2022 Term 1, Week 3
Principal's Piece
Dear Parents and Carers
Thank you for your support and understanding as we implement further COVID restrictions to keep our school community safe. We appreciate how challenging it is for our students to continually adapt and respond to all that is going on in the world. We would love nothing more than to welcome you into our school and our classrooms but unfortunately that is just not possible at this time. If you feel your child needs additional support we ask that you make contact with the classroom teacher at morning drop-off time and we will work out how we can best support them during this transition.
If you would like to get in contact with your child’s teacher please feel free to email them or phone the front office and leave a message. All teacher email addresses can be found on our school website.
We had a lovely missioning mass for the staff at St Joseph’s on Sunday. This was an opportunity for staff, new and old, to be introduced to the parish. It was wonderful to have Bishop Michael Morrissey celebrate mass with us and offer us a special blessing. Bishop Michael joins us again this Sunday for mass at 8.30am. He will visit our school briefly this Friday and is looking forward to getting to know our school community.
On behalf of all staff I wanted to thank the many parents and carers who have responded to our calls over these last few weeks to assist students at school. The transition from holidays to school can often be a difficult one as children adjust to the structure, routines and school expectations again as well as developing relationships with their teachers. We have enjoyed the opportunity to work in partnership with you to help settle children into their new classes and the school year.
The P & F and school have made the difficult decision to postpone St Patrick’s Quiz night this year. With everything that is happening with COVID we don’t feel it is appropriate to continue planning the event. We appreciate the generosity and support of local businesses over many years and know that a number of them will do it tough again this year and want to acknowledge this by not asking for donations. We understand this will be disappointing for our parents and friends and the wider community who enjoy what has become a annual part of the Kununurra social calendar and hope that we are able to reschedule later on in the year when it is safe to do so.
A reminder that if your child is not at school please inform the front office of the reason for this absence. All student absences need to be explained and recorded. This information can be phoned through to the front office (9168 1079) or emailed to admin@stjoknx.wa.edu.au.
We look forward to continuing our swimming program this term for students in Year 3 to Year 6. Swimming lessons are scheduled to start in Week 5 and run through to Week 9. Bec Exell and Jamie Short will be leading our swimming program this term with the support of classroom staff. A permission note for these lessons will be sent home in the next week.
Enjoy the rest of your week.
Miss Gabby
Principal
We thank you, dear Lord, for everything that is new and beautiful, for everything which holds promise and brings us joy.
Bless us as we start this new school year with our friends and teachers. Help us to make the most of every day.
May we show love to one another and to all. May the new beginning of this school year remind us that you give us chances to start over again and again. Help us to forgive others as we receive your forgiveness.
Help us to learn and to work together. Help us to listen when we should and to know the best words when we speak and when it is better not to speak.
We thank you for our friends. Help us to be good friends this year. Help us to be patient with ourselves and with others.
Bless our school and keep us safe. Be with us as we travel each day.
Help us to be aware of your love shown to us in the people around us.
Bless all those who care for us in school and at home. Help us show our love and care for them in what we say and do.
Amen
New Staff Bio
Sarah Masters
My name is Sarah and I moved from Albany to Kununurra with my husband Leigh, Eryn (9), Niamh (7) and Bondi (17mths) to continue my career in early childhood education. We love spending our free time in the outdoors fishing, camping and boating. I studied for my Bachelor of Early Childhood Education through Curtin University. I am passionate about providing an enjoyable education for all children.
Here are our top tips to help your child or grandchild navigate their way into a healthy and happy school year.
1. Teach them how to self-apply sunscreen
The National Health and Medical Research Council recommend that children apply sunscreen themselves under supervision as soon as they are physically able to do so. This is often from two to three years old, which means by the time they get to kindy, they could mostly do it themselves. Make sure children know how to open the tube, how much to put on, and where on their body it needs to go.
2. Know the health and wellbeing policies at the school
Are they a SunSmart or Crunch&Sip® School? What are the expectations?
3. Walk to school
It's not possible for every family all the time, but if you can, walk with your children to school. Around 64 per cent of kids are driven every day to school in Australia, according to a 2018 report by Cancer Council WA. That's a huge jump since the 1970s when only 16 per cent were chauffeured - the rest walked, rode or caught the bus.
"Walking the kids to school is a great way for families to establish healthy habits together, and if you are rushing off to work and short on time, even parking a bit further from school and walking some of the way is beneficial," says Kelly Kennington, our Obesity Prevention Manager.
"There are so many benefits of daily exercise for children - from improved concentration and better self-confidence to stronger muscles and bones. Research also suggests that physical activity helps to reduce the risk of children developing health problems in later life."
4. Be a role model
Kids are more likely to participate in healthy behaviours such as wearing a broad-brimmed hat, eating vegetables, being physically active or drinking water if they see grown ups not only doing those things, but enjoying them too.
5. Put on sunscreen before school
Make sunscreen application part of the morning routine for everyone in the household. Keep a tube handy on the bathroom counter and put it on after teeth cleaning. This will help to avoid incidental sun exposure during the trip to school, and ensure that they have at least some sunscreen on if they forget to reapply later in the day. Try putting a small tube of sunscreen in the lunchbox as a reminder to put it on again at lunch.
6. Check the hat
A good sun protective hat covers parts of the head that are vulnerable to future skin cancers, including the ears, neck and face. Make sure the hat has a wide enough brim to protect these areas (not a baseball cap!). If you have a spare hat, pack that in the bag as well. Ensuring that hats and uniform items are clearly labelled will help them be returned too.
7. Pack healthy lunchboxes
Plan for lunchboxes in your weekly shop, and put aside some time on the weekend to prepare healthy snacks and meals that are easy to grab in the morning or after school. Having healthy snacks like muesli muffins or banana cake readily accessible makes it easy for children to eat well each day.
8. Don't forget to pack Crunch&Sip® each day
Cut up some vegie sticks or pieces of fruit, or have some whole pieces available and encourage your children to pack their Crunch&Sip® each morning. Water bottles should be cleaned regularly and filled with fresh water every day. Re-fuelling with vegetables and fruit helps kids to be healthy and hydrated and to get the best out of their school day.
For more information
- Early childhood education and care (ECEC) services, schools and workplaces can play an important role in reducing the burden of cancer in our community.
- To learn more about cancer prevention programs for your early childhood service, school or workplace please visit this page.
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.
