Term 4, Week 4 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 will be ‘Hats off to Teachers’ this Friday, 27th October, for World Teacher’s Day. Celebrated annually on the last Friday in October, World Teachers' Day is an opportunity to celebrate and thank Queensland teachers for their important role in our communities and for the positive impact they have on the lives of students. There is no doubt that being an educator is a demanding job and while it can come with frustrations, the rewards are huge – witnessing a student unlock the joy of reading, supporting a student as they overcome their barriers to learning or simply observing their developing maturity as both learners and contributors to their community.

This year's theme, ‘Teaching – where the future begins’ applauds the innovative and inspirational practices teachers use to help create better futures for their students. We all recall our school days and the impacts that teachers have made on our lives. Aiming to provide guidance, inspiration, and support for students' futures is the aspiration of many teachers through education. Beyond teaching the curriculum, teachers are role models, guides, and champions in helping students achieve their best.

I am extremely proud of and grateful for the staff we have at St Joseph’s Mundingburra. With their particular strengths and capabilities, they not only provide a safe and nurturing classroom environment where students are known, but also an orderly learning space so students can learn and reach potential. On many occasions I have been witness to the opportunities our staff provide to students both inside the classroom and out. Our students do not miss out when it comes to participation in a wide variety of both curricular and extracurricular activities. Please join me in celebrating our St Joseph’s staff this Friday. Pope Francis puts it particularly well:

"Let us thank all those who teach in Catholic Schools. Educating is an act of love; it is like giving life." Pope Francis 

As has become tradition, Townsville Catholic Education will be providing cheesecakes for staff to enjoy during the morning tea break. As well, our wonderful P & F have organised morning coffee for our staff and a Subway lunch. We are very lucky to have such an active and involved P & F and school community.

Have a wonderful week.

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

Tomorrow, Thursday 26th October we will hold our annual Mission Stalls which are organised and run by our Year 6 students and teachers to raise funds to support the important work of Catholic Missions.  Thank you to all of our families for your generous donations.

As part of our stalls we will have a cake stall. All donations of cakes, slices etc can be dropped into the school office on Thursday morning. 

Socktober

This week we will also start holding our Socktober Shootouts at lunch times. Thank you to Mrs Plant for organising and helping classes to make their Socktober balls.

All Saints and all Souls Day

Wednesday 1st November is  All Saints Day

On this day we remember all of those who have died and gone to heaven. We will be holding a Whole School Mediation at 8:40am all are welcome to join us. 

Thursday  2nd November is All souls day

On this day we remember all those who are part of the Church - those who have died and are with God, and those of us still here on earth. We ask for God’s comfort and peace in times of sadness and loss.

As a family, you could light a candle and say a prayer, for your loved ones who have died, either at home, at Church or online. Visit goo.gl/qyQDqK to light a candle and write a prayer intention online.

Gracious and loving God, you love us and care for us more than we can ever know. Give us peace when our hearts are heavy, and help us to rejoice in the knowledge that our loved ones are with you forever. Amen

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 5: Grandparents Assembly - 5A

Week 6: St Vincent De Paul Christmas Appeal Launch - 5B

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!  

May God’s blessing be with you. Peta

Mary MacKillop Parish News

Melbourne Cup Luncheon

Holy Family Parish will again be running their Melbourne Cup Luncheon on Cup day, 7th November at 12.00 noon in the Holy Family Parish Hall. This was a successful day last year and people are already enquiring if we are having one this year.) Sweeps, Race trivia, Best fascinator/decorated hat for the ladies and Best dressed for the men. More details will follow. This is a "Bring a Plate" function.

Art of Contemplative Practice 1 - 2024

The House of Prayer invites you to join us for a series of three, two-day workshops that explore the foundational principles of contemplation and their relevance to life, work and spiritual practice. The sessions will be run 16th-17th March, 13th-14th April, 18th-19th May 2024. To express your interest or for more information, please contact Brianne Falconieri at House of Prayer on 4728 9861 or more information can be found on the House of Prayer website under Formation Programs.

Support Mass on television

Many people who are isolated, in prison, in hospital or don’t have the internet rely on Mass for You at Home. The Catholic Mass is broadcast free-to-air each Sunday morning on Channel 10 and WIN at 6am. Can you support the project, through prayers or financial support? Find out more at www.massforyou.com.au

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

Townsville Catholic Education News

Townsville Catholic Education is delighted to announce the opening of our first Co-Educational Secondary College; Mary Help of Christians Catholic College. Located in Shaw, next to St Benedict's Catholic School, the new college will cater to the growing demand for Catholic secondary education in the region. In 2025, the new college will open its door to incoming Year 7 students.  Expressions of interest are open, click below for more information:

The Joey's Way

Star Students

Uniform Information for Parents

Catholic Mission Month

This month is Catholic Mission Month.  

Donations are required for Mission Day Stalls which will be held on Thursday 26th October - please bring in your donations to your child's classroom at your earliest convenience.

Water Bomb the Teachers

It was a perfect afternoon for Joey's to come together for Water Bomb the Teachers. Together we raised $462.50 for Catholic Mission! Well done! 

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 regularly check the lost property rack outside the tuckshop for any items that may belong to your children.

ARE YOU RETURNING?

To enable the school to commence preparation for 2024, please advise by return email if your child/children WILL NOT be returning to St Joseph's in 2024 (with the exception of year 6).

Please phone the office on  4779 1651  or email  enrolments@sjmbtsv.catholic.edu.au

SCHOOL FEES

Term 4 school fees have been issued. 

Payment is due 17 November. 

Please contact the office if you have not received your fees (sometimes they can go to junk/spam). 

Inclusive Education Matters

October is ADHD Awareness month.

This October we celebrate ADHDers and their amazing brains!  We shine the light on some common misconceptions about ADHD.   If you have any questions about ADHD please feel free to contact your child’s classroom teacher or Therese Lane and Diane Engert. 

Guidance Counsellors

In this edition of SchoolTV - RAISING BOYS

Many parents will attest to the fact that most boys are active, loud, rambunctious and prone to rough play, but this should not affect how a parent acts towards their son. Be careful not to pigeon-hole your son into sex-specific behaviours or gender roles. The male brain is distinctly different in its development. A boy’s physical maturity is often at odds with his mental and brain development.

Societal beliefs about how to raise boys can sometimes influence their adult carers. Although we are not determined by our biology, it is a factor. It is important to support boys in their natural tendencies and nurture their strengths and abilities. Teach them the skills they need for their future and to develop a healthy identity. It is important for boys to have a role model they can connect with and acknowledge who they are. One of the most important determinants for a boy’s development is how secure they feel growing up.

In this edition of SchoolTV, adult carers will gain a better understanding into some of the more complex issues relating to raising boys.

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 Raising Boys edition of SchoolTV
https://sjmbtsv.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/raising-boys

Julie & Lena 

School Sport

Earth Warriors

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

BOOK FAIR 2023 NEWS!

Flyers are going out to classes this week, promoting our Book Fair this year, which will be held next week from Monday 30 October to Thursday 02 November 2023. Parents and students will be able to purchase products from the Scholastic Book Shop daily during times below:

Morning Session – 8.00am to 8.30am

Afternoon Session – 2.45pm to 3.30pm

Book Fairs are a fantastic opportunity for children to go to a Book Shop in the library devoted to great reads and reading fun! Every Scholastic Book Fair is packed with a multitude of genres, including fantasy, classics, reference, award-winners, humour, nonfiction, and mystery. Great selections of reading, encompasses books suitable for both girls and boys within each age group. Students are given the opportunity to view their books and make their own choices. Book Fairs are just another way to capture children’s imaginations and excite them about reading. See you next week at the Book Fair at St Joseph’s Library!!

Overdue books

Don’t forget to return any Term 3 overdue books to the library as soon as possible.

EBook Hub has recommenced on Thursday lunch times in the library.

Come enjoy the benefits and the fun of our Sora digital library!

Book Club 

Book Club Issue 7 – books ordered through the Book Club should be arriving in the next week!

Happy Reading! 

Music

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.

World Teachers' Day

Friday we celebrate World Teachers' Day. This day is an opportunity for us to thank all of our wonderful teachers and school officers for the amazing work they do educating, inspiring and supporting the students in our school. 

Good Morning Coffee Trader will be selling coffee until 9am next to the tuckshop. Please remember hot beverage are not allowed on the school grounds due to WHS. 

Day For Daniel

Save the Date

P & F News and Events

The P&F Annual Christmas raffle is almost here!  Tickets will be going home on Monday 30th October so keep a look out!  This years raffle theme is Australian Christmas.  A $2 ticket gives you a chance to be in the draw for 9 daily prizes worth $100 with the Major prize drawn at the annual Christmas breakup on the 26th November by Santa himself!  First daily draw will be 14th November.   You can keep bringing those tickets in even once the daily draws have started.  Extra raffle tickets will be available at the office. 

More information regarding our Christmas Break Up can be found on facebook.

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.

Zooper Doopers

Student Travel Rebates

Community Notices