29 March 2017

Newsletter Articles

FROM THE ACTING PRINCIPAL

Our Year 6 Students will be taking part in their Leadership Camp at Chaverim, near Bundaberg this week. ‘Chaverim’ when translated from Hebrew means ‘friends’ and this camp is a wonderful opportunity for our Year 6 students to not only learn more about the gifts of their peers over the week, but to also discover more about the unique gifts they have to offer those around them. I hope both students and staff have a great time.

As I myself will be attending camp this year, I would like to take this opportunity to wish our whole community a happy, holy and safe Easter break and I look forward to working in partnership with you for the remainder of 2017. Just a reminder that school resumes for Term 2 after the Easter Monday holiday on Tuesday, the 18th of April.

This week it saddens me to say farewell to our Indigenous Teacher Assistant, Skye Alberts who will be finishing up with us this week. Skye has been a valued member of our Joeys staff and will be missed. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

As I mentioned at Monday morning’s whole school assembly, new laws have begun to take effect in regards to student protection and our Outside of School Hours Care program. Due to our OSHC service utilising the MPA of an afternoon, we as a community must ensure that there be no other students using this facility, including the toilets in the undercover area from 3:00pm onwards each weekday.

Teachers and parents are asked to keep this area clear for OSHC to use and not have students playing in this area of an afternoon. By law, students wishing to use the toilets or drink taps before going home after 3:00pm must use the newer facilities connected to the Media & Drama room or the new refrigerated taps outside of Grade 1. The MPA toilets must only be used by OSHC students of an afternoon.

On the pre-scheduled occasions that we have a school function or training in the MPA of an afternoon/evening, OSHC will be either utilizing the Adventure Playground area or the Library in wet weather. In these instances, OSHC must be given priority and these areas too must be kept clear.

These laws are put in place to help our OSHC staff ensure the safety of the students in their care and this duty of care is much harder to achieve with many non-OSHC students remaining in these areas of an afternoon. We must remain mindful that these OSHC children are all members of our school community and that their parents are paying for this service.

Thank you for your consideration in this matter.

Don’t Forget …

• 31st March, End of Term 1
• 13th April, Holy Thursday
• 14th April, Good Friday
• 16th April, Easter Sunday
• 18th April, Commencement of Term 2 (Tuesday)
• 19th April, P&F Meeting @ 3:15pm
• 19th April, School Board Meeting @ 5:30pm

Have a happy, holy break and I look forward to working with you for the remainder of the year.

Regards

Bernard Fitzgerald
St. Joseph’s PA Acting Principal

APRE REFLECTION

Nguyet (pronounced ‘new-et’) lives in Vietnam. Vietnam has experienced significant suffering from the effects of war, with the most recent being the Vietnam War. In Vietnam, people with disabilities are hidden away. Because there is little money, children with disabilities are unable to go to school and their parents don’t have enough money to look after them.

Nguyet spent fourteen years of her life in silence and isolation. Her severe disability restricted her movements, her access to her neighbourhood and her chance of an education. Children like Nguyet, with disabilities, have an opportunity for a bright and productive future with your support of Project Compassion.

Bernadette Brennan
Acting APRE

RELIGIOUS MATTERS

Children’s Mass

Last Saturday we celebrated Children’s Mass with the local community and all the families who are participating in the Confirmation/ Eucharist sacramental program. It was wonderful to see so many children and their families attend. All the children who took part were fantastic and represented themselves and our school with pride.

Project Compassion

Our annual Lenten fundraising has been a huge success. Not only have we raised much needed funding for our neighbours, we have raised awareness of the poverty and social justice issues in our own and nearby countries. Your support of the appeal is an ongoing demonstration of the faith, love and generosity of this wonderful community.

No Prayer Assembly

There will not be a prayer assembly this week.

2F will be starting off term 2 with their prayer assembly about the Friends of Jesus in week one.

Best Wishes for a Happy and Holy Easter

Bernadette Brennan
Acting APRE

SPORTING MATTERS

NO FRIDAY SPORT THIS WEEK

Interschool Sport

There are no interschool sport fixtures this week. Fixtures will recommence next term in week 1.

Cross Country Training

Cross Country training will continue this Thursday morning at 7:40am. Students need to meet Mrs. Brennan in the MPA, dressed in appropriate running gear. Students are encouraged to carry on with some form of training throughout the school holidays. Training will commence in term 2 on Tuesday 18th April.

Training Days and Times:

Tuesday 7:40am
Thursday 7:40am

Distances:

10 Years (2007) 2000m
11 Years (2006) 3000m
12 Years (2005) 3000m

Rockhampton Representatives

Congratulations to the following students on their selection to represent Rockhampton and District Primary Schools in the various sports.

U12 Basketball – Bella Janes
U11 Netball – Cadence Lee
U12 Hockey – Jai Cass
U12 Rugby League Girls – Gabby Yarrow
U12 Touch Football – Seth Carpenter
U10 Rugby League – Chace Everingham
U11 Rugby League – Seth Carpenter and Curtis Seierup
U12 Rugby League – Sam Farrow

Have a great week

Bernadette Brennan
Acting APRE

CLASSROOM NEWS

Prep

It’s been a week of rainy weather, and Prep has had to stay indoors. We took this opportunity to talk about changes in weather, along with our number of the week and our letters, v, y and z.

This week we started to grow our seeds in our own little “Sprout Houses”. Students were able to select some seeds, wrap them in tissue and spray with water. Placed in a snap lock bag they have grown, expanded and begun to sprout. It has been very exciting to see the seeds grow and change as they transition from a seed to a seedling that the students are eager to take home.

This interest lead to a light box display of our class seeds. Various seeds including carrot and lavender seeds are provided for students to investigate and compare. Students loved comparing seeds so we added glasses and a microphone so the students can communicate the differences they notice.

With Easter not far away, we embarked on learning the true meaning of Easter and the special liturgical season we are in. We are looking closely at Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday, the significant events that took part in Jesus life through different activities.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and happy Easter break!

See you in term 2!

1F

In our classroom we have been practicing reading in groups. In these groups, students are encouraged to discuss the cover and make predictions about the story, and the words, which might be in the book. They look at the pictures inside the book and visualise what the story is about. Then each student reads in turn while the other students follow along in their book. The students are learning that they need to be very quiet and listening carefully while each student is reading. At the end of reading time students have been completing a drawing or writing a short sentence which explains a comprehension question like “Who is the main character?” or “Where does the story take place?” or “Describe one thing that happened.” Exciting reading times are ahead as we progress on to more interesting and challenging tasks.

Karen Fox

1M

Well what an amazing term we’ve had exploring the world around us. We have been learning all about Baptism and how we are welcomed into God’s family during this sacrament. We’ve had a few children in the class who have been lucky enough to attend Baptisms during this term and were eager to share their experiences with us.

We have been reading and writing recounts – I must say some of our students have exciting weekends.

During maths we are exploring all types of numbers and doing some creative and exciting rotations. Working hard to discover what two digit numbers look like and how we can make them.

We have planted a garden for Science to explore the changes that can happen in our environment. We planted plastic, pencils, crayon, paper and seeds. Our plants have just about grown out of our planter box but, surprisingly for some of our students, the pencils, plastic and crayon haven’t changed. Our predictions at the start of the unit are proving to be correct in some places and incorrect in others. It’s always exciting to see which way things go…

This week we will be exploring Holy Week. The children will bring home many small craft items that will help them understand the special time that Holy Week is in our church calendar. Please share the days with your children as they come up the week before Easter.

As we look forward to our Easter break I wish you all a happy and Holy Easter. Please enjoy your time away from the school routine and return to us with beautiful smiles and the eagerness to keep learning.

2F

A very busy term 1 is coming to an end and the children would like to share a few of their thoughts and favourite things from the term.

Alex – I liked learning how to add coins together so I know what money I have.
Amarli – I liked learning about Jesus in Religion.
Patrick – I like reading because there are lots of facts and stuff that I haven’t learnt about yet.
Cooper – I liked learning about the water cycle and what new words like precipitation, condensation, evaporation and collection mean.
Rori – I liked learning my handwriting because it helps me be neater with my work.
Olivia – I liked learning new reading strategies so that I can read more books.
Kobe – I have liked mapping because I have learned about places I would like to visit.
Blake – I liked learning about Jesus’ life in Religion.

Mrs Farr and the students of 2F

2H

Ever wondered what 2H do all day?

I wonder what life was like when Jesus was alive?
I wonder what other places there are within Australia?
I wonder how to write a character description?
I wonder what GoNoodle and Seesaw are?
I wonder how we can be water savers?
I wonder what changes have taken place within out school over time?

2H have spent much of their time in Term 1 answering these very interesting questions. Please ask us what we discovered - the answers are VERY interesting! We have learned a lot this term, so much so that we all deserve a holiday! Have a happy, holy Easter!

2H and Mrs Hannah

3A

Heating Up in 3A

Our finished Solar Ovens! I don’t know what the children enjoyed more: constructing the ovens or sampling the goodies we were trying to melt.

Have a happy and safe Easter.

3T

What a great start we have had to the year. We would like to share a few photos of our journey so far –

As part of Technology we designed, built and investigated solar ovens.

We shared photos as part of our storybook of memories to show how we relate to Jesus’ teachings.

The Arts –some examples of our art pieces – 3D hands and Australian themed.

We would like to wish everyone a happy and healthy break.

Happy Easter from Mrs Tennyson and the students of 3T.

Yr 4

Wow, first term has flown by and what a great term it has been!

In Year 4 we have been extremely busy settling in and tackling our first assignments. This week we have presented some fantastic oral presentations about why the Once-ler should not be allowed to build a Thneed Factory here in Rockhampton.

We have also been busy constructing our table top games and they are starting to look amazing. There are numerous examples of forces in action in each games and we can’t wait to play them on Friday.

Year 4 hopes everyone has a fantastic holiday and a happy Easter.

Mrs Wayman, Mrs Mooney and Year 4.

Yr 5

What a great start

As you can see in the short video the children have been very busy this term. They have adapted very quickly to their new environment and are all working well.

When you get time please visit the Year 5 website. It contains everything you need to know about what’s happening in Year 5. Be sure to check the page regularly to stay up to date with what we’re doing in class and the work that your child is producing in class.

If at any time you wish to catch up with either of us, please do not hesitate to let us know.

• Come and see us in the Year 5 classroom
• Phone: 07 4922 1906
• Email: erin_tranberg@rok.catholic.edu.au
  raymond_carrington@rok.catholic.edu.au

We hope you all enjoy a safe and enjoyable Easter.

Erin, Ray & Amy

Yr 6

We’re off to have a terrific time at Camp.

Wishing you all a happy and Holy Easter break!!!

SCHOOL TOILET SAFETY

The students are very aware that the toilets are for just that… going to the toilet. They are not places to hang out with buddies, eat or play. They have one important purpose and that is what it should be used for.

Posters have been placed around the toilet blocks as a visual reminder to students. The safety message of ‘Recognise, React and Report’ is one well used at school. We would appreciate families discussing these themes and phrases at home. We need our students to understand and be aware that toilets are not a social place, that going to the toilet is private and that these procedures are put in place for the safety of themselves and others.

Brooke Black
Child Protection Contact

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Congratulations to the following students and staff who will celebrate their birthday this week, and over the holidays. They are: Cooper Wedel (2F), Jack Burnham (1M), Zaeleigh Hannah (1F), Blake Howden (2F), Hannah Jamieson (4M), Jed Ryan (PW), Alfie Timms (2H), Darcy Sewell (3T), Domini Fitton (3T), Max Toby (1F), IsabellaDoblo (4W), Haylee Wust (2F), Cody Neden (4W), Chloe Baker (4M), Ben Handford (5T), Levi Quinn (5T), Katelyn Whiting (3A), Elijah Austin (2F), Maggie Wooler (PM), Connor Batley (PW), Bailey Swift (3T), Mr Fitzgerald and Mrs Mac (OSHC)

Have a great day.

LIBRARY NEWS

Did you know??

St Joseph’s has an extensive online student library which can be accessed 24/7?

Using the schools Online Library over Easter Holidays is a wonderful way to encourage our children to keep reading!

The link for the online school library (OverDrive) is:

The FREE app can also be downloaded from your relevant app store.

Students will need to sign in using their unique code, (which has already gone home with your child). From there they can browse the St Joseph’s collection and borrow, reserve and sample the selected titles.

Students may borrow up to 10 books in a 7-day period, with books automatically “returned” on their due date.

Happy reading!

Mrs Roberts

VACATION CARE

Please see attached the Vacation Care program for the upcoming holidays and also the booking form. If you are requiring care for your child or children over the holidays or even after school, please call Chelsea on 0408 703 482

UNIFORM SHOP

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

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

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

The Uniform Shop has quite a lot of good second hand uniforms. Please feel free to pop in (at the opening times above), and have a look.

There are second had Emmaus uniforms also.

FRIDAY PIZZA

Meatlovers 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

DRAKES SUPA IGA

Simply scan your Drakes Supa IGA key tag and the checkout with your groceries, and automatically 1 cent 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)
• Emu Park

PARK AVENUE DENTAL CLINIC

If you missed out on filling out and handing in the dental form that went home in term 4 last year, please come to the office and collect another letter and medical form. The Park Avenue Dental clinic is in operation once again.

OUTSIDE SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

ISA Cheeky Monkey's School Holiday Fun

Sport orientated programs, from 8:30am-5:00pm for $25 per child per day. Bookings are essential, please contact 49278499 or email sports@isarocky.com.au

Archer Park Rail Museum - Family Fun Day

DATE: Sunday 23rd April 2017
TIME: 9AM – 1PM
COST: $2 ENTRY – 14YRS AND OVER
$2.50 – TRAM RIDES

Come along and enjoy the displays and market. Ride the Purrey Steam Tram, see the Diesel and Steam engine and heritage rail carriages.

There will be morning tea and sausage sizzle, vintage, classic and ford cars, military museum stall, live music, rail memorabilia, exhibits and lots more.

HOCKEY

Don’t have a team sport yet? Why not try HOCKEY!!!!

The hockey season is about start and the Park Avenue Brothers Hockey Club has positions for boys and girls available in our U7, U9 & U12 years grades.

Park Avenue is a family friendly club with a long history of dedication to junior players by providing: -

• Free “Start Up” kits for new Juniors
• Fees that are lower than most sports
• Accredited and Experienced Coaches
• Club house at the playing fields with all amenities

Wednesday trainings and Saturday morning fixtures at Kalka Shades, Water St, North Rockhampton are commencing this week.

It’s not too late to enjoy the benefits of a safe team sport that offers challenges and rewards, whilst providing health & fitness.

For further detailed info contact Robert Sweeney on 0407 118 220 or go to the link below or like us on Facebook - pabhockey.

BEAKS TENNIS

New coaching term starts soon with free trial lesson and holiday programs available. For more information, call 0419 026 963 or message Beak’s Tennis on Facebook.”