Term 1, Week 1
Miriwoong elder Agnes Armstrong welcoming students and staff on the first day of school with a water blessing
Principal's Piece
Dear Parents and Carers
Welcome to the new 2023 school year. While we are very aware of the impacts of flooding in the West Kimberley on some of our family and friends, we hope that most of you enjoyed some good times over the Christmas and New Year period.
The children returned to school yesterday with many stories to tell of adventures had over the past few weeks.
It always wonderful to see familiar faces returning school and also to meet those who are new to our school community. Welcome to everyone, we trust that you all enjoy learning with us at St Joseph's.
We have made some adjustments to our B.O.A.B.s program this year, with a view to recognising positive student behaviours more regularly. Once the children have accumulated the designated number of "tickets" they will be invited to participate in an activity to recognise their positive efforts in both the classroom and on the playground. We are also looking to having a reward event for the Faction that is first to fill the new record system that we've put into place.
As we move back into our school routines for the year, please be aware that the flooding in the Fitzroy area will continue to impact us over the coming months.
Our Canteen Manager will try to keep the menu working as usual, however, as you know it's not always possible to source the fruits and vegetables that you want or need, so there may be items that are not available at different times.
In terms of afternoon pick up on Ironwood Drive, please remember to park your vehicle in one of the spaces available on the side of the street - children cannot enter vehicles idling in the middle of road. Please do not stop on the street and call your children to the car as this is unsafe and stops the flow of traffic at a busy time of the day.
Our swimming program is unable to commence until February 28, as we have been advised that the pool will be closed on 21st February. We are looking forward to hosting a swimming carnival later this term, once we've completed our swimming program.
We are in the process of updating our Facebook site - our NEW page is at St Joseph's Primary School; we will continue to use this form of communication to share our good news stories with the wider community.
Our hard working P & F are currently preparing for the St Patrick's Quiz night on Saturday 18th March. It is also that time of the year when we hold the P & F Annual General Meeting. This year's AGM will be held on Thursday February 16. Please mark this date on your calendar and join us for this meeting. We look forward to seeing you there.
The next question in our series of teasers for the 2023 St Patrick's Quiz night is:
"Carly Simon wrote and sang the song "You're so Vain." Mick Jagger sang backing vocals on this song. Who is the person that she is said to have been singing about?"
The answer to the last question from the end of 2022:
"What is located at 1 Leichhardt Street, Kununurra?"
is
"The Catholic Church"
We look forward to working with your children and you this year.
Go well this week.
Miss Therese
Principal
Send Your Kids to School
Send your kids to school - it is the best possible way they can get a good education.
If your child misses one 1 day per week of school,
by the time they are in Yr 4 they will have missed 1 whole year of school.
Already they will by 1 year behind expected learning!
It may take some tough love, but it is worth the effort to make your child go to school every day.
Set a good routine from Kindy, don't let them miss a day.
It will give them the best start in life.
No more soft plastics for recycling please...
Unfortunately, we cannot take anymore soft plastics for our recycling bin as the only company in Australia that processes it - REDcycle - has ceased accepting it for the time being. They are hoping to be up and running again in 2023.
In the meantime you could:
- Store your soft plastics until REDcycle resumes collection again or another company takes on the role.
- Choose to buy fewer products in plastic bags.
See ABC News for more details:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-11-09/redcycle-soft-plastics-recycling-program-suspended/101632220
Olivia and Grace’s farm fresh
free range eggs
~ $8 a carton ~
Call or text
Mary (Mum) on 0428 524 611
Canteen Menu
Families at St Joseph’s to receive more affordable quality Catholic education
Families at St Joseph’s School will continue to benefit from high quality, Christ-centred and child-focused education in 2023.
Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA) has announced that the fees parents pay at St Joseph’s will be $739 for a single child in 2023 (see attached email for information about fees for additional children). This compares to current fees of $1,137 for a single child.
The changes to school fees have come about as a result of changes to the overall funding for Catholic schools in Western Australia. Our school and CEWA are able to utilise a greater level of data to inform how we determine fees in a way that better matches our school and community’s unique context.
I hope families will welcome this news as indicative of our school’s commitment to meeting the needs of the Kununurra community we serve. The reduction in fees has been impacted by changes to the Federal Government’s funding model, which is now based on the parent community’s Direct Measure of Income (DMI). We are strongly committed to delivering the highest quality education alongside all our other current programmes offered in 2023 and beyond.
The change in fees is a strong sign of Catholic education’s continued place as the best value for money education option for young people in Western Australia.
Miss Therese
Principal
~ 2023 Parent Planner ~
New School Bus Owners
As of 30th August 2022 the new School Bus Contractors are Dylon and Chelsea Lodge.
Chelsea: 0450 250 691
Dylon: 0415 945 330
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.
Containers for change can assist in raising money for school resources. You can either deposit your cans in the school bins near the fence or take your own bag to the depot and write our school code on your bag.
Reminders
Term Dates 2023
Term Dates 2023
Term 1: Wednesday 1 February - Thursday 6 April
Term 2: Tuesday 26 April - Friday 30 June
Term 3: Tuesday 18 July - Friday 22 September
Term 4: Monday 9 October - Friday 8 December
Public Holidays During Term Time 2023
Monday 6 March: Labour Day
Friday 7 April - Good Friday
Tuesday 25 April: ANZAC Day
Monday 5 June: Western Australia Day
Pupil Free Days 2023
Monday, 24 April
Thursday & Friday, 1 & 2 June
Monday, 17 July
Monday, 4th September (Catholic Day)
Assemblies
Our assemblies are every second Friday afternoon at 1.10pm.
*NOTE: PARENTS/CARERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO WEAR MASKS WHEN ATTENDING*
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 in the staff carpark, just inside the fence. Money earned goes towards Mini Vinnies.
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.
