Term Two, Week Three
St Joseph's Primary School • May 13, 2020
Message & Notifications From The Principal
Dear Families and Friends
I hope that all Mothers and Special Women enjoyed a terrific Mother's Day weekend. This week we welcome back a number of staff: Mrs Laura Christopher who returns after self isolating in Karratha; Mr David Ballingall and Ms Tanya Lockwood who have been assisting in the Ringer Soak community; and Mrs Melinda Fitt who has been working in Mulan. We thank Melinda, David and Tanya for their valuable contributions in these communities.
It has been pleasing to see more and more children return to school. Face to face learning will be provided for all classes beginning Monday 18th May.
For children who are still working from home, we ask that families liaise with their classroom teachers so that remote learning packs can be accessed online or hard copy packs picked up from school. A big thank you to teachers who have ensured that students working at school and at home are provided with the same learning opportunities. Thanks also to the ATAs and TAs who have been out the front of the school each morning, assisting students to their classrooms.
Playgrounds
I am pleased to announce that our playgrounds are back in action and ready for use! The staff have been doing a wonderful job with the additional cleaning required during the day. We are now in a strong position to add the cleaning of both playgrounds to the list. The playgrounds will be cleaned after each recess and lunch each day.
Year 5/6 Camp
With sadness we have decided to cancel the 2020 Year 5/6 camp to Canberra. Regardless of whether or not state borders are open prior to August, the vital fundraising activities planned for Term 2 are unable to go ahead, making the financial strain too great for families and the school. It is hoped that a camp within the Kimberley region can be organised for later in the year. When a decision has been made about an alternate camp, parents and carers will be provided with options regarding the deposit they paid for the Canberra camp. Thanks in anticipation of your understanding.
Parenting Ideas
Parenting Ideas is an organisation helps people successfully raise confident, happy and resilient kids. Founder Michael Grose is one of Australia's leading parenting educators. He is the author of 12 books including: Spoonfed Generation and Why First Borns Rule the World and Last Borns Want to Change It. Here are some handy tips for parenting during the restrictions imposed by COVID-19:
1. Behaviour
The question children need to consider when living in close quarters with others should be, "How does my behaviour impact on others?" As much as possible, children should be provided with the skills to resolve relationship problems with their siblings so that parents and carers are not continually policing their behaviour.
Time spent at home requires children to self-regulate and be disciplined. Children who do best during this time of isolation are those who can discipline themselves to exercise regularly, limit their use of digital devices, develop sound work routines and practise mindfulness.
2. Help at Home
More time spent at home means more mess, untidiness and more food to prepare. It is reasonable to expect that children will clean up after themselves and contribute in age-appropriate ways towards household chores and meal preparation.
3. Look out for Others
Encourage children to look after the wellbeing of fellow family members. Children should be encouraged to act with empathy and kindness when family members are struggling. Ways to offer assistance should be explored including giving space, listening and having fun at appropriate times.
It is also important to set appropriate expectations for your children. Too high and children can give up. Too low and children will meet them. Err on the side of keeping your expectations high for your children. They'll more than likely rise to the new challenges which will in turn build their confidence, character and resilience.
For more parenting ideas, see https://www.parentingideas.com.au/
Change of Date
A reminder that the date for our Catholic Day is now Tuesday 2nd June (Following the WA Day holiday). Friday 29th May will be a normal school day.
Enjoy the rest of your week.
Tim Hogan
Principal
Term Dates 2020
School Closure Days 2020
- Term 2: 29 April—3 July
- Term 3: 21 July—25 Sept
- Term 4: 13 Oct—11 Dec
School Closure Days 2020
- Tuesday 2nd June (Catholic Day)
- Monday 20th July (PD)
"Never lose courage under your sufferings." Mary Mackillop
Reminders
St Joseph’s School Uniforms
At St Joseph’s School we take great pride in our appearance. The school uniform is also an important aspect of child health and safety. It is a requirement that all students wear a St Joseph’s uniform (including a hat with our logo) that is purchased from our uniform shop. Similar items bought elsewhere may not be worn to school.
Please note that our “no hat, no play” policy is enforced.
See our website for a full range of uniform items.
Uniforms may be purchased at any time from our office.
Places to go
In Kununurra we’re incredibly lucky to be surrounded by nature’s playground. There are many outdoor places we can visit where children can run around, paddle a play boat or have a swim:
Swim Beach
Mirima National Park
Celebrity Tree Park
Valentine Springs
Spring Creek
Molly Springs
Harry’s Hole
Packsaddle Springs
Elephant Rock
Lake Argyle
In these unprecedented times we’re all being asked to change the way we work and live. Our tradition of putting books into the hands of kids isn’t going to change, but for Term 2, we're doing things a little differently.
Please click on the link below to find out more.
If your child requires prescription medication during the school day, a Student Medication Administration Request must be filled out by parents/carers. These are available from the office. We are unable to administer medications without a signed form, even if verbal permission is given over the phone or to the school bus driver.
Thank you.
Physical Education
Unfortunately, in the current situation there has not been much sport at St Joseph’s for some time. Despite the ongoing state of affairs, we still have lots to look forward to this term. At this stage we plan to go ahead with the Cross Country, which is very exciting. As soon as we are allowed to start playing sport again, classes from Pre-Primary to Year 6 will practise their individualised running course in preparation for the big day. Given all the negative things happening in the world at the moment, this event is something for the students, staff and community to look forward to . At this stage, the Cross Country is scheduled for Term 2, Wednesday (17th June). In terms of what the day will look like for parents, we are still unsure, but we will keep you informed, so please keep checking the school’s Facebook page and weekly newsletter.
For the time being stay healthy and work with whatever you can at home to keep yourself active. See https://tinyurl.com/ya2eepvw for tips from the World Health Organisation on how to stay fit and healthy while COVID-19 restrictions are imposed on formal sporting activity.
Mr Zahra
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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.