Term 4 Week 3 Newsletter
From the Principal
Dear Parents/Caregivers
As we move into Week 3 of Term 4, the sign that summer is on its way is being felt by us all. It never ceases to amaze me how seemingly unfazed children are to heat when it comes to play time. In all the schools I have been a part of, I have watched children enthusiastically engaging in sport and games of tag out in the sun at all times of the year. As we enter the hotter months, the risk of heat exhaustion and possibly heat stroke increase, with children often not recognising the effects of the heat which can get them into trouble with heat illness. We all have a role to play in ensuring this risk is mitigated. Please ensure your child has their hat each day and is bringing a full water bottle to school. Older children are capable of organising these items themselves, however all children can be reminded of the importance of keeping hydrated and what the signs of heat exhaustion are. These include cool, clammy skin despite the heat, goosebumps, headache, increased thirst, dizziness and fainting, irritability, muscle cramps and nausea/vomiting. Teachers will be reminding students to wear their hat, increase their fluid intake and encouraging students to refill their water bottles.
Last Tuesday evening was our School Board Meeting. Members met a little earlier to enable an audit of the school and grounds to be completed during daylight. The objective was to take a walk around the grounds as a group and discuss how the school might look in 10 years in terms of infrastructure and facilities. Items to be considered included:
- What are 3 key objectives we would like to see improved or achieved in the next 10 years
- What will need improvement / replacement / upgrade in the next 10 years
- What are key ‘sticking points’ with the current layout, people and traffic flow
- Are there any spaces we would like to add
- Are the current spaces in the right place and set up appropriately
Members were given permission to be open minded and not let current constraints limit ideas. It was a worthwhile exercise, with the group looking at the entire area owned by the Parish. At our next meeting, the Board will review the suggestions and ideas raised and discuss further what can be done to better facilitate school activities while ensuring the needs of current users are still met. These preliminary discussions will inform a school Master Plan, along with contributions which will be sought from all school stakeholders. I would like to thank Mark Norton for attending last week’s board activity. Mark is a building designer and also works with universities on space management, planning and utilisation. His contribution and input was valuable during this exercise.
Have a wonderful week.
God Bless
Tracy
APRE News
Mission Week
Welcome to Week 3, Term 4.
Mission Week is being celebrated at St. Joseph’s throughout this week.
What a wonderful start on Monday morning with 6A leading the school in their Mission Week Liturgy. Thank you 6A for your thoughtful prayers and insights as to how the money raised for the missions will be used.
“In an age where the focus seems increasingly to be on the final outcome rather than the journey, Mission month is a reminder of what really matters in life”
It was lovely to see 6A leading the whole school in the closing hymn.. “These Hands” Thank you, the whole school joined in with the singing and actions...a wonderful start to the week.
We were especially fortunate with our special guests from Catholic Missions being present at the liturgy. Thank you to Helen and Tom Tarttelin for joining us on Monday morning. Tom reminded us of the importance of “love and giving with love” A timely message for us all especially with Friday’s Mission Stalls.
Mission Stall this Friday 22nd October….
Be Ready…….
The school has been a hive of activity with jam jars being filled, items collected, stalls being organised, rosters for students and it will all happen in the Covered Area this Friday morning 22nd October.
The children have been counting their coins ready for the big spending spree. Thank you to Mrs. Luton and Mrs Hutchison for all the organising. It is going to be a great day.
Grandparents Day
This coming Monday 25th October we will have a special Assembly to recognise all our wonderful grandparents. Grandparents are invited to attend our Monday morning assembly at 8.40am followed by a brief visit to a classroom and then finishing with morning tea in the covered area. We look forward to seeing many grandparents.
“Nobody can do for little children what grandparents do. Grandparents sort of sprinkle stardust over the lives of little children.” — Alex Haley
Mass: Sunday 31st October 2021
Sunday 31st Mass at 7.30am for our Sacramental children. Please put the date in your calendar. It will be a wonderful opportunity to affirm the celebrations of First Eucharist and Confirmation. The Mass will be followed by the cutting of a cake and the children will receive their confirmation certificates.
Our Joey’s Way for this week is “Play Fairly”
It is very pleasing to wander around the school and see so many of the children doing exactly that... Playing Fairly. Conflicts are inevitable in the playground. Children have different ideas, different solutions and different ways to approach problems. Because of this, it’s important that they learn how to resolve differences peacefully (without giving in) and how to get along well with others. Remember our Joey’s Way for this week.. "Playing Fairly" and the school will be a happy place.
Bravehearts
On Tuesday afternoon the Preps to Year 3 had a visit from Bravehearts. The children were entertained by Ditto, who led them in song and gave the children some strategies to say NO. Bravehearts is Australia’s leading child protection organisation with the mission of enabling children to say NO and to be aware of their right to feel safe with people. All the children received an Activity Book which they will bring home. Please read the book with your child and encourage them to talk to you about the Bravehearts session. For more information: bravehearts.org.au
A great week at St. Joseph’s, just a few important events: Mission Stalls, Grandparents Day and please remember October is the month of the Rosary. Do you have a few spare moments to pray the Rosary during this special month of October?
God Bless, Stay Safe.
Clare
Save the Date
Information for Families
Please advise the office if your children are not returning to St Joseph's in 2022
School fees were issued on 14 October.
Please check your spam/junk folders if you have not received your invoice. Payment is due by Thursday 11 November.
Term 3 fees are now overdue. Your prompt payment of Term 3 fees would be greatly appreciated.
Instrumental Music Fees are now overdue.
It would be appreciated if these fees can be paid immediately.
Prep Orientation Day for 2022 Students
Our orientation day for Prep Students is on Tuesday 26th October from 9am to 10.15am. We look forward to meeting you.
Online Safety - Trending Issues
Townsville Catholic Education has recently received a number of calls and emails in relation to concerns with a variety of online issues which are currently trending. The issues which have been regularly reported of late include unwanted contact (online/grooming), Squid Game and primary student use of Snapchat and Tik Tok. Snapchat and Tik Tok continue to be a favourite amongst students. Parent Guides for both of these application are provided below.
Mission Day Baked Goods Stall...
Please remember that if you are donating delicious baked goods for our Mission Day Stalls this Friday, ALL INGREDIENTS MUST BE LISTED ON THE ITEM.
Thank you for your assistance.
Library News
Book Fair 2021
Soon, flyers will go out to all students regarding the promotion of our Book Fair this year, which will be held in the Library from 1st to the 4th November 2021. More details about our Book Fair will follow in the next week with promotional posters on every class door! Book Fairs are a great opportunity for children to visually view books but also to make their own book choices. The Book Fair also generates earning points from every purchase made by the school.
Opening times are Monday to Thursday 8.00am to 8.30am and 2.45pm to 3.30pm
Book Fairs are fun!!
‘Let’s Talk about Books’ at lunchtime on Wednesday resumes this week and on Thursday lunchtime ‘eBook Hub’ continues. Students have been enjoying discussion of the new books arriving in the library and learning about other literacy tools.
Don’t forget Book Club LOOP closes this week Thursday 21 October, so place your orders as soon as possible.
Happy Reading!
