Filter Content
- Message from the Principal
- Mission & Learning at Joey's
- SJ News Episode 1
- Student Awards
- Student News
- Extension Writing Groups
- News from the Enviro Team
- Canteen News!
- NSW Health Media Release
- School Fees
- Kempsey Show
- Be Bus Aware
- How to Apply for a Bus Pass
- St Joseph's OOSH & Vacation Care
- How to Purchase your child's School Uniform
- Learn more about COMPASS- School Communication Platform APP
- BILLBOARD
Dear Parents, Caregivers and Families,
FRIENDSHIPS
Today we celebrated our first Whole School Assembly, where I spoke to the students about Friendship. I talked about the importance of having friends, and how it doesn’t matter if we have one or two friends, or a lot of friends, as long as we are kind to our friends and they are kind to us. I also talked about how friendships can change over time, and friends can sometimes move away from us and make different friends, explaining how this is OK and normal.
I talked to the students about how our best friend is ourself, and how important it is to connect with ourselves, with our friends and with God, always remembering how lucky we are, and being thankful for all the good things we have in our lives.
Parents, there are always friendship conflicts and always will be. Learning how to manage conflict is a part of learning about how to interact appropriately in society. Our children need to learn resilient strategies to deal with conflict when it arises, as it will inevitably arise at some point in their lives. I ask you to please continue this conversation with your children, to help get them ready for challenges and create resilient and confident individuals.
AROUND THE GROUNDS
Term 1 has definitely kicked off in a rush, with several sporting events having already concluded, such as our Year 3-6 Swimming Carnival, Sports Winter Trials and Zone Swimming. On our Liturgical calendar, we have celebrated grade masses, and two wonderful whole school masses, (Opening School Mass and Ash Wednesday Mass).
Last Wednesday, our school community gathered for a special Ash Wednesday Liturgy. Ash Wednesday, and the receiving of blessed ashes, made from the burned palm branches, on the forehead, marks the beginning of Lent, the 40-day preparation period for Easter. We would like to thank Father James for celebrating this very special occasion with us.
All of our students, especially our new Kinders, have settled into the routine of school very quickly. I love seeing happy and eager faces walking into school each morning, and exhausted yet happy students heading home in the afternoon.
I will regularly wander in and out of learning spaces and just watch a lesson. Here I am seeing engaging lessons and engaged students every day. Our fantastic teaching and support staff are doing a great job ensuring our children are learning across all aspects of the curriculum, within a safe, supportive and inclusive environment. Here at St Joseph’s, student spirituality, social & emotional wellbeing and academic success are always the focus. We certainly have our ‘A Team’ on the field in 2024!
Excellent instruction, Every day for Every child is the expectation.
A STRONG PARENT-SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP
All staff at St Joseph’s continue to ensure a strong parent–school partnership is at the forefront of what we do. Most families will have been contacted by the Class Teacher in order to introduce themselves and talk to parents about how their children have settled into the new school year.
Please know that parent-teacher contact is always welcome. This can occur through staff email, Compass Connect, phone calls and face-to-face meetings. Formally, we will be holding Parent-Teacher Conversations on the evening of Wednesday the 20th March. More information regarding this and the booking schedule will come out over the next few weeks.
We look forward working with you throughout the year in the continued growth and progression of your children’s whole education.
REMINDER TO PARENTS & FAMILIES
Reminder to parents and families, that with winter sports starting up soon, in the event that your child suffers a concussion outside of school hours, can you please advise the school of your child’s head injury. Sometimes children who have had a head injury find it hard to concentrate in school and may have a return or worsening of symptoms such as headache or nausea. They may experience fatigue and become tired much quicker. This will allow us to support and monitor your child appropriately.
As always, I thank you for your support in regards to your child’s ongoing learning.
Guy Campbell
Driving Excellence in the Macleay
GOSPEL REFLECTION -
Second Sunday of Lent
There are so many elements to the story of the transfiguration. Jesus seems to be selecting an ‘inner circle’ – Peter, James and John. Were they his most trusted disciples? Were they the smartest? Or were they the ones that most needed the lesson to be spelt out clearly?
Their time on the mountaintop was like nothing they had ever experienced before. Dazzlingly white is Mark’s description, a white unseen on earth. Jesus wasn't simply showered in rays of sunshine. The change came from within and He radiated calm as well as light.
They wanted it to last forever. I dare say we would feel the same! Let's build a tent for each of you, Peter says. Let’s stay here – just us. Let’s not go through that whole death and resurrection scenario. Let’s avoid that pain. Such a human response, don’t you think? Life is good, let’s keep it that way. Don’t make me return to real life - to work, to the challenges that the world is throwing at us and the people we support.
But no, Jesus leads them back. They have a job to do. The job ahead of Jesus is worse than most! The disciples don’t realise it yet, but they are on a roller coaster. They've had this moment of exhilaration. They return to real life - one that is already not easy, and soon, after just learning that they should listen to Him above all else, they will lose their rabbi and friend. His crucifixion is not that far away. In Mark's gospel, it's a handful of chapters.
How often do we have those moments of immense happiness or contentment that we wish could last forever? More importantly, what do we learn from those times? Peter, James and John received an enormously important message on that mountaintop, about who Jesus really was.
What mountaintop moments have been inspirational for you in your faith?
Reflection (taken in part) by Leonie Duck
“Climb the mountain so you can
see the world, not so the world can see you.” David McCullough
PRAYER
Lord, be with me as I navigate the delights of rollercoaster life. May I be awake to and cherish the purpose of each moment
Amen.
Sourced from https://cms.vinnies.org.au/media/drxlpkwm/srg_jan_apl_2024_web.pdf?folder=nsw__spiritual-reflection-guides&path=drxlpkwm%2Fsrg_jan_apl_2024_web.pdf
With Mrs Krystal Brady, Assistant Principal, Learning & Teaching and Mrs Erin McGovern, Assistant Principal, Mission
EXTRACURRICULAR GROUPS
At St Josephs we have many great opportunities for students to be involved in Extracurricular groups of their interest.
Our Enviro Team raises our collective knowledge about better ways to recycle, reuse and give back to our planet.
Our Mini Vinnies team shares the message of St Vincent de Paul to help those in need and sees students engage in ‘faith in action’ activities such as fundraising and raising awareness for the plight of those less fortunate.
Our Ministry Leaders are students who share their faith with others and help out with school liturgical celebrations.
Our Student Representative Council (SRC) are voted in by their peers, and are the leaders and voice for their respective year groups.
PROJECT COMPASSION 2024
This year the theme for Project Compassion is Together, we can make a difference now, and For All Future Generations. Each year, Caritas Australia, (the international aid and development organisation of the Catholic Church in Australia) runs ‘Project Compassion’ during the six weeks of the Church season of Lent.
The aim is to help us raise funds and stand in solidarity with the millions of people across the world who still live in poverty. Project Compassion is also an opportunity for students to learn about social justice on a global scale, and the importance of helping those in need. Students in each class can nominate to be a Ministry Leader, who can help promote and support this important cause with their peers.
SHROVE TUESDAY
- Shrove Tuesday takes place before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday, it was
the day when Christians were encouraged to go to confession in preparation for the penitential season that would end 40 days and 40 nights later with Easter Sunday.
- Dating back to 1000 AD, over the years Shrove Tuesday not only became a day for Confession but a time for Catholics to feast on eggs, sugar and dairy which are traditionally restricted during the Lenten fast.
- Not only was Shrove Tuesday a last chance to gorge on such foods but it was also a way to use them up before the fast began.
On Ash Wednesday last week, our school community attended a special Ash Wednesday Mass at the All Saints Catholic Church. Thank you to Fr James for this special Mass and to Mrs Hart and the Children's Choir for the beautiful singing.
LENT
Lent is a forty day period of preparation for Easter. It reminds us of the forty-days that Jesus spent in the wilderness before he took up his ministry. During this time he fasted and prayed. Lent is a time of self-denial and prayer for us as well. During this period, we are called to focus on becoming closer to Jesus by praying a little more, doing good deeds for others, going without something we like and giving generously to others in need.
Ash Wednesday is a good time for us to think about what we can do to grow closer to Jesus over the lenten period.
FIRST RECONCILIATION - SAVE THE DATE
Save the date, year 4 students Tuesday 12th March 3:30pm and 5pm - All Saints Catholic Church. More information to follow.
YEAR 2 - ABSTRACT ART
2T have been learning about Abstract art during CAPA. They are learning about the Artist Kandinsky and using colours, lines & shapes.
YEAR ONE - SEASON OF LENT
YEAR 3 - PADDOCK TO PLATE
2H - GOD THE POTTER
SAFER INTERNET TIPS
Last fortnight we marked Safer Internet Day, and students have been learning about the importance of respectful and safe behaviours online. By following up with this message at home and putting safe internet practices in at home as a family, you can support and encourage the development of healthy internet use.
The Internet and your Family - practical tips for what you can do
Often navigating the internet and social media with kids can feel like we only have two options; banning all internet, devices, phones, and social media accounts on one hand, and leaving your kids wide open to all the risks associated with the online world including cyberbullying, inappropriate sexual content, violent graphics, and simulated gambling products.
- Educate yourself - be the go-to person for your children when it comes to advice about the internet.
- Model good online behaviour yourself - put the phone down when your kids are talking to you or during dinner. How often do you check Facebook? The average is 17 times a day!
What you can do with your kids:
- Communicate with them. From the moment they start using the internet, use age-appropriate candid language that will ensure they are aware of the dangers. Don't be vague or generalise; use examples to get your point across. Teach them about what to do when bullied, what to do when inappropriate material comes up, what information to give out online, and where to get help.Reiterate that what they do on the internet is permanent and public.
- Monitor their internet use. There are many apps available that can inform you how much time they spend on the internet and what apps they are using.
- Get them to show you what they do. Many children are happy to share their knowledge, and this will give you an idea of what particular risks they are facing.
- Limit screen time. Being online and accessible all day leaves children open to many dangers.
On your devices:
- Check your settings. Make sure your internet filters are up to date, and your children don't know the passwords.
- Passwords. Don't use the same 4-digit password on all your devices and restrictions.
- What Parental Controls have you enabled? Check your Family Sharing and get to know your restrictions for Apple music, Spotify, Guided Access, personal hotspot, Bluetooth sharing within apps, location services, microphone access, and in-app purchases.
- As always, staying vigilant is imperative as your kids navigate their online world, knowing that many children try to find ways around the limitations imposed by adults, as they naturally take risks through their growing years.
BUILDING A HABIT OF GOOD ATTENDANCE
Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school and
themselves. Help your child to learn that going to school on time, every day is important.
Reinforcing the idea that attending school regularly is crucial for a positive school experience. Foster a love for learning by encouraging your child's natural curiosity. Help your child to see school as a place to explore new ideas, discover interests, and develop a lifelong passion for learning. Foster positive social connections at school by encouraging friendships. Knowing that they have friends to look forward to can motivate children to attend school regularly.
Term 1 - Weeks 3 & 4
Awards will be presented at today's Assembly
Friday 23rd February at 1.05pm
Parents/Carers Welcome!
|
CLASS |
MARY MACKILLOP AWARD Recognises Catholic attitude, behaviours & helping those in need |
ST JOSEPH Recognises positive actions witnessed within our school community |
CATHERINE McAULEY Recognises a growth mindset & effort in learning |
THE VALUES AWARD
Friendship |
|
KSpirit |
Savannah Vinas
|
Archie Bull
|
Emilia Ford | Halle Passmore |
|
KTruth |
Frankie Edwards | Hallie McMurray | Parker Murphy | Sage Davies |
|
KHonour |
Jimmie Nolan
|
Mieke Schutte
|
Christy Wood | Lily Cooper |
|
1Truth |
Harriet Downing | Archie Browne | Brydie Churchin | Azlyn Scrivener |
|
1Honour |
Jaxson Ylias | Harrison Zaccazan | Tobias Tuck |
Poppie Rose
|
|
2Truth |
Abigail Watson
|
Brooklyn Duff
|
Hudson Tolman
|
Alexander Pollock
|
|
2Honour |
Josephine Klower
|
Sunny Lainey
|
Alisha Meeudnoon |
Alexa Smith
|
|
3Truth |
Kodhi Webber | Karstan Mahoney | Eve Hegerty | Oliver Strachan |
|
3Honour |
Connor Swan | Ayva Battle |
Aurora Rylance
|
Marli Potter |
|
3/4 Spirit |
Jazmin Crilley | Daisy Abigall | Brax McManus | Mackenna Dillon |
|
4Truth |
Liam Reynolds | Amali Webber | Henry Browning | Levi Males |
|
5Truth |
Kiara Scott
|
Arlie Wade | Ross Widders | Jamie Pollock |
|
5Honour |
Ella Frewen |
Bailey Smidt
|
Jhyden Widders |
Charlotte Mainey
|
|
6Truth |
Spencer Atkinson
|
Lleyton Kemp | Cheyanne Matheson |
Ari Abigall
|
|
6Honour |
Jason Micallef
|
Ella Orr | Drew Edwards | Charlie Fitzgerald |
ATHLETICS ACHIEVEMENTS
Amailia Brandt attended the Athletics NSW - NSW Country Championships in Wollongong in January 2024. She qualified for the NSW Youth Championships to be held in Sydney in March in the U10 Girls Shot Put event.
1st - U10 Girls Discus
3rd - U10 Shot Put
5th - U10 High Jump
Amailia will be competing in the HART Sport State Track and Field Championships in Sydney in March this year in the U10 Girls Discus event.
Well done Amailia!
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.
ENVIRO TEAM NOMINATIONS
CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA DAY
On Friday the 1st March, students will be cleaning up around our school grounds as part of Clean Up Australia 2024. Students may like to bring their own gloves to participate, however school gloves will be available for children to use.
Donations of preloved kitchen/BBQ tongs are always appreciated to help clean. Families may like to check out local sites that are hosting Clean up Australia events on Sunday 3rd March in their local area.
10c RETURN AND EARN RECYCLING
LUNCH TIME GARDENING
SUSTAINABILITY HUB
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.
HARMONY DAY SPECIAL MENU - 21st March 2024
Harmony Day is the celebration that recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.
On Thursday, 21st March St Joseph's will celebrate Harmony Day. On this day a special canteen menu will be available for pre ordering (orders need to be received by Friday, 16th March via Compass Canteen). Please note that our normal menu will not be available this day.2024 CANTEEN MENU
"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.
The Kempsey Show will be held 9th-10th April and will be a whole world of fun! Get your Hall Exhbit entries in before 3rd April.
To view the Hall Exhbits Schedule click here. Entries close 3rd April. Click here to download an Entry Form.
For more information and what else is on click here to view the Kempsey Show Facebook page.
Our school bus operator Busways is reminding all road users, parents, and students to ‘be bus aware’ as part of Transport for NSW’s Bus Safety Week campaign, running Feb 19 - 25.
Part of the ‘Be Bus Aware’ campaign, Bus Safety Week sees Governments, bus operators, and emergency services raise awareness about the importance of being safe in and around buses and spread the message to ‘Be Bus Aware’. Busways Managing Director Byron Rowe said motorists need to be aware that buses are large and heavy vehicles that cannot stop quickly. “When a bus is forced to brake heavily it can cause passengers to be thrown around inside the bus,” he said.
“During Bus Safety Week we are educating the Community to give buses room and not pull out in front of them. We all have a part to play in bus safety, whether you’re a pedestrian, motorist or bus passenger.” Bus Safety Week provides a timely reminder to parents to have a talk with their children about bus safety; to motorists when giving way to buses; to pedestrians to make sure they are alert of their surroundings; and to cyclists to ensure they can see where buses are.
The ‘Be Bus Aware’ campaign has been developed with input from Bus NSW, NSW Police and Transport for NSW. For more information on bus safety or to learn about Transport for NSW’s ‘Be Bus Aware’ campaign, visit https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/campaigns/-be-bus-aware.
WHY JOEY'S OUT OF SCHOOL HOURS CARE?
We have two dedicated classrooms on the St Joseph's Catholic Primary School campus in Kemp Street, West Kempsey. The classrooms are filled with resources and games to suit children from Kinder to Year 6.
Students from all schools in the Macleay Valley and surrounds are welcome at Joey's OOSHC.
Joey's OOSHC has a proud history of providing high quality out of school hours care for than ten years. Joey's dedicated and experienced staff plan and manage programs that offer both fun and educational opportunities.
To find out more and to explore the enrolment process visit our website at https://www.joeyskempsey.org.au/
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
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.
