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- Message from the Principal
- Mission & Learning at Joey's
- Student News
- PDHPE News from Mr Watts
- News from the Enviro Team
- Canteen News!
- School Fees
- St Joseph's OOSH & Vacation Care
- How to Purchase your child's School Uniform
- How to Apply for a Bus Pass
- Learn more about COMPASS- School Communication Platform APP
- BILLBOARD
Dear Parents, Caregivers and Families,
Welcome back to the 2024 School Year. It is a great privilege to be leading St Joseph’s Primary School again in 2024 and it was with great excitement that I welcomed all of our students back into our school this week.
Wednesday was also a very special day, with our new Kindergarten students experiencing their first day at big school. It was great to see their smiling faces along with their parents and family members.
A special welcome to all of our new students and families joining us at St Joseph’s this year.
We welcome into our St Joseph’s family our newest staff members, Mrs Liz Hegerty, teaching Kinder and Mrs Zarinah Tolman, teaching Year 3/4. We also have returning staff who I welcome back, Ms Lily Barrow, Mrs Alyce Clay, Ms Annie Dillon, and Mrs Mel Fraser.
Last week I welcomed back our staff, and spoke about my underlying expectations for the School, which are;
- To guide each student through the ‘Fullness of Life’,
- To ensure we continue to deliver, Excellent instruction, Every day for Every Student,
- To Create a culture of positive energy in which students can learn, and where hard work is valued,
- To always remember that all students are capable of learning and achieving their full potential, and
- To nurture and educate all students in partnership with their families.
The Staff of St Joseph’s know the importance that a strong parent partnership has in helping create positive and significant growth in your child’s life. Our staff make sure that the spirituality, social & emotional wellbeing and academic success of your child is always at the centre of a well-rounded education.
FAMILY - SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP
School to home and home to school communication is vital if we are to ensure a strong and supportive partnership. As such, our St Joseph’s Facebook page, which can be found at https://www.facebook.com/stjosephskempsey/, will remain a vehicle for positive messages, happenings and stories from across the School. Staff email addresses are also available for you to make direct contact with your child’s teachers. These can be found on the School Web Site under the ‘About us/Staff’ tabs. A live School Calendar is also available online. This can be accessed by clicking on ‘School Calendar’ in the upper ribbon on the web site, or through your Compass App. The Calendar contains Term Dates, Staff Professional Learning (pupil free) days, and other important School events and happenings.
Class Teachers will shortly make contact with parents and caregivers by phone or in person, with the purpose of this conversation being to inform parents on how their child has settled into the new school year. Parents will also have the opportunity to discuss with the Teacher any concerns they might have, and/or give the Teacher information that he or she needs to better understand and support your child’s learning and wellbeing. Formal Learning Conversations will be occurring in March. Information about this will come home closer to the event.
UNIFORM EXPECTATIONS
In order to maintain high standards and expectations at St Joseph’s, I ask you to please ensure your children present to school each morning wearing the correct uniform, which includes shoes, hair and both sports and academic uniforms. Of course, if this is not possible, a short note sent with your child explaining the non-uniform item and when it will be rectified will suffice. Please refer to the School Website, or the Compass notification from the 31st January, for information explaining what is, and what is not, acceptable uniform at St Joseph’s.
NEWSLETTER & ASSEMBLIES - A CHANGE TO ASSEMBLY DAY
At St Joseph’s, we hold a whole school prayer and assembly each fortnight, now on a Friday at 1.05pm in the School Hall. Our first assembly will be held on Friday the 23rd February. These are held in Term weeks 2, 4, 6, 8 & 10, and will fall on the same day that the School Newsletter is published. Families will be notified of award recipients through a Compass notification sent home to all families the Wednesday prior to each assembly.
There is a warm invitation extended to all families to attend whole school assemblies.
The fortnightly School Newsletter containing school happenings, important school details and school information, is published on Friday of every second week. These are term weeks 2, 4, 6, 8 & 10.
The Newsletter can be accessed from our web page or can be viewed through our Compass App.
SCHOOL PHOTOS & PHOTO CATCH UP DAY
This week, our students had their 2024 school photos taken. We have a catch up morning for those students who may have been absent. This will be held on Friday the 16th February at school.
PARENT SOCIAL MEDIA REMINDER FROM THE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OFFICE
It is quite common for parents to establish social media groups or pages to share information or connect with other parents in your child’s class and school community. Please be reminded that it is not permitted to establish a social media presence using the School's name or logo without written permission from the Principal. Any permitted social media pages/groups/accounts must adhere to the Schools and the Catholic Schools Office Diocesan Social Media Policies.
DROP-OFF / PICK-UP ZONE
A reminder to all parents that student drop-off in the mornings and pick-up at the conclusion of school is to occur within the designated School Drop-off Pick-up Zone, adjacent to the Hall. In order to minimise congestion and for safety reasons, we ask that parents do not park in this zone waiting for children, it is for quick and safe drop-off and pick-up only.
A Remind of the importance of keeping school and community members safe by:
- Parking safely and legally
- Always turning legally in front of the school
- Not double parking as it puts children at risk
- Not using manoeuvres such as U-turns and three-point turns
- Making sure your children use the rear footpath side door to get in and out of the car
- Reminding your child to stay buckled up until the vehicle has stopped in the drop-off and pick-up area
- Modelling calm, safe and considerate behaviour.
NOTE- BUS & DISABLED PARKING ZONES: Please be extra mindful of the bus zone and disabled parking zones outside of the school and church. Many parents have been fined for unwittingly entering these zones outside of designated times and/or without the appropriate permit.
BEFORE SCHOOL CARE
A reminder that the School does not open until 8:30am, and does not have any supervision/duty of care for students on the grounds until this time. Knowing that for some families an 8:30am school drop off is too late and clashes with your own work start times, our After School Care Facility (Joey’s OOSH), includes Before School Care. This service will be available from 6:30am-8:30am on school days. Due to the availability of this service, school gates will be locked in the mornings until the arrival of the first bus. As such, parents and caregivers who need to drop students at school prior to 8:30am will need to register a place with Joey’s OOSH for before school care.
Regular St Joseph’s playground supervision will begin as normal at 8:30am.
OFFICE REQUEST
The school requests that parents be mindful when contacting the School late in the afternoon with a message for your child/ren, such as, a change in how they are to get home. As this is a hectic time, ensuring the message gets to the student(s) in time can sometimes be difficult. Can you please give the School early notice in order for us to guarantee the message gets to your child/ren in a timely manner.
ROAD SAFETY IS A BACK TO SCHOOL ESSENTIAL
A MESSAGE FROM THE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OFFICE
As children return to school, it is essential to keep safety in mind. Talk with your children about safely getting to and from school.
- Keep children safe getting in and out of the car. Always use the door closest to the kerb.
- Keep children safe by walking distraction-free. Expect your child to take off their headphones while walking.
- Keep children safe getting on and off the bus. Wait at the bus stop and stand at least one step back from the road's edge. Always meet your child at the bus stop. Never meet them on the opposite side of the road and call them across. Wait until the bus has gone before crossing the road.
- Keep children safe while using wheeled transport. Children must wear a helmet when riding a bike in any public place – it is the law. Foot scooter, skateboard and rollerblade riders should wear helmets and protective equipment.
- Be a positive role model when you are a pedestrian, passenger and driver. Children learn from what they see, as well as what we say.
Never sacrifice safety for convenience, source: https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/.
Consider ordering free Transport NSW resources such as the:
- Road Safety Door Stickers
- Bus Safety Stickers
- Kindergarten Orientation Bags
As always, I thank you for your support in regards to your child’s ongoing learning.
Guy Campbell
GOSPEL REFLECTION
SHINE A LIGHT INTO THE DARKNESS
Saint Francis writes of an experience when riding near Assisi. On seeing a leper, he was moved by the Holy Spirit to dismount his horse and go to the man and kiss him. On remounting his horse ready to ride away he looked back and could not see the man at all. He realised at this point, that he had in fact kissed Jesus. In his Testament, Francis wrote, “When I was in sin, the sight of lepers nauseated me beyond measure; but then God himself led me into their company, and I had pity on them. When I became acquainted with them, what had previously nauseated me became the source of spiritual and physical consolation for me.”
Many forms of disadvantage and diversity can lead a person to be unaccepted and judged by the mainstream community. Day in, day out, even during a pandemic, our network of staff, members and volunteers respond to people who are poor, in ill health, estranged from their support networks due to mental health issues, and lonely. The leper in the gospel story is healed by Jesus because he had faith. He fully believed that Jesus could heal him, and this gave him the courage to approach Jesus. Those we assist display courage and faith when they come to us in the hope that we will respond in a compassionate, Jesus-like manner. What is the impact of focusing on the external appearance of those we assist and work with?
Reflection (taken in part) by Leonie Duck
“Preach the gospel at all times. If necessary, use words.” Saint Francis of Assisi
PRAYER
Lord, grant me the grace to become truly acquainted with those I see as different, and to see your beauty in them.
Amen.
With Mrs Krystal Brady, Assistant Principal, Learning & Teaching and Mrs Erin McGovern, Assistant Principal, Mission
WEEK 2 WELCOME
A special welcome to our new families joining our community this year, and all our beautiful Kindergarten families.
BEST START & MAI ASSESSMENTS
These assessments help show teachers the literacy and numeracy skills of each student at the beginning of the school year. This helps teachers to plan lessons to best support the learning needs of every child. Thank you to the families who brought their child to school for their assessment interview. If your child missed out on their interview, they will be caught up during school time.
CLASS NEWS
1T are dreaming big about their “grown up” lives.
2H are learning how Mathematics is all around us every day.
HELP YOUR CHILD TRANSITION INTO THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR
It has been a great first week back for students, and we encourage families to support their child with transitioning back into the school year by setting up good routines at home. See these tips on how to build good habits.
Help your child to have a positive start to the year by building the habit of good attendance.
Building the habit of good attendance is crucial for a positive and successful school year. Here are some tips to help your child develop this habit:
Establish a Routine:
- Set a consistent daily routine for your child, including wake-up times, breakfast, and a specific time to leave for school. Having a predictable schedule helps your child understand the importance of punctuality.
- Create a Positive Morning Environment. Make mornings enjoyable by creating a positive atmosphere at home. Encourage open communication and express your enthusiasm for the day ahead.
- Establish Clear Expectations. Clearly communicate your expectations regarding attendance and emphasise the importance of being present at school every day unless there's a valid reason for absence.
- Help your child establish a positive and consistent attendance habit, setting the foundation for a successful 2024 school year.
Watch this clip by Michael Hawker for strategies to help an anxious child return to school.
SAFER INTERNET DAY
On Tuesday 6th February, we marked ‘Safer Internet Day’. This day is promoted by the eSafety Commissioner and is geared at sharing awareness for being safe online, with this year’s theme being, Connect. Reflect. Protect.
As a school community we have been promoting the importance of safe and respectable practices online for all, with many classes implementing ‘Tech Agreements’ to help teach children about appropriate ways to engage online.
Strong communication with your child about internet use, its positives and negatives, is a great way to open up a discussion about how to be safe online and when to let an adult know if something concerns them. The eSafety Commissioner website has many great resources to support your family. Resources for families.
OPENING SCHOOL MASS
On Thursday we celebrated a beautiful Opening School Mass led by our Year 6 School Leaders. They did a terrific job helping out with the ministries involved, and we also celebrated the official induction of our four School Captains for 2024. We congratulate; Molly Grace, Jason Micallef, Hesma Lingamneni and Spencer Atkinson.
ASH WEDNESDAY
Wednesday the 14th February marks Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the Lenten period, a significant time in our Church’s Liturgical Calendar.
On Wednesday we will observe this special day as a school at Mass, and students will have their foreheads marked with ashes as part of our Catholic tradition.
Preceding Ash Wednesday, is Shrove Tuesday and what is also known as pancake Tuesday. Traditionally, Catholics would use up ingredients like butter, sugar and eggs that would normally be abstained from during the penitential season of Lent by making pancakes/pikelets.
On Tuesday the Canteen is helping us celebrate this tradition by selling pancakes during the First Lunch break, $1 for 2 pancakes with butter.
FAMILY CONNECT IN SCHOOLS
The wellbeing of our students and their families is paramount here at St Joseph’s and we are lucky to have some extra support built into our school community through a Program Worker from Family Connect in Schools.
If you have any concerns about or need assistance/support with being linked into specialist services such as, Housing, Domestic Violence, Centrelink, Disability/NDIS, counselling services, culturally appropriate supports etc, please contact the front office.
BEGINNING OF THE SCHOOL YEAR STUDENT PRAYER
MID NORTH COAST NIPPERS BRANCH CHAMPIONSHIPS
Well done to Year 6 student, Maizey Townsend and Year 5 student, Claire Meehan, who recently competed in the Mid North Coast Nippers Branch Championships at Hat Head. Both girls received places in their events.
We love celebrating student success across all areas! If you would like to share your news with us, please send a picture and short paragraph of details via an email to kmpp@lism.catholic.edu.au. This will be posted in the School Newsletter and on our social media accounts.
PRIMARY SWIMMING CARNIVAL (3-6)
ZONE WINTER SPORT TRIALS - Port Macquarie
ROAD SAFETY IS A BACK TO SCHOOL ESSENTIAL
- Keep children safe getting in and out of the car. Always use the door closest to the kerb.
- Keep children safe by walking distraction-free. Expect your child to take off their headphones while walking.
- Keep children safe getting on and off the bus. Wait at the bus stop and stand at least one step back from the road's edge. Always meet your child at the bus stop. Never meet them on the opposite side of the road and call them across. Wait until the bus has gone before crossing the road.
- Keep children safe while using wheeled transport. Children must wear a helmet when riding a bike in any public place – it is the law. Foot scooter, skateboard and rollerblade riders should wear helmets and protective equipment.
- Be a positive role model when you are a pedestrian, passenger and driver. Children learn from what they see, as well as what we say.
SUSTAINABILITY HUB
At St Joseph's we recycle the following items through our Sustainability Hub: old phones, batteries, used stamps, prescription glasses, toothpaste tubes/brushes and plastic writing implements. Please feel free to drop these into the bins located in the Canteen foyer.
If you have other items that you think the school may be able to use for art/craft etc please contact us.
CANTEEN MENU 2024
"OFFSITE BAGGED LUNCH"
This special lunch bag will be an option for any offsite local events that are local (no hot lunches will be delivered offsite).
Lunch Bag consists of chicken & salad wrap or sandwich, bottle of water, muesli bar, pkt plain chips and a piece of seasonal fruit for $15. Select "Offsite Bagged Lunch" from the Compass Canteen Menus.
STUDENT BIRTHDAY BUNDLES
Should you have any queries please contact our Canteen ladies, Mrs Hagger & Mrs Crowe.
To find out more and to explore the enrolment process visit our website at https://www.kmpplism.catholic.edu.au/out-of-school-hours-care
To learn more about the COMPASS Platform please click here
About the Compass Platform
The Compass platform is a web-based system that is accessible on any modern web browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome & Safari) or by using the Compass School Manager iOS or Android App.
Parents have the ability to;
- Receive notifications about school events, news and information
- Enter an explanation for absences
- Communicate with your child’s teachers,
- Update your family contact details (mobile phone & email)
- View your child’s timetable and the school calendar
- Download and view your child’s academic reports
- Book parent-teacher conferences (parent/teacher interviews)
- Pay and provide digital consent for events (No more permission slips)
- Order lunches from the Canteen
- Pay school fees
FAMILY CONNECT - HOW WE CAN HELP YOU
Hi, my name is Ashleigh. I am the Family Connect in Schools Worker based within St Joseph’s Primary.
My Professional background is in the Family support, Specialist Domestic and Family violence and Mental health spaces, I have also worked within and supported this community for the last 10+ years.
I will be based within your School to support with ANY issues your children or family unit may be experiencing and will assist to link you into the appropriate specialist services all while providing a confidential and safe space to work with you to advocate for your needs.
If you feel you would like to talk or need some advice or support, you can self-refer by texting or calling myself on 0448 526 777 or speak to your pastoral care team who can also link you in with the family connect in Schools program.
Thanks
Ashleigh Howe
Program Worker - Family Connect in Schools
Service Delivery
0448 526 777
ashleigh.howe@socialfutures.
Dunghutti Country
57 Elbow Street, Kempsey NSW 2440
PO Box 5419, East Lismore NSW 2480
socialfutures.org.au
LEARN TO RIDE - AUSBIKE
Registrations for the new national ‘Learn to Ride’ program called AusBike for Term 1 are now open. The fun cycling program is being delivered by a local provider, Montem Bike Tours at Kempsey Golf Club and Driving Range, 330 Macleay Valley.
The Program has been designed for 5–12 year-olds who are just getting started in their cycling journey. They will learn how to ride safely, with confidence under the guidance of an AusCycling accredited coach.
The Term 1 program will commence on 29/02/2024. The cost of the program is $90 which is for the whole 6-week program ($15 per session). This is paid for upfront at the beginning of the program (like AusKick).
You can view a short video about the program here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
NORTH COAST HEALTH CONNECT
North Coast Health Connect is a free new service providing health support and advice from registered nurses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including public holidays. If you are a resident or visitor to the North Coast, you can speak or live chat with a nurse. The nurse will ask some questions to understand what’s troubling you and then provide advice on what your next step should be.
This may include self-care advice to help you to manage your health (or that of a loved one) from home, or the nurse may recommend a GP appointment or a consultation with a pharmacist. The nurses are able to book an appointment for you directly with a local general practice or pharmacy or if appropriate, can transfer you to a 24/7 GP telehealth service. If the nurse believes you need to attend an emergency department or see a different health service, they will let you know.
Visit https://northcoasthealthconnect.org.au/ for more info and save as a contact for when you need it by visiting https://qrco.de/bdkiJm or by scanning the QR code below.
