Newsletter: Term One, Week Nine
St Joseph's Primary School • March 31, 2020
Message & Notifications From The Principal
Dear Families and Friends
Despite the obvious challenges we have faced towards the end of this term, I would like to commend the students, staff and families for displaying a dedication towards creating a positive school environment, one in which children can be the best they can. I have no doubt that the hard work we’ve seen so far this year will hold us in good stead for when we return after the holidays. At this stage, the first day for students will be Wednesday 29th April. Should there be a change to this date, you will be notified as soon as possible.
Flexible Learning Packs
A big thank you to the families who provided feedback on the flexible learning packs which should now have been collected by all families. Staff will take on this feedback when creating additional flexible learning packs in the event we have a delayed beginning to Term 2.
Parent or Carer/Teacher/Child Conferences
We will endeavour to provide an opportunity for families to speak with their child's respective child's teacher early next term.
St Vincent Pallotti Church
Families who are in a position to do so are invited to deposit their usual Sunday Mass offerings into the Church bank account electronically, as there will be no Masses until further notice. Please state in the description whether the funds are intended for the Sunday collection or Project Compassion.
Account Name:
Catholic Church Kununurra
BSB:
066-530
Account:
10114480
Holy Week
Keep an eye on our Facebook Page for Holy Week activities you can do at home with your children.
Easter Raffle
Well done to former St Joseph's student Sorell Diddams who won first prize in our Easter Raffle. Congratulations to all other winners and thank you to the families who contributed donations of chocolate or purchased tickets. All money raised will go towards project Compassion.
Staff Changes for Term 2
Next term we welcome Matilda Kehl to our school. Matilda will be taking on a full time specialist teaching role and we look forward to benefiting from her expertise in the creative and performing arts.
We say a temporary farewell to Kate Carew, Brianna Birch and Sophie Waideman who are all commencing Maternity Leave. We wish them all the best over the coming weeks and look forward to meeting the new additions to their respective families in the near future.
With sadness we say farewell to Ashleigh Mongoo who has relocated to Karratha. Ashleigh has made a significant contribution to our school over the past three years, both as a committed Aboriginal Teacher Assistant and also as an Outside of School Hours Care Educator. We wish her, Ben and Kyrah all the very best with their future endeavours.
While our last day of term will be this Friday 3rd April, our school will remain open from Monday 6th April until Thursday 9th Family for families who have no other option but to send their child/ren to school on these days.
Wishing you a safe and happy holiday.
Tim Hogan, Principal
Term Dates 2020
School Closure Days 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
- Thursday 2nd April (PD)
- Friday 3rd April (PD)
- Tuesday, 28 April (PD)
- Friday, 29 May (Catholic Day)
"Living in a simple and humble way, we want for nothing."
Mary Mackillop
Reminders
Fifth Sunday of Lent
Fifth Sunday of Lent
In Malawi, 18% of the population are undernourished. Tawonga is a 10-year-old girl, living with a disability. She lives in a village in northern Malawi in a region plagued by food insecurity and poverty. For most of her life, her parents have struggled to provide food for the family.
Since participating in a Caritas Australia supported program, Tawonga’s life has transformed. Her family now grows enough food to provide three meals a day, ending the struggle of malnutrition, and helping her thrive at school.
With your help, this transformational program can continue to empower vulnerable women, men and children, and strengthen the communities around them. Watch a short film about Tawonga’s story by clicking on the button below.
Let’s Go Further, Together! lent.caritas.org.au
COVID-19
Coronavirus Health
Information Line
1800 020 080
People concerned they have
Coronavirus call 9194 1630
Mon-Fri 8.00am—4.30pm
Up to date Immunisation Records
Up to Date Immunisation Records
If your child has become fully immunised since starting school at St Joseph’s, please provide us with a copy of their current immunisation records, available through myGov or CentreLink.
For the WA Department of Health Childhood Immunisation Schedule, click on the button below.
Many thanks.
Hygiene
The following link was played for students earlier in the week, highlighting the importance of good hygiene when they are at home and at school.
Announcements
Due to the fact our school holidays have been brought forward by a week, Sr Julianne and Miss Tianna kindly volunteered to draw our raffle last week. Congratulations to Sorell Diddams and all other lucky award recepients.
Year 4/5 News
This term students have been working hard on their narrative writing. In 4/5 we often start a story with “once upon a time”. To counter this, we have been learning about “Sizzling Starts”, which provide an exciting opening to a story that immediately hooks the reader’s attention.
“Swoosh went the sharp knife as it sliced through the juicy watermelon.” Quantai Watson-Jazyk
“BANG BANG went the large gun as it went off.” Louis Taylor
“‘Ahhhhhhhhh!’ I screamed loudly as twenty big quails flew fast around me.” Lacy Polzin
“Flash went the super hero as the evil men smashed down the old door.” Atik Ishraq
We were fortunate to get in one last visit to Juniper Aged Care Facility before it was closed to visitors. Students showcased a fantastic rendition of ‘Africa’ by Toto. They also explained to residents how a great growth mindset can help with their learning and read their “Sizzling Starts”.
I have introduced a money unit into the classroom. Students can earn money by doing jobs around the classroom, working effectively and upholding the values of a good 4/5 class member. They have the opportunity to earn $5 every morning by reading to Miss Deb. At the end of the week, they can spend their hard earned cash at Miss Deb’s shop. If students don’t want to spend their money they can earn interest from the bank.
Miss Deb and I ask that during this time off and in the holiday period you read to your child for 20 minutes a day. We are so proud of the progress made with our reading and would love for that to continue.
Stay safe.
Mr. A
A message from our School Chaplain Mr Jamie Short
Helping Children Cope Through the COVID-19 Pandemic
This is an uncertain time for everyone, and children may be affected by fear and anxiety. Here are some tips on how to ensure your children are supported:
1. Give your children extra attention and reassurance. Where possible, minimize their exposure to media and social media that may heighten anxiety.
2. Acknowledge your own feelings about the situation and let children know it’s okay to share their own feelings.
3. Include your children in plans and activities around the house.
4. If you don’t see an improvement in four weeks, or if you’re concerned, seek professional help (earlier if needed).
Additional helpful links for staff or parents:
https://kidshelpline.com.au/coronavirus#wellbeing
https://emergingminds.com.au/resources/supporting-children-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak/
Managing student health during the Holidays
Emergency Contacts
· Helping Minds (1800 811 747)
· Kids Help Line (1800 551 800)
or visit these websites:
https://kidshelpline.com.au/teens/issues/looking-after-yourself
https://mommypoppins.com/family/coronavirus-pandemic-update-indoor-activities-resources-kids
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Vision Statement Inspired by Mary MacKillop, we strive to achieve excellence in education and pastoral care, foster well being, develop strong values and include all cultures and community members.
Vision Statement Inspired by Mary MacKillop, we strive to achieve excellence in education and pastoral care, foster well being, develop strong values and include all cultures and community members.
Vision Statement Inspired by Mary MacKillop, we strive to achieve excellence in education and pastoral care, foster well being, develop strong values and include all cultures and community members.