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With only a few days remaining before the Easter break, both teachers and students are showing signs of ‘wear and tear’ that is often the case leading up to the holidays. It seems that the coming break is indeed very timely.
I especially thank our dedicated staff who continually work very hard to ensure the continuity of learning in each and every classroom every day, and to our parents who continually offer their time and help with class and school-based activities.
APPRAISAL – APRE – Mrs Mary MacCallum
Parents have been invited to participate in the appraisal process conducted in the fifth year of an APRE's contract. The purpose of this appraisal is to seek affirmations and gain insights into Mrs MacCallum's performance, aiding her development as the APRE of St. Joseph's School.
This process provides parents with the opportunity to share constructive feedback that can guide Mary in her role as APRE (Assistant Principal - Religious Education).
If you have yet to do so, I encourage parents to share their feedback via this survey link. This survey should take approximately 5-10 minutes and closes this coming Friday (4 April).
I take this opportunity to thank you for your input and time.
CROSS COUNTRY EVENT
My congratulations go to all our students for their efforts, enthusiasm and the sportsmanship displayed. Special commendations going to those chosen to participate in the District Event at the Avenue of Honour, Tinaburra on Friday, 2 May.
Thanks also to those parents who assisted with the morning – being place getters and spectators, and helping with the pack up.
Well done SJA students; we are always proud of your efforts!
PARENT/TEACHER INTERVIEWS
We all know that children receive the best education when parents and teachers work as a team, so I thank parents for attending our recent Parent/Teacher interviews in Prep, Years 1, 2, 3, 5 & 6. Please note that the Year 4 interviews are being held in Week 2, Term 2.
I remind you that if you missed your child’s set interview date/s, then do not hesitate to organise a mutually agreed time with individual teachers.
STAFF NEWS
I am currently attending the Science of Learning Conference at the Sunshine Coast. This event offers an excellent chance to explore the latest research in cognitive science, discover effective teaching strategies, and learn about evidence-based practices.
Additionally, I will have the opportunity to spend some time with my son, Jack, who has recently moved to Kings Beach, Caloundra.
ON A FINAL NOTE…..
With God’s blessings, may you and your family share in the joy of this coming holiday season, and I hope you all enjoy some time with loved ones.
School resumes on Tuesday, 22April.
I can't wait to see you then!
Rita Petersen
Holy Week/Easter
Students will spend some time this week reflecting on Holy Week although it is still 2 weeks away.
When we return from holidays, we will still be in the Easter Season, when it will be more appropriate to focus on the celebration and meaning of Easter.
What is Holy Week?
During Holy Week, we are called to enter a time of reverence and celebrate its rites with care and devotion.
Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday-April 13
Passion Sunday or Palm Sunday is the first day of what is known traditionally as ‘Holy Week’.
The Gospel readings on Palm Sunday highlight what will be celebrated liturgically in the week that lies ahead – the passage with the Lord from death to resurrection.
Holy Thursday-Mass of the Lord’s Supper- April 17
At the Mass of the Lord’s Supper we hear the story of the washing of the feet. The main focus is celebrating the Eucharist and remembering what happened at the Last Supper.
Good Friday - April 18
On Good Friday we remember the passion and death of Christ on the cross. It is a solemn day. Catholics should abstain from eating meat on Good Friday.
Easter Sunday - April 20
“You must not be afraid. I know you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is not here- he has been raised, just as he said!”
(Matthew 28:5-6)
The celebration of Easter is most significant for us as Catholics.
We celebrate the saving love and the new life given to us through the resurrection of Jesus.
Atherton Parish - Holy Week Liturgy Times
Palm Sunday
Saturday 12 April: Mt Garnet 5pm, Ravenshoe 7:00pm
Sunday 13 April: Herberton 7:30am, Atherton 9:30am, Atherton 5:00pm
Holy Thursday:
Ravenshoe 7:00am; Atherton 6:00pm
Good Friday:
Stations of the Cross Atherton 10:00am; Good Friday service Atherton 3:00pm
Easter Vigil:
Atherton 6:00pm
Easter Sunday:
Ravenshoe 7:00am; Atherton 9:30am
Project Compassion boxes
Thanks to everyone for their support of Project compassion during the season of Lent.
Please return all project compassion boxes to the front office by the end of this week or when we return from the holidays.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Some of our students in Year 4, 5 and 6 will receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation this Thursday evening. They will experience firsthand the healing love and forgiveness of Jesus through this special sacrament. This will be a special occasion for these students and their families and we pray for these students at this special time in their faith journey.
Wishing everyone a safe holiday as we spend some special time with our families.
God bless,
Mary MacCallum
What’s the point of reading anyway?
The ultimate point of reading is to comprehend what we read. It’s one thing being able to read but without comprehension, then reading is just one more ‘thing’ we can do. Reading comprehension is a crucial skill that goes beyond simply recognizing words on a page. For children, it is the foundation of learning and academic success. When children understand what they read, they can absorb information, think critically, and apply knowledge in various contexts.
Comprehension enables children to make connections between what they read and their own experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of the world around them. It also enhances their ability to follow instructions, solve problems, and engage in meaningful discussions. Without strong comprehension skills, children may struggle with other subjects, as reading for understanding is essential to learning in all areas, even mathematics.
We all play a vital role in developing children’s reading comprehension. Encouraging regular reading habits, discussing stories, and asking open-ended questions (nothing that allows for a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer) about the text can significantly boost comprehension skills. Activities like summarizing stories, predicting outcomes, and relating the content to real-life situations are also beneficial.
Comprehension skills are essential for lifelong learning and personal growth. They enable individuals to navigate complex information, make informed decisions, and communicate effectively. By talking and asking about what your child is reading, parents can help their children build a strong educational foundation and a love for reading that will benefit them throughout their lives.
With the school holidays upon us, do please continue to encourage reading to be part of everyday activities for your child.
Regards
Oriel McGee – Leader, Learning and Teaching
Next term VPG’s Every Family Program will deliver a free parenting program for all St Joseph’s parents; Circle of Security.
I am happy to answer any questions you may have about the program and I will be organising and attending the progam as well.
This is a short 4 min video about the Circle of Security Program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wpz8m0BFM8
Kind regards,
Toni Iacutone - School Counsellor
Congratulations to all students who participated in the cross country events.
Assembly on Friday will begin at 2.15pm and there will be a cross country wrap up and presentation of the Cross Country shield to the winning team.
Junior Cross Country Photos
Senior Cross Country Photos
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
