Term 2 Week 4, 2024
From our Leadership
Welcome
The Feast of Mary Help of Christians is celebrated in Australia on 24 May. This feast day is a commemoration of the assistance and protection that Mary, the mother of Jesus, provided to Christians in times of need.
The devotion to Mary Help of Christians has a special significance in Australia because it is closely associated with the early history of the Catholic Church in the country.
Welcome to the Family!
We welcome Joseph in Kindergarten, and his family to our school community.
Sacrament of Confirmation
We ask that you keep our students preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation in your prayers as they continue on their faith journey. The Sacrament of Confirmation seals candidates with the Holy Spirit and reminds us of our participation in the ministry and mission of Jesus, and provides us strength to follow Jesus more closely.
Tell Them From Me Survey
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 2024 survey opened on Monday, 6 May 2024 and closes this Friday, 24 May 2024. Please use this link to access the survey http://tellthemfromme.com/7m6qr.
Please take the time to complete the survey so that we can continually improve and offer the best education available for our students.
Uniform
Winter is upon us! Please label all jumpers - the lost property bin is already full of unnamed jumpers.
A reminder to parents of Stage 3 students - wearing bike pants on their own is not permitted. A phone call home will be made for a change of clothing if this occurs.
The Uniform section of our Newsletter has more information on how to purchase our new uniform including prices.
We currently do not have any second hand items available as the uniform is new, however, as your child outgrows their new uniform donations would be most welcome.
Family/Parent Calendar
The school has a parent calendar that families can access via COMPASS. Important school events are placed on this calendar.
On the home page click on the calendar icon as shown on the image.
Make sure you have the parent calendar selected. You will then be able to see any events/important dates for families eg. carnivals, pupil free days, meetings etc.
Joeys Choir
Our senior choir went to St Francis Nursing Home prior to the holidays. The residents loved our students visit. The students performed a set of songs and then a few comedy sketches.
We thank our choir and wish them well as they prepare for the Grafton Eisteddfod.
Bullying and Friendships What is Bullying?
At the heart of Catholic Education lies a commitment to the wellbeing and safety of every student. Over the next few weeks we will share with you some information and support resources focused on building friendships and bullying. We will start this series with unpacking the term ‘bullying’.
Understanding bullying helps us to distinguish between regular conflicts and actual bullying. This helps avoid confusion and ensures that the right help is given when needed. It can also empower you as parents to engage in prevention efforts proactively. By teaching your children about respectful behaviour, empathy, dignity, courage, and inclusion, parents can help prevent bullying from occurring in the first place.
Bullying refers to the unwanted, repeated and intentional use of words or actions against a student or a group of students to cause distress and risk to their wellbeing.
Bullying means behaviour that has three (3) key features:
- It involves the intentional misuse of power in a relationship;
- It is ongoing and repeated; and
- It involves behaviours that can cause harm.
Behaviours that do not constitute bullying include:
- Mutual arguments and disagreements;
- Not liking someone or a single act of social rejection;
- A single episode of hurtful words or actions; and
- Isolated incidents of aggression, intimidation and/or violence
Indirect bullying (also known as covert bullying) is not always immediately observable and acknowledged as bullying. Indirect bullying can be discreet and anonymous, and the person experiencing the bullying behaviour may not realise it until after it has occurred. Examples of indirect bullying include:
- Spreading rumours: Sharing false or harmful information about someone to tarnish their reputation.
- Gossiping: Engaging in negative discussions about a person without their knowledge.
- Social manipulation: Encouraging others to exclude or reject a person from social groups.
- Cyberbullying: Using digital platforms to harass, intimidate, or spread harmful content about a person.
- Stealing: Discreetly and repeatedly stealing personal belongings.
When we as parents have a greater understanding of what bullying entails, we can effectively communicate with our children about their experiences at school, in the community and online.
By using the correct terminology and understanding the dynamics of bullying, parents can encourage open dialogue and provide the necessary support. Here you can watch Bullying and Conflict – What’s the Difference? | PACERTalks About Bullying (youtube.com).
School Fees
Thank you to those parents who have made contact regarding school fees and payment plans. This can be uncomfortable but is necessary. We will be reaching out to other families for conversations regarding school fees.
Mother's Day Celebration
Teaching and Learning Learning Intentions and Success Criteria As we continue to advance in our efforts to achieve the 2024 School Action Improvement Plan Goal for Teaching and Learning, ensuring that "All students meet the expected learning progressions for their grade in 'Grammar' and 'Punctuation'," teachers will implement explicit and tailored teaching strategies in the upcoming learning cycle.
The learning will be based on the clearly defined Learning Intentions and Success Criteria for each group shown below. These goals will guide both teachers and students in the achievement of specific writing goals for their group, as well as their own personalised goal, fostering a focused and structured learning environment.
Additionally, teachers and students will utilise these criteria for teacher feedback, self-assessment and provide constructive feedback to their peers, promoting a collaborative and reflective approach to learning.
Principal-Danny Rankin
Assistant Principal-Anne Forwell
Leader of Learning - Brooke Donoghue
Leader of Evangelisation - Matthew Green
Sport Coordinator - Caitlin Crispin
A big congratulations to Owen!
He competed at the Diocesan Cross Country on Tuesday, 21 May and came 6th in the 12/13 year old boys.
Owen is now off to Polding Cross Country in Sydney at the International Equestrian Centre on Wednesday, 5 June.
We wish Owen the very best of luck!
Gumbaynggirr Language - Liz Hegedus
Ginnagay Ngujawiny -Hello You Mob,
Next week we celebrate National Reconciliation Week and Mabo Day between 27 May - 3 June. The theme this year is ‘Now More Than Ever.’
The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2024, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will —and must —continue.
There have been many moments in Australia’s reconciliation journey that make us want to turn away. But when things are divisive, the worst thing we can do is disengage or disconnect.
Now more than ever, we need to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation. We know that the 6.2 million Australians who voted YES are committed to better outcomes for First Nations people, and are with us.
Reconciliation supporters must stand up to defend and uphold the rights of First Nations peoples. To call out racism wherever we encounter it, and to actively reinforce the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across this continent.
Now more than ever, the work continues. In treaty making, in truth-telling, in understanding our history, in education, and in tackling racism. We need connection. We need respect. We need action. And we need change.
Now more than ever, we need reconciliation.
At St Joseph’s Primary School we continue the journey of reconciliation by learning and recognising Aboriginal Culture. We do this through HSIE lessons, celebrating yearly events, Aboriginal artwork, Aboriginal reading/information books, Deadly Cultural Learning Plans, participating in community events, Visiting Speakers/guests sharing their stories with the school community and the Aboriginal Education Worker (Miss Liz).
All of these programs enable us to share our Aboriginal Culture and history to help us as Aboriginal people to have a sense of identity, pride and self-esteem. By doing this it helps to develop a wider recognition and understanding of our culture, country/place and people.
A fantastic book to read is called 'We Are Australians' by Duncan Smith & Nicole Godwin .This book is about what it means to be a citizen of Australia.
https://youtu.be/9J2Dh5Sih0U?si=tyBhFuTH4epJCixl (We Are Australians)
Darrundang Ngiinda - Thankyou Miss Liz Hegedus AEW Aboriginal Educational Worker
School Notes
MOVIE NIGHT
Thank you to the families who were able to join us for our recent Movie Night.
Congratulations to the lucky winners of our raffle, each receiving a beautiful hamper filled with delightful treats.
- Leisa Grieve
- Raquel Light
- Sarah Viney
We sincerely thank the following local businesses for their generosity of donations for our three fabulous prize hampers.
- Grafton Golf Club
- South Services Butchery
- Coles South Grafton
- Low pressure Surf Co
- Grafton Newsagency & Gifts in Shopping World
- The book Warehouse Grafton
- Harvey’s Jewelers Grafton
- Elm in shopping world Grafton
- The Chemist Warehouse Grafton
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.
MUSIC LESSONS
Mrs Hickson is currently teaching voice/drama and piano lessons. These are private lessons that will take place during school hours.
Please phone Mrs Hickson on 0421656019 or email maree.hickson@lism.catholic.edu.au
Uniforms
Merit Awards
Congratulations to the following students who received a Merit Award.
TERM 2 WEEK 4
ES1: Nate, Alyssa
Stage 1: Darcy, Ashton
Stage 2: Sarah, Ruby
Stage 3: Nate, Ivy, Myla, Chirag
School Calendar
TERM 2 2024
Week 5
Tuesday, 28 May - Reconciliation Day
Thursday, 30 May - Staff Development Day (Pupil Free Day)
Week 6
Monday, 3 June - School Assembly 2.15pm
Tuesday, 4 June - Confirmation Parent Meeting 6.00pm at the Parish Office
Friday, 7 June - School Athletics Carnival at Barnier Park, Junction Hill
Week 7
Tuesday, 11 June - Parent Group Meeting 6.00pm -7.00pm
Week 8
Monday, 17 June - School Assembly 2.15pm
Week 9
Tuesday, 18 June - Sacrament of Confirmation
Friday, 28 June - Semester 1 Reports published on Compass
Week 10
Monday, 1 July - School Assembly 2.15pm
Friday, 5 July - Staff Development Day (Pupil Free Day)
Canteen
Canteen
Open every Wednesday and Friday
Online orders are placed through the Compass app prior to 8.30am. Lunch orders may still be brought in with your child, please write their name and class on the front of a paper bag along with their order.
Volunteers are always welcome, please leave your details with the School office if you're able to assist.
