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As we head into Week 6 of term, we can already look back and be very proud of all that has been achieved right across the school. I commend staff and parents for their effort and focus on settling the children into good routines and habits for learning in 2025.
PARENT/TEACHER INTERVIEWS – Using BOOKED (previously known as PTO)
As we find ourselves heading towards the conclusion of Term One for the 2025 school year, an opportunity is being made available to all parents and teachers to discuss how students are settling in and progressing with the year. This is considered an integral part of the reporting process between school and home. As no formal written report will be issued until mid-way into the school year, the chance for parents and teachers to catch-up will enable parents, as partners in education, to talk with teachers and hopefully receive valuable feedback on their child/ren’s general progress and performance in school so far.
I encourage and invite parents to book an interview via BOOKED (previously PTO) in the coming weeks. PTO will open to parents on Monday, 10 March.
A reminder will be sent via Edsmart as we get closer to the date.
Interviews are 10 minutes in duration. This allows all families an opportunity to meet with the classroom teacher. If you require a longer interview, please organise an alternative date and time with your classroom teacher.
Also, should the day and time not suit, then do not hesitate to organise a more convenient time with individual teachers.
PREP 2026
As we head towards the second part of this term, we will commence the enrolment process for our 2026 Prep classes. As existing families with Prep age children receive priority placement, I urge existing family to ensure they have lodged their enrolment using the following link:
ONLINE APPLICATION FOR ENROLMENT
I would also ask for your assistance in informing new families who may be considering enrolling their child here at St Joseph’s in any grade to make contact with the school as soon as possible. Word of mouth is always the best form of communication and I am always thankful for the positive feedback I hear from new enrolments and I am most appreciative of those of you who spread the “good news” about our great school.
SCHOOL LIFE
Life does not always go to plan and nor do relationships. It is normal and to be expected that children grow through times of building, maintaining and losing friendships. It is normal, and to be expected, that at times there is conflict between children and working through issues is a healthy and necessary component of growth and maturity. Developmentally, children go through many phases and all at different rates and it is important to keep this in mind.
So, what do parents do if they discover their child is encountering or involved with conflict in the playground or with friendships?
- Reassure their child and speak calmly about it
- Offer suggestions for responding to the conflict, eg. use friendly words, walk away, let a teacher know
- Roleplay and practice what to say and do
- Always remember that there is another perspective and side to the situation
- Inform the teacher via phone call or meeting to make them aware. Teachers can then support all students to restore the friendship and/or situation
What doesn’t work and damages relationships:
- Hostility and emotional arousal by parents
- Direct contact by parents with the children involved or parents of the children involved (breach of parent code of conduct)
- Justification of bullying behaviours
- Blaming others, not supporting your child to take responsibility for their behaviour
Our staff are here for all students, including those who initiate the behaviours and those who receive them. As a Catholic school in the Mercy tradition, we exercise mercy in the way we educate and support all students to be the very best they can be. This involves processes of understanding and forgiveness, of acceptance and tolerance. These values are often in conflict with mainstream society, but we hope not so with our families.
If any parents need to talk about anything concerning their child, then the classroom teacher is always the most appropriate and best person to approach. Going directly to the source is always the best. At St Joseph’s we oppose triangulated discussion between parents regarding matters of concern as this is not respectful nor helpful and most times, spreads rumour and unhelpful concern. If the classroom teacher is not available and it is urgent, then a member of the leadership team can be approached.
DATE CLAIMERS:
- NAPLAN: Year 3 & Year 5 - Week 7 and Week 8
- Writing: Wednesday, 12 March
- Reading: Thursday, 13 March
- Language Conventions: Friday, 14 March
- Numeracy: Monday, 17 March
- Catch-up: Tuesday, 18 March
- MONTY'S COLOUR & SLIME FUN RUN: Wednesday, 19 March – 11:30-1:30pm
- CROSS COUNTRY EVENTS (9:00am start):
- Friday, 28 March (students born 2013 – 2015) and
- Monday, 31 March (Students born 2016 – 2020)
NAPLAN 2025
Commencing next week, our Years 3 and 5 classes are participating in the 2025 NAPLAN Online testing. During this time, we encourage parents to:-
- Ensure that your child is present on the days of testing
- Ensure that your child has working headphones.
- During NAPLAN, ensure that routines are kept.
- During NAPLAN ensure that the children have some down time to rest and relax.
- Talk sensibly and calmly about the test, reinforcing that they are to do their very best – that’s all we ask and all we can expect.
- Provide healthy and unprocessed foods low in sugar and promote the drinking of water.
- As they go to sleep that week, reassure them that they have done their best and that you are proud of their efforts no matter the outcome.
STOP DROP & GO
Parents are reminded to observe the traffic rules in and around the school, and in particular in our stop, drop and go allocated area; this will help to maintain a safe environment for all students.
Wishing you all a great week!
Rita Petersen
Happy Shrove Tuesday/Pancake Day
Today we celebrated Shrove Tuesday otherwise known as Pancake Day!
Thanks to those families who were able to support our fundraising for Project Compassion. Tomorrow, each family will be given a project compassion box to gather coins during the Season of Lent.
Thanks so much to Kelli Dodds, Emily Flegler, Mrs Flynn and the Year 6 students for preparing the pancakes for everyone here at school. Thanks also to Bri Nicholls, Sasha Foster and Janine Manning for making pancakes at home for us to share. Everyones help was much appreciated.
Ash Wednesday – March 5
Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday. Our school will celebrate a liturgy at 10.15am with the distribution of ashes. Parents are most welcome to join us for this important feast to begin the Season of Lent.
It is important to remember that Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics.
Ash Wednesday begins the Season of Lent
Lent is a time for strengthening our faith, a time to reflect on who we are and where we are going. It is a time of quietness and prayer, a time of penance and meditation, a time to become aware of our strengths and weaknesses.
During Lent we try to make a conscious effort to prepare ourselves for Easter. We can do this by increasing our prayer, helping others, fasting, and going without things we particularly like.
In the spirit of renewal and conversion we observe Lent by reflecting on the central events of Jesus’ life and welcoming the opportunity to grow through changing our lives.
Some classes will be doing some special tasks or deeds during Lent.I have attached a copy of “40 Deeds in 40 Days” for anyone who might like to do some of these as a family.
Sacramental Program Update
Each year, Atherton Catholic Parish conducts parish-based sacramental programs for Catholic Students in Year 4. Programs will be running throughout the year to prepare for the Sacraments of Penance, Confirmation and Eucharist. Letters were given out recently about the Penance program which is starting soon. Please contact me if you have any questions regarding the Sacramental program.
God bless,
Mary MacCallum
Over the weekend I was talking with our visiting Literacy consultant, Jo-Anne Dooner, and of course the conversation quickly turned to reading. She made the comment that once a child has learnt to read, they can read! Great job, and it IS a great job. However, what needs to happen from that point on, is for students to build their background knowledge and their vocabulary.
Last newsletter I spoke about reading and background knowledge, so today we will briefly explore the importance of having a great vocabulary.
Did you know we need between 12 and 20 meaningful exposures to learn a word before we are able to add it to our vocabulary suitcase? (use the word correctly, in the right context) To do this in a natural and fun way, we encourage children to read regularly. This does wonders for their vocabulary, both spoken and written. When children read a variety of books, they come across new words and phrases in different contexts, which helps them understand and remember these words better. This exposure not only expands their vocabulary but also boosts their comprehension skills.
Having a strong vocabulary is key to academic success. It allows students to express their thoughts clearly and confidently, whether they're writing or speaking. With a rich vocabulary, they can grasp complex texts, confidently join in discussions, enhancing their critical and creative thinking, as they can articulate their ideas more precisely.
To help your child develop their vocabulary, encourage them to read a wide range of materials, from fiction and non-fiction books to magazines and newspapers. Talk about what they read and introduce new words in your daily conversations. By fostering a love for reading, you're setting your child up for lifelong success.
On that note, I was in the library last week and it seemed half the library collection was on the tables, ready to be reshelved. That told me there is a lot of reading happening in this school and I thank you for your part in supporting those books to be flying off the shelves.
Yours sincerely
Oriel McGee – Leader, Learning and Teaching
Uniform Shop Opening Hours
Tuesday and Thursday mornings between 8.15am – 8.45am.
Outside of these times by appointment only.
Online ordering of school uniforms is available via Flexischools. Order online at anytime. Orders will be packed on the next available Tuesday or Thursday morning and given to your child.
For all uniform information please contact:
Tricia Lee – plee@cns.catholic.edu.au
