Newsletter 1 2024
Principals Report
Hello to Families and all in the St Joseph's School Community,
It is with great excitement we begin the 2024 school year! We warmly welcome four new families to the St Joseph’s School Community – the Power-Hall, Mills, Siju and Watts families – and I know you will join me in making them feel a part of our special community at St Joe’s. It was wonderful to see the children greet staff, and each other, as they returned to school, and to see the guidance and welcome given to our new students. I wish all students an engaging and productive year of learning and growing together.
This year we also welcomed two new staff members – Miss Katie Brown (F-2 teacher) and Miss Claudia Lee (LSO Gr 3-6). Mrs Tammy Wright is also new in the leadership role of Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS). I hope each of these staff members has a rewarding year and enjoy making connections as they get to know everyone in our school community.
As we begin the school year I feel blessed to have a full staff as many schools continue to struggle with staff shortages. I feel doubly blessed that the staff at St Joseph's are dedicated and passionate in their varying roles. At our first staff meeting we worked with an article exploring the difference between a job and a vocation. I feel we are spoilt with staff who feel the call to vocation and give their all each and every day!
The difference between a vocation and a job is the former requires you take your heart to work while the latter just requires you turn up.
A vocation is so much more than merely a job. A job can be performed perfunctorily, well enough to keep middle management happy enough. But a vocation is truly a calling, a compelling, irresistible urge, to go beyond the merely dutiful and prescriptive. Simply, it is the difference between taking your heart to work or simply turning up each day for the pay.
‘There are no traffic jams on that extra mile’.
I think those who have a sincere vocation do that extra mile. They volunteer, spend time, encourage, listen, make things happen because they bother.
Next week we commence our annual Swimming Program where we aim to familiarise students with water activity, teach water safety and begin some stroke development. A reminder that all students must swim wearing a sun-smart top (rashie/old T-shirt). Please note the swimming dates to the left.
On Friday 9th February we will attend Mass at 9:30am to celebrate the beginning of the new school year with the theme of WELCOME. All members of the school community are warmly invited to attend – families, grandparents, parishioners and friends. There will be morning tea provided at the school after Mass for those able to join us.
Advanced notice to have ‘best smiles’ at the ready as our professional school photographs will be taken on Thursday 29th February!
This year, staff continue their learning and implementation of Structured Literacy and School Wide Positive Behaviour. We commenced the year with a Structured Literacy professional development day in Hopetoun, which was an invigorating way to start the year. Please note the further school closure days below, which are needed for staff to attend additional learning together.
A reminder that staff are available for contact if you have any questions or concerns and don’t hesitate to call in and see me at any time. A journey in faith and education supported by shared communication provides the best outcomes for all students.
I can be contacted via the school phone or on mobile number 0419137966 from 8:00am -5:00pm and after hours as required.
Please note Cate’s Office hours are 8:00am – 3:00pm Monday – Thursday.
Mary Hogan
Principal
RELIGION
Each term the junior and middle-upper classes explore a concept to access their Religious Education learning. In Term One the juniors are exploring the concept of WELCOME and the Grade 3-6 students are focusing on the concept of HOPE.
Students will attend Ash Wednesday mass on 14th February at 2:30pm. All welcome.
The Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation will be offered in 2024 for students in Grades 3&4 who wish to complete the Sacraments of Initiation. More information to follow.
STAFFING 2024
PLEASE NOTE: All staff will be released for non-teaching preparation time (one day each) and Mrs Hogan for Office Time.
Foundation/One/Two Miss Katie Brown
Grade 3/4 Mrs Chloe Armstrong
Grade 5/6 Mrs Mary Hogan (3 days)
Grades 3-6 will join together from 12:30pm each day and each Thursday and Friday.
Learning Support Officers Mrs Naomi Fitzpatrick, Mrs Emily Lanyon & Miss Claudia Lee
Learning Diversity Leader Mrs Chloe Armstrong
MHiPS Leader Mrs Tammy Wright
Business Manager Mrs Cate Olive
Meet Miss Brown
Miss Brown is eager to meet with all parents of the F-2 students. She will be available on Monday 12th February to meet parents, learn about individual students and set goals for the term. An invitation to attend will be sent via the PAM parent communication app very soon.
*Please note Grades 3-6 will have parent meetings towards the end of Term One.
Weekly Assembly
Staff and students meet each Monday at 12:40pm for a whole school assembly. We pray together, recognise birthdays & student achievement and sing the National Anthem. Parents, grandparents and friends are most welcome to attend.
Swimming Lessons
Students will have swimming classes beginning Monday 5th February continuing until 19th February. To conclude the swimming program a carnival will be held on Tuesday 20th February from 12:00pm – 2:30pm. All supporters are most welcome to attend.
Please note students must have a sun-safe top to swim in (a rashie/old T-shirt). No top = no swim!
Students will walk to and from the pool each day with staff members. The Junior students have their bags transported by car each day to make the walk a little easier.
School Attendance
All children are expected to be at school ready to begin at 9:00am. Arriving on time for school is important. The first 10 minutes of school is a vital time of the day when the day's routine and structure is established. It is a time for ‘tuning in’ and focusing on the learning intentions for the day. It is very difficult for children arriving late to ‘catch up on this missed information. Parents are required to phone through to the office the child’s absence on the day, or enter it through our school Parent Access Module (PAM). If there has been no contact from the family before 9:30am on the morning of the absence, you will receive a call or sms from the office to confirm the child’s absence from school. This is a legislated requirement.
DOBCEL Student-Free Guidelines and Procedures
Student-free days are days where students do not attend school within the gazetted attendance period but are designated for staff professional development, school professional development activities, planning and/or report-writing. Each year, the first day of term one and the last day of term four will be a student-free day in all schools. PLEASE NOTE THE STUDENT-FREE DATES FOR 2024.
Friday 22 March Mental Health and Wellbeing PD
Monday 20 May Religious Education Cluster
Monday 22 July Structured Literacy
Monday 4 November Assessment & Reporting
Tuesday 5 November Melbourne Cup Public Holiday
Mary Hogan
Principal
School Fees 2024
In 2024, our school fees are as follows:
Family Fee - $860
Capital Levy - $120
Maintenance Levy - $120
Student Fees
Curriculum Levy - $210 per child
Technology Levy - $100 per child
Excursion Levy - F/1/2 - $100 - 3/4/5/6 - $125
Families will receive a fee statement at the beginning of each month. We highly recommend setting up a direct debit so your fees are debited from your chosen account weekly, fortnightly, monthly or whenever best suits your family situation. We ask that if anyone is having any difficulties paying school fees, that you please contact the Principal sooner rather than later to discuss the situation.
Families who are eligible for CSEF (Camps, Sports and Excursion Fund) are asked to bring a copy of their Health Care Card into the office as soon as possible. These families will also be eligible for the family assist package from the Diocese of Ballarat.
School Uniform
All children are expected to be in full school uniform every day. The following items are available for purchase at the school:
Windcheaters $22.50
School Hats $12.50
Polo Shirts - short sleeve $20.00
Polo Shirts - long sleeve $25.00
Summer Dress - $40.00
Winter Tunic - $50.00
Navy Pants - $22.50
Navy Shorts - $18.00
School Bags - $55.00
Black Mesh Sport Shorts - $12.50
Prices can change on re-ordering.
All socks, and shoes can be purchased by individual families from other locations.
There may be some second-hand items available.
School Hats
2024 will see the introduction of the school bucket hat. The hat is a green cloth
hat. The school has adopted a ‘No Hat, No Play’ policy during the summer
months. Children are asked to wear their hats for summer sports and other times
when outside during the summer months. Unfortunately the hats haven't arrived yet so we ask that all students wear have a St Joseph's hat to wear at all times whilst outside. They will be essential next week as the swimming programme begins and the children will be walking to and from the pool.
Sports Days
Prep/1/2 will have PE on Thursday and can wear their sports uniform on this day.
Grades 3/4/5/6 will have PE on Wedenesday and can wear sports uniform on this day.
Jewellery
For safety reasons, the children are not to wear jewellery to school with exception of the
following: Sleepers or studs if the child has pierced ears.
Religious medals worn on a chain around the neck or on a pin. These should
be worn in such a way as to prevent the possibility of injury while the
children are playing.
Nail polish is not compliant with school uniform.
Hair accessories are to be in the colour of the school uniform.
Naming of Clothing
You are requested to please ensure that ALL items of clothing that come to school
are clearly named so that items that ‘stray’ from their owners
can be promptly returned.
| Boys Summer Uniform Yellow Polo Shirt Navy Shorts Green School Windcheater School Hat Black Shoes Navy Socks Boys Winter Uniform Yellow long or short sleeve polo Navy Pants Green School Windcheater Black Shoes Navy Socks Boys Sports Uniform Yellow Polo Shirt Black Mesh Sports Shorts Green Windcheater Green Tracksuit pants White Socks Runners | Girls Summer Uniform Summer School Dress Green School Windcheater School Hat White Socks Sandals or Black Shoes Girls Winter Uniform Winter School Dress Yellow long or short sleeve polo Green School Windcheater Black Shoes Navy Tights or socks Girls Sports Uniform Yellow Polo Shirt Black Mesh Sports Shorts Green Windcheater Green Tracksuit pants White Socks Runners |
MHiPS
MHiPS – Mental Health in Primary School
Welcome back to the start of Term 1, 2024. My name is Tamara Wright and I have been appointed into the MHiPS role at St Joesph’s Primary School. I intend to be onsite at the school on a Tuesday and Wednesday. I look forward to learning and implementing different programs that build social and emotional wellbeing within the school/classroom setting.
As part of my role I will be introducing a Breakfast Program from 8.30am to 8.50am both mornings. Breakfast will include juice, Milo, toast or fruit. All students are invited to attend the program.
Task: Breathing.
Breathing is a great way to bring your attention to the present time.
Close your eyes – take 1 breath in – hold – release – repeat 10 times.
Tamara Wright
Tuck Shop Menu and Prices 2024
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.
2024 Term Dates
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.