Term 3 Week 7

What's on at St Joey's

Principal's Messages

Dear Parents and Carers,

This week we acknowledge the wonderful work of our Learning Support Assistants by celebrating ‘National Teacher’s Aide Appreciation Week’. We are very fortunate to have 10 LSA’s at St Joseph’s who help across the school in all our classrooms. Their help is invaluable to our teachers and to our students. So, we say a heartfelt thank you to Lynne, Patricia, Cheree, Kim, Teresa, Karen, Jess, Sophie, Etsuko and Sarah.

Last week we celebrated a wonderful BOOK WEEK with our book fair, parade, literacy focused activities and guessing competitons, all promoting and sharing in our love of reading. Thank you to our amazing HUB team, Mrs Tranter, Mrs Gleeson and Mrs Hoffman, as well as regular volunteer Mrs Hale, for organising all the fun and learning. The parade was especially fun too and we thank Ms Wozniak for hosting. Thank you to all our parents for assisting with costumes and ideas to ensure a great day was had by all. We loved seeing you here too and thank you for supporting our book fair, with profits raised going straight back into the purchase of new books for our collection.

Yesterday our school had 2 teams performing in the Tournament of the Minds competition at Newcastle Grammar school. The competition involves creative thinking, problem solving and performance components, which the teams have prepared for over the last few months, spending lunch times and afternoons after school practising.

Huge thanks to Mr Issac Fox for organising these teams and for helping them prepare, also giving up many lunchtimes and afternoons after school.

Congratulations to the following students: Ruby, Mya, Beau, Lani, Bella, Emily, Jodie, Luca, Olivia, Perri, Vivienne, Abigial, Sinead.

On Thursday night, last week, 7 of our students received the sacrament of Confirmation at our church, St Mary Immaculate Charlestown. This is the third sacrament, following on from baptism and reconciliation. The children and their families commit to 4 weeks of preparation classes with the parish team which includes our REC Ms Clare Paff and our parish priests Fr Tony and Fr Anil. I take this opportunity to thank Ms Paff in particular for her time and commitment in assisting the parish and our families with the preparations. The ceremony was a joy filled occasion with Fr Greg Barker, confirming the children on behalf of Bishop Michael. The children received the gifts of the Holy Spirit in this sacrament and were anointed with Chrism Oil, which first happened at Baptism. Through this sacrament we are reminded of our participation in the ministry and mission of Jesus and strengthened to follow Jesus more closely.

Congratulations to Bede, Lochlan, Ruby P, Gus, Rose, Ruby M and Eviee.

Last week Harry Searle competed in the Polding team at the NSW PSSA Boys Football Championships at Nelson Bay. They beat Northwest, Western, Sydney North and Sydney West. They drew with MacKillop and lost only to CIS and missed the semis on goal averages. In a playoff with Hunter for 5th and 6th, they lost 2-1 to finish 6th overall. Harry was one of only 2 boys from the Maitland Newcastle Diocese to be in the Polding team. A fantastic achievement!

Next week Sam Grice in Year 6 will be performing in Aspire’s young actor’s program, ‘Left Unattended’. The show will be held at Cessnock’s Performance Arts Culture Centre, with shows on Friday 8^th and Saturday 9^th Sept. Please see our Compass alert for more details if you would like to take your family. Congratulations Sam!

Deepest sympathy to the Halpin and Hill families who have both recently lost their grandfathers to illness. It is always so sad to lose our loved ones, but in faith we pray that they are released from pain and now resting in the loving arms of God our father. Please keep both families in your thoughts and prayers.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
~Amen~

Please note in your calendars our next Pupil Free Day on the last day of this term, Friday 22^nd Sept. Staff will be attending a spirituality day to help nourish our faith and also to assist with our accreditation requirements to work and teach in a catholic school. Thank you for your understanding. Our last day of term for the students will be Thursday 21^st September. First day back for Term 4 will be Monday 9^th October.

Huge thanks to our wonderful P & F volunteers for organising the Father’s Day gifts for purchase. The children love taking their gifts home to dad! We appreciate your time and efforts in supporting our school.

I wish all our dads, step dads, grandfathers and all who father, a wonderful Father’s Day for Sunday. I hope you are spoilt with love, kindness and good memories.

God Bless,

Kate Drake

News from the Assistant Principal

Over the coming weeks we will see our netball teams prepare to engage in the Lakes Regional Netball Gala Day. Thank you to Miss Perkins and class teachers for ensuring these fun days happen and assistance in preparing our teams.

Our next Lakes regional Gala Day will be held on Thursday 7^th September at Charlestown netball courts.

We are looking for parent helpers to manage our Stage 2 & 3 teams. If you can spare a day; I promise your efforts will be well rewarded in student smiles and thanks!

On that note…

Volunteering is such an important part of our school. Volunteering models to our students that life is about not just about receiving, but it is also about giving back. Thank you to everyone who volunteers here at St Joseph’s - we wouldn’t be able to do the things we do without your help.

To volunteer you need to ensure you have completed the correct paperwork. Here is the link.

Stage 2 Tennis Gala Day

We have had participated in many fun events this term. One thing that has been acknowledged by the organisers and teachers from other schools is the excellent behaviour and sportsmanship our students display. We are very proud of the commitment our students show to our SJC values.

Uniform Expectations  - Reminders

All students are expected to uphold our school values, which are explained by our Positive Behaviour Support (PBL) Team, at the assembly each week. Students are also expected to wear our school uniform correctly. The formal uniform is to be worn on all days except sport day when the sport uniform is worn.  

• Black leather shoes are to be worn with their formal uniform and joggers/runners are to be worn on sport day. 
• Black canvas shoes are not appropriate to be worn with the Formal uniform. If there are extenuating circumstances regarding Footwear, please contact myself or Kate to discuss this. 
• All students with hair that is shoulder length or longer are expected to tie their hair back. 
• All accessories e.g., hair tie, ribbons, headbands etc. are to be our school colours of blue and white. 
• Jewellery is to be kept to a minimum. Students may wear the following - a watch, single earring is permitted e.g. studs or small sleepers, chains may be worn as long as they are kept on the inside of your child’s uniform. 
• All of these are to ensure your child is not injured. Large earrings, chains etc., can become caught and cause significant injury to students. 
• Smart watches are not permitted at school, as they are expensive and also can be used for taking photos, communicating via text etc. 
• Year 6 students have a commemorative sport shirt, which is worn on sport day. 
• Hair dye and make up are NOT permitted at school. 

Whilst we are still in our winter uniform- ties must be worn. Also, bike shorts are not part of the sports uniform.

If there are occasions your child cannot wear the designated uniform, please send in a letter or email, to explain the circumstances.  

We will transition to our Summer Uniform in Week 9 of this term. Please be mindful it is either full winter uniform or full summer uniform.

with every best wish,

Nikki Norley

Assistant Principal

From the Office of Safeguarding

Safeguarding information for parents
The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle has an absolute and abiding commitment to promote the safety, welfare and wellbeing of children. As a parent sending your child or children to a Diocesan school, you should be aware of your rights and obligations in protecting your child and all children in our schools.
St Joseph's Charlestown has implemented a Safeguarding Promoter to ensure that our families are provided with information about the schools approach to safeguarding children and its compliance with the Church and State child safe Standards. Kate Drake, as principal is currently in this position.
The Children and Young Person’s (Care and Protection) Act 1998
In NSW we can report certain information to the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ). If we are concerned for one or more of the children in the school, we can discuss our concerns with a teacher, Assistant Principal or Principal. We can report our concerns to the Child Protection Helpline (Ph. 132 111, 24 hrs/7 days) if we have reasonable grounds to suspect that a child or young person is at risk of significant harm and our concerns are current. Risk of significant harm may occur from a single act or omission or to a series of acts or omissions.
When determining how serious your concerns for a child may be, always consider whether that child has any particular risk factors, including:
• age, the younger the more dependent
• physical disabilities, developmental delays or medical conditions
• social isolation
• culturally diverse background
• diverse sexuality and gender
• nobody looking out for the child they could depend on.
It is better to be safe than sorry, so if uncertain, talk to a staff member at the school. As parents we are entitled to contact the Office of Safeguarding directly about any concerns we have about the safety, welfare or wellbeing of a child or if we are concerned that the school isn’t addressing allegations of reportable conduct or abuse. (Ph. 4979 1390 Mon-Fri). 

News from the Primary Coordinator

A topic that frequently comes up in the media and in our conversations with parents is building resilience, Michael Grose explains that the research shows resilience can be nurtured and developed, particularly when parents themselves are resilient and they actively foster it in their kids. He suggests that parents can coach their kids through some of their more challenging moments and review what they may have learned for next time. As a parent it is hard to avoid solving all our children’s problems for them but if we do, we can help improve their resilience. Often our children surprise us because they may be more resilient than we are about circumstances. You can promote a lasting sense of resilience in your children by:

1. Having a positive attitude yourself. Your attitude as a parent impacts on your child’s ability to bounce back from some of the difficulties they face. Make sure you model a ‘you can do it’ attitude for your child when they meet some of life’s curve balls.
2. Look for teachable moments. Many children’s learning opportunities are disguised as problems. Make the most of these opportunities so that children can grow and learn from some of the challenges they face.
3. Make children active participants in the family. Active participation in a family develops the self-help, problem-solving and independence skills of children that are necessary for resilience. Promoting resilience in children is a not a single event but a continuous process that requires adults to be supportive and empathetic when things don’t go their way. It also requires you as a parent to understand resilience, so that you can have faith in yourself, and your child’s ability to cope.

Our PBL focus for the coming weeks continues to be Care for our belongings. Our two main areas of focus are:

Care for our belongings: This is a big focus area as we often have our lost property bins filled with belongings such as hats and jackets. In class students are learning strategies that will help them take responsibility for their belongings. This includes making sure their names are on items and that they develop a routine to check they have all their belongings with them.

Care for our surroundings: We continue to learn that by caring for the places we are in, we show love, respect, gratitude, and appreciation for the gifts we have been given. Students will be focusing on looking after the environment and identifying sustainable practices at both home and school. If you have an opportunity, please discuss these concepts with your children.

Warm regards,

Mrs. Kathryn Hill

Primary Co-Ordinator

News from the Religious Coordinator

Confirmation

Last Thursday evening, 7 students from St Joseph’s were confirmed at St. Mary Immaculate Church Charlestown by Fr Greg Barker. The students Gus F, Ruby P, Lochlan O, Rose G, Ruby M, Eviee H and Bede H were strengthened by the Holy Spirit which will assist them to live their best lives. We congratulate these students.

Father’s Day

This Friday we will celebrate our father’s, grandfathers, stepfathers and father figures. The afternoon’s schedule is as follows.

12:30- 1:30- BBQ lunch ($6, order via QKR- orders close today 5:30pm 28/8)

1:30-2:30- Activities

Followed by a song and blessing.

We hope you can join us for this celebration.

Catholic Care Fundraiser 12^th September

The Catholic Agency, Catholic Care assists many in our community with a range of social services. One service they offer is a soup kitchen which feeds people who would otherwise go without. The demand for this service has been great during August and so the Mini Vinnies are going to hold lunch time activities on Tuesday the 12^{th of} September including sponge throwing, cakes stalls, nail painting and hair spraying.  We are asking that students bring a donation to come out of uniform and bring along some further money to spend on activities. Your support is appreciated.

Season of Creation

This Friday 1^st September marks the beginning of the Season of Creation where as Christians, we are called to be good stewards and look after our common home. The theme this year is Let justice and peace flow.  The Pope’s message is “In this Season of Creation, as followers of Christ on our shared synodal journey, let us live, work and pray that our common home will teem with life once again.”

Blessings

Clare Paff

RUN DIPG.

Run/ Walk/ Support Run DIPG this September.

On September 24^th RunDIPG will be holding its annual fun run. It is held on the closest Sunday to Childhood Brain Cancer Awareness Day in Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This is a cause very close to our hearts at SJC, so this year, we are hoping as many in our community can sign up, come along, cheer and make a donation.

Liles Oval, Redhead NSW will be our home ground in 2023. RUN for RUN DIPG will have a family-friendly zone where there will be food, coffee, entertainment, markets, and a few surprises. There are a number of events.

Event Start Times

6:00 AM - Marathon

7:00 AM - 1/2 Marathon

8:00 AM - Entertainment Starts

9:30 AM - Family 5km

To join our SJC team :

Register at https://rundipg-org.grassrootz.com/run-for-run-dipg-23 .

Join existing team and look for SJC.

We hope you can support this important community event.

Happy Birthday to the following students

We wish the following students are very happy birthday for the month of August.

Sports News

Upcoming events

Thursday 7th Sept - Stage 2 and Stage 3 attending the Lakes Region Netball Gala Day

Friday 8th Sept - Under 10 NRL Gala Day

Thursday 14th Sept - Stage 1 Bike Fun & Education Day

Friday 13th October - Polding Athletics Carnival

Choir and Band Students

Exciting Opportunity for our  Choir and Band Students

This week, students in the band and choir have received a note and permission slip for an upcoming opportunity to perform at the Kahibah Village Fair on Sunday 17^th September. This day looks like it will be tremendous fun with jumping castle, petting zoo, market stalls and loads of entertainment. The fair runs from 9:00 Am until 1:00PM with our students hopefully performing during the morning. We would love to see our St Joey's students performing for and contributing to our community. In order for us to ensure we have sufficient numbers available to participate, please return permission sips to the school office by 1^st September.

In order for us to perform at our best, Mrs Savage along with Mr Bryn Wilson-Kellaway our band conductor and Jessica Lopez Aspire Music Director, have organised a Band Workshop day to be held at school on Wednesday September 6th. The choir will also rehearse for a portion of this day and all our choir and band students will be treated to a pizza lunch. Please also read and return the slip for the band workshop day.

Please return permission note by the 1st of September.

Hub News

Aboriginal Education News

What a busy Term 3 we have had so far!!!!

Recently was National Science Week. 

First Nations people have used science for over 65 000 years, making their culture the oldest in the world. 

As the first scientists of Australia, First Nations people throughout this land have practised and continue to develop scientific innovation. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a highly sophisticated understanding of Country – the land, sea and sky that supports them and the flora and fauna around them. They also have a long history of innovative approaches to sustainability and resource management, and have an innate understanding of local ecosystems, including weather patterns, plant and animal behaviour, and natural resources cycles, as well as the interconnectedness between them.

HOW DOES INNOVATION POWER FUTURE INDUSTRY? Innovation is the process behind generating ideas for new tech, products, and production processes for future industries that include AI, robotics, and driverless cars, as well as renewable energy solutions that help sustain the current world.

 Innovation is also about thinking of ways that we can power industries well into the future while looking after the planet. Earth can provide everything we need and will continue to do so for future generations if we care for her.

A cleaner and more resilient future with net-zero emissions will require a wide range of innovation, because renewable energy sources are not secure – the sun does not always shine; the wind drops; and water flow fluctuates. So, we rely on innovators to find solutions to our current problems to power our future, and within that, we need an inherent knowledge exchange. First Nations people have always been innovators, so it is vital that their knowledge and expertise at caring for Country forms the basis of this exchange.

Script Courtesy of ‘The Deadly Science Guide to Innovation’ Teachers Guide

Native Resource Garden

Our Native Resource Garden is looking beautiful! Our school is so blessed to have this amazing new space. We will have an Opening Ceremony for our Native Resource Garden on Friday 1^st September at 9:30am. This ceremony will be held at the Native Resource Garden (next to middle oval) where we will also unveil the new name for our Native Resource Garden!!!

We look forward to welcoming local Aboriginal Elders, Lake Macquarie Councillors as well as other prominent community members to our Opening Ceremony. Our most important guests however are you- our parents and friends, so we warmly invite you to join us for our Grand Opening Ceremony.

Australian First Nations Cultural Events

24th August: Wave Hill Walk Off

Vincent Lingari leads a walk off by the Gurindji peoples from Wave Hill Station, NT in 1966 in protest of their exploitation and unfair treatment and working conditions.

Danielle Shaw

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Teacher

Canteen News

Kelly our Canteen Officer would love to see you if you have a spare couple of hours to assist in the canteen. Volunteers need to be registered with our CSO, by following this link: https://www.mn.catholic.org.au/people/volunteer/

Once cleared please sign up for a shift. The children love to see you here!

https://signup.zone/ZaEvH97ZwgHreH5Zd

ASPIRE Holiday Workshops

Please see holiday workshops link that will take the place the first week of the September school holidays.

               https://aspire.mn.catholic.edu.au/join-us/holiday-workshops/

P&F News

Thank you to all who could support our Father's Day gifts fundraiser. Gifts will be given to the students on Friday in readiness for the weekend. All funds raised go towards the schools resources, for example we just donted $2000 for the purchase of new sport equipment. Thank you!

Uniform Shop

All enquiries to email:

chl.uniformshop@mn.catholic.edu.au

ORDER via the QKR App

Healthy Eating Snippets

OOSH

The before and after school care at St Joseph’s is provided by St Nicholas OOSH, Diocese of Maitland Newcastle.  Open form 7am-8:30am and 3:00pm-6:00pm. 

Please contact Michelle for further information.  

MICHELLE BIRCH 
NOMINATED SUPERVISOR | ST NICHOLAS OOSH    
P 0429 435 571     M  0429 435 571   
Email michelle.birch@stnicholasmn.org.au   Visit us online www.stnicholasoosh.org.au  

Kahibah Village Fair.

Parent Education