Thumbs up
In this section of our newsletter we congratulate students of St Joseph's who have represented our local community and beyond the city limits.
Thank you to our wonderful voluteers who sold raffle tickets at Grafton Shopping World, including Rose who helped out after school.
The raffle will be drawn on 7 December.
Merit Awards
Congratulations to the following students who received a Merit Award.
TERM 4 WEEK 8
ES1: Logan, Thoedore, Noah, Sarah
Stage 1: Mason, Meliah, Heston, Aylee
Stage 2: Lochlann, Ruby, Jesse, Owen
Stage 3: Koby, Bath-Sheba, Jackson
Gumbaynggirr Language - Liz Hegedus
Ginnagay Ngujawiny -Hello You Mob,
Last week I was lucky to attend an event held by Clarence Landcare Inc and South Grafton High School. It was the opening ceremony of ‘The Resilient Bush Tucker Garden in South Grafton at Beresford Park. Clarence Landcare worked with South Grafton High School to create a sustainable Indigenous Bush Tucker Garden. This project was made possible by the NSW Government through the Children and Young People Well-being Initiative.
This initiative was a long term idea by local Gumbaynggirr Aboriginal man Mr Michael Kennedy who was able to apply for funding and incorporate South Grafton High School teachers and students to help create the Indigenous garden and maintain it. South Grafton High School teacher, Donna McCarthy who is part of the HSIE Eco Revitalize program worked together with Michael and the students of South High to build and maintain the garden and learn about bush tucker, nature’s resilience and food security. They have done a magnificent job and I commend them on their efforts.
It is a true celebration of community, sustainability, and the rich Indigenous culture of our region. The Resilient Bush Tucker Garden will serve as a hub for learning, relaxation and connection with the land. The whole idea of the project is to involve the local community and school communities.
With the future in mind Michael, Donna and the students of South Grafton High School would love to invite other schools to tour the gardens and learn about bush tucker, sustainability and the environment.
Planted are the foods of the future, as Indigenous Bush Tucker food is not only for eating but they serve as medicinal as well.
Well done Michael Kennedy and Clarence LandCare, Teacher Donna McCarthy and her students from South Grafton High School. We look forward to our students being a part of your fantastic project.
Darrundang Ngiinda - Thankyou Miss Liz Hegedus IEW Indigenous Educational Worker
Community Notices
Thank you to the local businessess who kindly donated towards our Colour Fun Run! Your support is greatly appreciated.
We would also like to thank Porter Civil (watercart) and Robert Cook (waving man).
From our Leadership
Welcome
We all pray that the final few weeks of school pass by positively in a spirit of community, joy, and learning so that everyone can experience a strong sense of belonging to the St Joseph’s community.
Combined Parish Christmas Celebration
This evening we will gather at McAuley Catholic College for the Combined Parish Christmas Celebration. Thank you to all involved in making this occasion a joyous one. Please remember that supervision of your children is your responsibility. The students will be sitting with their class teacher at the front of the College Hall and can be collected after the concert finishes.
A BBQ is available at no cost. Tea/Coffee, drinks and ice cream will be available for purchase. Gates open at 5:30pm with a 6:00pm concert start. Photos next newsletter!
Colour Fun Run
This is a highlight in the school calendar and once again provided great fun for the students. This can only happen because of our amazing Parent Group who plan and create the course, fill the canisters, and seek donations for prizes.
We congratulate the following students for their fundraising efforts:
- 1st Place Charlotte Parry Jones
- 2nd Place Jack West
- 3rd Place Alexander Hylton-Cummins
The congratulate the highest fundraising student in each grade:
- Kindergarten Leia Buchanan
- Year 1 Aylee Purton
- Year 2 Heston Tribe
- Year 3 Joy Tough
- Year 4 Aaliyah Cureton
- Year 5 Sophie Hewitt
- Year 6 Rose Coelli
Congratulations to our Prize Winners
The total amount raised was an oustanding $5761.20 As mentioned, all money raised goes to purchasing new computers for the students.
School Captains 2024
Congratulations to our 2024 School Captains. The students recognised Botshelo Mefane and William McCarthy-Copson for their leadership qualities and acts of kindness. We thank the other candidates who put themselves forward.
School Uniforms 2024
We have been informed that our new school uniform will arrive late January. It is also understood that there are lots of cost pressures on families at the moment and into 2024. Therefore I remind everyone that the new school uniform will be phased in over a 12 month period during 2024.
Students will still be able to wear the current school uniform. Parents may purchase the current school uniform at cost price through the School Office, for those wishing to delay purchase of the new uniform.
However it is an expectation that students will wear either the old or new uniform each day to school.
Information regarding details of pricing and how to purchase the new school uniform will be provided in the near future.
Junior Joeys Graduation
We congratulate our Junior Joeys Class of 2023 on their graduation. This is always a highlight. Thank you to everyone who made this afternoon a wonderful and joyous celebration.
Student Reports
Student reports will be published to families via COMPASS on Friday, 8 December. As communicated in our previous newsletter there are changes to reports this semester.
The main changes are that there will be multiple comments in your child’s report. These being:
- English Comment
- Mathematics Comment
- Key Learning Area Comment
- General Comments
The English, Mathematics and Key Learning Area comments will outline your child’s areas of achievement and growth and their future learning goals.
The General Comment will reflect non-academic achievement and could include:
- extracurricular activities and/or
- additional comments to elaborate on the Learner Profile and/or
- demonstration of school values and/or
- a student’s social/emotional learning.
If you would like a family teacher meeting after receiving your child’s report please make contact directly with your child’s teachers. This can be either sending an email or by phoning the School Office.
Teaching and Learning
New 3-6 Mathematics Syllabus
Over the past two weeks, teachers have been engaging in Professional Learning on the new 3-6 Mathematics Syllabus with Education Officer, Samantha Lynch from the Catholic Schools Office.
Teachers gained an understanding of the Aim and Rationale and the evidence base underpinning the Mathematics 3–6 syllabus. Teachers developed knowledge of the structure, elements and content of the new 3-6 Mathematics syllabus and revisited their prior understanding of content within the K-2 Mathematics Syllabus to gain a deeper understanding of how the content connects and builds across the stages (outcomes) which is known as, ‘The Connectionist Approach’. Teachers will be using their knowledge of the content connection to make considerations when catering for our diverse needs of learners to ensure student growth and achievement.
Learning Intention and Success Criteria
As we continue our work to achieve our School Action Improvement Plan in Writing, Descriptive Feedback will be provided to students from their teachers and students will give peer feedback and self-assess against the following Success Criteria for their respective writing group.
Principal-Danny Rankin
Assistant Principal-Anne Forwell
Leader of Learning - Brooke Donoghue
Canteen
Canteen
Open every Wednesday and Friday
Volunteers always welcome, please leave your details with the School office if you're able to assist.
School Calendar
TERM 4 2023
Week 8
- Thursday, 30 November - Combined Christmas Celebration with St Mary’s Primary & McAuley Catholic College 5.30pm
Week 9
- Monday, 4 December - Raffle tickets are due back today
- Tuesday, 5 December - Year 6 Graduation Dinner, Grafton Golf Club 6.00pm
- Wednesday, 6 December - Infants Excursion Big Banana Water Park, Coffs harbour
- Thursday, 7 December - Awards Presentation & Games Night
Week 10
- Monday, 11 December - School Assembly 2.15pm
- Friday, 15 December - Last Day of Term 4
TERM 1 2024
Week 1
- Tuesday, 30 January - Staff Development Day (Pupil Free Day)
- Wednesday, 31 January - Students return for Term 1 2024
Week 2
- Tuesday, 6 February - Kindergarten's First day
School Notes
SCHOOL FEES
Thank you to those families who have made the change from Direct Debit to BPay for fee payments. BPay is the preferred payment method for school fees. Scheduled payments can also be set up using BPay, the Biller Code and your personal reference number can be found on your Fee Statement.
Paying through BPay ensures that your payment goes directly to your account. Any enquireies please contact the School Office.
ABSENCES
Please notify the School Office if your child will be absent for an extended period of time, Principal approval may be required.
Only full day absences are to be entered into Compass, for partial absences - arriving late or leaving early please phone the School Office to notify.
Change to afternoon travel arrangements may be emailed to the school if before 12.00pm sjpgraf@lism.catholic.edu.au
After 12.00pm please phone the School Office on 6642 2899 with any changes.
Thumbs up
In this section of our newsletter we congratulate students of St Joseph's who have represented our local community and beyond the city limits.
Remembrance Day
Thank you to our School Captains Callum & Rose, who represented our school at the Remembrance Day Service.
Laying a wreath, honouring those who gave their lives in service.
Merit Awards
Congratulations to the following students who received a Merit Award.
TERM 4 WEEK 6
ES1: Brax, Darcy, Hayden
Stage 1: Daisy, Aprille, Izac
Stage 2: Noah, Eli, La'Keesha, Joy
Stage 3: Red, kruze, Sophie, Aleah
Gumbaynggirr Language - Liz Hegedus
Ginnagay Ngujawiny -Hello You Mob,
During the last 4 weeks, Kindergarten and Stage 1 have been learning about the sun, moon and stars. They have learnt how to pronounce these words in Gumbaynggirr language.
The sun - Ngayan and Barlaagany - Day, daylight, sunshine.
The Sun is the centre point of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures across Australia. The Sun is the source of life and death, bringing life and heat to the Aboriginal people. The sun is a very important resource and our place in the world relys heavily on how the sun supports us. It supports us in our energy, weather, food, human, animal and plant life. The Aboriginals knew the importance of the sun and based their culture and beliefs around it.
The moon - Giidany
The moon is a very important source to the Indigenous people of Australia. The moon plays many roles for the Indigenous people, it is used to understand the weather, tell the time, travel on the land, hunt for food and the telling of Dreamtime stories/beliefs.
The stars - Birraarl
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were, and continue to be, careful observers of the stars. The stars serve as an important source to help the Aboriginals survive. There are 4 ways Aboriginal people have been using the stars as indicators. The stars help them to recognise seasonal change, finding food, learning Aboriginal laws and knowing how to direct yourselves at night time.
The students have enjoyed learning how the Aboriginals use these resources to help with everyday living. Without these resources our lives would not exist, so it comes down to teaching the next generation on how important it is to look after our country for their children.
Darrundang Ngiinda - Thankyou Miss Liz Hegedus IEW Indigenous Educational Worker
Community Notices
Vinnies Grafton needs you! We would love to open our doors for longer trading hours.
Give back to your local community, make friends, and gain new skills as a Vinnies volunteer.
All funds raised at Vinnies Grafton go straight back into local programs and services.
No prior experience needed, there is a role for anyone and everyone!
Register your interest by ringing David: 0490 256 206
From our Leadership
Welcome
At St Joseph’s, we strive to instil in our students the values of sincerity and humility. We teach them to value actions over words and to recognise the quiet strength in serving others. As St Francis of Assisi is said to have once stated, “Preach the gospel at all times, and, when necessary, use words.”
Understanding the New Semester 2 Student Report
Why are there changes to the K-6 Semester 2 Student Report?
The NSW Government is reforming the curriculum to streamline and strengthen what is taught in every classroom in NSW, so every student is prepared and ready for their future. The curriculum reform has been informed by consultation with teachers, parents and education experts, and is underpinned by extensive research. Curriculum reform involves changing teaching, learning, assessment and reporting to parents.
The release of the new syllabuses provides the opportunity to revise aspects of the Student Report to align with current research.
“Parents want to know what was taught and how well their child has learnt it, as well as where improvement is needed……. (NESA, 2023)”
What are the changes to the Student Report Comments for Semester 2?
Student Report Comments reflect the Learning Areas on the Student Report. There will be multiple comments:
- English Comment
- Mathematics Comment
- Key Learning Area Comment
- General Comments
The English and Mathematics Comments will reflect:
- Areas of achievement and growth
- Learning Goals
The Key Learning Areas Comments will reflect:
- Areas of achievement and growth
- Learning Goals
across key learning areas.
The General Comment will reflect non-academic achievement and could include:
- extracurricular activities and/or
- additional comments to elaborate on the Learner Profile and/or
- demonstration of school values and/or
- a student’s social/emotional learning.
Please find below a sample of how the comments will be structured for Semester 2 for English, Mathematics and Key Learning Areas. These will now be in dot form and are separated into achievement areas and learning goals.
Combined Parish/Catholic Schools Christmas Celebration
We are gathering with St Mary’s Primary, McAuley Catholic College, St Patricks and St Mary's Parish on the evening of Thursday, 30 November for a combined Christmas Celebration. St Joseph's students have been singing and acting out very unique Aussie Christmas songs!
All families have been invited via COMPASS. Please respond as it will assist with ordering food and how many buses to order for our dress rehearsal during school time.
Canteen News
Thank you to all families for using the COMPASS portal to order canteen food on Wednesdays and Fridays. This initiative does reduce volunteer time, stress and substantially reduces storing money on site.
We will be employing a canteen supervisor for the 2024 school year. This position is for 8 hours per week. If you are interested please contact the Office for the Roll Description and Duties and the link to the application process.
Country Universities Centre, Clarence Valley and Year 6
The Country Universities Centre and St Joseph's have entered into a partnership to encourage our students to think about post school options.
Students in Year 6 reflect on their dispositions and interests, explore the amazing breadth of possible career choices that reflect their dispositions and interests and learn more about what is on offer without the need to leave Grafton. It is a 4 week initiative and we feel truly blessed to have this opportunity.
Year 6
Year 6 students had a blast at Ten Pin Bowling last week. Thank you to McAuley for sharing their bus, Mr Stewart for driving and especially Year 6 who enjoyed themselves and were so wonderfully behaved.
Colour Fun Run
Sponsorship is now due! The event is on Wednesday, 29 November.
Please note any students who have not returned their sponsor sheet will require a gold coin to participate on the day.
Thank you to the amazing group of volunteers for all your efforts. These events require planning and a generous spirit.
Raffle ticket booklets will be sent home in the coming days, if you require extra booklets they will be available from the Office. Please return sold tickets and any unsold booklets before 4 December.
Our volunteers will also be selling raffle tickets at Grafton Shopping World on Thursday. They would appreciate anyone who may be available to assist selling tickets.
Teaching and Learning
As we continue our work to achieve our School Action Improvement Plan in Writing, Descriptive Feedback will be provided to students from their teachers and students will give peer feedback and self-assess against the following Success Criteria for their respective writing group.
Principal-Danny Rankin
Assistant Principal-Anne Forwell
Leader of Learning - Brooke Donoghue
Sport Coordinator - Caitlin Crispin
Swimming Carnival Results
Congratulations to our 1st place House Champions CRAIG
- Phillips 2nd
- Hawthorne 3rd
- Wilson 4th
Uniform Shop
The uniform shop is located in the Brewhouse Village.
Opening hours:
Monday - Wednesday 10.00am to 4.30pm
Thursday 10 to 3.30pm
Email: fytexptyltd@bigpond.com
Ph: 0434 025 493
Canteen
Canteen
Open every Wednesday and Friday
Volunteers always welcome, please leave your details with the School office if you're able to assist.
School Calendar
TERM 4 2023
Week 7
- Tuesday, 21 November - School Community Group Meeting 6.00pm
- Wednesday, 22 November - Junior Joey's
- Wednesday, 22 November - Infants Swimming 1.00pm-2.30pm
Week 8
- Monday, 27 November - School Assembly 2.15pm
- Wednesday, 29 November - Colour Fun Run
- Wednesday, 29 November - Junior Joey's Last Day
- Thursday, 30 November - Combined Christmas Celebration with St Mary’s Primary & McAuley Catholic College
Week 9
- Monday, 4 December - Raffle tickets are due back today
- Tuesday, 5 December - Year 6 Graduation Dinner, Grafton Golf Club 6.00pm
- Wednesday, 6 December - Infants Excursion Big Banana Water Park, Coffs harbour
- Thursday, 7 December - Awards Presentation & Games Night
Week 10
- Monday, 11 December - School Assembly 2.15pm
- Friday, 15 December - Last Day of Term 4
School Notes
BOOK CLUB
Book Club Issue 8 is out now! If you would like to order through the school, please return your orders to school by Thursday, 30 November.
Remember you may also order online through the link below.
https://mybookclubs.
SCHOOL FEES
Thank you to those families who have made the change from Direct Debit to BPay for fee payments. BPay is the preferred payment method for school fees. Scheduled payments can also be set up using BPay, the Biller Code and your personal reference number can be found on your Fee Statement.
Paying through BPay ensures that your payment goes directly to your account. Any enquireies please contact the School Office.
ABSENCES
Please notify the School Office if your child will be absent for an extended period of time, Principal approval may be required.
Only full day absences are to be entered into Compass, for partial absences - arriving late or leaving early please phone the School Office to notify.
Change to afternoon travel arrangements may be emailed to the school if before 12.00pm sjpgraf@lism.catholic.edu.au
After 12.00pm please phone the School Office on 6642 2899 with any changes.
Thumbs up
In this section of our newsletter we congratulate students of St Joseph's who have represented our community beyond the city limits.
With thanks to the Grafton Rowing Club, some Year 6 students got to experience rowing on the mighty Clarence River. More than eight Club members volunteered their time and expertise to instruct our students.
The students were great ambassadors for our school as they displayed good manners, listened attentively and showed great team work and tenacity in learning new skills.
We are looking forward to doing it all again next week!
Merit Awards
Congratulations to the following students who received a Merit Award.
TERM 4 WEEK 4
ES1: Leia
Stage 1: Maddelyn, Tyler
Stage 2: Audley, Max, Alexander, James
Stage 3: Pippa Nate
