Thumbs up
In this section of our newsletter we congratulate students of St Joseph's who have represented our community beyond the city limits.
We congratulate Bath-Sheba, Vashti & Esther on their outstanding recent acheivements in dancing.
At the Grafton Eisteddfod Esther won 1st place for her solo dance. Sheba won the Fryers Scholarship for most outstanding 11 years and under. Vashti and Sheba won their troupe age at the lower river eisteddfod. Sheba and Vashti again won age troupe. Sheba's solo performance won 1st place, 2nd place demi character and 3rd place classical ballet, impro classical. Sheba also won several dances at Macksville which qualified her two entries into the Australian Nationals on the Gold Coast in January 2024.
Sheba, Vashti and Esther are off to Los Angeles in December to dance in the Christmas Gala Disneyland Parade and the Disneyland Christmas Concert, along with their team mates from the Clarence River Dance Academy.
We also congratulate Jhett and Nate who recently travelled to Port Macquarie for the Ironkid's Triathlon. Well done!
Merit Awards
Congratulations to the following students who received a Merit Award.
TERM 2 WEEK 3 & 4
ES1: Patrick, Jack, Levi, Hayden
Stage 1: Nate, Dakota, Emilia, Oceanna
Stage 2: Heidi, Vashti, Kevin, Noah
Stage 3: Emily, Hayley, Nate
Gumbaynggirr Language - Liz Hegedus
Ginnagay Ngujawiny -Hello You Mob,
Over the next 3 weeks I will be sharing lots of information in regards to Reconciliation Week, Mabo Day and Wear It Yellow - Childrens Ground Day.
Reconciliation Week takes place from 27 May to 3 June. These two dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey - the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision.
Reconciliation Week is the result of the 1967 referendum where Australians voted to count Aboriginal people in the National Census and allow the Commonwealth Government to make decisions respecting Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islanders. National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
1967 Referendum
On 27 May, 1967 Australians voted in favour of changes to the Australian Constitution to improve the services available to Indigenous Australians. The changes focused on two sections of the Constitution, which discriminated against Aborigines. The Australian Constitution can only be altered by referendum. In a referendum, all Australians of voting age vote yes or no for the proposed changes. To succeed, a majority of voters nationwide and a majority of States (four out of six) must approve the changes.
Changes to the constitution that enabled change for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders were:
1. A change to the Federal Law in regards to protection of all Australians. Under the current law Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders did not have these protection laws or any access to federally funded services like social security and education.
2. The second section prevented Aborigines from being included in the national census. This effectively made Australia's Aboriginal population invisible, the government only provided funding for the country's non-indigenous population. This meant that states could offer very limited services to Indigenous communities.
What were the protection laws about?
The law of Australia comprises many levels of codified and uncodified forms of law. These laws cover human rights, family, health, legal, environmental, migration, property etc.
Section 51 of the Australian Constitute was: the federal government made laws for anyone in Australia, except it's Aboriginal population. This classified the Aborigines as not being recognised. The constitution completely ignored the presence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples prior to European settlement and treated them as non existent humans. It is time for the Australian Constitution to reflect the Australian identity and recognise our Indigenous history.
What is census?
A census is an official survey of the population of a country that is carried out in order to find out how many people live there and to obtain details such as people's ages and occupation.
Why weren't the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders included?
The six Australian colonies became a Federation in 1901, section 127 of the constitution excluded Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people from the census. This was the situation until the referendum of 1979 when an overwhelming majority of Australians voted to include Aboriginal people in the census of their own country. The referendum finally recognised Aboriginal people as citizens in their own land.
Since the European invasion until very recently, government policy relating to Aboriginal people has been designed and implemented by non-Aboriginal people. Therefore the Indigenous population have had to fight very hard to improve every aspect of their lives just to live in their own country.
To achieve reconciliation, we need to develop strong relationships built on trust and respect, and that are free of racism. Most Australians believe the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians is important and that culteral diversity makes us stronger.
Recognising the effects colonisation has had on Aboriginal people shows a spirit of goodwill, mutual respect and recognition. That is all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are asking, recognition of events of their past.
Darrundang Ngiinda - Thankyou Miss Liz Hegedus IEW Indigenous Educational Worker
Community Notices
From our Leadership
Welcome
Dear St Joseph's Community,
The Easter Season
Whilst we have eaten all our Easter chocolates our school continues to celebrate the Easter season. The following two Sundays we celebrate Mary [Jesus’ mother] ascension into heaven and The Catholic Church’s beginning - Pentecost.
Mother's Day Liturgy
Thank you to everyone who was able to join us last Friday for a special liturgy and morning tea, as we celebrated all those in our school community who mother.
School Improvement Plan 2023
What is our goal?
Our 2023 school improvement plan has a focus on the learning and teaching of writing. Our goal is to ensure that all students are achieving the writing expectations for their grade level.
An update on our progress
We have Learning Intentions and Success Criteria displayed in each classroom for writing. Learning intentions are informed by curriculum documents and focus on knowledge, understanding or skills. This indicates what students are expected to know and be able to do for their grade level. Success criteria states what students have to demonstrate to show they understand and have achieved the learning intention.
An example of a learning intention with related success criteria is demonstrated below from one of the walls of our classrooms.
We have also created a whole school data wall for writing. This wall has a photo of every child in our school and it tracks their growth in writing and their expected benchmark level. Teachers and leaders use this wall to make detailed plans for the next learning steps for each child.
The wall is only visible to staff and is in a confidential space in our school. Many learning conversations with teachers occur in front of this wall as a way to alter our teaching to help students progress in writing.
Teaching and Learning
Below are our learning intentions, which are syllabus outcomes that are deconstructed with the students in child-friendly language for understanding.
The success criteria is co-constructed with students and added to as new learning and skills are taught throughout the learning cycle by deconstructing and annotating examples that have been modelled or co-created with students.
Each list of success criteria has a ranging ability level of skills, ensuring that all students have a goal they are working towards with their teacher over the next cycle of learning.
Our Learning Intentions and Success Criteria across the stages for the next learning cycle:
K-2 New English Syllabus: Supporting your K-2 child at school with Vocabulary
As you can see in the table below showing the organisation of the outcomes of the new K-2 English syllabus, the Vocabulary outcome falls under both:
- Understanding Texts
- Creating Texts
Vocabulary focuses on developing the knowledge of words, their meaning and how they are used and understood while speaking, listening, reading and writing.
As our School Improvement Plan is focused on the learning and teaching of creating written texts which falls under creating texts, increasing Vocabulary knowledge is a fundamental building block to improve students' growth in writing.
Here are a few ways you can assist your child with their Vocabulary knowledge at home:
Wear Yellow Day - National Reconciliation Week
Does your child have something yellow in their wardrobe?
On Monday, 29 May is the day they can wear it to school. The reason why we wear yellow is because yellow is the centre of the Aboriginal flag - the sun, the giver of energy and life. Yellow is also fresh, energetic and hopeful.
To celebrate Reconciliation Week we will have an assembly, children can wear yellow and there will be yellow cupcakes and brownies to purchase for 50c each.
All money raised will go towards buying resources for our ATSI culture awareness lessons.
Principal-Danny Rankin
Assistant Principal-Anne Forwell
Leader of Learning - Brooke Donoghue
Sport Coordinator - Caitlin Crispin
Key Sporting Dates for Term 2
- Wednesday, 7 June - School Athletics Carnival, Barnier Park Junction Hill
- Thursday, 29 June - Clarence Zone Carnival, Coffs Harbour
Please keep an eye out on Compass for a note about the School Athletics Carnival in the coming weeks.
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 2 2023
Week 5
Tuesday, 23 May - Diocesan Cross Country at MCC
Week 6
Monday, 29 May - Wear Yellow Day, National Reconciliation Week
Monday, 29 May - School Assembly 2.15pm
Week 7
Tuesday, 6 June - Parent Forum Meeting 6.00pm
Wednesday, 7 June - School Athletics Carnival at Barnier Park, Junction Hill
Week 8
Monday, 12 June - School Assembly 2.15pm
Week 9
Friday, 23 June - Confirmation
Week 10
Monday, 26 June - School Assembly 2.15pm
Thursday, 29 June - Zone Athletics Carnival at Coffs Harbour
Thursday, 29 June - Last day of Term 2 for students
Friday, 30 June - Staff Development Day
School Notes
CANTEEN
Our Canteen is in urgent need of volunteers to assist on Friday's. Please contact the School Office on 6642 2899 if you are available.
FAMILY CONNECT
A Message from Skye Pullen our Family Connect Worker
As your school’s Family Connect worker, I am here to support families to access the
services they might need to help their family thrive. I can assist families in a wide range of
areas including NDIS, housing, counselling, parenting programs, supporting parents of
children with anxiety through the Cool Kids program, family violence and addiction services
and many other services that families may need from time to time.
I have a background in social work and teaching and have worked extensively in health and
community projects. I am a qualified practitioner in many parenting programs including 1,2,3
Magic and Tuning into Kids.
I care deeply about promoting family wellbeing and can help families access a wide range of
support services and I encourage any of our parents/carers to make contact with me if they
would like more information about the help and support I can provide.
Skye Pullen 0417004779 or skye.pullen@socialfutures.org.au
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
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 with any changes.
REMINDER
Parents & Caregivers are reminded when dropping off or picking students up, the Staff Carpark is not a designated zone. Exception if you require use of a disabled parking space.
Please note the speed limit coming into this carpark at other times is 10 klms. Please be mindful of the school speed zones.
Why wearing both straps of your backpack is a good idea:
Backpacks are designed to be worn on both shoulders as this evenly distributes their weight.
When you wear just one strap, your body naturally hikes the shoulder carrying the strap to keep the bag from falling off. This awkward posture can lead to shoulder pain, as well as neck and back pain.
The altered centre of gravity also increases the risk of falls, and of unintentionally bumping into others.
Being aware of this, and ensuring our kids get into the habit of wearing both straps of their backpacks when at school, will instil important habits now, before they enter high school and their bags get even heavier.
Things to look out for in a decent bag is wide padded straps that do not cut into the shoulders. A lightweight backpack, and one that has multiple pockets, to help distribute the weight evenly.
Help make the culture at St Joseph’s one that supports balanced posture, pain-free backs and healthy habits. Lets teach our kids why wearing both straps of their backpacks is a good idea, and lead by example 😊
Many thanks in advance, Dr. Zialina Earth Bach ClinSc, MastOst. (and most importantly, mum)
https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/backpack.html
https://backpacksrock.com/effects-of-carrying-heavy-backpacks-on-one-shoulder/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/child-and-teen-health/bad-backs-and-backpacks
Merit Awards
Congratulations to the following students who received a Merit Award.
TERM 1 WEEK 9 & 10
ES1: Logan, Sophie, Theodore, Levi, Leia, Hayden
Stage 1: Byron, Ashton, Emily, Aylee
Stage 2: Charlotte, Eli, Maddison, James
Stage 3: Jaxon, Red, Hamish, Koby
Thumbs up
In this section of our newsletter we congratulate students of St Joseph's who have represented our community beyond the city limits.
This Newsletter we congratulate Hugh and Alice on their recent success in Camp drafting; our students art display entered into the Grafton Show and Callum who attended the Diocesan Soccer Trials in Tamworth.
Hugh and his horse, 'Destined for Hollywood' participated in the Grafton Show Pony Club Events on Friday afternoon and placed 1st,2nd and 3rd. The previous weekend he placed 1st in the junior draft at Baryulgil Fine Flower Campdraft. Congratulations Hugh!
Alice was unable to participate as her horse is currently unwell, however, she was successful with some art and craft at the Grafton show receiving two 2nds and a 4th place. Congratulations Alice!
Congratulations to our students on their fabulous artwork entered into the Grafton Show School Display.
St Joseph's was awarded Third Prize for our 'Autumn in the Valley' display!
Well done to Callum who travelled to Tamworth last week to participate in the Diocesan Soccer Trials. He gave his all and had a great time!
Merit Awards
Congratulations to the following students who received a Merit Award.
TERM 2 WEEK 1 & 2
ES1: Lily, Marvin, Thoedore, Aiden
Stage 2: Joy, Max, Reuben, Jesse
Stage 3: Darcy, Sophie, Rose, Aleah
Gumbaynggirr Language - Liz Hegedus
Ginnagay Ngujawiny -Hello You Mob,
Welcome back to Term 2, 2023. Last week Australia celebrated ANZAC Day. A day to remember all of our soliders who went to war to fight for our freedom. I am absolutely sure that everyone had someone they loved who fought in a war. In saying this, I wonder if anyone knows the reason why WWI began. The first world war began in August 1914. It was directly triggered by the assassination of the Austrian archduke, Franz Ferdinand and his wife, on 28 June 1914 by Bosnian revolutionary, Gavrilo Princip. This event was, however, simply the trigger that set off declarations of war.
Over a hundred years ago, a 19 year old Bosnian Serb teenager Gavrilo Princip, fired the bullet that sparked the chain of events leading to the First World War. Archduke Ferdinand, the heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary, was visiting Sarajevo in Serbia to inspect imperial forces with his wife Sophie. The Serbians found his visit to be an insult to their country which inspired 6 men to assinate the Archduke. Gavrilo Princip was the man to shoot the Archduke and his wife killing them instantly. The double murder shocked Europe and led to anti-Serbian riots in Sarajevo.
Then Austria-Hungary made 3 demands to Serbia. Firstly, stop all anti Austria-Hungarian propaganda. Secondly, accept its involvement in the assassination and thirdly, allow the Austria-Hungary government to take over the trials of everyone involved in the assassination. When the Serbian Government refused two of the demands, Vienna considered the ultimatum rejected.
Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia on July 28 and the tangle of national alliances pulled the rest of Europe into the conflict, within days the First World War began. When Great Britain declared war on Germany in 1914, Australia found itself automatically at war too. Most Australians believed that they were a part of the British Empire and wanted to do all they could to protect it. It was popularly believed that participation in the war would also 'prove' Australia as a new nation.
Why did the Indigenous men decide to enlist? Loyalty and patriotism may have encouraged Indigenous Australians to enlist. Some saw it as a chance to prove themselves the equal of Europeans or to push for better treatment after the war. For many Australians in 1914 the offer of 6 shillings a day for a trip overseas was simply too good to miss. At first there were certain rules upon signing up, the army would only take light coloured Indigenous men. but, as the war went on and there were many deaths skin colour didn't matter, the army had no choice but to sign up all Indigenous men of many colours.
During the war many Indigenous men enlisted with the hope that fighting for the country would in turn change the way they and other Indigenous Australians were treated. Others enlisted for the same reasons as non-indigenous Australians such as to see the world while receiving good pay ,the pay was the same for Indigenous and non-indigenous soldiers. In the trenches Indigenous Australians were considered as the same as everyone else and were treated equal.
After the war the Australian society did not recognise their service. They were treated this way because Indigenous Aboriginal Australians were not recognised as Australian citizens. This was an absolute disgrace to all Indigenous people. If they were good enough to go to war and fight for the Australian Army against Germany, then how could their own country treat them like they didn't exist.
Treatment of Indigenous soliders after the war was an insult. Many Indigenous families faced the same sorrow as other families following the death of a family member. But, their service was not recognised and if they were lucky to survive the war on their return they did not receive any public or private support or any solider settlement schemes. This saddens me my grandfather and uncles all went to war and on their return were treated like nothing. So, we have to work hard at making our society a place where everyone is equal.
Darrundang Ngiinda - Thankyou
Miss Liz Hegedus
IEW Indigenous Educational Worker
Community Notices
From our Leadership
Welcome
Dear St Joseph's Community,
At the conclusion of Term 1, we recalled the Paschal Mystery of Christ (His life, death, and resurrection) during a special Liturgy. Our students showed great reverence as they acted out the events of Holy Week.
Alleluia, Alleluia, he is risen, he is risen indeed! Alleluia
We Value Feedback
Each year St Joseph's Primary undertakes a parent, student, and staff survey that asks questions about the organisational health of our school community. This data is vital in shaping our school improvement planning and future directions. The 2023 survey opened on 24 April 2023 (4:30pm AEST) and closes on 12 May 2023 (4:30pm AEST). Parents will receive a link to the live survey via Compass on Friday [http://tellthemfromme.com/3hgz9]. Please take the time to complete the survey so that we can continually improve and offer the best education available for our students! It is completely anonymous.
ANZAC Day
Stage 3 was outstanding when they led the school in our ANZAC prayer service. The school has also remembered the ANZAC story through art displays around the school.
As usual over 60% of our students marched on ANZAC day to our drum band. Thank you to all the students who joined us to participate in the South Grafton march to honour all those who have served.
What do vitamins and Sacraments have in common?
We often take vitamins to supplement our diet or give us something extra during busy times etc. Sacraments such as Baptism, Communion and Confirmation are just that for us…they give us a boost of Grace when we might need it. If your family is interested in being Baptised or receiving other Sacraments please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sacrament of Confirmation
This Sacrament will be celebrated on Friday, 23 June with Bishop Gregory. Lessons to prepare for this sacrament will begin soon. Please contact the school office if your child is Baptised and would like to receive this Sacrament.
Parent Forum Meeting
Our first meeting for Term 2 will be held on Tuesday, 9 May at 6.00pm in our school library. Please come and join us as we continually improve our school for our students. Your feedback and input is welcomed and valued.
Mother's Day liturgy
We thank all those who mother. Our prayer service and morning tea for all in our school community that have a mothering role is on Friday, 12 May at 10:20am in Mercy Hall.
Emergency Management Planning
The safety of our students, families and staff is our highest priority. In order to best ensure this, the St Joseph's Primary School South Grafton leadership and staff, supported by the Catholic Schools Office, plan for a number of possible incidents, emergencies or natural disasters that could take place at school or during the school term. The events of recent years have reinforced how important this planning is and we all have a role to play when it comes to emergency management, including families.
Our students participate in various safety drills and staff participate through training and safety drills. We’d like to share with you the role of parents and families in emergency management.
School Lockdown
A number of the situations we plan for include a school lockdown. We understand that some may understand the word ‘lockdown’ to mean there is an immediate safety risk to all students. It is important to understand that when a school initiates a lockdown this may not be the case. Depending on the situation, the purpose of a school lockdown will differ. A school lockdown may be a preparation step for an evacuation, or a school lockdown may allow emergency services access to an area of the school without having to navigate past students. Regardless of the purpose of a school lockdown, no one can be admitted to the school grounds other than emergency services.
Should we initiate a school lockdown, parents and families will be informed via text message and COMPASS notification. We will also inform parents and families as soon as the school lockdown has been lifted or if there are any actions required of parents and families. It is important that you do not attempt to attend the school during a school lockdown. We understand that you may be concerned however attending the school may also add risk to a possible emergency situation, block emergency services or impede an evacuation.
Natural Disaster
In the event of a natural disaster, such as flood or bushfire, the school leadership, supported by the Catholic Schools Office, will determine if it is safe for the school to open. If there is a probability the school may have to close part way through the day, the school will not open for that day as it is extremely difficult to evacuate a school site and ensure all students are able to go directly home safely.
In a bush fire or flood event it is important that parents and families have a plan to get your child/ren home from school, or into your care, at short notice. Please be aware that school buses may not be running and the school can not allow your child/ren to go home to an empty house or home with another parent without your permission.
Family Preparedness
How can you help us prepare for emergency situations? Please ensure that:
- You have downloaded COMPASS and have allowed notifications.
- Any changes to your contact details or custodial arrangements have been updated with the school
- You have a bush fire/flood plan in place that all members of your family understand
- In the event of a school lockdown or evacuation, directions in the parent notifications are followed
It is always our hope that these measures will never be needed but it is also our responsibility to ensure our school community is prepared and informed should the need arise. We thank you in advance for your support and cooperation.
Welcome to our new students
We welcome new students Amelia, Ana, Harrison, Lily, Chellsea, Jesse-James, Hayley, Emily and Noeletta along with their families to our St Joseph's community.
Principal-Danny Rankin
Assistant Principal-Anne Forwell
Leader of Learning - Brooke Donoghue
Sport Coordinator - Caitlin Crispin
Congratulations to all students who participated in the Zone Cross Country on Wednesday at McAuley Catholic College. All students gave 100% and showed great sportsmanship.
St Joseph's Cross Country Place Winners and Age Champions
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 2 2023
Week 2
Friday, 5 May - Year 6 attending Mass at St Mary's Church, Grafton 12.00pm
Week 3
Tuesday, 9 May - Parent Forum Meeting 6.00pm
Friday, 12 May - Mother's Day Liturgy 10.20am
Week 4
Monday, 15 May - School Assembly 2.15pm
Week 5
Tuesday, 23 May - Diocesan Cross Country at MCC
Week 6
Monday, 29 May - School Assembly 2.15pm
Week 7
Tuesday, 6 June - Parent Forum Meeting 6.00pm
Wednesday, 7 June - School Athletics Carnival at Barnier Park, Junction Hill
Week 8
Monday, 12 June - School Assembly 2.15pm
Week 9
Friday, 23 June - Confirmation
Week 10
Monday, 26 June - School Assembly 2.15pm
Thursday, 29 June - Zone Athletics Carnival at Coffs Harbour
Thursday, 29 June - Last day of Term 2 for students
Friday, 30 June - Staff Development Day