4 September 2019

Newsletter Articles

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

This week is National Child Protection Week with the theme, ‘Kids Do Well When Parents Are Supported.’ During this week, we focus on all the many things we can do to ensure the ongoing safety of our children and how we can continue to create a learning environment that is empowering to our students. All of our students will be taking part in various age appropriate activities within their class groups, but I would ask that you also please try and reinforce the following school processes that focus on student safety with your own children at home.

• During pick-up times, students are waiting in the correct pick-up zone under the direct supervision of the teachers on duty
• Students proceed to pick-up zones promptly after the 3:00pm bell
• Students who walk or ride to school, travel directly to their destination in the morning and afternoon
• Correct use of the toilet facilities at the school, ensuring that these areas are not used for play
• Using the appropriate toilets in respect to the current laws surrounding our Outside of Schools Hours Care service
• Students are entering the school grounds promptly after being dropped off and proceed to the school’s MPA until duty begins at 8:15am
• A reminder that the Joey’s Student Protection Contacts are Mrs Senini, Mrs Brennan, Miss Black, Mrs Hoffman and myself as Principal

Remember, protecting kids is everybody’s job, and your help with reinforcing this with your own children at home would be greatly appreciated.

Last Thursday we celebrated NAIDOC Day in the Joey’s community. I would like to thank Simone Giles, Jess Ivers and Mrs Brennan for the work they did in making the day so memorable. Since last Thursday I have had many people contact me about how wonderful the day was and how well behaved our students were. A big thanks to everyone who came and presented as well as the parent volunteers who provided the sausage sizzle on the day. It was a fantastic day for all.

The school’s Master Plan is beginning to take shape with ongoing negotiations taking part with the Catholic Education Office. CEO’s funding of the project is already estimated to be in the range of a 9-million-dollar commitment to the Joey’s community. We have many hurdles to overcome as the full project will be completed in stages over the next 18-24 months. Due to this timeframe, the P&F has already decided to postpone next year’s fete until 2021 in order to ensure we have the appropriate space and available facilities for the event. I am hoping to hold information sessions for both the school and Parish communities in the near future as more of the plan begins to fall into place.

In 2020, St Joseph’s will be switching from Inferno to Weareco as our official uniform supplier. After much deliberation, and careful consideration, the decision has been made in conjunction with the P&F to cease operations with Inferno as our preferred uniform supplier. This decision was not made lightly, and we would like to extend our thanks to Inferno for the years of business that we’ve shared.

As a show of good faith, and to honour Inferno’s commitment over the years, there will be a 18-24-month period where both suppliers stock will still be available for purchase and accepted under the school’s uniform policy. More information will be made available before the end of the schooling year.

Finally, a big thank you to Mrs Roberts and her family for a wonderful Book Fair last week. Due to Mrs Robert’s great work, the Joey’s school library has nearly 100 extra books for our students to read and enjoy in the future.

Don’t Forget …

• National Child Protection Week 2019, 1st – 7th September
• P&F Trivia Night, Saturday 7th September
• Parent/Teacher interviews, Week 9

Have a great week.

Regards

Bernard Fitzgerald
St. Joseph’s PA Principal

APRE REFLECTION

Children are a precious gift from God. As adults, we have the privilege and responsibility to care for them and help them live the full and abundant life God desires for them. Sadly, love and security are not the reality for many children who suffer.

“Child abuse and neglect is preventable. If we all work together as a community, we can create an Australia where all children can grow up safe and well.

What role can you play in supporting children and their families?”

– Richard Cooke, CEO, NAPCAN

Dear Lord,
Your Word is filled with accounts of miraculous protection.
We claim that power for vulnerable children.
Make Your little ones invisible to people who seek to exploit them.
Whisper in the ears of the children to run and hide until the danger passes.
Amen

Mass times

Weekday

Tuesday 9.00am Holy Family
Wednesday 12.00 Noon St Mary’s
Thursday 8.00am Emmaus College (Yaamba Rd)
Friday 9.00am Our Lady Help of Christians

Weekend

Saturday – Vigil
5.00pm Holy Family
6.30pm Our Lady Help of Christians

Sunday

7.00am St Mary’s
9.00am Holy Family

NAIDOC DAY

We had a great NAIDOC Day thanks to Miss Simone Giles and Mrs Jess Ivers. The students were given the opportunity to share many cultural experiences ranging from basket weaving to dot painting and traditional games. Many thanks to Deadly Choices, RATEP, Guam Island Dancers, CQID, Emmaus College, Darumbal, OzTag, Ms Cassie Burgen, Tarryn Cora, Judy Farr and Mr Barry Stanley who made the day memorable for our students. We also are very appreciative of the P & F who continually support our learners and provided the students with a sausage sizzle on the day.

RELIGIOUS MATTERS

What’s Happening in Term 3

Prayer Assembly Time Change

Prayer assembly times have changed to 10:30 am before lunch instead of 11:30 am.

Bernadette Brennan
APRE

RUOK

Thursday 12 September 2019 is RUOK?Day – a day when we’re reminded to ask, “Are you OK?” and to remember every day of the year to support people who may be struggling with life’s ups and downs.

At St Joey’s, we know that regular meaningful conversations can make a difference. And you don’t have to be an expert to ask how someone’s going. Just a great mate and a good listener.

This year in the build-up to RUOK?Day we’re shining a light on the times we should be asking our friends and loved ones this important question. We want everyone in our school community to know that if something’s up with someone you know – there’s something going on in their life or you notice a change in what they’re doing or saying – it’s time to trust that gut instinct and ask them “Are you OK?”

To spread this message, we’ll be:

• Hosting a SJPA Breakfast BBQ on Wednesday 11 September 2019 from 7:00am – 8:30am – parents come along with your family and get some breakky and have a chat
• Everyone will be wearing some YELLOW on Thursday 12 September 2019 – So students and teachers – wear something yellow
• Teachers will be doing some RUOK? Activities in classrooms
• We will have some RUOK? Pop Up Conversation Corners

This year in the build-up to RUOK?Day we’re encouraging everyone to:

TRUST the Signs, TRUST your Gut & Ask RUOK ?

Check out this child friendly R U OK? Day clip, watch with your child, and this could help them understand how to check on friend or help you start a conversation with someone in your life -

You can learn more about the signs and how to ask R U OK? at the link below:

SPORTING MATTERS

Sporting Dates

Bernadette Brennan
Sports Co-ordinator

CURRICULUM NEWS

ICAS ASSESSMENTS

If your child has enrolled to complete any of the ICAS online assessments, you can download practice questions from the following website to help them prepare for tests:

PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS

Next week we are holding our Parent Teacher Interviews. The timeslots will be 15 minutes in duration. This is a great opportunity to find out how your child is progressing with their learning. Please be advised that there is no supervision for students provided on these afternoons / evenings. Students are most welcome and encouraged to attend their interview to be active participants in discussions about their learning.

Kind Regards,
Deanne Senini
Assistant Principal Curriculum

FROM THE SCHOOL COUNSELLOR

National Child Protection Week – 1-7 September 2019

Protecting our children is everybody’s job, no matter what your job.

This means from being a parent, being an aunt or uncle, carer, teacher, counsellor or neighbour. We can all help families in times of stress or difficulties to help them navigate the choppy waters of life to keep their children safe and to grow, develop and thrive. Being a parent, can be one of the hardest, yet rewarding jobs in the world. Yet, many people view getting support or help to parent as shameful.

We all help our children to learn and accept offers of help, and we all accept help in the workplace doing our jobs, volunteering or caring for others, but not in parenting. We are all humans and are continually learning to navigate different aspects of life as we lead them, including parenting. So, check in with fellow parents, ask for help, offer help, call up a support agency and try on a different approach – getting support to navigate the choppy waters of parenting, there is nothing to lose.

For children to develop healthily, they need life to stay on an even keel. Support for families can help parents to navigate rough waters like stress, financial problems, separation or loss of loved ones. Being available to help support a family, or connecting them with supports, so that parents can get through challenges and all children can thrive.

Healthy child development starts early, and babies’ brains are being built from their first days. The interactions you have with your baby and child as they grow and the relationship that you develop will help them grow and thrive. Ongoing daily interactions is what children and their brains need to grow and parents help build the skills they need for learning, problem solving, building their independence and thinking.

The skills that kids start to develop when they’re very young couldn’t be more important. Raising thriving healthy children is all-important and building young brains takes work. Parents need support to help children develop the skills they need.

Children’s brains are built over time. The early years provide the foundation for future learning. We need to support parents to lay the strongest possible foundations.

SJPA values being a lighthouse or safe harbour not just for your child and student, but also for parents needing any support. Your child’s teacher, the Principal and Assistant Principals and School Counsellor are available to talk to if you were wanting to explore some worries you had or seeking any supports.

Keeping children safe is about being present, having conversations, listening and being aware. Children learn from those parents and adults around them that talk with them to educate them about what is and ISN’T ok.

Having conversations with your children about personal safety and protection can sometimes be tricky. Talking about being safe and keeping safe and about topics on sexual abuse can feel uncomfortable. Having these conversations at home as their parents and building your knowledge about what it means to be safe, having a conversation that is pitched at your child’s age can help your child realise that nothing is too yucky or uncomfortable to talk about.

I have attached a Bravehearts Parent’s Guide - to build your knowledge and help you feel informed and prepared to host these types of conversations with your kids.

Bravehearts’ Parents Guide to Personal Safety booklet includes information about the occurrence, prevention, and disclosure of child sexual assault and harm, as well as activities and tips for parents to help teach their children about personal safety, as well as a list of child-safety emergency contacts.

Michelle Hoffman
St Joseph's Park Avenue - Wednesday, Thursday and Friday - (07) 4994 8205

CLASSROOM MYTHBUSTERS

FINANCE NEWS

TERM 3 FEE ACCOUNTS NOW OVERDUE

Fee Accounts for Term 3 are now four weeks overdue. These were due on 5/8/19.

If you have an outstanding amount and are unable to make any payment, can you please make immediate contact with Bernard or Megan to advise your current situation?

All new families would by now have received your Parent Lounge Login details.

If you have not received these, please contact Tracey or Megan in the office.

If paying by Direct Deposit, please use your Account Number as the reference

(this is the 6 digit number on your Fee Statement).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Congratulations to the following students who will celebrate their birthday this week. They are: Marhella Purcell (1C,) Maycie Zanette (2F,) Patrick Joyce (Yr 4,) Thomas Compagnoni (2F,) Maya Horstman (1H,) Ava Buckenham (2F,) Amity Newman (1H) and Hudson Hood (Year 6.)

Have a great day.

P & F NEWS

Thanks to everyone who came and helped cook and serve the BBQ lunch for NAIDOC day last week. From all reports the day was a success!

This Saturday is our annual Trivia Night. Whilst it is a fundraiser, it’s more about getting out there and having some laughs and a good night with our Joeys community. If Trivia’s not your thing, how about coming along and helping set up, mark answer sheets or running the bar? It’s set to be a fun night.

Do you have children in P-3, and some time spare before pick-up or after drop-off? Have you thought about helping in your child’s classroom? Classroom help or classroom reading is a wonderful way to engage with the children in the class, so please see your teacher if interested. If you don’t have a Blue Card, and would like to help, come and see the ladies in the office and they can help you obtain one. It doesn’t cost a cent.

Our next P&F meeting is next Wednesday September 11th, and we’d love to see some new faces join us for a chat. We hope to see you there.

Reminder:

Thanks,
Joeys P&F

PARENT LOUNGE

Changes to your address, phone number or work phone number can be made in Parent Lounge. To do this, log in through the Skoolbag App, go to the Parent Details tab, make your changes, and then submit.

Changes to Parent Lounge are the submission of your child’s absentee days (but only for the current term). It will be similar to the way you do this on the Skoolbag app. Once accepted our end (when we log into our computer), this will be entered straight onto our system, and saves the double handling.

SCHOOL BANKING

School banking happens every Thursday.

If you wish to start school banking, you need to open a Youth Saver Account at the Commonwealth bank, make no deposit and they will provide you with your banking book and details.

Please send your child’s banking book in so they can place it in the grey classroom-banking bag.

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 do not take long and are available after assembly on a Monday morning with Deanne Senini, and on Wednesday afternoons from 2:30pm - 3:00pm. Debbie Rooney will conduct induction sessions in the tuckshop, if you are helping in there.

Thanks

UNIFORM SHOP

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

Monday morning from 8:15 - 8:45 and Wednesday afternoon from 2:45 – 3:15.

Please feel free to drop any uniforms you no longer need so they can be 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 hand 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 inside.

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 at 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