2024-09 Newsletter - Term 2 Week 8

From the Principal

As we head towards the final weeks of this term, I would like to extend my congratulations to our students. Their hard work, determination, and commitment to their studies during this term’s assessment period has been commendable. The development of positive mindsets and perseverance when completing tasks supports all students from K-6 at their individual levels. This attitude not only contributes to academic success but also builds a strong foundation for future endeavours.

I also wish to express my gratitude to the parents and guardians who have provided unwavering support and encouragement to our students. Your involvement and commitment to your children's education are invaluable, and we are grateful for your partnership in fostering an environment of growth and learning.

Our Teaching and Support Staff’s guidance and support have been instrumental in helping our students navigate this period. Their hard work in preparing and conducting assessments, providing feedback, and motivating students is deeply appreciated. Our team’s passion for education and belief in our students' potential make all the difference.

As we move forward, let us carry this positive attitude and strong work ethic into all our endeavours. The skills and habits our students develop now will serve you well throughout their lives. Continue to strive for excellence, support one another, and approach each challenge with confidence and determination.

We forward to meeting with parents at the upcoming parent-teacher meetings. These sessions provide a valuable opportunity to discuss your child's progress, set future goals, and work together to support their continued growth and success.

In Faith & Truth

Simone Taylor

Reflection

Reflection Prayer: Embracing Catholic Values

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we journey together through this school term, we pause to reflect on the Catholic values that guide and inspire us. We are grateful for the teachings of Christ, which call us to live lives of faith, hope, and love.

Faith: Strengthen our faith, Lord, so that we may trust in Your divine plan for us. Help us to see Your presence in our daily lives and to grow in our relationship with You through prayer, worship, and the sacraments. May our faith be a beacon of light to those around us, guiding others to Your truth.

Hope: Fill our hearts with hope, especially in times of uncertainty and challenge. Remind us that with You, all things are possible, and that Your love for us is unending. Let our hope inspire us to persevere, to reach out to those in need, and to build a community rooted in compassion and understanding.

Love: Teach us to love as You love us, unconditionally and selflessly. May we show kindness and respect to everyone we meet, recognising the dignity and worth of every person. Help us to be instruments of Your peace, spreading love and joy wherever we go.

Lord, as we reflect on these values, let them be the foundation of our actions and decisions. May our school community be a place where faith, hope, and love flourish, creating an environment where every student can grow and thrive in Your grace.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

First Holy Communion

We are delighted to share the joyous news of our students who recently received their First Holy Communion. This sacred milestone marks an important step in their spiritual journey, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to each of these young members of our school family – Jack, John and James.

We are incredibly proud of you for reaching this special moment in your faith journey. Receiving the Eucharist for the first time is a profound experience, welcoming Jesus into your hearts in a new and intimate way. We hope that this sacrament fills you with grace and strengthens your bond with Christ.

Thank you to the parents and families for their support, encouragement, and for being the primary faith educators of your children. Your commitment to their spiritual growth ensures that they are well-prepared to embrace the teachings of Christ and live out their faith. Your involvement is invaluable, and we are grateful for your role in guiding them to this special day.

Thank you also to our teachers – Miss Porter and Mrs Bettison who have worked to prepare the children for this Sacrament and to Fr Reynold and St Vincent’s Parish. You have all made a significant impact on the spiritual lives of the students. Your efforts have not only prepared them for their First Communion but have also instilled in them a deeper understanding and love for their faith.

As we celebrate this significant event, let us continue to support and encourage our First Communicants. May they always feel the love and presence of Jesus in their lives, and may their faith journey inspire us all.

Congratulations once again to our First Communicants and their families. We pray that God blesses you abundantly and that you continue to grow in faith and love.

First Eucharist

School Mission... Unpacking what it means...

Providing opportunities for students to succeed and reach their full potential involves creating a supportive, inclusive, and stimulating environment that caters to the diverse needs and abilities of all students. Here’s what this might look like in practice:

1. Individualised Instruction:

• Differentiated Learning: Tailoring lessons and activities to accommodate different learning styles, abilities, and interests. This may involve providing various levels of difficulty in assignments or offering alternative ways to demonstrate understanding.
• Personalised Learning Plans: Developing individualised plans that set specific goals and outline strategies for achieving them, taking into account each student’s strengths and areas for growth.

• Skilled Educators: Ensuring teachers are well-trained, passionate, and continuously engaged in professional development to stay updated with the latest educational practices.
• Innovative Teaching Methods: Utilising a variety of instructional strategies, to keep students engaged and motivated.

• Safe and Inclusive Atmosphere: Creating a classroom culture where all students feel safe, respected, and valued, fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging participation.
• Emotional and Social Support: Providing resources to support students' mental health and well-being.

• Technology and Tools: Ensuring students have access to up-to-date technology, books, and other learning materials that enhance their educational experience.
• Extracurricular Activities: Offering a wide range of extracurricular programs, such as sports, arts, clubs, and academic competitions, to help students explore their interests and talents.

• Family Engagement: Encouraging active involvement from parents and guardians through regular communication, parent-teacher conferences, and volunteer opportunities.
• Community Partnerships: Building partnerships with local businesses, organisations, and institutions to provide students with additional learning opportunities, internships, and real-world experiences.

• Formative Assessments: Using regular assessments to monitor student progress and provide timely feedback, helping students understand their strengths and areas for improvement.
• Student Reflection: Encouraging students to set personal goals and reflect on their learning journeys, fostering a growth mindset and self-motivation.

• Inclusive Curriculum: Integrating diverse perspectives and materials into the curriculum to reflect the backgrounds and experiences of all students.
• Celebrating Diversity: Recognising and celebrating cultural, linguistic, and individual differences within the school community.

• Inquiry-Based Learning: Promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills by encouraging students to ask questions, conduct research, and engage in deep discussions.
• Leadership Opportunities: Providing roles and responsibilities within the school to develop leadership skills and a sense of responsibility.

By implementing these strategies, schools can create an environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed and reach their full potential, both academically and personally.

Annika Taylor - SBAT - Finalist Western School Based Trainee of the Year

We are thrilled to share some exciting news about our dedicated school-based trainee from La Salle Academy. It is with great pride and joy that we congratulate Annika Taylor for her outstanding efforts and success in becoming a finalists at the Western NSW Training Awards Ceremony for 2024.

Annika has demonstrated exceptional dedication, hard work, and perseverance throughout this journey. Her commitment to excellence and passion for supporting the students and Staff at St Joseph’s have truly set her apart. Becoming a finalist is a remarkable achievement, reflecting not only their talent and determination but also the support and encouragement of our entire school community.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Annika’s mentor – Mrs Slattery, teachers, and staff who have guided and supported Annika along the way.

Your success is an inspiration to all of us and a testament to what can be achieved with hard work, dedication, and a positive attitude. We wish you the very best for all your future endeavors.

Annika - School Based Trainee

What's happening in ...... K/1/2

K/1/2 have been exploring how to group numbers into equal parts. We pretended that we were farmers and had to organise our cows so that there were equal cows in each paddock. We explored many different ways to arrange our cows and  paddocks. We also discovered that we were making times tables!

Cows and Paddocks

In English we have been learning about tense, prepositions and character. We read a funny story called, “The Wall in the Middle of the Book”. One of the characters in this story was an Ogre.

In Religion we have been learning about the story of Exodus. We made musical shakers to help us imagine the celebration after Moses helped the Israelites escape Egypt.  We also used our shakers in an English lesson where we used music to create a narrative.

Mrs Slattery

What's happening in ...... 3/4

Year 3/4 have had a very busy term reading our new class novel “Rowan of Rin” by Emily Rodda. Students are enjoying following the quest of Rowan as he ventures up a mountain to save his village and face a dragon. The book has been full of riddles and twists that have kept us all very engaged!

We have also been having a lot of fun learning the ‘Heel & Toe Polka’ dance and working with each other in pairs. We have been getting better at keeping in time with the music, putting lots of energy into the dance and switching partners throughout.

In Religion we have been learning all about Pentecost and the Holy Spirit after Jesus ascended into Heaven.

For Maths we have been introduced to a new card game called ‘ZAP!’ where students roll 2 dice, work out the difference, then using the cards in their hand place down 2 cards that equal that difference in the middle of the circle. If the person who
rolled cannot make that number with their cards, they call “ZAP!” and everyone else rushes to be the first one to place down cards with that number. The first person to get rid of all their cards wins! It has been a lot of fun and a new class favourite.

Mrs Bettison & Miss Porter

What's happening in ...... 5/6

This week in 5/6 our creative students have been channelling their inner poets! Recently, they delved into the art of writing Limericks and Haiku Poems, showcasing their wit and imagination.  Enjoy the wonderful verses crafted by our talented young poets!

Mrs Nicholson

Soccer Gala Day

Congratulations to our representatives at the Soccer Gala Day held in Bathurst today.  A full report will be included in our next newsletter.

Athletics Carnival

We are delighted to report that our recent Athletics Carnival was a tremendous success! It was a day filled with energy, enthusiasm, and outstanding sportsmanship, showcasing the incredible talents and spirit of our students.
Congratulations to all of our students for their remarkable performances and participation. Whether you competed in races, field events, or supported your peers from the sidelines, your enthusiasm and dedication made the day truly special. Your display of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship exemplifies the values we hold dear at our school. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of you.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all the parents and families who attended and supported the event. Your presence and encouragement meant the world to our students and added to the festive atmosphere of the day. Thank you for your ongoing support and for helping to make our Athletics Carnival a memorable experience for everyone involved.
A heartfelt thank you to our staff and volunteers who worked tirelessly to organise and run the event smoothly. Thank you especially to Mrs Bettison our Carnival Organiser, her dedication and hard work ensured that everything went off without a hitch, and your efforts did not go unnoticed. From setting up the venue to managing the events and ensuring the safety of all participants, everyone worked as a SJS Team, which played a crucial role in the success of the day for our students. Thank you also to Shane for marking out the field in preparation for this day.
The Athletics Carnival was not just about competition but about coming together as a school community to celebrate our collective spirit and determination. It was wonderful to see students and the school community cheering for each other, parents and teachers working together, and everyone enjoying the events.
A nominated St Joseph’s Team will now progress onto the Eastern Region Athletics Carnival to be held in Bathurst next term. Mrs Bettison will soon notify students of their selection in this pathway. 

Joey's Sports Stars

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Wellbeing

Thank you to all families who continue to support our Wellbeing initiatives at St Joseph's - Daily Crunch & Sip and our  Wellbeing Wednesday -  Breakfast Program. Our Student feedback indicates that these programs support and ensure for  positive health and wellbeing. 

PASTA & POSITIVITY WELLBEING LUNCH

We are excited to remind you about our upcoming Pasta & Positivity Wellbeing Lunch for students on Friday 28th June! This special event is a celebration of the wonderful friendships, care, and community spirit that make our small school so unique. We look forward to fostering positivity and connection as we come together to enjoy a delicious meal and appreciate everything that makes our school family special.  No other canteen items will be available for lunch with canteen operating as normal for recess. Additionally this a FREE event for our students, with the school covering all costs as part of our Wellbeing Boost Program.

Thank you Brooke; Courtney and the P&F for hosting this lunch.  Please note - Courtney was unavailable for a photo. 

Book Character Parade & Book Fair 2024

This year’s Book Week theme is: “Reading is Magic”

Book Week will be celebrated on the first week back at school in Term 3 and on Friday 26^th July we will be holding our Book Character Parade followed by our Book Fair. The Parade will commence at midday.

Students are asked to come dressed as a character from a book or they can get creative and link this year’s theme, “Reading is Magic” “to their costume. They might also like to dress in Olympic Theme as the Olympics begin next term. Let your imagination run wild.

If possible, children are asked to bring with them the book from which the character they are dressing up as is in.

Further details regarding the day will be sent home closer to the date.

Beats & Pieces - Upcoming Incursion

A hands on Music and Cultural experience.

Date: Monday 5th August 2024

Venue: St Joseph's School Portland

Built upon STEM concepts and driven by audience participation, Beats ‘n Pieces immerses students into a world of music and looks at the technology, science and history behind it. Using an ancient Chinese stringed-instrument, the ‘ruan’, together with fascinating, cutting-edge technology, Benji weaves together a narrative on the role of music in Chinese culture, both ancient and modern.

In 1986, thirty musical flutes were unearthed in Jia Hu, China. Made from bone, these flutes date back 8,000 years making them the oldest wind instruments ever discovered. Using its recorded sounds and sampling technology, Benji has created a virtual instrument that when played, transports students back to China in 6,000 BC.

Instruments from ancient China are integrated with digitally produced and enhanced sounds and these are blended with musical elements from around the world producing a single, unified experience. Throughout the performance Benji also shows the role technology, electrical conductivity and creative-thinking play in his music.

Some students get to play electronic drum pads, each slightly larger than a 50c piece. Tapped with your fingers, they are pressure-sensitive, lit by multi-coloured LED lights and can be hooked up to any sound or special effect one could possibly imagine!

Benji Mui was born in Australia and grew up on the Mornington Peninsula but his ancestral roots trace back to South China and Benji is a proud and fluent Cantonese speaker. In 2002, he won the Frankston International Guitar Festival’s Young Guitarist of the Year Award. Within a few short years, he became a reputable educator and session-musician, touring Australia and overseas. Then one day, Benji picked up a ruan and had an epiphany. The five notes used in all blues and rock music were the same five notes used in traditional Chinese music! The rest, as they say, is history.

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