21 June 2023

Gala Concert

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Parents & Guardians,

A reminder that Semester 1 report cards will be available on Parent Lounge as of today.  The new format lends itself to students being able to read them and decipher where they can improve as students in Semester 2.

On Monday’s Academic Awards Assembly, Mrs Senini mentioned to the children that their ‘individual challenges as students would all be present in YOUR report card.’  These challenges to achieve more in the classroom would be delivered in what should be a very familiar term to them.  The term being; Next Steps.

We want our children to always strive to be the best version of themselves and the presence of these ’next steps’ suggestions is to help them grow in their efforts as learners.

It was wonderful to see so many awards handed on the assembly, as we celebrated the academic achievements of our students.

I would still like to see many more NAVY awards that acknowledge effort in each Key Learning Area.  This particular ‘Effort Award’ has been designed in a way that each and every student should be able to receive by simply applying themselves to the best of their ability in at least four subjects.  This is both achievable and not too much to ask of our children.

For those students disappointed in missing out on an award, that is normal, but please do not give in, talk with your teachers about what needs extra attention in the classroom and refocus on your Semester 2 studies and aim for an end of year award.

Congratulations to Year 5 teacher Mrs Catherine Farr who was nominated for the 2023 Spirit of Catholic Education Awards.  Mrs Farr has been a long-time teacher at Joey’s and has been integral in driving our students to participate in inter-school Maths Challenges over recent years.

This nomination recognises the special contribution Catherine makes in our community and the Ministry of Catholic Education.  Catherine is one of 130 nominations across the state and one of 30 from the schools in our Diocese.

Well done.

Best of luck, even though they do not need it, to our students performing in the Rockhampton Catholic Schools Gala Concert tonight at Emmaus College.

We look forward to a wonderful Under 8’s Day tomorrow with lots of smiles and laughter.

Have a great mid-year holiday break with your family, and I look forward to seeing our students safe and sound for a 10 week Term 3.

For tonight, GO QUEENSLAND!

Don’t Forget….

• Semester 1 Report Cards posted to Parent Lounge. Wed 21^st June
• Rockhampton Catholic Schools Gala Concert. Wednesday, 21^st June @ 6:00pm Emmaus College, Yaamba Road Hall.
• State of Origin – Game 2. Wednesday 21^st June
• SJPA Under 8’s Day. Thursday 22^nd June
• Term 2 concludes. Friday 23^rd June
• Term 3/Semester 2 commences. Monday 10^th July
• Challenge Cup. Wed 12^th – Fri 14^th July @ St Brendan’s Yeppoon.

Kindest Regards
Bernard Fitzgerald
Principal - St. Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Park Avenue

St Joseph’s 2023 School Improvement Priorities:

• Prayer Life
• Learning Dispositions
• Increased Learning Gain & Achievement

RELIGIOUS MATTERS

The Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

The 12 are sent on a mission.

Matthew 9:36- 10:8
Living the Gospel – Apostles, not disciples
There is a lovely distinction in this gospel passage between disciples and apostles. Jesus calls his twelve disciples, commissions them and sends them out to continue his work. From then on, they are referred to as ‘apostles’. Disciples are followers, but apostles have been sent out. In our own lives we are called to accept the challenge of being apostles, not disciples. For we are not just followers, we have been sent out by Jesus to continue his work. To be a disciple is just the first step. Disciples follow a path; apostles take the initiative and forge their own path.

                                                                                                                                              @Liturgy Help – Greg Sunter

Why the Virtues?

Underpinning all relationships at Joey's is the Catholic Social Teaching that calls us to honour the Dignity of Every Person.  We do this by acknowledging the Dignity of Virtues, the qualities and attributes of the human spirit. We have all the virtues; some are just stronger in our character than others. Acknowledging and explicitly teaching the Virtues helps staff create positive, empowering cultures and environments where children develop their character while learning and growing.  While we are trying to develop character through all the virtues, we chose seven special virtues for our school. Each year has a focus virtue that they learn about and strive to develop throughout the year. For example, in Year One, we focus on the virtue of Independence; in Year Six, we focus on Zeal.

Children’s Mass at Our Lady Help of Christians

This Saturday, we joined again with our parish to celebrate Mass as a community.  It was a very special occasion for children who are part of the Sacramental Program as they undertook the Ritual of the Creed.  This ritual asks the children to recite the Nicene Creed, a prayer that focuses on our beliefs as Catholics.  Congratulations to them!

*SJPA – St Joseph’s Park Avenue
*OLHC – Our Lady Help of Christians church (next to St Joseph’s, Park Avenue)
*HF – Holy Family Parish Centre (next to Anthony’s School)
*MPA – Multipurpose Area (Basketball court)

Elizabeth Carter
Assistant Principal Religious Education

CURRICULUM NEWS

ICAS

St Joseph’s is offering ICAS assessments again this year.

What is ICAS? 

ICAS is an online academic competition that is designed to assess students’ higher order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics, Science, Writing, Spelling and Digital Technologies. 

Each assessment celebrates students’ accomplishments by providing opportunities for recognition and development. Every student who participates will receive a printed certificate and an online results report. Top performers will be eligible for medals. 

We encourage you to consider entering your child into ICAS this year.   

How to participate in ICAS: 

If you wish for your child to participate in ICAS this year, please: 

1. Read about ICAS subjects and prices here 
2. Read the terms and conditions here
3. Go to Parent Portal to purchase tests here
4. Enter our school’s access code –  FPT347
5. Enter your child’s details, select the tests you would like to purchase, then proceed to payment. 

After payment is made via the Parent Payment System, you will receive an order confirmation email, please keep this for your records. 

Table 1: ICAS sitting windows per subject. 

Cut off dates to order tests are:

Digital Technologies and Writing – 1^st August
English – 7^th August
Science and Spelling Bee – 14^th August

If your child is away on the testing day, there is some flexibility for them to sit the assessment, but it must be in the same week as the scheduled date and fit in with the availability of staff trained in the implementation of ICAS assessments.

Premier’s Reading Challenge

The Premier's Reading Challenge (PRC) is an annual state-wide initiative for state and non-state schools and home-educated students up to Year 9, as well as children attending early childhood centres. Since the program’s inception in 2006, more than 20 million books have been read, and in 2021 alone, 168,000 school, early childhood and individual readers participated in the challenge reading more than 2.39 million books throughout the PRC reading period.

The challenge is not a competition but aims to improve literacy and encourage children to read widely for pleasure and learning. Students can participate in the challenge within their school or as individual readers (home-educated students or students whose schools are not participating in the program).

For a student to successfully complete the challenge they must read or experience the allocated number of books for their year level during the reading period. Students who complete the challenge have their efforts recognised through the receipt of a Certificate of Achievement signed by the Premier of Queensland.

Why read? Literacy skills are vital to ensuring children have the best chance to succeed in their schooling and life. The PRC is an opportunity for students to be enthusiastic about reading, writing, authors and illustrators. Reading a variety of books builds vocabulary and knowledge, improves spelling and comprehension, can improve confidence and is also a great way to relax.

To successfully complete the PRC, students must read or experience the number of books indicated on the reader record form.

Please see the link below for the reading record form if your child is interested in participating.  All forms need to be returned to the office by 25^th August to be eligible for a certificate.

Regards,
Mrs Deanne Senini
Assistant Principal Curriculum

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Congratulations to the following staff and students who will celebrate their birthday this week and over the holidays.  They are: James E (Yr 5), Charlotte M (Yr 3), Jack W (Yr 2), Jayse P (Prep), Theo P (Yr 4), Layla W (Yr 4), Mrs Gray, Allyza M (Prep), Abbie T (Yr 6), Slater R (Yr 6), Orlando W (Yr 3), Tyler I (Yr 6), Nathaniel P (Yr 6), Harpah S (Yr 3), Alexis C (Yr 1), Emelia E (Yr 2), Baylee H (Yr 1), Zoe T (Prep), Reuben B (Yr 2), Violet O (Prep), Jacob B (Yr 6), Freya S (Yr 4),Jaxson T (Yr 4), Natalie C (Yr 6), Khloe P (Prep), Trinity T (Yr 2), Theodore R (Prep),Carlo S (Yr 4) and Mrs Whiting (Prep).

Have a great day.

SJPA Sustainability

Our school had the honour of participating in the Rockhampton Show, showcasing our students' incredible talents and creativity.

It provided a platform for our students to exhibit their exceptional skills across various categories. Their vivid imagination and skilful execution truly brought their artwork to life. Please take a moment to look at the wonderful creations that were on display.

Years 3 & 4: Recycle/Reuse/Reduce – Design and create a usable item using recycled material.

Year 5 & 6: Using recycled materials around your house or classroom, create a colourful flower and garden display.

Prep & Year 1-2 Sustainability Students:  A banner reflecting the theme ‘Life on a Farm’ was created from painting, drawing, collages, and a mixture of all.

We are extremely proud of our student's achievements and the positive impact they have made in the local community through their creations. Such experiences foster creativity and instil in them a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence.

We extend our congratulations to all the participants for their exceptional entries and their determination.  A big thank you for the support goes to the teachers and parents who supported this effort.

DRAKES SUPA IGA

Drakes Fundraiser for St. Joseph's Cathedral

I thank you for your support of this project which has raised over $40,000, of which the school community has played an important role.  Please continue to support the Cathedral by shopping at DRAKES using your key tag and receiving the benefits.

If you have not been part of this fundraiser you are invited to get a key tag from your local School or Church and shop at your local Drakes, one cent in every dollar you spend will go to the Cathedral.  No Fuss, only benefits.

Hoping to see you at Drakes 
Stay Safe

Shirley Hopkins,
Co-ordinator, Drakes Fundraiser for St Joseph's Cathedral