Newsletter 22 2023
Principal's Report
Hello to Families and all in the St Joseph's School Community,
This week the Feast Day of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop was celebrated on Tuesday August 8th. This “other” Mary, was a true inspiration and serves as a constant reminder to all of us who are work and teach in Catholic Education. Throughout her life, Mary supported people, especially the children of the poor to find their voice through the gift of education. She became both a voice for the voiceless and found ways to enable the voiceless to find their voice. My hope is that we continue to see education as a “gift” as we work together in the hope of fullness of life for all!
God of all pilgrim people, you raise up women and men to meet the needs of every age. In Mary MacKillop, we celebrate a journey of deep love and sensitivity to your will. Like her, may we learn to grow in appreciation of the fullness of your love and the depth of your mystery.
Help us to transform the ordinariness of our lives as we reach out to others through the daily challenges of our journey towards you. Amen
This week we also celebrate the rise of some different women in the form of THE MATILDAS. I never considered myself a soccer fan, but I am thoroughly enjoying watching these truly skilful sportswomen who seem to have the ball on a very flexible string! Let’s see what they do next!
FORTNIGHTLY EDITION
This term we have transitioned to a fortnightly edition of our school newsletter. Reminders, new dates and important information will be shared via Simon Everywhere in the off weeks. Staff can also continue to share information and learning via the class Dojo or Seesaw apps.
WELLBEING - SCHOOL WIDE POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR
Last Wednesday St Joseph’s was closed to students as all staff participated in professional learning with Anne Ruddell (Education Officer SWPB) and Liz McIntyre (Senior Education Office: Wellbeing). School-wide positive behaviour support (SWPBS) is a framework that brings together school communities to develop positive, safe, supportive learning cultures. SWPBS assists schools to improve social, emotional, behavioural and academic outcomes for students. When SWPBS is implemented well, teachers and students have more time to focus on relationships and classroom instruction.
Students and staff benefit from:
- increased respectful and positive behaviour
- increased time focused on instruction
- improved social-emotional wellbeing
- positive and respectful relationships among students and staff
- increased adoption of evidence-based instructional practices
- a predictable learning environment with improved perceptions of safety and increased attendance.
Staff will continue to work together, with the support of Anne and Liz, to find the best ways to make SWPB successful for all associated with St Joseph’s School. While parts of the framework may be implemented quickly, the aim is to be fully operational by Term One, 2024. I look forward to sharing more with you as our SWPB journey continues.
STRUCTURED LITERACY
Our latest learning in Structured Literacy is around syllables. Who knew there were so many rules and regulations for working with syllables, phew! If you have noticed your children talking about vowels, or even pointing out vowels they see, this might be the reason. Staff are currently working with students to ‘spot and dot’ vowels within words. This simply involves looking at a word, spotting the vowels and adding a dot below them. A syllable is a word, or a part of a word, with one vowel sound!
WELCOME MS STANLEY
Ms Jane Stanley is currently working at St Joseph’s School, completing her final practical session of her teaching degree. She is spending the mornings with the 5&6 students and most afternoons in the Junior Room. I hope Jane is learning lots and enjoying her time with us – we are certainly enjoying her input and enthusiasm!
100 DAYS OF PREP
On Monday students in the Junior Room helped Ivy, Sally and Samantha to celebrate the mighty milestone of one hundred days of Prep! Some of the students certainly looked like the process had aged them considerably, while others looked 100 days brighter! I have certainly noticed both personal and academic growth in each of the Foundation students, who now seem like old hands at this ‘school thing’. Thank you to families for your efforts with dressing up and helping to celebrate this momentous occasion. The whole school was treated to a barbecue lunch; thanks for cooking Mrs Fitzpatrick! Further details and photographs can be seen in the Prep, 1, 2 Class Report.
MEET AND GREET WITH MRS ANDERSON
Staff and families shared a very enjoyable breakfast last week, provided as an important opportunity for parents and staff to be in communication and to work together towards shared goals, aiming for the best learning and growing each day. Thank you to the families who were able to join us for a cuppa and a muffin or two!
CALDER ATHLETIC SPORTS
Students participated in the Calder Athletic Sports at Charlton Park under sunny skies. Students are commended for their behaviour and personal efforts on the day. St Joseph’s School finished in equal second position overall. I hope all students were proud of their efforts. Thank you to Garnet and all staff for their assistance in preparing students for the event.
BOOK WEEK
On Wednesday 23rd August students are invited to dress up as their favourite book character. You are welcome to join us for a parade of characters at 9:00am. We will also be visiting both the Kindergarten and the Nursing home to show off our costumes and to share a story.
FATHER’S DAY
We will celebrate Father’s Day at St Joseph’s with a special breakfast on Friday 1st September from 8:00am. A warm invitation is extended to all dads, grandfathers or other special males in the students’ lives. See invitation below.
SCHOOL PLAY – “QUEST – NEW HERO IN FANTASYLAND”
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 13th at 7:00pm – LOCK THE DATE IN NOW!
Staff and students are happy to let you know that we will be presenting a play on this night, which the whole school will be participating in.
Once upon a time, the Magic Mirror gives an urgent message. Can Fantasyland be saved?
Students in the middle and senior rooms will have some lines to learn. These may be practised at reading time. Juniors will learn their lines at school. A costume notice will be sent home next week.
COME AND TRY SESSION – KINDER KIDS
Four year old Kindergarten students are invited to attend a COME & TRY session at St Joseph’s on Thursday 10th of August, between 10 – 11am. Please spread the word to any families who may be interested in the surrounding area. See flyer below.
UPCOMING TRAVELS
GRADES 4, 5 & 6
BADMINTON TOURNAMENT (Wednesday 16 & Thursday 17th August)
This year the Grade 4, 5 & 6 students will be attending the Badminton Tournament in Shepparton.
We will leave the day before and visit Billabong Ranch in Echuca where we will participate in outdoor activities before sleeping over, travelling to Shepparton the next morning for the tournament. Further information, including a packing guide, has been sent home this week. Please make sure any outstanding permission/medical forms are returned ASAP.
GRADE 3&4 CAMP
The Grade 3 & 4 students will be going on an overnight camp in Term 4. Students will join our cluster schools in St Arnaud and Donald traveling to Swan Hill, staying at the Pioneer Settlement. The camp will take place on November 27th & 28th. Further details will be provided closer to the date.
F-2 EXCURSION
The Junior Class will go on a day excursion in Term 4.
STUDENT ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL
Under Department of Education Regulations, typically the only acceptable reasons for absence from school are illness and medical or dental appointments that cannot be arranged outside of school hours. In accordance with the Education and Training Reform Act 2006, schooling is compulsory for children and young people aged from 6-17 years. It is a legal requirement that parents contact the school regarding any student absences or lateness.
In the event of any absence or lateness, a note, phone call, text message or email, explaining the reason is required. This must be done before 9:30am on the day of absence.
SCHOOL UNIFORM
A reminder that when all students are in full school uniform each day, it can promote a sense of belonging and pride in our school. Nail polish, jewellery and hair accessories (other than school uniform coloured bands, scrunchies, ribbons, etc) are not part of the St Joseph’s School uniform policy.
CHILD SAFETY
The care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people is a central and fundamental responsibility of Catholic Education. St Joseph’s School is committed to strengthened practice for the protection of children in line with the Victorian Government child safety reforms.
THE 11 CHILD SAFE STANDARDS
Standard 1
Organisations establish a culturally safe environment in which the diverse and unique identities and experiences of Aboriginal children and young people are respected and valued.
Click here for details about Child Safe Standard 1
Standard 2
Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture.
Click here for details about Child Safe Standard 2
Standard 3
Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.
Click here for details about Child Safe Standard 3
Standard 4
Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.
Click here for details about Child Safe Standard 4
Standard 5
Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice.
Click here for details about Child Safe Standard 5
Standard 6
People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice.
Click here for details about Child Safe Standard 6
Standard 7
Processes for complaints and concerns are child-focused.
Click here for details about Child Safe Standard 7
Standard 8
Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training.
Click here for details about Child Safe Standard 8
Standard 9
Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed.
Click here for details about Child Safe Standard 9
Standard 10
Implementation of the Child Safe Standards is regularly reviewed and improved.
Click here for details about Child Safe Standard 10
Standard 11
Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people.
Click here for details about Child Safe Standard 11
IMPORTANT DATES
Thursday 10th August – Kinder Kids Come & Try Session (10-11am)
Wednesday 16th & Thursday 17th August – Grades 4-6 Overnight Camp
Wednesday 23rd August – BOOK WEEK DRESS UP DAY
Friday 1st September – Father’s Day Breakfast 8:00am
Wednesday 13th September – SCHOOL PLAY PERFORMANCE
Thursday 14th September - End of Term Mass at 10:15am
Friday 15th September – Dress in FOOTY COLOURS - End of Term Three
Please note special dates on your calendars so you don’t miss out!
Mary Hogan
Principal
Student of the Week
Father's Day Raffle
Foundation/1/2 Class Report
This week commenced with an exciting day celebrating the first 100 days of school for 2023 and welcoming back Madelyn after her adventures while travelling north.
100 Days of School The students and staff had an enjoyable day focusing on 100. The morning commenced with sharing our costumes with the whole school at Assembly. The class started the day guessing the numbers represented on Mrs. Anderson's outfit. Language activities focused on when students were 100 and thinking about what things we would like a hundred of. During the Math's sessions students considered what they would buy with $100.00. Some ideas may require several $100.00 notes. Other activities included doing physical activities related to 100 and drawing their portrait of what they think they will look like at 100. Thank you to the parents for their help in providing costumes and to Mrs. Fitzpatrick for cooking the barbecue lunch. A fun day was shared by all, with myself more aware of the prospect of being a 100.
Religion: The Class have continued to look at stories in the Bible. This week we are looking at a New Testament story of ''Jesus Lost in the Temple''. The experience of being lost is very relatable for the students and they showed a pleasing understanding of how Mary and Joseph would have felt looking for Jesus for three days.
Language: Students have continued to focus on the sounds and the different letter combinations a sound may use to spell or sound out a word. The use of reading a text and using a drawing to show the details of the passage has been the comprehension focus.
Mathematics: Students have continued focusing on writing the numerals correctly and spelling the numbers. The Grade One and Two students have been learning the 2 and 10 times tables. The students have also been completing simple word problems. Congratulations to the students on their efforts in the sports last Thursday. A fun day was had by all. We are enjoying learning the songs for the play and commencing next week will more fully participate in the play and practise our dance to the song ''The Dancing Bear''.
Anne Anderson
Grade 3/4 Class Report
This week we welcomed back to school Patrick and Madelyn who have certainly been on an amazing adventure. Patrick presented some souvenirs and gave a wonderful talk about his journey.
In Literacy this fortnight, students have been reading a newspaper article about the cancellation of the Commonwealth Games. Students have continued to work at improving their reading skills through independent practice of their readers, shared reading tasks and structured classroom activities. We have had a particular focus on handwriting in the last few weeks, encouraging students to focus on clear letter formation and joining in all of their subjects. Most students have made pleasing improvements in their general handwriting. In writing, students have been reading, researching and writing about the cancellation of the Commonwealth Games in Victoria. Students have written persuasive letters to local and state politicians Anne Webster and Dan Andrews. Students have explored the structure of persuasive texts, organizing their writing with graphic organizers and experimenting with using strong, emotive, formal language in their texts. Students have drafted, proofread and are publishing these on their iPads. These letters will be addressed and sent to the local politicians. A video of the students reading their letters will be available through Dojo within the next fortnight.
In Maths we have, and are, working on the topics of chance and graphing. Students are able to use terms such as likely, unlikely, certain, never and even to describe the likelihood of events occurring. Students have been learning about the different types of graphs that we have and they have participated in actively collecting raw data, tallying and graphing it. Next week we will be exploring how we interpret data. Students have looked at the structure of a graph, including what the x and y axis represent.
In Religion we are learning about the topic of Identity. We have a particular focus on understanding the identity of Mary, not just as the mother of Jesus, but also as a young woman.
If reading, spelling word practice and multiplication tables practice could be completed most nights, it would be a benefit.
Grade 5/6 Class Report
We are fortunate to have Ms Jane Stanley working in our room at the moment on her final placement before completing her teaching degree. Ms Stanley has been teaching parts of each day and is heading towards two full weeks of responsibility. Students are enjoying a new personality in the classroom and have been working well under Ms Stanley’s guidance. Well done to all students for their personal best efforts at the Calder Athletics last week; an enjoyable day was had in glorious sunshine! We are looking forward to our overnight camp next week!
ENGLISH
At 10:30am each day we meet to practise our upcoming play. Students have been allocated parts and are in the process of learning their lines. This can be done at home also, as students have their own copy of the script to bring to and from school each day. The writing focus has been on the genre of procedural texts. Students have been investigating the purpose, structure and language of procedural texts. We have worked to read, respond to, sequence and critique different examples. The grammatical focus of procedural writing is verbs and adverbial phrases. Students are preparing to write their own procedural text on a chosen topic. On Friday the 56 Class will put a procedural text to the test by following the recipe to make pizzas for lunch! Students have continued to be heard read each morning and are working on perfecting and presenting fluency passages.
MATHEMATICS
Our focus topic is currently angles, from the geometry and measurement section of the Math Curriculum. Students are working to identify types of angles, both on paper and in their learning environment. We are learning to use a protractor to measure angles in degrees and have explicitly learnt the vocabulary associated with angles – degrees, protractor, vertex, arms, right angle, acute, reflex, obtuse, revolution, etc. Students will move to constructing their own angles, estimating angle size and investigating internal angles of common shapes.
HOMEWORK
Students have weekly spelling to learn and a reader for nightly practice. The HOMEWORK HOUND online homework will continue to be available for any students who wish to use this at home. This week I have provided a homework sheet for students, which is due back on Friday. Please prioritise reading, spelling, tables practice and homework sheet, in that order, completing what you are able to.
Just a couple of reminders to keep learning lines for the play and that pizzas will be available for lunch on Friday (bring your usual lunch if you don’t like pizzas!)
Community News
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the Dja Dja Wurrung people as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this land. We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging. We thank them for sharing their cultures, spiritualities and ways of living with the land, in this place we all now call home.