Term 4, Week 6 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

Last week we held our annual Grandparents’ Day celebrations. And what fantastic celebrations they were. Our numbers seem to get larger each year, and I believe this is a reflection of the value placed on community and connections at St Joseph’s Mundingburra, particularly the connections to our families and wider school community.

Pope Francis recently made a call to honour grandparents. He issued a message about the importance of grandparents and the elderly in today’s society in his Message for 3rd World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly on 23rd July this year.

Friendship with an older person, he said, can help the young "to see life not only in terms of the present and realise that not everything depends on them and their abilities."  For the elderly, on the other hand, he noted, the presence of a young person in their lives "can give them hope that their experience will not be lost and that their dreams can find fulfilment."  

God's loving plan, the Pope expressed, spans past, present and future. "It embraces and connects the generations. It is greater than we are, yet includes each of us and calls us at every moment to keep pressing forward." 

For the young, the Holy Father said, "this means being ready to break free from the fleeting present in which virtual reality can entrap us, preventing us from doing something productive."  For the elderly, he continued, "it means not dwelling on the loss of physical strength and thinking with regret about missed opportunities. "

"Let us all look ahead!" the Pope said, insisting we must "allow ourselves to be shaped by God’s grace, which from generation to generation frees us from inertia and from dwelling on the past!"

I think this message is an important one, and very apt for us living in modern times.

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

Last Thursday we held our annual mission stalls. Thank you for all of the generous donations that were sent in to help with our stalls. Our Year 6 students and teachers did an amazing job organising, setting up and running the stalls. So far all of our fundraising efforts have raised around $2300.00.

This week we will running some mini stalls at lunchtime.

This week we have launched our annual St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. Over the next three weeks, classes will be collecting donations of food items to help brighten Christmas for those in our community who are experiencing hardships. This week students received a note specifying an item to contribute. If you would like to purchase additional gifts (toys or toiletries) these can be dropped into the office.

We appreciate your support and generosity!

Assemblies:

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 7: 2B Remembrance Day Liturgy (No student awards this week)

Week 8: 4B Thank you Liturgy (No student awards this week)

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

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 moreinformation 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 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.

Diary Dates

The Joey's Way

Star Students

Uniform Information for Parents

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). 

Updating Details 

As the end of the school year approaches please ensure all your personal details and emergency contacts are up to date for 2024. Please phone or email the office at enquiries@sjmbtsv.catholic.edu.au to update your details. 

2024 Teaching Staff

Inclusive Education Matters

Transitions 

As we approach the end of the year we look towards 2024 with excitement but also some nervousness.  All children will have a class transition to their new classroom and teacher in week 9.  However, if you feel your child may benefit from some extra transition visits and/or some extra relationship building with their new teacher please feel free to contact us so this can be arranged.

Guidance Counsellors

A SPECIAL REPORT: Discussing War & Conflict

Children are frequently exposed to distressing news through the 24-hour news cycle and social media. These experiences can provoke anxiety, especially in young minds still forming their worldviews. Parents and caregivers should be mindful of overexposure to such content as it can lead to symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress disorder. Children’s responses to trauma can vary, from being strong emotional reactions to being indifferent. It can leave an emotional imprint that can affect a child's behaviour and perception of danger.

Children need reassurance about their safety as they navigate uncertain times. Tailor conversations to your child's age and emotional maturity. Younger children benefit from simplified explanations focusing on peace, empathy, and cooperation, whilst older children can delve into historical events, root causes of conflict, and the complexities of international relations.

Before discussing these topics with your child, it is also important to assess your own emotions and comfort level. By staying calm and providing physical comfort will help your child regulate their own emotions. In challenging times, compassionate adults play a crucial role in helping children cope with anxiety and providing hope and understanding in our complex world.

This Special Report provides guidance on how to tackle this difficult topic and helping children understand there is still hope in our complex world.

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-discussing-war-conflict

Julie & Lena 

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

October and November have been an exciting time in the Library.

 Mrs Luton, has been focusing our lower primary students during literacy proficiency sessions in reading; with concepts such as, book cover, title, author; as well as linking prior knowledge and predicting what may happen in the story she is reading to them.  Students are encouraged to focus on sounds, rhyme or alliterative features of each weeks Storytime. 

Also, this week in the library, we remember the soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today and discussed “Remembrance Day”, as well as explaining the beginnings of the legacy of the ‘poppy’ icon.     

Book Fair 2023! 

Thank you so very much parents and students!  You have made our 2023 Book Fair a wonderful success!

This year again the library hosted the ‘Scholastic Book Fair Shop’.  This exciting and memorable event each year, excites the school community and increases student awareness, by giving them their choice in choosing their own books. Book Fairs ignite children’s interest and discovery of literacy.  The Book Fair encourages children to investigate different genres and have access to a wide variety of literature available.

Our Book Fair is a wonderful opportunity for our school to earn valuable commission for every book purchased from the Book Fair.  With the excellent sales this year, we benefit from this commission, which ensures a variety of books and resources for our school library in 2024! Congratulations also to our Daily Book Fair Prize Winners this year!

We love to expand children’s developing minds, who will love reading, now and into the future!

Also, any additional Book Fair orders will be sent out to students as soon as they arrive.

OVERDUE BOOKS

Week 7 will be the last borrowing from the Library by students.  (Please ensure any overdue books are returned as soon as possible or contact the library if you have any concerns regarding students’ overdues).  During Week 8, all books will need to be returned to the library, so the library collection can be appraised ready for 2024.  Sora our digital library will still be available 24/7.

SORA eBOOK HUB 

Our Thursday lunchtime Sora eBook sessions with Mrs H. are still continuing, so come and join other students with reading fun!

Remembrance Day 

Happy Reading and ‘Lest We Forget’ remembrance this week end.

LOTE

All of these students are super Star Students who have really put their best foot foward to learn the Italian poems for the Italian Speaking Competition. They turned up each week and they were very dedicated to learning the poems. I am extremely proud of all of them. I hope to see you all again next year when the Speaking competition is on again. Excell work everyone! Bravissimi! 

Year 2A - Thomas, Mia Scout, Eloise 

Year 2B - Alexi 

Year 3A - Ruby, Miller 

Year 3B - Olivia 

Year 4A - Nate, Maeve, Pia 

Year 4B - Lucy, Maggie, Bella 

Year 5A - Grace 

Year 5B - Daniela, Edie 

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.

Remembrance Day

Save the Date

P & F News and Events

 Unwrap the Fun at St Joseph’s Christmas Breakup! 

Jingle those bells and dust off your festive gear, because St Joseph’s Christmas Breakup is nearly here! 

This isn't your regular carol night; it's a bundle of joy and surprises, ensuring your spirits will be light! Santa himself will grace us with his jolly presence, while a balloon artist shapes wonders and face painters add to the essence. 

And let’s not forget the tempting raffle prizes that await - could luck be in your festive fate?Order a scrumptious burger or a sizzling sausage, via TryBooking, along with your drinks purchase. 

Remember: No boozy buys on the night, but worry not, for your own food and drinks are alright! Just ensure there’s no glass in sight, keeping our festive night safe and upright.

Buckle up for a Christmas breakup like never before, packed with fun, laughter, and maybe a dance floor?! 

The P&F Annual Christmas raffle is here!  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. 

At our P & F end of year dinner, we sadly farewelled these lovely ladies. We also thanked them for the significant contribution they have made to St Joey's Mundingburra during their time at the school. While their absence will be keenly felt in the coming years, they have been forward thinking and have worked hard to ensure there is a succession plan in place for their departure. Wishing you all the best, we will miss you all!

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