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:-

1. Ensure that your child is present on the days of testing
2. Ensure that your child has working headphones.
3. During NAPLAN, ensure that routines are kept.
4. During NAPLAN ensure that the children have some down time to rest and relax.
5. 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.
6. Provide healthy and unprocessed foods low in sugar and promote the drinking of water.
7. 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