23 March 2016

Newsletter Articles

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

As the first term draws to a close, we find ourselves in the midst of Holy Week and while I know Easter is a great opportunity to spend some family time together, I would encourage families to remember the true meaning of the holiday season and take some time to discuss the sacrifice and gift of Jesus through his death and resurrection.

I would like to thank the families, students and staff who were able to celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph at the Cathedral last Saturday, and in doing so also recognising the immense role the Sisters of St Joseph have played in Catholic Education over 150 years of service.

At the beginning of next term, we are scheduled for a P&F meeting on Tuesday, 12th April, but after consulting with our P&F president, we have decided to suggest any interested parents may support a parent seminar, ‘The Focussed Child’, being hosted at St. Mary’s School. Details are below:

The Focused Child – Parenting Seminar – Live at St Mary’s Library

Wed 13th April - 7pm

Self-esteem is such a vital cornerstone for a child’s mental health and happiness, yet it is also widely misunderstood. Practising psychologists Jan Gudkovs and Jan Dugan, have been working for over 40 years helping people with stress, their personal development and relationships.

They have compiled a book, “The Focused Child”, and will share with us their Top 10 Ways to build our kids self-esteem, to improve everyday concentration & focus.

Come along to the Library, for this P&F sponsored event Wednesday (first week of Term 2) and bring a plate for supper

Free childcare is offered for primary aged kids for those who RSVP by Wed 6th April to smnr@rok.catholic.edu.au .

As the term draws to a close this week, I would like to acknowledge and thank the P&F and many parents for their wonderful support of the school this term. Through the many events that have taken place during a short term, the great community spirit of the school has really shone through via events such as the fete, grandparents’ morning tea, sports catering and so forth. Thank you to all involved.

Don’t Forget….

• Thu 24/3 - Last day of Term 1;
• Mon 11/4 - School resumes for the Start of Term 2;
• Wed 13/4 - Parenting Seminar – The Focussed Child.
• Fri 16/4 - Children’s Mass

Have a happy and Holy holiday!

Alan

APRE REFLECTION

A Child’s Easter Prayer

Alleluia! Alleluia!
Jesus, we are full of joy!
You have risen from the dead and you are still alive.
Thank you, Jesus, for the suffering on the cross that you endured for us.
Thank you, Jesus, for rising again for us.
Fill our hearts with Easter joy, to spread the good news to all around us,
so that others may learn about you, and your rising on Easter Sunday,
and come to know your love just as we do.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

Amen.

I hope you have a great Holy Week and a wonderful time with your children over the holiday break.

Regards
Bernard Fitzgerald
St. Joseph’s PA APRE

RELIGIOUS MATTERS

St Joseph’s Feast Day/Grandparents Day Mass

It was great to have so many of our parents and grandparents come and join us for our St Joseph’s Feast Day mass, as well as our annual Grandparents Morning Tea.

Thank you to all who contributed food for our shared morning tea as well as Mrs McCutcheon and the choir who sang two lovely songs to entertain the crowd.

Our CARITAS boxes were generously contributed to by the families of each class and the Grade 6 Easter raffle was a huge success with over $750 dollars’ worth of tickets being sold on the day, and the raffle making just over $1600 in total.

Well done to all and remember that we are still collecting for CARITAS all the way up till Holy Thursday this week.

Regards
Bernard Fitzgerald
St. Joseph’s PA APRE

CURRICULUM NEWS

Curriculum News – Term 1, Week 9

Important Curriculum Dates

DANIEL MORCOMBE CHILD SAFETY CURRICULUM

Weeks 8 and 9

Prep – Year 2
Lesson Objectives:
Students will:

• identify an unsafe situation (recognise) and consider an appropriate course of action (react)
• understand the process of contacting emergency services (triple zero)

Years 3-6
Lesson Objectives:
Students will:

• identify steps that can be used to make decisions about safety
• apply decision-making steps in a range of safety situations

LITERACY CORNER

Reading:

Learning to read involves children learning skills in comprehension, fluency, accuracy and expanding on their known vocabulary. This week’s skill comes under the heading of Expanding Vocabulary.

S Strategy – use word parts to determine the meaning of words

A useful way for independent readers to expand their vocabulary is to get them to deconstruct larger words. Use word parts (prefixes, suffixes, origins, abbreviations) to determine the meaning of larger more complex words. Ask your child to then think of other words which have the same prefix, suffix or word origin.

Spelling:

Strategy: Draw and colour

This strategy is simply asking your child to write down their spelling words and think of a good way to illustrate the word. This strategy reinforces what the words mean as the picture needs to match the meaning of the word.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy and holy Easter break. My wish for you is that you are able to find time to be with family and friends and do some things you enjoy.

Regards,
Deanne Senini
Assistant Principal Curriculum

FINANCE NEWS

Term 1 Fees were DUE Friday 19th February 2016

If still unpaid, your account is now 4 weeks overdue for payment.

If you are unable to settle your account, your immediate contact with either Alan or Megan is requested to advise when the account will be settled.

CLASSROOM NEWS

Prep

What a busy first term we have had. We have all settled into the routines of school well and have started the year off well.

This term has seen us look at living and nonliving things. We introduced 2 new class pets to prep, Delta and Bubbles. Delta and Bubbles are Siamese fighting fish and they have helped us to understand the importance of looking after our pets and their needs. Each day we have our helpers ensure that Delta and Bubbles are fed and have a clean tank.

We also saw our fete take place. Our Lucky Socks stall was a sure hit and we are extremely grateful for all of your support in the preparation of our stall. It was great to see so many of you there supporting our school.

This term we have also started our literacy and math rotations, proving to be a big hit with the prep students, as they love the different activities offered. The literacy rotations include listening posts, guided reading, alphabet activities and the use of our XO’s. Our maths rotations allow the children to have an opportunity for hands on activities which they have really enjoyed.

Recently our focus has been on St Joseph and Holy Week. The students have really enjoyed listening to the Holy Week Story and taking part in many activities while discovering the true importance and meaning of Easter.

As the term comes to a close, we wish the students, of St Josephs Park Avenue a well-deserved break. May you and your families have a safe and happy Easter. See you Term 2, where prep will be even busier.

The Prep Team

Yr 1

As the first term of the year draws close to an end we thought we’d fill you in on what we have been getting up to in the last couple of weeks.

In Religion during the term we’ve been learning about Baptism and how we are part of different families – Church, home and school to name a few. Welcoming new members to a family is a special time to be celebrated.

A couple of weeks ago we participated in a free dress day fundraiser where Year 1 dressed up as our favourite Nursery Rhyme. We had so many creative characters. It was a great day. We had a parade in the undercover area so that the whole school could share their costumes.

The Year 1 winners were:

• 1N ~ Aiden Slater – Chef from Three Men in a Tub.
• 1M ~ Danielle Thompson – Lady from Ride a Cockhorse to Branbury Cross.

We also had an amazing adventure with participating in the school fete. Year 1 students helped to pack and sort the donations for our sample bags. The P&F has declared us the winners of the class pizza party for raising the most money. So big congratulations to the students, teachers, parents, friends and families of year 1 for helping us with this huge project we couldn’t have done it without you. Pizza Party was held on Tuesday.

With just a couple of days left of Term One Miss Noake and Mrs McCutcheon with Year 1 would like to wish you a happy, holy and safe Easter and we look forward to the year ahead.

Yr 2

Throughout the term we have had loads of exciting stuff happen. Some of our highlights have been:

• Mrs Hannah - Smart Money Program
• Lauren- Daily 5 word work
• Lachlan - Writing sentences
• Azariah - Using the huge time mat to learn how to read analogue time
• Katelyn - Mixing ingredients and materials in Science lessons
• Nicola - Making choices of activities in Daily 5
• Mrs Farr – Reading our class novel George’s Marvellous Medicine
• Adelaide – the science experiments
• Lillian –when we tell the stories in Religion
• Chace – learning how to use the apps on the ipads
• Riley – our scribble art

Have a happy and holy Easter break. See you after the holidays.

Mrs Hannah, Mrs Evans and Mrs Farr

Yr 3

3A

Grandparent’s Day 2016 - Year 3A

3T

Term One in 3T

We have had a great start to the year in Year 3T. We were lucky to spend the first six weeks with Mrs Cash in our classroom helping us learn.

Mrs Cash, Mrs Tennyson and the students in 3T

A highlight of the term was making sculpey beads for our stall at the St Joseph’s Country Fair.

Making Clay Jewelry

We have been learning a lot of interesting things this term - a favourite being our science unit where we got to bring in living specimens from home and then became science explorers to see what we could find in the school environment.

We would like to wish everyone a Happy and Holy Easter break.

From Mrs Tennyson and the students in 3T

Yr 4

Yr 5

There have been many challenges and highlights this term. Here is a snapshot from some of the Year 5 students.

I have learned lots of new things, such as convicts came from lots of places.

Jordan

I really like the new furniture because we can move it around.

Jai

I am now succeeding in the Blue group in Word Study.

Calan

I love going to sport because it’s fun and l get to meet people from other schools.

Angelina

I find it easier to work with other people and share ideas in our new room.

Brooklyn

I finished my History assignment.

Bodene

Getting to take the Macs home.

Koby

We hope you all enjoy a lovely Easter break.

Erin, Ray & Amy

Yr 6

Hi From Chaverim, Bundaberg

Year 6 landed safely and has had a busy and wet first day at camp. Some of the adventures so far included orienteering, low ropes course, flying possum and the centipede. Everyone is looking forward to more fun times ahead, especially canoeing and flying high on the flying fox. We hope you are all enjoying your last week of Term One, because we certainly are.

GENEROUS DONATION

A special big thanks to Nicholas Thompson (Yr 3T student) from NickFish, for the wonderful donation of $256 to the school. This money was all of his profits from Nick’s stall he had at our Country Fair. What a generous donation and a wonderful way of giving back to the school.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Congratulations to the following students and staff who will celebrate their birthday this week and over the holidays. They are: Elle Honeyball (PM), Hanna Haigh (1M), Lucas Mabb (1N), Ashlea Styles (2H), Hannah McCrohon (3A), Maikin Smith (5T), Gabrielle Yarrow (5T), Cooper Wedel(1M), Jack Burnham (PM), Zaeleigh Hannah (PW), Lachlan Huntly (6B), Frances Murphy (6B), Hannah Jamieson (3A),Alfie Timms (1M), Isaak Burns (6B), Dominic Fitton (2F), Max Toby (PW) Mr Fitzgerald and Mrs Mac (OSHC). Have a great day

FROM THE SCHOOL COUNCILLOR

Build your child's self-control

Even as adults, having the ability to control our behaviours, thoughts and actions can come in great use. Children need to develop a sense of being able to manage things for themselves as they grow up. They can start learning this right from infancy. With school holidays right around the corner, there are lots of ways that you can teach them this kind of confidence to children.

• Show delight in what your child is learning: this can be while you are away as a family and trying new things out for the first out.
• Help him to learn to do things for himself instead of you always having the answers: sometimes by working together and role modelling a child can learn how to master a skill.
• Give your child choices and then be prepared to let him have his choice: this can be a good way to transition back to school after the holidays end. You can give your child an option like, “do you want to sit next to the window or in the middle seat when I drop you off to school?” Giving them options can help boost confidence.
• Start to teach him to solve his own problems: For example, if two children quarrel you can get them to listen to each other's feelings. Then ask them to think about what they could do to try and fix the problem. They might need some ideas or help to get started.
• Give approval and encouragement for trying new things: Even if your child doesn't get it all right at first. For example, if your daughter is learning to put her shoes on and she gets them on the wrong feet, you can tell her that you are pleased that she has tried and managed to get them on. Then you can help her with the next step of getting it right.
• Give children lots of time to do what they are good at: It is tempting to keep them practising what they aren't so good at, and maybe this is necessary, but they also need time to succeed.

WRITE & WIPE FOLDERS

CER has informed us that they now have the Write & Wipe folders in stock, which were on some lower year level book lists. If you are requiring one, please pop in and purchase yours.

ENROLMENT AT EMMAUS COLLEGE 2017

Parents should be advised that all enrolment paperwork for Yr 7, 2017, needs to be returned to Emmaus College Office at least one week prior to our interview.

Previously the College website stated that documents could be returned to the office of the student’s Primary School, however this is no longer the case.

Please call 4923 5700 if you have any questions or concerns.

VOLUNTEERS INDUCTION SESSIONS

WPH&S Volunteers Inductions are necessary for the safety of your children. Therefore we ask that all parents who generously volunteer their time to the school, either in a classroom or in the tuckshop, attend a very brief induction regarding maintaining a safe environment for the children of St. Joseph’s.

These sessions only take about five minutes and are available after assembly on a Monday morning with Deanne Senini, or with Ray Carrington on Friday mornings at 9.00 am. Tracy Wren will also be conducting induction sessions in the tuckshop, if you are helping out in there.

Thanks,
Ray Carrington

UNIFORM SHOP

Our uniform shop is run by VOLUNTEERS of the school and is open

Monday morning from 8:15- 8:45 and
Tuesday afternoon from 2:45 - 3:15
Friday morning 8:15 – 8:45

Please feel free to drop by any uniforms you no longer need to sell. Proceeds can go back to you or you can donate it back to the P & F.

FRIDAY PIZZA

Meatlovers, Chicken and Aioli and Hawaiian Pizza are available every Friday for $1.50/slice. Please have your order in a Brown Paper Bag with your name, class and order on it, with the money in side.

Please use a brown paper bag with child’s name and class written on the front.

TUCKSHOP IS UNAVAILABLE ON FRIDAYS

VACATION CARE OVER EASTER HOLIDAYS

Vacation Care is available over the Easter break. Please see the Booking Form and Program which is attached, or can be picked up from Vacation Care.

MOVEMENT IMPROVEMENT

SCHOOL HOLIDAY SPEED AND AGILITY CAMPS
Juniors (6-11 years) and Senior (12 years +)
3 x 1 hour sessions, Hegvold Stadium
Cost $60 includes sports pack
Ph: 4923 7576
email admin@movementimprovement.com.au

SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN

Ride the Purrey Steam Tram and have a close look at the C17 Steam loco
Climb aboard restored passenger carriages
Change the signals and use the antique phones and
other fun activities.
Wednesday the 30th March from 10:00am – 1:00pm. Entry fee $8.50. One adult free per family.
For further information please see attached flyer

BEAK’S TENNIS HOLIDAY PROGRAM

Great opportunity for children of all ages to get out and active on the holidays.
Sign up for just 1 day or all 4 days, available both weeks of holidays.
For more information or to enrol in Holiday Program or Term 2 of tennis,
Call 49361021 or message us on Facebook.

DRAKES SUPA IGA

Simply scan your Drakes Supa IGA key tag and the checkout with your groceries, and automatically 1 cant of every dollar you spend goes to the Cathedral Conservation Fund.

Key tags are available from the office, local church or Drakes stores. Put it on your car keys so you remember to use it.

Key tags can be used at any Drakes Supa IGA supermarket in Queensland. Currently in our Diocese Drakes stores are located at

• Glenmore (North Rockhampton) - Gladstone
• Emu Park - Toolooa Street
• Calliope - Sun Valley