Term 4, Week 8 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 conclude the 2023 school year I would like to thank all staff and parents/carers for their contribution to advancing the learning culture at St Joseph’s Mundingburra.  It is with a tinge of sadness we farewell our Year 6, the staff, and families moving on. We send you our best wishes and look forward to hearing from each of you in the future.  

Last night was our annual Prep Nativity Play, and what a resounding success. Our undercover area was filled to capacity, and our Prep students performed brilliantly. Thank you to our amazing staff who worked hard to ensure our Preps were well prepared. A big thank you also to all who attended and supported this very special annual event.

Watching the Prep Nativity Play always brings to the fore the true meaning of Christmas. Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ is more than a Christian holiday or Christian festival. It is more than an occasion to decorate our houses. It is an opportunity to pause and give thanks for the love, hope and joy found in Jesus – our Saviour and friend. As we exchange gifts with loved ones, it is out of remembrance of the gift God gave us in Jesus. The gift that we are loved, are never alone and can have hope for the future. God’s love is for everyone. You are not alone. You are loved, and you can feel hopeful and joyful. That is the true meaning of Christmas.

Pope Francis encourages all of us to continue the custom of preparing the nativity scene in the lead-up to Christmas, not only in the home but also 'in the workplace, in schools, hospitals, prisons and town squares'. 'The Christmas nativity scene speaks to us of the love of God,' writes Pope Francis, 'the God who became a child in order to make us know how close he is to every man, woman and child, regardless of their condition' (n. 10). By encouraging our reflection on the Nativity scene, the Pope is encouraging us to bear witness to the love of Christ in all the ways we care for others, especially the poor and marginalised, and promote justice and peace. 

May the peace and joy of the Christ child be with you and your family this Christmas. May God bless you all. 

Have a wonderful week.

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

Thank you for your generous support of the St Vincent De Paul Christmas Appeal this year, our baskets are overflowing with donations. We will be presenting our baskets to members of the St Vincent De Paul Society this Friday during our Advent 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 9: Advent Liturgy Monday 8:45 am

Week 9: Farewell Year 6 and End of Year Liturgy Friday 11:00 am

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!  Our last meditation will be on Thursday, 23 November. 

Advent

In the coming weeks the Church will begin to prepare for the season of Advent. This is the beginning of the Catholic Church’s liturgical year and is celebrated during the four weeks leading up to Christmas. It is a time where we prepare and wait in excitement for the birth of Jesus Chris

Celebrating Advent as a Family

There are many ways that you can celebrate Advent as a family. The most commonly known way of celebrating Advent is through the use of an Advent calendar. Here are some ideas on how you can enrich the season of Advent with your family:

• Use an Advent calendar to pray and learn how we can focus on the true meaning of Christmas.
• Make an advent chain with a link of the chain and an activity for each day of Advent. See more information here https://goo.gl/Wmvcni
• Create an Advent wreath
• Schedule  times of silence and stillness in this very busy time of the school year.  Advent is a time of preparing where children can identify gifts that they can be for others e.g. kindness, courageous.  Families could create an Advent Tree of Kindness. Read more here https://goo.gl/XBwC4I
• Attend Mass to celebrate the four Sundays of Advent in the lead up to Christmas. Mary MacKillop Parish has Mass on Saturday at 5:00 pm and Sunday at 7:30 am.

End of Term Prayer:

We thank you Lord, for this term. For the challenges, the successes, and the mistakes from which we have learnt. Be with us as we spend our time with family and friends. Give us strength and courage to do what is right: to be witnesses of our faith. Help us to be a practical Christian these holidays, to appreciate what others do for us, to give time and effort to help others. To be peacemakers in our family. Keep us safe in our activities; give us good rest and good fun. Bring us back refreshed and ready for a new term. We thank you for our classmates, teachers, parents and a community that cares for us. May we always be conscious of you in our lives. 

Amen 

Thank you for all of your support throughout the year. I hope you and your families enjoy a Happy and Holy Christmas.  

May God’s blessing be with you.

Peta

Mary MacKillop Parish News

House of Prayer Save the Date

Friday 24th Nov: End of Year Celebration

Sunday 3rd Dec: Dig, Wine and Weed garden working bee

Friday 8th Dec: Christmas sin for fun event

                                                              Contact the House Of Prayer for further information.

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. This coming weekend will be the last Children’s liturgy for this year. Children’s liturgy will recommence on Sunday 28th January 2024.

2024 Staff

2024 Class Placements

Next Wednesday morning 29.11.23 is our Joey’s Class Transition morning. Students will gather in their 2024 class groups and spend time with their new teacher for the following year. Teachers have been working on the class lists for a number of weeks now. The lists reflect the social and academic needs of the children and I know you will acknowledge the planning that has gone into them and respect the teacher’s professional judgement in putting the lists together. 

Each year there are always a small number of children (or parents/carers) who may not be certain that this is the best placement for them. However, this process is one which is taken very seriously and the result of many hours of planning. The staff work very hard to get the right mix of students and the best teacher for each group. I ask that you place trust in the process, understanding that there are a multitude of factors that need to be taken into consideration as class lists are formulated.

Diary Dates

The Joey's Way

Uniform Information for Parents

I have noticed a number of our students wearing the incorrect shoes recently. I have let this go as I realise it is the end of the school year and parents/carers would prefer to purchase new school shoes just prior to the school year commencing. Just a reminder to please purchase the correct shoes before we return. Black only joggers or polishable shoes (NO other colours). The guidelines are clear and are on the school website. The school Uniform Policy has been attached for your reference. Thank you in advance for your adherence to our school uniform requirements.

Tracy 

From the Office - Reminders

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. 

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 are now overdue.

Please make prompt payment so all school fees can be finalised by the end of Term 4. 

Semester Two Reports

Semester two reports will be available on COMPASS on Tuesday, 28 November 2023. 

If you are a family leaving the school you will need to download your child's report before December 31st as you will lose access to your COMPASS portal. 

Inclusive Education Matters

Sensory Friendly Tips for Christmas 

Christmas is an exciting time for everyone and celebrations both large and small are part of the joy of the season.  Below is a flyer with some tips  from the Chattanooga Autism Centre to make celebrations sensory friendly. 

We want to take a moment to send warm wishes to all our wonderful families. May you all have a happy, Holy and safe Christmas and New Year. We can't wait to reunite with all the familiar faces and extend a warm welcome to new ones in 2024. To those who will be moving on to new adventures, we wish you all the success and happiness in your next chapter!

Therese Lane and Diane Engert

Guidance Counsellors

A SPECIAL REPORT: Surviving Christmas

Many people see Christmas as a wonderful time of celebration and an opportunity to spend time with family and friends. However, there are some that view it as a time of stress and hardship. This may be due to a combination of things: financial pressures, relationship issues and, quite often, loneliness, making it a very challenging time.

Often the true meaning of Christmas can be lost due to commercial exploitation, but there are a number of things you can do to create a magical Christmas, without the financial burden. Creating or maintaining traditions can contribute to a sense of comfort and belonging.

Unfortunately for some, there is also an ugly side to Christmas. Support organisations often report an increase in the number of calls from people seeking help due to their inability to cope during this time. If you, or a loved one, is finding that it is all too much, then it is important to reach out to a trusted friend, family member or medical professional.

In this Special Report, parents and caregivers will be presented with a number of ideas on how to achieve a stress-free Christmas and where to seek help should you need it.

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/surviving-christmas-au

A SPECIAL REPORT: Moving to a New School

Moving to a new school is a big deal! Your child is going to meet lots of new people and be thrown into new situations. That’s bound to make them feel lots of different emotions. They may feel worried and anxious, but also excited and happy – all at the same time!

It is considered to be one of the most important transition periods of a student’s life and can present some significant psychological challenges for both students and parents.

Making new friends, learning new routines, discovering new environments, accepting new cultures and adjusting to new learning practices is all part of the process. Some children will sail through this period of change, whilst others may need a bit more guidance. It is important to give your child the chance to feel comfortable in their new space. This may take a few months, but ensure you keep the lines of communication open and check in regularly with your child to see how they are settling in.

In this Special Report, parents and care givers will be presented with a number of strategies that can be deployed to help ensure a smooth transition.

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/moving-new-school

Earth Warriors

Library News

St Joseph’s Library has been a very exciting and busy place during 2023, and we wouldn’t have it any other way!

Our year in review has been awesome, with events such as

author visits by Nat Amoore, an award-winning Australian author; Environmental Specialist Andrew Conway from Landcare and our Nth Qld Wildlife visitor. Also, our Readers Cup (thank you to our Specialist Library Teacher, Mrs. Luton), Book Week Parade, visits to the library by our resident Cowboy, Jason Taumalolo, Simultaneous Storytime in the Library, as well as our ongoing literacy lessons throughout the year, have been extremely successful and enjoyed by students and parents! Our most recent event was the Scholastic Book Fair Shop 2023, where we earned excellent reward points from Scholastic, enabling the library to purchase more fabulous books for 2024.

Students had fun choosing their own books to read! Thank you again parents and students who supported our ‘shop’!

Holiday Reading recommendations!

Yes, Christmas holiday borrowing can still continue using our Sora digital library.

Your child can still borrow during the holidays, just the same as when they borrow from our physical St Joseph’s Library. You can utilize our digital library eBook borrowing APP 24/7, available from our amazing SORA eBook library resource!

Students can access our Sora eBook app through our Destiny

Discover Link on their student intranet, on our school library site or the Sora app.

(Each Thursday students enjoy a fun and informative lunchtime session ‘Sora E Hub’ with other students, learning how to explore Sora resources.  All are welcome! Please note last session for 2023 will be this Thursday.)

When you CLICK the Sora icon, choose the ACEN Member Collection

from the drop-down menu.

Then explore the thousands of eBooks and audio books and read

them from a laptop or tablet.

Students will always have a book to read during the Christmas holidays, using our amazing Sora digital library collection!

Families over the holidays can also enjoy out Story Box Library collection available to our students from St Joseph’s, these include Christmas story collections.

Don’t forget to visit your local Citilibraries and check out their

Christmas activities and read some wonderful books!

Overdue Books

Please remember all student books borrowed from the library must be returned at end of year! Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns regarding students’ books.

Please enjoy a wonderful Christmas and may we take this opportunity to

wish you all a blessed safe Christmas, with family and friends over the festive season!

Merry Christmas from us all and happy reading everyone!

Music

LOTE

Congratulations to these students for achieving wonderful results in the Italian Speaking Competition. The following students have received recognition from the Italian Language Centre.

Year 2: 

Thomas McCulloch  - Highly Commended             

Scout Reasons - Highly Commended

Year 3:   

Ruby Doyle - Highly Commended        

Miller Von Wald - Third Place including a 3rd place medal

Year 4:   

Marguerite Connell - Participation   

Isabella Willis - Second Place including a 2nd place medal

Year 5:   

Grace Norton - Participation               

Edie Parker - Highly Commended

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.

Children's Liturgy

Children's liturgy will be concluding for the year on Sunday 26 November.  All children and their parents are invited to morning tea and games after mass on this day . 

Thank you to all the families who have been attending, we have enjoyed your company and our discussions.  We look forward to seeing you when Children's Liturgy recommences next year on Sunday 28 January.  If you would like to know more about Children's Liturgy or would like to help out (it's easy and fun ) please contact Justine at jlyons3@smmc.catholic.edu.au

Save the Date

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.

Merry Christmas