Term 3, 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  

It has been competition central at St Joseph’s these past two weeks. In fact, students have been part of a wide variety of competitions throughout the term. Last Tuesday, our St Joseph’s Combined School Choir competed in the Townsville Eisteddfod and were awarded 1st Place for the Unison Section and 2nd Place for the Choral Championship Section. The Guitar Ensemble were likewise successful the next day, achieving second place in the Year 6 and Under Mixed Ensemble Section. We also had students compete in the Blackhawks Football Challenge, where they placed 1st overall in the three tier competition, and a team of four Year 6 students compete in the annual Quest for Knowledge competition. Much gratitude to Miss Di Bella, Mrs McClusky, Mr Feaver, Miss Bella and Mrs Luton, for their part in providing these great opportunities for our students. This week, we have Miss Cantoni taking students to participate in a Robotics Competition at Willows State School, and our classes are presenting their poems at the Eisteddfod. We wish them all the best.

In amongst the various competitions, we celebrated Father’s Day with our Dad’s last Monday morning. The day started with a breakfast which was followed by a special Father’s Day Liturgy where fathers / father figures received a blessing and a small gift. Some of our fathers continued the celebrations at the school Father’s Day Function held last Saturday afternoon. By all accounts, this was a great get together. We also had Pirate Day, welcoming young pirates and their families for a morning of fun and frivolity. Students shared their amazing pirate narratives, crafting and ozobot mapping. Our Sacramental Program students did not miss out, attending a special Sacramental Retreat last Thursday evening. Yesterday, Miss Dani took some of our Earth Warriors to the Eco Warriors Day at St Benedicts and today the Year 1 students returned to past times with their annual HASS Dress Up Day.

Tomorrow is R U Ok? Day, and students are allowed to wear yellow shirts to school. R U Ok? Day is our national day of action dedicated to reminding everyone that every day is the day to ask, ‘Are you OK?’ and support those struggling with life's ups and downs. The theme for R U Ok? Day on 14th September is ‘I’m here to hear’, emphasising the importance of creating space to have meaningful conversations. R U Ok? Day reminds us to find the time in our busy lives to check in with those around us, especially with those who might say they are doing Ok. We are encouraged to follow four simple steps: 

Sometimes we avoid asking people if they are Ok, for the fear of not knowing how to respond or how to help. It’s not always easy to keep the conversation going when someone says they’re not OK, but it could change a life. By simply listening, encouraging action and checking in, they will know that they are supported. 

Before we can look out for others though, we need to look out for ourselves. If we are not in the right headspace or don't think we are the right person to have the conversation, we need to try to think of someone else in their support network who could talk to them. If you are in a position to support someone during this challenging time, I encourage you to reach out. If you yourself need some extra support, please reach out. Together we can support each other and can get through these challenging times (Life Line -13 11 14 / Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800).

Have a wonderful week.

God bless

Tracy

2023 School Renewal

2023 SCHOOL RENEWAL

On Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th September, a different school Service Team to our own visited the school for our Verification process. This process forms part of our School Renewal process which takes place in all Diocesan schools every five years. Kath Tarttelin, Kate Sargent, Mary Mudge and Pelly Morganson are members of the Townsville Catholic Education Orange Service Team, and spent the two days at our school visiting classrooms, and speaking with students, teachers and parents / carers. They were also part of discussions with the school leadership team about school improvement and how the goals of the previous 2020 -2024 Strategic Plan have been enacted. This included a presentation on where we felt our school was at in terms of the 10 Characteristics of an Effective Catholic School and evidence to confirm why we believed this to be the case.

The team from Townsville Catholic Education will now complete a Verification Report which will be provided to the school in due course. This report will detail their visit and include commendations and recommendations. At the end of the two days, the service team provided the leadership team and staff with a summarised version of what will be in the report. They were impressed with all aspects of the school, particularly the feeling of community and belonging which they both experienced and heard about repeatedly from those they spoke to. It is wonderful for our school to receive such affirmation from those outside our community. Thank you to all involved in both facilitating and participating in this process. The process will culminate next year with Validation.

Catholic School Renewal Process

Catholic School Renewal is a process that enables school communities to examine the way in which they work so that they can continue to develop and adapt their practice to better meet the needs of the students and community they serve. In turn, the implementation of changes which emanate from such a process of renewal is formulated by each school community into its School Renewal Strategic Plan and then subsequently, to Annual School Development Plans. Ongoing review must be part of the cycle of growth embedded in any such plan.

Within each five year cycle, the Townsville Catholic Education Office will help the school community verify their progress towards becoming an effective, flourishing school. Verification is part of the School Renewal process, and will examine the school’s implementation of the Diocesan Education Council’s School Renewal Policy. Through the implementation of this policy, a school engages in continuous school improvement. 

Our current Strategic Plan can be accessed by clicking on the link below. The plan is also on our website: School Renewal Strategic Plan 2020 - 2024

Important Information for 2024

APRE News

Blessed to Serve

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

Sacramental Program

Dress Requirements

For Confirmation and Eucharist celebrations children are asked to dress smartly in ‘good church clothes’. It is preferred that the children dress in white. (Eg the girls  wear white dresses and the boys in white shirts with long pants.) 

Here is a list of the key dates coming up to complete the program. Further information will be emailed out to families about these dates. Please note the change of time for Confirmation to 6:00pm.

Next month (October) is Catholic Mission Month, a time where we raise awareness of the work of Catholic Missions. Our Mission Week celebrations will take place throughout the month with a variety of activities including Soctober and Mission Stalls.

All money raised throughout the month will go to the programs run by Catholic Missions Australia to help restore dignity and end poverty.  Next term we will be asking for donations for our Mission Stalls of soft drink, chocolates, tombola jars, coloured hairspray and Pre-loved toys and books can be dropped off anytime before then. Donations of baked goods for the cake stall can be dropped off on the day (with ingredients listed). 

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:  Launch of Catholic Mission (Combined Year 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!  

Dear Lord,

We thank you for the many blessings we have received this term. 

We voice our gratitude for the good things you have done in us, 

and we praise you for all who have shared in the work of our school.

We ask you to bless all our learners, their families and our staff, 

and give them refreshment and peace during these holidays.

Amen

May God’s blessing be with you. 
Peta.

Mary MacKillop Parish News

Parish Scripture Group

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.

Diary Dates

The Joey's Way

Star Students

Uniform Information for Parents

Farewell Miss Cindy

This Friday we say farewell to Miss Cindy after being a part of our Joey's staff for 11years. Cindy has worked closely with students in the classrooms and over the past few years has worked tirelessly as our IEW school officer.

We appreciate and thank you for all that you have contributed to our school and wish you all the best in your future endeavours.  Today we celebrated with a morning tea.

Swimming - Prep, Year 3 and 5

Permission notes have been sent home for swimming lessons for our Prep, Year 3 and 5 students. Could you please complete these notes and return with payment before Wednesday 11th October.  Lessons commence in week 2 of term 4.

From the Office - reminders

Absent from school

Is your child absent from school?  The most efficient way to let us know is via the Compass app. 

Other ways to notify the office are:

• emailing absent@sjmbtsv.catholic.edu.au
• calling the office and leaving a message at the absent option
  

Carpark Reminder

A reminder....... please do not enter the car park via the exit lane when entering from Ross River Road.  There is only on way into the car park and we ask that everyone uses this lane.  We have had instances of cars correctly exiting via the exit lane and almost colliding with another car that is entering via the EXIT lane.  The speed limit in our car park is 5km per hour.

STOP DROP & GO Zone

This area is only to be used for children to be dropped to school and collected in the afternoons.  This is not a car parking area and parents are reminded not to exit their vehicle in this zone for safety reasons.  If you wish to assist your children with their bags etc, please use the allocated car parking spaces.

LOST PROPERTY

A reminder to check the lost property rack outside the tuckshop before the end of term for any items that may belong to your children.

Inclusive Education Matters

Colourblind Awareness Month From Health Direct 

What is colour blindness?

Colour blindness is a condition where you can’t see certain colours in the usual way. Colour blindness does not cause any blindness or lack of vision. People who are colour blind will confuse some colours and they will not see some colours as brightly as people with normal vision.

The condition is usually inherited and is present from birth. However, it can also happen later in life from damage to the brain or eyes.

There are different types of colour blindness as you can see below. 

It is important to let your child’s teacher know if they are colour blind as they will be able to help differentiate work and support their needs in class. 

If you have concerns about your child’s ability to see colour please see your optometrist or family doctor.

World Cerebral Palsy Day - 6th October 

Cerebral Palsy - There are more than 17 million people across the world living with cerebral palsy. Another 350 million people are closely connected to a child or adult with cerebral palsy.

Cerebral palsy is a physical disability that affects movement and posture. Many people with cerebral palsy have other related vision, hearing, communication and mobility needs. Its impact can range from a weakness in one hand, to almost a complete lack of voluntary movement.

It is a complex disability:

• 1 in 4 children with cerebral palsy cannot talk
• 1 in 4 cannot walk
• 1 in 2 have an intellectual disability
• 1 in 4 have epilepsy.

Inclusive Education Committee - Thursday the 14th September at 3.00pm.

Guidance Counsellor

In this edition of SchoolTV - SOCIAL MEDIA & DIGITAL REPUTATION

Social media has become such an integral part of a child’s life. However, many miss out on some critical social skills with most communicating whilst looking at a screen instead of another person! Statistics show that 60 percent of 10-11 year olds are using at least one social media site, with the majority using age-restricted platforms. What kids do, post and say online is permanent and most are not mature enough to manage their own digital footprint. Friendships, relationships and even future job prospects are all put at risk.

Parents need to be aware of what picture their children are painting of themselves online. Unfortunately, many parents do not see the dangers inherent of these sites, as they form opinions based on their own experience. But predators are usually not interested in grooming adults. Over the years there has been a dramatic increase in the number of primary schoolers owning mobile phones, highlighting the importance of teaching kids about the dangers of social media and the implications it can have.

In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will learn how to talk to their children about the inherent dangers of social media and how to educate their kids to be responsible users in the online world we live in.

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 Social Media & Digital Reputation edition of SchoolTV
https://sjmbtsv.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/social-media-and-digital-reputation

Socktober

Bimbi Wadja

As I spend my last week at St Joseph's, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my lovely students and families. I have enjoyed supporting my Indigenous students throughout their day in classrooms and in the playground. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the families of my students through our meet and greet gatherings  this year. Thank you for all your contributions during the year especially during NAIDOC week and with our NAIDOC liturgy.
A big thank you to Beth Hall (Sensei) who has assisted me with the Bimbi Wadja's over the last few years. She has supported me with all my crazy ideas and has created a beautiful relationship with these students. 
Thank you to all the School Officers who have assisted me during Wednesday lunchtime cultural activities. To my Indigenous advisor Kim McCosker, the wealth of knowledge and support you have given me over the last 8 months, it has meant the world to me. Thank you so much for helping me support my students by your teachings and guidance.
Thank you to the Yarning Circle committee, I am immensely proud of the space we have created for our school community to enjoy. 
To my Bimbi Wadja students, work hard and be proud of your culture and who you are. I will miss you all, and will look back on the memories we created fondly. I want you all to believe in yourselves, because you can achieve anything you put your mind to. It's been my pleasure spending time with such a deadly bunch of kids!!
Thank you St Joey's for an amazing 10 years!!
Miss Cindy

Reef Guardians

Containers for change

Do you know which drink containers you can recycle and donate to our Containers for Change scheme ID?
Most aluminium, glass, plastic, steel, poppers and liquid paperboard drink containers between 150ml and 3L are eligible. Check for the 10c mark on the container to see if it’s eligible.
Our school earns 10 cents for every container you recycle by donating our scheme ID C10021941.
Every one of us can lend a helping hand to clean up the planet by recycling right.
Find out more https://www.containersforchange.com.au/qld/

Library News

This week we celebrate the amazing British author, Roald Dahl whose birthday is on the 13th September!  Why do we celebrate these older classic authors? They allow us to engage in history, explore and understand our humankind over time.

A snapshot of the recent research project, ‘Australia Reads Research Review’ showed:

•  Three-year olds who can name a favourite book are better readers at age seven.
•  Children who are exposed to more storybooks show greater inclination to read for pleasure and therefore had       more advanced literacy skills as adolescents.
•  Spotlighting authors here in the library inspires children to read a book, that they may never have considered!

Sora School Holiday Reading

Every student can still keep reading more books over the school holidays, with our access free SORA eBooks and audiobooks from our school network. Digital books are automatically returned on their due dates!

Firstly, access our school Destiny Discover link on our school library student site, then access the eBooks app link SORA!

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’.

Every Thursday in the library with Mrs H, students learn how to access SORA and borrow eBooks…. Come join us next Term!

As well as Sora, younger students can enjoy fabulous books read to them by other authors for free! Why not use this service?  Story Box Library over the school holidays! (see the poster for access)

May we wish you a safe and amazing school holidays and ‘Happy Holiday Reading’ everyone!

Tuckshop - Closed Friday 15 September

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.

Zooper Doopers

P & F News and Events

Our Pre-loved uniform shop is open on the following days for your uniform requirements.  You are welcome to leave any donations at the office.  If you have something in particular you are looking for, please contact one of the lovely ladies and they can arrange to leave your purchase at the office for collection.

COMING SOON!!!

Order forms will be coming home early in term 4 once the art work is online.  Parents can then view and order any items that they would like.

Junior Engineers