the Rising Sun Hotel at 12 pm on the last Friday of each month. Next lunch: 30/06/2023

Bookings can be made with the parish office.

Parish Scripture Group

Every Tuesday morning, a group of parishioners meet in the Parish Office to study and discuss the scripture for the following weekend’s mass. This is a wonderful way to enrich their understanding of the message of Jesus and the implications for daily living in a worshipping community. You are most welcome to join this band of dedicated people who experience much enjoyment amid the solemnity of their study. Meetings commence on Tuesdays at 10.00 am. You will be most welcome.  

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

Diary Dates

The Joey's Way

Star Students

Information for Parents

Winter uniform

With the cooler days here, parents are reminded of our school uniform policy for jumpers.

As per our school website:

• Winter
  Bottle green cardigan, sloppy joe or windcheater

A zip up cardigan can be purchased from the School Locker at Domain Central or alternatively a PLAIN BOTTLE GREEN CARDIGAN, SLOPPY JOE OR WINDCHEATER CAN ALSO BE WORN.  PLEASE REMEMBER THERE ARE TO BE NO OTHER COLOURS OR LOGOS ON THEM.

Second hand uniforms are also available at our Pre-Loved Uniform shop.  Please contact the ladies

If your child is coming in tights under their uniform, please ensure that these are also PLAIN BOTTLE GREEN and to send socks to change into once the day warms up.

From the Office

Hand washing for hygiene

Germs are everywhere. We collect them, inhale them and share them, all day and every day.

The flu, E. coli, and measles are just some of the numerous debilitating diseases that are caused by germs that are spread through contact with surfaces and people—and it's our hands that can help spread these germs to ourselves and others. Poor hand hygiene contributes to the spread of germs, which can cause many health issues including gastrointestinal and respiratory infections.

A regular 20 second hand washing routine using soap and water could help make us all healthier.

IMPORTANT - ILLNESSES - Please keep your child at home

Please keep your child at home if they are sick.  This includes increase in temperature, coughing and sneezing frequently or upset tummies.  Our office staff have been inundated with children presenting with these symptoms resulting in them being sent home.  If your child is sick, the best place for them is at home. 

Please be vigilant to break the cycle.  Thank you.

The following link also has some helpful information.

https://www.health.qld.gov.au/public-health/schools/prevention

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
  
• Students arriving after 8.30am must come through the office for a late pass.

Guidance Counsellor

A SPECIAL REPORT: Mobile Phone Separation Anxiety

The use of mobile phones and technology in schools has been a highly debated topic internationally, including in Australia. Almost all states and territories in Australia, have implemented full bans on mobile phones during class, recess, and lunch times, while allowing students to carry their phones during travel to and from school.

Critics argue that there is no evidence supporting the effectiveness of such bans, but this is a mischaracterisation. Studies have shown the positive impacts of mobile phone bans in schools. One study conducted in 2016, found that banning mobile phones led to an increase in student performance, with test scores improving by 6.4% of a standard deviation. Similar studies from Spain and Norway also supported these findings.

For parents concerned about mobile phone separation anxiety in their children, it is important to acknowledge it as a real issue and discuss the negative effects of phone addiction, such as sleep problems and mental health issues. Gradually introducing phone-free periods at home, setting clear expectations and boundaries and modelling healthy behaviours can help your child cope. It is also crucial to establish a support network and seek professional help if needed. Implementing mobile phone bans in schools allows for better focus on teaching and learning, minimising distractions and interruptions.

This Special Report will help address mobile phone separation anxiety and provide guidance on supporting your child’s wellbeing during this transition period.

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-mobile-phone-separation-anxiety

How effective is your Praise?

For every milestone and accomplishment–we’re there to shower our children with praise.

We praise them to encourage self-esteem and motivation (and because we really think everything they do is wonderful!).

But all this often automatic praise can actually have the opposite effect:

Praise that’s ineffective or unhelpful can ultimately lower children’s motivation and self-esteem. 

It can also put pressure on children that makes them shy away from challenges.

On the other hand, effective praise can nurture our child’s intrinsic motivation. It can encourage confidence, resilience, and self-direction.

So, here’s what we mean by effective praise: 

It’s specific “I see you followed the instructions and now it’s ready!” instead of “Good job!”

Specific praise highlights exactly what your child did well, giving them feedback they can use in their next activity.

It focuses on actions, rather than ability “You stuck with it until you figured out how to solve the problem!” instead of “You’re so smart!”

Action-based praise doesn’t put pressure on your child, but encourages them to try new things and be more accepting of mistakes.

It focuses on your child’s goals, rather than YOUR goals “Thank you for picking up your toys. Now you have lots of space for fun activities!” instead of “Good job cleaning your room!”

And praise that focuses on your child’s goals motivates them to repeat the desired behavior.

This week’s guide “Avoid Automatic Praise” includes more examples of the praise that’s helpful, effective, and intrinsically motivating.

Inclusive Education Matters

Challenge Games 

St Joseph’s are excited for this year’s Challenge Games event.  We will be attending on Wednesday the 26th of July.  Please see attached flyer.  If your child meets criteria and would like to attend please let us know. 

Read and Write Google Chrome Extension 

All student’s at St Joseph’s have access to the Read and Write Google Chrome extension which offers a variety of ways to assist students with reading and writing.  It offers read aloud options, predictor text for typing, visual dictionaries, reading tracking and blocking tools, speech to text and many more tools.  All children have access to this both at school and home.  Please click this link for more information on Read and Write and see here for how to install it on your computer or device.  Children will need to log in using their school email address and password.  

Bimbi Wadja

During lunchtime activities we have been creating a NAIDOC poster to present at the NAIDOC Mass on Thursday the 22nd June. This will be on display at St Teresa's church in Garbutt during the Mass.Three of our Bimbi Wadja students  will be attending this Mass and also two Bimbi Wadja students involved in the choir. 
NAIDOC day is celebrated on July 2nd- July 9th, the theme this year is "For our Elders".  At St Joseph's Mundingburra we will be having our NAIDOC liturgy on the first day back at school, Monday the 10th of July. We will be celebrating NAIDOC by having First Nation's activities each lunchtime from  Monday the 10th of July until Friday the 14th July. We look forward to celebrating with all the students.

Reef Guardians

Term 2 Showcases

Please see the attached information below for information from Miss DiBella regarding costumes etc.  This has also been sent on Compass.

Library News

June has been an exciting month for St Joseph’s Library! 

Mrs Luton and our amazing Readers Cup Team competed last Tuesday, 13 June at Southern Cross Catholic College, competing against other school teams in the Townsville region. The students answered various questions regarding their chosen books, challenging their knowledge of the Readers Cup book list!    It was a fantastic night for all, with our exuberant Team enjoying the challenge and participating in the contest with other school competitors. Congratulations to the St Joseph’s Team!

Last Wednesday, St Joseph’s Library hosted bestselling, award winning author and podcaster, Nat Amoore. Nat Amoore is a Sydney-based writer who is passionate about encouraging kids to read and write. Her first novel ‘Secrets of A Schoolyard Millionaire’ was published in 2019 and she became Australia’s No. 1, best-selling debut Aussie children’s fiction writer in 2019. Subsequently, she has published four more successful books, which children love to read.  Her books are now sold as far as the United Kingdom, USA and Europe.  Nat Amoore’s school visit was a one-hour session with students from Grades 4 & 5. Students were given the opportunity to talk to this talented author.  Nat’s session with the students was a blend of entertainment, writing tips and exploring the imagination without boundaries!  As you can guess, her books this week are very popular and in demand. A successful event for the student of St Joseph’s to actually meet a real award-winning author!

Holiday Reading......

Our Sora eBook App is open 24/7 over the school holidays, so students can continue to borrow eBooks or audio books at any time!

How to access Sora App: 

Firstly, access our school Destiny Discover link on our school library site,

then checkout the eBooks app link Sora Overdrive.

Open the Sora icon and choose the ACEN Member Collection, then use

your school user name and password to log in OR use the ‘How to log into Sora App’!!

Our Story Box Library collection is available as well!!

SCHOLASTIC BOOK CLUB ORDERS ISSUE 4 – Have been distributed this week!

SAVE THE DATE - Term 3 - Book Week approaching!!

Enjoy this wonderful time to read and relax with family and friends. Happy

Reading and Happy Holidays!!

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.

Zarate Family News

A special message from the Zarate family expressing their gratitude...

Thank you to all of our families for your ongoing support for the Zarate family.  If there are any families in a position where they would like to donate prizes for a fundraising raffe, please contact the office.

Junior Engineers Winter School Holiday Program

Attention all space explorers!Blast off into outer space this Winter School Holidays with Junior Engineers’ new out-of-this-world Coding & Robotics Camps for Kids 5 to 13 years old!Book now to secure your place and learn their new space themed curriculum!https://jnrengineers.com.au/school-holidays/#Codingisfun

Uniform Shop

P & F News

Community News