2022 Term 1, Week 2
Principal's Piece
Dear Families and Friends
We had a wonderful first week of school at St Joseph's. It has been great to welcome our students back and watch them settle into their new classes. Our new staff have fitted in seamlessly and enjoyed the opportunity to get to know our school community. The first week of school was a time to develop and foster relationships amongst staff and students, an important foundation in any classroom. Students from Pre-Primary to Year 6 will complete a number of assessments to help identify where they are at with their learning and to inform teachers of what they need to be taught. We look forward to developing learning goals for the students with their parents and assisting students to achieve these goals.
With the Premier's announcement that we are moving to high case load protocols for COVID, schools now need to undertake further measures to minimise the risk of COVID-19 entering or being transmitted on school grounds. These steps include:
• Prohibiting indoor face-to-face events (such as meetings, performances and rehearsals);
• Cancelling or postponing school camps;
• Limiting the contact between different year groups, which may include modification to timetables, break times, and pick-up and drop-off times, where practicable.
Parents on School Sites
• Parents will be permitted on school sites for drop-off and pick-up in outdoor locations only; consequently, parents may not visit classrooms;
• A parent should only attend the school office in the event of a significant pastoral or welfare issue related to their child; wherever possible interactions by staff with parents should take place over the phone or via email/online;
• Gatherings of parents on school sites should be avoided;
• Parent-teacher interviews should occur online or over the phone;
• Mask wearing for parents will be expanded to outdoors where physical distancing can't be maintained in regions with existing mask mandates.
As such we will postpone our parent/teacher meet and greet that was scheduled for next week. In the meantime you are encouraged to connect with the school and teachers via SeeSaw. If you were hoping to meet with your child's teacher then please get in contact with them and arrange a time for an online meeting to take place.
Thank you for your understanding as we continue to respond and adapt to these unknown challenges.
Enjoy the rest of your week.
Miss Gabby
Principal
Water Blessing for the start of the year by Miriwoong elder Agnes Armstrong
May God of the ancient dreaming, the one who loves and holds us all,
let the Spirit guide all our days in the ways of compassion and justice.
May we reflect the heart of God, sure in faith, strong in hope, built on love.
May we become all that we are called to be.
May God's grace, mercy and peace hold us and enfold us.
And may our journey lead us into God's gentle and almighty presence, our God whom we will one day see face to face.
Amen
Bishop Michael
Next week we welcome Bishop Michael Morrissey to the East Kimberley, when he visits Kununurra, Wyndham, Warmun, Halls Creek and Ringer Soak.
Everyone is invited to mass at St Vincent Pallotti Church this Sunday 13th February at 8.30am. Bishop Michael will celebrate mass, followed by a shared Morning Tea. The mass will include a missioning ceremony of our School staff.
He is also able to join us for mass on 20th February before he returns to Broome.
New Staff Bio
Sophie Gilmour
My name is Sophie Gilmour and I am excited to join the St Joseph's Kununurra school community. For the last two years I have been the Year 1/2 teacher at St Joseph's in Wyndham and have loved every moment of living in the Kimberley. I completed my Bachelor of Primary Education three years ago and am currently studying for my Masters of Early Childhood Education. I am always eager to learn more, especially from my students. I enjoy providing fun, engaging and motivating opportunities for students to grow and achieve.
Seasons for Growth
In term 1 St Joseph's is offering an important education program called Seasons for Growth for Years 4 and 6. This weekly program focuses on the following issues: self-esteem, managing feelings, problem-solving, decision-making, effective communication and support networks. It particular highlights the importance of social support and skills needed to cope effectively with change and loss in a child's life.
Every student interested will receive a notice with more details about the Seasons for Growth program. If you think your child would benefit from Seasons for Growth we would encourage you to talk to him/her about participating. We are confident that it will be a valuable learning experience for those involved.
If you require further information please contact me by email (jamie.short@cewa.edu.au) or phone (9168 1079).
Mr Jamie
School Chaplain
Please note that cash payments for Book Club are no longer accepted at St Joseph's. All orders should be placed through Book Club Loop.
See: https://www.scholastic.com.au/book-club/book-club-parents/
St Joseph’s Student Code of Conduct
The St Joseph’s Student Code of Conduct was developed by the students of St Joseph’s. Students participated in Steps 1 to 4 during Term 1 2021. Step 5 was worked through during term 2 and Step 6 completed during Term 3. The Student Code of Conduct was reviewed by students in Year 3 to 6 on two separate occasions. The Student Code of Conduct was shared with the wider school community during Term 3.
At St Joseph’s School, Kununurra we want to feel Safe.
1. In order to feel Safe we will follow school rules.
When someone isn’t feeling this way, or there is conflict, we will ask an adult for help.
2. In order to feel Safe we will listen and follow instructions.
When someone isn’t feeling this way, or there is conflict, we will ask an adult for help.
3. In order to feel Safe we will help and care for others.
When someone isn’t feeling this way, or there is conflict, we will ask them why they are feeling that way.
4. In order to feel Safe we will keep our hands and feet to ourselves.
When someone isn’t feeling this way, or there is conflict, we will ignore them or walk away.
5. In order to feel Safe we will treat others the way we would like to be treated.
When someone isn’t feeling this way, or there is conflict, we will remind them of the golden rule.
At St Joseph’s School, Kununurra we want to feel Happy.
1. In order to feel Happy we will smile, laugh, sing and dance.
When someone isn’t feeling this way, or there is conflict, we will ask them if they are alright.
2. In order to feel Happy we will be kind to others.
When someone isn’t feeling this way, or there is conflict, we will ask an adult for help.
3. In order to feel Happy we will make friends and play with them.
When someone isn’t feeling this way, or there is conflict, we will play with and include them.
4. In order to feel Happy we will come to school everyday.
When someone isn’t feeling this way, or there is conflict, we will look after them.
5. In order to feel Happy we will listen to the teacher and other adults.
When someone isn’t feeling this way, or there is conflict, we will try to make them feel happy.
Our Code of Conduct prohibits bullying, harassment and other forms of peer-to-peer abuse and we require respect for the privacy and human dignity of other students.
COVID Update - Unwell Children
Students who are unwell should stay home. Parents are asked to seek medical advice if their child exhibits symptoms of COVID-19. Normal processes for advising the school of a child’s absence will apply.
See the CEWA Website for further information: https://covid19.cewa.edu.au/covid-19-response-210207/
Reminders
Term Dates & Pupil Free Days 2022
Term Dates 2022
School office reopens Monday 24th January
Term 1: 31 January - 8 April
Term 2: 26 April - 1 July
Term 3: 19 July - 23 September
Term 4: 11 October - 19 December
Pupil Free Days 2022
Thursday & Friday 2-3 June (PD)
Monday 18 July (PD)
Monday 5 September (Catholic Day)
Monday 10 October (PD)
Assemblies
Due to COVID, parents and carers are unable to attend assemblies for the time being.
Kindy Days
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday
7.50am - 2.00pm
Description Title
We are ready to collect your recyclable containers. Our drop off point is currently located adjacent to our cricket nets at the back of the school (towards Ivanhoe Caravan Park). Look out for the yellow bags!
If you change your phone number, please tell us. We many need to contact you if your child is sick or doesn’t get picked up after school.
Most school age children are eligible for free dental care in Kununurra School Dental Clinic.
Primary School children become eligible to attend the School Dental Service in the year they turn 5.
High School children are eligible to attend the School Dental Service until they complete Year 11 or the day they turn 17 (whichever occurs first).
If you changed your address or phone numbers, please advise dental clinic staff. Missed appointments may result in suspension from the School Dental Service.
We are located on the hospital grounds in the Dental Health Building, 69 Coolibah Drive and are open Monday to Friday 7:30 to 3:30.
Please feel free to call us on 0419 939 179 or email: kununurramobile@dental.health.wa.gov.au to organise an appointment.
