9 September 2020

Newsletter Articles

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Parents & Guardians

I hope all of the Fathers, Stepfathers and Grandfathers in our Joeys community had a happy Father’s Day last Sunday. There was much excitement surrounding the Prep class taking part in their first Prayer Assembly.

After Friday’s assembly, the Year 6 Father’s Day Raffle was drawn with all prizes being won by families at the school. Prizes were distributed to the students of those families after the assembly so they could be taken home for the Father’s Day weekend. The following is a list of all the prize winners and I thank everybody who supported this Year 6 fund raising activity.

Winners from the Father’s Day Raffle.

1. QLD Maroons Jersey – Estelle Hunt
2. Supatool 174 Piece Toolkit – Audrey Brady
3. QLD Maroons Jumper – Ava Geizler
4. QLD Maroons Shirt, Football and Bunnings Gift Voucher – David Barber
5. Polo Shirt, Back Massager, Water bottle and Bunnings Hat - Littleboy Family
6. Polo Shirt, Soccer Ball, Water bottle and Bunnings Hat – Samuel Graham
7. Adidas Slides, Frisbee and Water bottle – Cruz Roberts

Last Friday saw the handing over of our new school toilet facilities in the centre of the school. With these new toilets coming online, we will eventually be able to bid farewell to the temporary toilets that have been a fixture at school since December 2019. This is also part of the next step in seeing some of our network of paths and landscaping that will eventually link our entire school together. As we look to enter Term 4, we need to celebrate all of the little victories and improvements that our 16-month Capital Works project provides.

For those parents who have not yet had the opportunity to see our new Library, Inclusive Curriculum Room and Lower Precinct, I have scheduled an ‘Open Night’ for Tuesday the 15th of September in the last week of Term 3. I will be on hand between 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm for those who would like to come and have a look. Please be aware that if parents are onsite, they will need to respect social distancing rules of remaining 1.5 metres from anyone who does not reside within the same household. Unfortunately, due to COVID restriction, with parents onsite, students will not be allowed to attend during this time.

Prep offers for 2021 were sent out last Thursday, the 3rd of September, with over 80 interviews conducted for just 52 available spots. Even though this is a great sign that Joey’s is a preferred destination for many family’s educational journey, it has not been an easy time for the Leadership group while determining our first round of offers.

What has been wonderful is meeting so many new and familiar faces during the lengthy interview process. During the interviews this year our prospective Prep students for 2021 contributed to a lovely wall of art in our office interview room. I have included a picture of the wonderfully colourful creation for you to see.

Due to COVID and our ongoing Capital Works, we will not be able to hold our Prep Orientation Day in the usual format that we are accustomed to. As COVID precautions and processes are still in place, an updated Prep Orientation Day plan will be formulated and communicated to families in the very near future.

Don’t Forget….

• Parent/Teacher Interviews. Week 9. 7th – 11th Sept.
• P&F Meeting, Wed 9th Sept @ 6:30pm in ICE room
• Lower Precinct Parent Open Night, Tues 15th Sept. 5:30pm – 6:30pm
• Catholic Schools Year 6 Touch Challenge. Wed 16th Sept.
• School Board Meeting, Wed 16th Sept @ 5:30pm in ICE room
• RUN4FUN Colour Explosion, Fri 18th Sept (Info Flyer sent home to all families)
• Term 3 Concludes, Fri 18th Sept
• Term 4 Commences, Tues 6th Oct

Kindest Regards

Bernard Fitzgerald
Principal - St. Joseph’s Catholic School Park Avenue

Happy every day. Learning every day.

APRE REFLECTION

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Find ways to win others over, prayer shall be answered.

Matthew 16:21-27

Living the Gospel – Facing the issue

It can be very difficult when we feel that someone has hurt us to actually go and speak to them about how we are feeling. It is so much easier to revel in our hurt or seek payback for the hurt. Sometimes we feel that we might ruin a friendship by speaking to our friend about a way in which they have hurt us. But a hurt that goes unaddressed will continue to hurt and will probably be repeated. This week’s gospel reminds us of the need to challenge our friends when they hurt us, but it also reminds us that when we have hurt others, we need to be challenged about it and called to account for our actions.

@Liturgy Help

Coming up this term:

FUN RUN is back on

WHAT: A fun day to end the term
WHEN: Friday 18th September
WHERE: SJPA
WEAR: White shirt or Sports House Colours – white preferred
WHO: Everyone is involved
FUNDRAISING: Online fundraising has reopened and closes on the 18.09.20
HOW: Year 6 are hosting fun activities around the school in the middle and last sessions of the day
RUN?: Yes, everyone will have a run/jog/stroll along the track created by Year 6 at the end of the day. And it will be colourful
WHAT’S NEXT: Gather as many cash or online donations as you can to help raise funds for the P&F. After the 18th, get back online and order your prizes before next term starts or send your cash and order form back to school. Then sit back, enjoy the holidays and wait for your rewards to arrive next term.
FOOD: Meal Deal for the day! 1 Sausage Roll, 2 cookies & 1 Popper

Orders due Wednesday 16th September

Bernadette Brennan
Assistant Principal Religious Education

CURRICULUM NEWS

Important Curriculum Dates:

SEMESTER TWO PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS

Parent Lounge has now closed for parents to book an interview. If you missed the cut off and would still like an interview, please contact teachers directly to book a suitable time. Interviews will be held in classrooms this week. There will be no supervision for students during interview times. Students are welcome and encouraged to attend their own interview, however, if this is not your wish, please arrange alternate care for your child during the interview time. This is especially important this year due to the current Capital Work being undertaken around the school as well as OSHC needing to utilise the court and play areas. Please be aware that due to COVID regulations, teachers need to sanitise the interview area after each interview, so please be patient if the start of your interview is delayed.

Regards,
Deanne Senini
Assistant Principal Curriculum

FINANCE NEWS

TERM 3 FEE ACCOUNTS NOW OVERDUE

Fee Accounts for Term 3 are now overdue. These were due on 17/8/19.

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?

If you are the holder of a means tested Concession Card and have not provided a copy to Finance, please do so.

If paying by Direct Deposit, please use your Parent Account Number as the reference and not a name. (this is the 6-digit number on your Fee Statement). This makes it much easier for receipting purposes.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Congratulations to the following students who will celebrate their birthday this week. They are: Aleeya Horstman (Prep), Liahna Cook (Yr 6), Phoenix Thorn (Yr 3), Blake Jones (Yr 2), Xavier Boswood (Yr 3), Aria Smith (Yr 1), Mia Smith (Yr 2) and Miss Beak (Yr 3)

Have a great day.

P & F NEWS

Our next P&F meeting will be this afternoon, Wednesday 9th September at 6:30pm, and we’ll be looking to have some special guests, so spread the word and come along and have a chat about what’s in store for the school.

How are your ideas for our next fete coming along? Have you considered being a part of the committee, or a part of our P&F executive committee? There’s lots to look forward to in 2021.

Reminder:

Wed Sept 9th: P&F Meeting 6:30pm in the Inclusive Curriculum room

Thanks,
Joeys P&F

Jabbering with Joeys

We turn our attention to Year 4 this week and to one of our longest serving teachers, Ann McCutcheon. Just don’t talk to her about loose teeth.

Name: Ann McCutcheon
How long have you been at Joeys?: This is my 17th year
Favourite Food: Chocolate
What did you want to be when you grew up?: Hairdresser
Favourite Music: All music
Coffee or Tea: Tea
Favourite subject at school: English
Hobbies outside of Joeys: Art & Jigsaw Puzzles
Favourite book/movie: Detective novels
Favourite colour: Blue
Best “Dad” joke: I'm reading a book about anti-gravity. It's impossible to put down!
Favourite thing about Joeys: The smiles on everyone’s faces and knowing help is always there for the whole community.

SCHOOL COUNSELLOR

Child Protection Week 2020 - Putting Children First

Welcome to Child Protection Week.

This week is a reminder of the important work you do as parents and carers for children in your life.

We teachers ask ourselves how we can put the children first in our school also.

In our busy lives juggling jobs, family, shopping and other commitments how might your child know they are important in your life and how they could come first. Maybe this week you could think what are those things that let them know:

Do you give them daily hugs, listen to them read ,sit and play lego with them, tell them you love them, kick the ball around the yard, watch them jump on the tramp or ask them about their day.

Looking after yourself is an important part of being a parent too. So, you can rest and recharge to help you feel more relaxed and available to your kids maybe you could talk with a friend, have a sit and a cuppa, go for a walk, head to bed early or ask someone for help if you need it.

What is something you might do to remind you child they come first in your life.

Celebrate the way you play your part and have a great week.

Check out these Parent Tip sheets on how you play your part to put the kids in your life first.

If your baby could talk

Letter to dad

RUOK? Wear something yellow this Thursday!

R U OK? Day is tomorrow, Thursday 10 September. It’s our national day of action when we remind Australians that every day is the day to ask, “Are you OK?” if someone in your world is struggling with life’s ups and downs.

The Message for RUOK? Day 2020 is: THERE’S MORE TO SAY AFTER R U OK ?

There’s more to say

2020 has been a challenging year for everyone and circumstances have made it even more important for us all to stay connected and, for those who are able, be willing to support those around us. In the lead-up to R U OK? Day we’ll help Australians know what to say when someone says they’re not OK and guide them through how they can continue a conversation that could change a life.

You don’t have to be an expert to keep the conversation going when someone says they’re not OK. By knowing what to say you can help someone feel supported and access appropriate help long before they’re in crisis, which can make a really positive difference to their life.

Learn what to say after R U OK? And download our free resources for tips and ideas to help you share the message around your mob, family and community.

FRIDAY PIZZA

• Pizza and Icy Cups to be ordered and paid for from outside the Year 6 room in the morning from 8:15 – 8:35am.
• Brown bags not required for pizza – students simply bring their money ($2 per slice) and tell the Year 6 students what you would like to order.
• Pizza slices will be delivered to classes in provided brown bags in tuckshop boxes at lunch time.
• Icy Cups will be delivered to the classrooms at approx. 2:55pm ready for home time.

Please note: There is a pizza order form available if you think this will be helpful to assist your child with the ordering process. Also, Icy Cups can sell out, so it is first in best dressed when ordering in the morning.

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