Dear Families and Friends
Our staff are continuing to work hard so that meaningful learning opportunities are being provided for children in extremely difficult circumstances. Please refer to the letter posted on our Facebook Page and emailed to families on Monday regarding CEWA's position on all Catholic Schools in WA remaining open - at least until the end of the term. If you choose to keep your child/ren at home for the remainder of the term, please contact your child's classroom teacher for resources to assist with children's learning whilst they are absent.
Thank you to Miss Tierney who led our National Day of Action against Violence and Bullying activities last Friday. Despite the fact we couldn't gather as a whole school, It was terrific to see all classes participate in buddy activities to honour the significance of the occasion.
Thanks also to Ms Deb and Mr Jamie who took a number of our student leaders to Neighbourhood House for Harmony Week, where they decorated their trailer. Students then went to White Gum Park to distribute sandwiches and water to members of our community who were most appreciative.
With Easter fast approaching, classes are working hard to complete all necessary work prior to the end of the term. In Religious Education, children will be developing their understanding of the Easter Story.
Postponed - Parent or Carer/Teacher/Child Interviews
Our Parent or Carer/Teacher/Child interviews scheduled for the final week of this term have been postponed. If an opportunity does not present early next term for teachers and parents/carers/children to meet, an alternate means of communication will be explored. Many thanks for your understanding.
Seesaw
Are you connected to your child's Seesaw account? If not, now is a great time to sign up! Not only will you receive regular updates regarding your child’s work, in the event our school closes for a period of time, teachers will use Seesaw to post additional activities for students to complete at home. Please email or speak to your child's teacher for more information.
Year 5/6 Camp
Whilst a decision regarding the Year 5/6 camp to Canberra is yet to be made, all camp fundraising activities have been postponed until further notice.
Cancellations
Assembly on Friday: Due to a number of students being away from school this Friday, our assembly for Week 8 has been cancelled. Teachers will present merit certificates in their respective classrooms.
Football Carnival : Unfortunately all school sports events, including the upcoming Docker's Shield event in Wyndham, have been cancelled.
Swimming : As the pool is now closed, there will be no further swimming lessons during Term 1.
Reconciliation: The Sacrament of Reconciliation for Monika Garrity and Shakira Ward has been postponed. Please also note that all upcoming Masses at St Vincent Pallotti Church have been cancelled.
Next Term
A reminder that the first day back for children next term will be Wednesday 29th April, as Tuesday 28th April is a teacher professional development day.
Project Compassion
We ask all families to give generously during these final weeks of raising funds for Project Compassion. Easter Raffle tickets will still be on sale before school each morning. A big thank you to the families who have brought in donations to go towards our hampers. There is still room for more prizes to created! Any chocolate donation is greatly appreciated and we ask that you look for a 'fair trade symbol' when making your purchases. Thank you.
Hats and Shoes
It has been pleasing to see children wearing a St Joseph's School hat during recess and lunch breaks. Children will not be permitted to play outside without a school hat. We ask that they refrain from bringing other hats to school. A reminder that appropriate shoes must be worn.
Statue of Mary Mackillop
A big thank you to Louise Sass from Birdland who did a wonderful job of tiling around our statue of Mary Mackillop. Tiles were created by our 2019 Year 5/6 class.
Enjoy the rest of your week.
Tim Hogan, Principal
Term Dates 2020- Term 1: 4 Feb– 9 April
- Term 2: 29 April—3 July
- Term 3: 21 July—25 Sept
- Term 4: 13 Oct—11 Dec
School Closure Days 2020- Wednesday 8th April (PD)
- Thursday 9th April (PD)
- Tuesday, 28 April (PD)
- Friday, 29 May (Catholic Day)
National Day of Action Against Violence and Bullying
Last Friday the whole school took part in the National Day of Action Against Violence and Bullying. In buddy groups we had a short presentation from Head Boy, Huon and Head Girl, Alannah outlining what their definition of bullying is and helpful tips to stop it. Following on from this children wrote on a orange hand shaped print out their stance on bullying. Each child hung their orange hand up on the Big Boab tree in the Library, as a way to show that as a school we are taking a stance and saying NO to bullying. We hope to see the continuation of this No Bullying attitude throughout the school year!
Mental health and wellbeing during COVID-19
The outbreak of the coronavirus COVID-19 has impacted people in varying ways on an international scale. It is understandable that during times like this, people may be feeling afraid, worried, anxious and overwhelmed by the constantly changing alerts and media coverage regarding the spread of the virus.
Helping children cope through COVID-19
This is an uncertain time for everyone, and children may be impacted by fear and anxiety. Here are some tips on how to ensure your children are supported;
• Give your children extra attention and reassurance. Where possible, minimise their exposure to media and social media that may heighten anxiety
• Acknowledge your own feelings about the situation and let children know it’s okay to share their own feelings
• Include your children in plans and activities around the house
• If you don’t see an improvement in 4 weeks, or if you’re concerned, seek professional help (earlier if needed)
Miss Elle Tierney
TA News
Once again this year is off to a flying start. We are almost at the end of Term 1!
- Miss Marcia is back in Year 5/6 and being kept busy with preparations for camp and everyday classroom duties
- Miss Ros is in Pre-Primary, Year 4/5 and assisting Miss Tanya with Art lessons each Monday
- Mr Jamie is working with the Year Two class whilst also continuing the Seasons for Growth program
- Miss Deb is in Year 4/5 and has been kept busy leading the Mini Vinnie students.
All TAs have been assisting teachers to create flexible learning packs for each year group. These packs will be sent home with students in the event our school is required to close. The packs are full of excellent resources for our students to continue their learning at home should the need arise.
We are also focusing on hygiene in classrooms, washing our hands many times throughout the day. The children are currently doing a great job maintaining good hygiene practices. We are also helping students with social distancing in classrooms and modifying activities for them at recess and lunch.
We hope that everyone stays safe in the coming weeks.
Ms Deb
Last year in Year 3 I began a reading ritual with all students. First thing in the morning when children arrived at school, they were asked to read to a staff member or myself. We would carefully monitor and introduce strategies such as phonemic awareness and using blends to enhance and build on students existing knowledge. This ritual continues in Year 4/5 and we are witnessing pleasing growth regarding students progress in reading, spelling and writing.
Miss Ros and the TAs.
