2022 Term 1, Week 5
Principal's Piece
Dear Parents and Carers
Congratulations to our student leaders for 2022 who were announced at our assembly in Week 3. I look forward to working with our leaders throughout the year. All leaders will be invited to a celebratory meeting in Week 6 to congratulate them on their positions and begin planning their first jobs as school leaders.
We look forward to commencing the swimming program this Friday with students in Year 3 to 6. Please return permission notes before Friday and pay your $15 contribution towards swimming lessons if you are able. Students need their swimmers, towel and water bottle for Friday. They are welcome to bring their own goggles but this is not essential.
If you have a child with a medical plan please make sure you send through an up-to-date copy of this plan to the front office. This includes students with asthma or allergies. It is important that plans are reviewed at least annually and current plans are shared with the school.
If you have new contact details please send them through to the front office. It is essential that we have the current mobile number and address for all parents/carers. There are times when we need to get in contact with parents/carers urgently and recently that has proved challenging because the phone numbers we have listed do not work. We appreciate your assistance with this.
This week we marked Shrove Tuesday, more commonly known as Pancake Tuesday, which is the last day before Lent begins. Traditionally all the rich foods such as eggs and butter were used up before Ash Wednesday which was a day of fasting. Year 5/6 prepared pancakes for the whole school which were enjoyed by all. On Ash Wednesday each class visited the library to participate in an Ash Wednesday liturgy prepared by Sr Julianne. This Lent we are encouraging our students to think about taking up, rather than giving up. For example Take up patience, Feast on Kindness and Fast from sarcasm, Feast on Joy and Fast from jealousy, Fast from negativity and Feast on kind words.
Homework at St Joseph’s is not compulsory and the previous homework policy for the school no longer exists. However, some teachers may wish to set up homework expectations for their students. Students in the early years in particular are not expected to be completing additional work at home. Younger students will benefit from reading with a familiar adult and being read to and discussing the books that are read. Wherever homework is set it is an opportunity to reinforce ideas already learnt at school. This term has been all about establishing positive relationships between school staff, students and families, getting to know students and identifying where they are at with their learning. If you would like homework for your child this is something to discuss with your child's teacher.
As per the communication sent out to parents yesterday, masks will need to be worn by all students in Years 3 to 6 as of Thursday. Students are expected to supply their own masks and are encouraged to bring a spare mask with them. Our teachers will explain to students why it is necessary to wear a mask and they will go over various aspects of mask etiquette. We thank you for your support.
Enjoy the rest of your week.
Miss Gabby
Principal
Student Leaders Bethany (top) and
Zantalia (below)
School Leadership Positions 2022
School Captains: Barbra, Tylen
Faction Captain - Yellow/Argyle: Adriana Taylor
Faction Captain - Green/Ord: Ezekiel
Faction Captain - Red/Pentecost: Ava
Faction Captain - Blue/Ivanhoe: Louis
Mini Vinnies: Bethany, Lacey, Cody, Hugh, Gordon, Zantalia
Student Councillor Year 4/5: Quilla
Student Councillor Year 5/6: Charmaine
BluEarth: Shante, Reuben, Grace, Mounira, Chazz, Ty-Quade

Loving God, We come together on this Ash Wednesday, to ask for your forgiveness and to ask your help in living our lives better.
For the times when we have not noticed the needs of others. Jesus forgive us.
For the times when we have refused to forgive.
Jesus forgive us.
These ashes are a sign of our desire to say sorry.
Jesus forgive us.
These ashes are a sign of our sorrow.
Lord, make them a sign to the world of our desire to change, and to follow in the footsteps of Jesus your Son.
God of Love and forgiveness.
Help us be more like you during Lent by fasting, helping the poor and praying
Guide us with your love and forgive us for the times we have not listened to your words with our heart.
Amen
Saint Joseph’s Day and Project Compassion
The Feast of Saint Joseph, the patron of our school, is on March 19th. As this date is on the weekend, we will celebrate on Monday 21st March. There will be a liturgy before lunch, followed by class activities in the afternoon.
During Lent, we focus on helping others in need through Caritas Australia and Project Compassion. Every class has donation boxes for this cause. As a fundraiser, on Saint Joseph’s day (21st March), children are invited to:
- Wear casual clothes for a gold coin donation
- Bring 50c for an ice block
- Bring along cans to recycle.
Each class will line up their cans on the basketball court. The class with the longest line will have a special treat – movie afternoon with popcorn, and Project Compassion will get the cash for cans! It’s a WIN-WIN!!
Read more at www.caritas.org.au
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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.
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
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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.
