Term 2 Week 1

What's on at St Joey's

Principal's Messages

Dear Parents,

It’s great to be back and into Term 2. We are excited for another great term of learning, fun and faith. We welcome new staff and students to St Joseph’s and wish them a very warm welcome to our community. Mrs Elizabeth Hill and Ms Belle Fisher will be joining the Learning Support team in the roles of Learning Support Teacher and Learning Support Assistant. Oliver, and Lochie join Year 5, Sebastian and Mia in Year 3, Zachary and Malakai in Year 2 and Harry in Year 1. We trust you will all find St Joseph’s a welcoming place to be.

Please see our Dates to Remember section above and read our Compass notifications to keep informed of all upcoming events. There are many events this term for parents to attend, starting with our ANZAC liturgy tomorrow, and Mother’s Day, Catholic Schools Week and Reconciliation Week in the coming weeks. Also, a variety of sporting opportunities are planned with AFL workshops and Gala Day, Girls Soccer Gala Day, Knights NRL Competition, school dance programme, and school athletics carnival. As well there are many representative sporting opportunities for our older students. There will be our annual Spelling and Maths Bees, excursions and community events such as a school disco, Walk to School Day and National Simultaneous Story Time just to name a few.

This term parents will be given opportunity to provide feedback to assist with our School Improvement planning, via the Tell Them From Me Survey. Please participate in this survey when it comes out next month. Semester 1 reports will be provided at the end of the term and teachers will offer another opportunity to meet with them to discuss student progress. Our students will be involved in a three-way conversation with teacher and parent to set and discuss learning goals. More information will follow as the term progresses.

I would like to continue to encourage consistent school attendance throughout the term. It is vital that students attend school everyday unless sick, as missed time is missed learning opportunities. Repeated absences and late arrivals can affect learning as well as impact on social interactions, causing students anxiety and stress. Absences should be recorded by parents on Compass and any extended leave for holidays need to be applied for using the Extended Leave form available upon request from the office.

During the holidays there were many stressful and upsetting events both locally, nationally and overseas. We were so saddened to hear of the passing of Flo, our teacher, Michelle’s daughter. Flo’s short battle with brain cancer (DIPG) has been heartbreaking and we keep the Turner family and friends in our prayers and thoughts. Our website has links to helpful resources for parents when talking to children about death and traumatic events. Please reach out to us if you need support.

Deepest sympathy to the Fagan family who grieve the loss of Annabel and Edi’s grandmother. We pray that your loving memories of her bring you comfort at this sad time.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. 

May they rest in peace.

Amen

Please keep in touch with your child’s teacher and myself throughout the term.

God Bless,

Kate 

Assistant Principal

Welcome back to another exciting term at St Joseph’s Charlestown! We hope you had a restful break and are ready for all the wonderful opportunities and experiences that await us in the coming weeks. 

An Exciting Term Ahead: 

We have a jam-packed term ahead filled with special events, activities, and learning opportunities. From academic competitions to sports tournaments, cultural celebrations to community service projects, there's something for everyone to look forward to. Stay tuned for announcements and updates on these events! 

Embracing Our School Values: 

At St Joseph’s, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive community built on our core values: 

At St Joseph’s, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive community built on our core values: 

🌟 Strive High: We encourage each and every one of our students to set ambitious goals, work hard, and never stop reaching for their dreams. Let's challenge ourselves to achieve excellence in everything we do, both inside and outside the classroom. 

🙏 Live Like Jesus: Inspired by the teachings of Jesus Christ, we strive to embody kindness, compassion, and empathy in our interactions with others. Let's treat each other with respect, understanding, and love, just as Jesus did. 

🌍 Care for Our Environment: As stewards of our planet, it's our responsibility to protect and preserve the environment for future generations. Through sustainable practices, environmental education, and school initiatives, we aim to make a positive impact on our world. 

Home Learning: 

We understand the importance of continuing learning beyond the classroom, and we're excited to offer flexible home learning options to complement in-class

education. Starting from Week 2, all students will receive a Study ladder login, providing access to a wealth of educational resources and optional tasks. While participation is not compulsory, we encourage students to utilize this platform as an additional tool to reinforce their learning and strengthen the bond between home and school. Additionally, we highly recommend incorporating daily reading into your routine, as it's a fantastic way to expand knowledge, spark imagination, and foster a lifelong love of learning.  

Together, let's make Term 2 at St Joseph’s a time of growth, discovery, and success. 

Wishing you all a fantastic start to the term! 

Warm regards, 

Mrs. Kathryn Hill 

Assistant Principal 

News from the Religious Coordinator

Bishop's Visit

During Week 11 of last term, our school had the honour of welcoming Bishop Michael Kennedy for a memorable visit. Bishop Kennedy shared insights into his  

inspiring journey that ultimately led him to become a bishop, captivating our attention with his experiences and wisdom. Students had the opportunity to ask him a few special questions, deepening their understanding and connection with our faith. Adding to the occasion, Year 3 students delivered a touching performance with a beautiful song, showcasing their talent and enthusiasm. Following the session, Bishop Michael graciously joined our staff for a delightful morning tea, fostering camaraderie and sharing meaningful conversations. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Bishop Michael Kennedy and Father Tony for their visit, which left a lasting impression on our school community. 

Mother’s Day Breakfast and Liturgy Invitation 

Join us for a delightful Mother’s Day breakfast in the Cola on May 10th at 8:00 am, where we'll celebrate the cherished bond between mothers and children within our school community. 

Following the breakfast, Stage 2 students will lead a touching liturgy at 9:00 am, providing a moment of reflection and gratitude for the love and dedication of all mothers. We warmly welcome you to join us for this special event. 

Celebrate Catholic Schools Week with Us! 

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, May 14th, as we celebrate Catholic Schools Week with a special event at our school. 

Join us at 10:30 am for a meaningful liturgy, where we'll come together in prayer and reflection, celebrating the values and traditions that make our Catholic education community so special. 

Following the liturgy, we invite parents and friends to visit the classrooms to see our student’s work that make our school a place of learning and growth. 

God Bless 

Clare Paff

Office of Safeguarding

Aboriginal Education

Aboriginal Education 

We had a wonderful Term 1 at St Joseph’s!

Since the beginning of the year, students have proudly been saying our weekly Acknowlegment of Country in Awabakal language. Providing this wonderful opportunity for students has been the result of collaboration between myself, local Elders and Awabakal language experts. Many other schools in our Diocese have heard about our meaningful Acknowledgement and eager to follow protocol so they too can say theirs in language.  

 I have enjoyed working with our Year 6 classes this term as they explore their history unit, Australia as a Nation.

I have been so proud of the maturity and empathy shown by students as we have and continue to explore the following themes.

• In the early 1900’s, were First Nations Australian’s treated in a democratic way? Did they have their voices heard and rights observed?
• How did Federation and Government legislations affect First Nation’s peoples?
• Have First Nation’s people’s Human Rights always been observed and protected?
• What were the Campaigns of the 1960’s and ongoing movements that led to change?

Through our learning, students understand that recognising events of our country’s past is not about placing blame or personally apologising for them. Rather, it is about acknowledging that, ‘these things happened, and they should never have happened’. This understanding and recognition ultimately helps our Country move forward as one in our Reconciliation Journey.

Our Native Resource Garden, ‘Kauma-Ngarra’ (Gather Together. Hear. Listen. Understand) is looking so lush and fabulous! Make sure you check it out next time you visit our school. Hopefully your child(ren) can explain some of the significant elements of the garden to you as well as the meaning behind our beautiful story poles.

Significant Cultural Dates

21st March: Close the Gap Day

Recently was National Close the Gap Day which is an initiative of the National Close the Gap Campaign for individuals and organisations to pledge support for achieving Indigenous health equality by 2030.

Aboriginal people have a gap of almost 10 years in the average life expectancy than non-Aboriginal Australians.

For more information visit

 https://closethegap.org.au/close-the-gap-day/

5th April: Bringing Them Home Report

The Bringing Them Home Stolen Generations report was released in 1997. It reported on the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families. This report raised awareness to the Australia Public of historical policies of forced removal, as well as ongoing impacts.

For more information visit

https://bth.humanrights.gov.au/significance/about-bringing-them-home

Danielle Shaw

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Teacher

Gifted Education

In Term 2, students in years 2 and 4 will participate in the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT). This test evaluates students' reasoning abilities in three key areas essential for success in school:

1. Verbal Battery: Assesses students' ability to reason with words and concepts, crucial for reading comprehension, critical thinking, writing, and verbal learning tasks.
2. Quantitative Battery: Measures students' ability to reason with quantitative symbols and concepts, which are vital for problem-solving in mathematics and other disciplines.
3. Nonverbal Battery: Evaluates students' ability to reason with geometric shapes and figures, requiring them to implement strategies for solving novel problems.

These batteries provide a comprehensive view of each student's learned reasoning abilities, identifying both strengths and areas for improvement. CogAT aims to support differentiated practice in education by helping teachers adapt instruction to meet the unique needs and abilities of each student.

It's important to note that CogAT scores are not integrated into report grades or other conventional measures of school achievement. The focus is on tailoring instruction and fostering a supportive, inclusive learning environment based on each child's ability.

If you have any concerns or questions about your child's academic progress or specific educational needs, please schedule a meeting with your child's teacher. They will discuss your child's strengths and areas for growth based on various assessments. Additionally, you can contact our Gifted Education Project Officer, Bek Henshaw (bek.henshaw@mn.catholic.edu.au) Mentor (GEM) or Education Officer - Gifted Education, Maree Karaka (maree.karaka@mn.catholic.edu.au) for further assistance.

Thank you for your continued support in ensuring the best educational outcomes for our students.

Fees

School Fees statements for the 2024 school fees have now been issued.

There are several payment options however, Compass Pay is NOT our preferred method due to the large fees that Compass charge the school. Direct debit is an easy option, and these can be set up to be weekly, fortnightly or monthly. A form to do this is available from the office. Fees can also be paid via BPay with your bank, over the phone using a credit card or in person at the office.

If you have a health care card of pension card you can apply for a concession on your fees. Please contact the office if you have not already done so. If you are experiencing financial hardship and require assistance, please also contact the office.

Thank you to those families that have started payments towards this year’s school fees. Our preferred payment methods are BPay, direct debit or credit card. If you choose to use Compass Pay, please double check the amount before you submit the payment. Refunds can no longer be given for incorrect amounts paid unless your account is in credit.

Thank you, 

Amale Yi

Happy Birthday to the following students

We wish the following students a very happy birthday.

Alpha

'Alpha is a friendly, informal environment for people with various beliefs to explore the meaning of life, faith and God. The program is simple: we start with dinner, watch a thought-provoking video exploring life from a Christian perspective, and then have time for sharing our perspectives in small groups. No cost, no pressure, no judgment.

Feel free to invite your friends and family. All are most welcome.

Event Start Date & Time: Thursday, May 2nd, 2024, 18:30 - 20:30

Location: Mackillop Function Room - 7 Milson St, Charlestown NSW 2290.

RSVP: Please scan the QR code to register. 

Feel free to contact Yvonne Rego, if you need assistance with registration or if you have any questions. Mobile: 0450 323 206 Email: yvonne_rego@hotmail.com'

P&F News

Our term 2 meetings will be:

Monday 13th May 6pm

Monday 17th June 6pm

All are welcome to join us!

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/ZYkfNzsbws83p9yHM

Uniform Shop

Softshell jackets have arrived at school – remember to get your order in while stock is available.

Sports shorts, polos and skorts – we are still waiting for delivery of some sizes and apologise to those families who are still waiting. As soon as they arrive we will send any outstanding items home with the children. Please email chl.uniformshop@mn.catholic.edu.au if you have any questions about these orders. These are coming from a brand-new supplier and will include an improved make of our school sports shorts.

Volunteers – we are always on the lookout for anyone who is interested in helping in the uniform shop. Anyone who can spare a small amount of time on Tuesday or Friday mornings 8:30 -9:15am please get in touch!

Winter uniform: St Joseph’s will transition into winter uniform in Term 2 (usually the end of May). Limited stock is available now with more arriving early in Term 2 – please allow extra time for all winter uniform orders as we manage deliveries of stock and space. Get in touch early for any custom sizing.

Girls Winter:

Option 1:

Navy tunic (three box pleated)

White long sleeve blouse (cotton or brushed material)

School Tie (straight or pre-tied loop style)

Navy tights/stockings

Option 2:

Navy slacks

White long sleeve blouse (cotton or brushed material)

School Tie (straight or pre-tied loop style)

White socks

Boys Winter:

Long dark grey trousers

Blue long sleeve shirt (cotton or brushed material)

School Tie (straight or pre-tied loop style)

Grey school socks

Jumpers:

Fleece pullover with emblem

Fleece zip up jacket with emblem

Softshell jacket with emblem

All enquiries to email: our volunteers. Shop open Tuesday and Friday at 8.45- 9.15am

chl.uniformshop@mn.catholic.edu.au

ORDER via the QKR App

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  

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