19 March 2024 (Week 8 Term 1 2024)
Principal's News
Dear St Joseph’s Community
Today we celebrated the Feast of St Joseph, our patron saint and the saint for whom our school is named. St Joseph, a humble carpenter, played a crucial role in the Holy Family, providing for them with quiet strength and deep trust in God. We never hear St Joseph speak a word in the Bible, but it is through his quiet and brave actions that we learn about his steadfast faith, compassion, and unwavering dedication to Mary and Jesus.
Founded on the principles of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, our school is a testament to these same values. St Joseph's example inspires us to approach our daily challenges with courage and integrity, trusting in the path laid out for us, much like he did.
May St Joseph guide us in nurturing a community where every member feels valued, protected, and inspired to achieve their full potential. We thank Fr Max for his generous gift of drink for all of our students at lunch on Tuesday to celebrate the Feast of St Joseph.
This past week, our Year 3 and 5 students have completed their NAPLAN tests. While these are only one of the tests we use to support students in their learning, our staff are incredibly proud of the effort our students gave to do their best possible work in these assessments.
We are now right in the thick of the implementation of the new curriculum for our Year 3-6 students for Mathematics and English. Our teachers have worked incredibly hard, supported by Mr Crosby, to deliver this high-quality curriculum with rigour and fidelity. We are already seeing strong engagement from our students with these new units, much of which can be attributed to the hard work of our teachers.
A reminder that we ask families to, wherever possible, take holidays away during school holiday times. For time away from school longer than 2 weeks, a leave form must be completed. We thank families for their understanding.
STAGE 3 FAMILY MASS THIS SATURDAY NIGHT
This Saturday, we have the first of our Stage 3 Family Masses at 6:00 pm on Saturday evening where we will celebrate Palm Sunday. Our Year 5 and 6 students and teachers have been working hard to prepare to sing the hymns at this Mass and we have a number of students with special roles. While this is a Mass ‘hosted’ by our Stage 3s, all families are invited and encouraged to attend this Mass. We look forward to seeing you there!
SCRIPTURE REFLECTION
In John 7:40-52, we encounter a story of division and debate among the people about Jesus' true identity. Even the guards and Pharisees are caught in a moment of uncertainty and disagreement. This passage challenges us to think about the importance of understanding and unity in the face of differing opinions. Just as the Pharisees debated Jesus' teachings, we too encounter diverse perspectives daily. It's an opportunity for us to practise patience, empathy, and open-mindedness, qualities that St Joseph himself exemplified in his life. Let's encourage one another to listen actively and engage respectfully, creating a school environment where all feel welcomed and valued. In doing so, we not only honour our patron saint but also embody the inclusive spirit of the Gospel.
You are invited to listen to Bishop Greg’s Homily from Sunday’s Mass.
SCHOOL COMMUNITY GROUP - SAVE THE DATE
The date for our Term 2 School Community Group meeting is Monday 3rd of June at 6:30 pm. We will be planning the agenda in the coming weeks for sharing.
FEEDBACK ON THE FREQUENCY OF THE NEWSLETTER
In 2023, we sought feedback from families in relation to the frequency of the newsletter. We’d like to check in again on this. We have worked very hard to ensure we are communicating consistently with families. With different families having different preferences for the type and frequency of communication, we know we won’t be able to find a solution that works for everyone. We also have the system communication tools that we are required to use: Compass and Schoolzine. We are not in a position to move away from these. We would like your feedback on whether the weekly newsletter might be too frequent and that perhaps a fortnightly newsletter might be more manageable for busy families. We’re happy to go with the preferences of the majority. Here is a very short form to complete.
Learning & Teaching News
ENGLISH - WHAT IS COMPONENT B?
While Component A focuses on foundational literacy skills, Component B focuses on the conceptual understanding of English. It illustrates the importance of learning about and enjoying literature through the study of quality texts. It allows teachers to connect content in ways that reflect the latest research.
Students explore ‘mentor texts’ to engage with their learning of English. A mentor text is a text that is studied as an example to show how specific textual features are crafted. The text provides students with a model to emulate when crafting their own text. Supporting texts provide further opportunities to extend and deepen learning.
COMPONENT B CONNECTS THE FOLLOWING AREAS OF ENGLISH:
Language Structure and Features: This involves teaching students about the fundamental elements of language, including grammar, syntax, punctuation, and vocabulary. Students learn how to effectively structure sentences, paragraphs, and texts, as well as how to use different language features to enhance their writing and communication skills.
Text Types and Purposes: Component B often includes instruction on various types of texts, such as narratives, persuasive texts, informational texts, and poetry. Students learn about the characteristics and purposes of each text type, as well as how to compose and study them effectively.
Reading Comprehension: This aspect focuses on developing students' ability to understand and interpret different types of texts. Students learn strategies for active reading, such as making predictions, asking questions, making connections, and summarising information. They also develop skills for analysing and critically evaluating texts for meaning and relevance.
Speaking and Listening: Component B incorporates learning experiences designed to improve students' oral communication skills. This includes opportunities for students to engage in discussions, presentations, debates, and other forms of spoken interaction. Students learn how to express themselves clearly, listen actively to others, and participate effectively in oral communication situations.
GARDINER CHESS COMPETITION
The Gardiner Chess Tournament will be held on Thursday 4th April, hosted by Emmanuel Anglican College, Ballina. Registration is from 8.30 am to 9.15 am. Start at 9.30 am and finish around 2.30 pm.
This Tournament is open to students in Stages 1-3. To be eligible to attend, students should know the rules of chess and be able to play confidently. We will likely need parent volunteers to drive students to and from this event.
The cost of the Tournament is $24.00.
Expressions of interest are due by Friday 22nd March.
Please complete this form to indicate your child's interest in this event.
Mission News
PROJECT COMPASSION CASUAL CLOTHES DAY
Students are invited to wear casual clothes this Friday, 22nd March to raise much needed funds for Caritas Australia.
ST JOSEPH’S DAY MASS
Our school community joined together today to celebrate our Patron Saint, St Joseph. Thnak you to Fr Max who led us in a beautiful Mass in the church. The choir and all of students joined in the hymns. Kindergarten joined us after Communion to share in the service. Thanks to all involved.
PROJECT COMPASSION ART COMPETITION
We are very excited to have some wonderful entries for our Project Compassion Art Competition. Please don’t forget to get your entries in for an eggcelent Easter hamper! There is a prize for K-2 and 3-6.
Library News
ANZAC DAY WRITING COMPETITION
Students from across the school are invited to take part in the Alstonville RSL Writing Competition. See the flyer below for all of the information. We have a great supply of resources relating to Australia’s war history which students can use to help them write their piece. We encourage all students to enter this competition. The winners will receive a prize from the Alstonville RSL and will read their poem at our school service on Monday 29 April.
SCHOLASTIC BOOK CLUB ISSUE 2
Issue 2 orders are now open, brochures have been distributed to students.
Please place your orders online through LOOP. You can also place orders through the school office if you prefer to use cash. Orders close at 9am on Wednesday 27 March. Our library benefits from every sale through bookclub and there are a great variety of books to choose from.
Sport News
CROSS COUNTRY
Our annual cross country will be taking place on Friday 5th April. This year we will be traveling to St Joseph's Coraki to join them. There will be a canteen running on the day, order forms for this will be sent home during week 9. These orders will need to be returned by Thursday 28th February. Full details will be availabe soon in Compass Events.
Wellbeing News
CHOIR
We are delighted to now offer choir on two days to accommodate the interest and skill of all our incredible choir members. A huge thank you to Mrs Kate Webber who is lending her support and expertise to Mrs Jones with our choirs.
STRUCTURED PLAY
Students have the opportunity to join in structured play activities during our two breaks. The timetable below outlines all of the extra options available to our students.
Stage News
KINDERGARTEN RELIGION
Students in Kindergarten have been learning about Jesus and his Disciples. Year 6 joined with kindergarten to learn about the washing of the feet. Together they created a beautiful art work using their feet. The students also worked together to write prayers. It was a fun afternoon for everyone!
Attendance Matters
BEING AT SCHOOL REGULARLY HELPS CHILDREN DEVELOP POSITIVE FRIENDSHIPS
School attendance is not only about academic growth but also social and emotional development. Here are several ways in which consistent attendance contributes to the formation of meaningful and supportive peer relationships:
Shared Experiences. Regular attendance allows children to share common experiences with their peers. Being present in class provides opportunities for shared learning, activities, and interactions, fostering a sense of camaraderie.
Consistent Social Interaction. Attending school every day provides consistent opportunities for social interaction with classmates. Regular face-to-face interactions contribute to the development of communication skills, empathy, and a sense of belonging.
Building Trust and Reliability. Being present on a regular basis helps children build trust and reliability within their peer group. Dependable attendance creates a sense of predictability, and peers can rely on each other for mutual support and collaboration.
For Your Information
SCHOOL PHOTOS
Our 2024 School Photo Day is scheduled for Tuesday March 26.
Order envelopes (cash orders) have been sent home with the eldest child in each family, and if missed or lost can be collected from the office. Sibling order envelopes are also available from the office. Online orders are preferable using the information below, code is FVN BRY PY4.
Celebrations
Happy birthday to these students who have celebrated their birthday since the last newsletter:
- Henry Hargrave
- Abby Collins
- Kohen Iverson
- Olly Lowe
Coming Events
ANZAC DAY 2024
Please mark your calendars for ther ANZAC Day March and Main Service at Alstonville on 25th April 2024. The March will start from the Paddy Bugden VC Memorial in Bugden Avenue at 9.40 am (Form-up at 9.15am) and then proceed to Elizabeth Ann Brown Park for the Main Service which will begin at 10am.
There will also be a Dawn Service at Elizabeth Ann Brown Park commencing at 5.30am.
Our school commenoration service will be held on Monday 29 April starting at 2:20 in McCarthy Hall.
Parish News
Community News
