Week 4 - Term 4 Newsletter 2024

Principal's Message

Dear Families and Friends,

Thank you to all the grandparents who joined us last week; the staff and I were deeply moved by the incredible turnout and support. It was a truly heartwarming afternoon, filled with smiles and special moments, especially seeing so many grandparents willingly step in as honorary grandparents for the day. The presence of Nans, Pops, Pas, Mas, and even some great-grandparents brought so much warmth to our school. The day provided a wonderful opportunity for students and grandparents to engage in classroom activities together, strengthening the "sense of belonging" that we value within our school community. It was also a beautiful reminder of the irreplaceable role that grandparents play in our students' lives, bringing nurturing, wisdom, and compassion that enrich our school family.

2025 Starting Dates

Please note our starting date for students (Year 1-6) next year will be Monday 3rd February, 2025.

The preferred and suggested model from Catholic Schools Office is for schools to have a staggered start for 2025 School Year, with students to come in for a scheduled Assessment Interview, and for students not to begin back until Wednesday 5th February. However we are conscious of the stress & complications this model places on our families (particularly after a lengthy summer holiday). Similar to previous years, during this first week back, students will be withdrawn from classroom learning to participate in an Assessment Interview instead of the suggested delayed start. Teaching staff will schedule these interviews during normal school hours. Please note that for this to occur, students may not have their regular classroom teacher for the full day.

The starting date for all Kindergarten students will be Friday 7th February to accommodate the requirements of the Kindergarten 'Best Start' Assessment.

School Uniform

I want to ask all families to make a concerted effort with their children around wearing our correct school uniform. I acknowledge at the end of the year, there can be, at times, a battle with some children wearing the correct uniform. However, over the last few weeks, there have been some noticeable lapses in our student's compliance with the uniform requirements as a whole. Please be particularly conscious of the following:

• Boys black shorts are to be plain black with no emblems, brands or football club shorts.
• Girls are to wear maroon skorts, not black tights/jeans. If it is cold, maroon stockings or track pants must be worn.
• Hair attire, i.e. scrunchies, are to be of school colour, i.e. maroon, white or yellow.
• All students are to wear black school shoes Monday - Thursday (joggers or leather are acceptable).

Moving forward, I have asked all teachers to be consistent and persist in enforcing our Uniform Policy. 

World Teachers' Day

Last week, we took a moment to recognize and express our heartfelt appreciation for the incredible teaching staff at St. Joseph's. While we celebrated together as a school community last Wednesday, Friday October 25th marked the official "World Teacher's Day." We are truly blessed to have such talented, passionate, and dedicated educators who work tirelessly each day to provide our students with a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment where they can "achieve the fullness of life."

I am certain that you join us in showing gratitude to our teachers for their steadfast commitment to fostering a deep "sense of pride and belonging" within our school community. To acknowledge their hard work and let them know how much they are valued, our teachers enjoyed a well-deserved lunch at Botero, giving them a much-needed break to relax and recharge. A special thanks also goes to the Parent Forum and Parent Community for their thoughtful contributions—heartwarming messages and beautiful plants that celebrate the unique qualities of our wonderful teaching team.

Wishing you all a lovely weekend,

Kind regards

Dale

Upcoming School Dates

• Remembrance Day - (Monday 11th November)
• Yr 7 McAuley Orientation Day and Parent Information Evening (Tuesday 12th November)
• Christmas Appeal Launch Day (Thursday 14th December)
• Stage 3 Night of the Notables (Monday 25th November)
• Kindy Orientation & Dinner (Tuesday 26th November)
• Year 5 Leadership Speeches (Thursday 28th November)
• Christmas Concert (Tuesday 3rd December)
  
• Last Day of Little Joeys (Friday 6th December)
• EOY Mass & Awards Assembly (Thursday 12th December)
• Yr 6 Graduation Night (Thursday 12th December)
• EOY Fun Days (Monday 16th December - Wednesday 18th December)
• Last Day of Term 4 (Wednesday 18th December)
  

Leaders of Learning

System-Wide Assessments – Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) and DIBELS

As we approach the end of the school year, all Catholic Schools in the Lismore Diocese, including ours, conduct assessments in Reading and Mathematics to support and track student learning. Over the next few weeks, students will participate in PAT Testing (Progressive Achievement Tests) in Maths and Reading, which are administered online, and DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills), which primarily involves individual assessments to gauge core reading skills.

Research underscores the importance of school-wide data analysis for improvement. When assessments are used consistently across a school, they provide valuable insights that inform teaching strategies, identify student needs, and support overall growth. Our use of PAT and DIBELS aligns with these practices, helping us get a clear picture of each student’s strengths and areas for growth. The results allow us to set specific focus areas for the remainder of the year and tailor our teaching to reinforce key skills, ultimately supporting a smooth transition into the next grade.

These assessments play an essential role in shaping our planning and ensuring that every student’s learning journey is well-supported. Here’s a sample of the types of questions students might encounter in the PAT Maths assessments, giving you an idea of the skills being measured and the kinds of tasks they are completing.

Mrs Mrs Mullins, Mrs Senz & Mrs Mclennan

Year 1 PAT Maths Questions

Year 2 PAT Maths Questions

Year 3 PAT Maths Questions

Year 4 PAT Maths Questions

Year 5 PAT Maths Questions

Year 6 PAT Maths Questions

Mission & Values

Mercy in Action Award    

Congratulations to this fortnight's Mercy in Action Award winner, Jesse Bennett. Jesse receives this award in recognition of displaying the Mercy values of SERVICE and COMPASSION. Jesse goes above and beyond to support our younger students, showing great maturity and compassion in guiding the Kindy students safely to and from swimming lessons. In addition, Jesse is always attentive to his classmates, offering help when they face challenges or simply need a friend. Whether it's lending a hand to those in need or teaching younger students how to play games during lunch, Jesse’s caring nature and willingness to help make a positive impact on everyone around him!

Parish School Mass

I would like to thank all who attended and participated in our recent Parish School Mass. It was truly a wonderful celebration of faith, community, and the many blessings we share as a school family.

A special thank you to our dedicated students and staff who led our Mass by reading and welcoming parishioners to our celebration. Your presence and participation at Mass helps strengthen the bond between our school and parish, reminding us all of the importance of faith in our daily lives. I would also like to give a very special thanks to Reece and Hailen, as this was their final Parish School Mass at St. Joseph’s.

As the end of the year gets closer and closer, may we all be blessed with peace, love, and joy as we work together to nurture the minds and hearts of our students.

Remembrance Day

Each year on November 11th, we come together to observe Remembrance Day—a solemn occasion when we pause to reflect on the sacrifices made by the men and women who served in the armed forces during times of war and conflict. This day is a time to honor those who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today and to remember the many lives lost.

At St Joseph’s, we will hold a Remembrance Day ceremony on Monday at 10:45  to take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who fought for peace. As we remember their bravery, we will also pray for a more peaceful future for all.

Our Captains and Stage 3 SRC students will also visit the Lawn Cemetery In Townsend to lay poppies as a mark of respect for those who have fought for our freedom and now rest in God’s love. 

Lest we forget.

A Child’s Prayer for Peace

God of love,

We pray for peace in our world, and an end to war.

Instead of hatred, let there be love.

Shelter your children and protect us.

Guide us and keep us from harm,

so we can build a world of love and live our lives in peace.

Amen.

Mrs Senz

Class Awards

Our Principal's Award winners are:

Our Class Award winners are: 

Class News - Stage 1

Year 1

It was so lovely to welcome all of our grandparents into our learning space for Grandparents Day! The day was filled with smiles, laughter, and special moments as students enjoyed playing games, drawing portraits and conducting interviews with their grandparents. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to honor the important role grandparents play in their lives.

In English, Year 1 students have been diving into persuasive writing. They are exploring how to use high modality words like "must," "always," and "definitely" to make their arguments convincing. This skill has sparked a lot of enthusiasm as students work on persuading their classmates (and teachers) on topics they feel passionate about.  This writing unit is not only building their vocabulary but also encouraging them to express their ideas and beliefs with confidence.

Within our Religion unit, students have been getting outdoors to explore the beauty of God’s Creation. Through nature walks and reflection activities, they’re developing a deep appreciation for the world around them. From noticing the vibrant colors of flowers to listening to the sounds of birds and leaves, students have enjoyed the chance to connect with nature and understand how we are all part of something much greater. 

In Science, we've been learning about how our food and fibre originate from plants and animals, discussing the steps it takes for these raw materials to transform into products we use every day. Students are also exploring examples, like how wheat becomes bread or wool becomes clothing, to understand the journey from farms to finished goods.

We also finally braved the heat and got the opportunity to visit Green Point at Angourie where Aunty Deidree and Mr. Randall shared stories of the land, explaining its significance and role in Yaegl culture. Students learned how this place was once a meeting place for gatherings and ceremonies, giving them a glimpse into the connection the Yaegl people have with the land. We finished indoors, where, under the comfort of air conditioning, students listened to the Yaegl Creation story.

Year 2

Year 2 has been busy with an exciting Term 4 filled with learning and celebration as we head toward the final weeks of the school year!

Our swimming lessons are well underway, with students embracing the chilly water while building confidence and learning vital water safety skills. Meanwhile, preparations for our Christmas Concert are in full swing, and we’re having a blast rehearsing our dance performance, which we can’t wait to share with our families.

In English, we’re wrapping up our spelling program, but we’ll continue to revise and practice our skills to ensure they are consolidated. In writing, we’re diving into figurative language, exploring how it can create vivid descriptions, evoke emotions, and deepen our understanding of stories.

We continue developing our knowledge and understanding of multiplication and division in Mathematics, with students progressing well. We have also started activities that help us understand halves, quarters, and eighths through repeated halving.

The theme of Creation and the beauty of our world is the focus of our first Religion Unit. As we move closer to Christmas, we’ll begin our Advent unit, preparing for the season with reflection and gratitude.

In Science, we have been exploring how plants and animals are used to create food and fibre products. We’ve enjoyed asking lots of questions and discovering how these natural resources provide everyday items that we use in our daily lives.

It’s been a wonderful term so far, with students showing great enthusiasm and effort as we approach the final weeks of the year. We can’t wait to see all they will continue to achieve as we finish this school year on a high note!

Miss Stokes & Mrs Mullins

School Sport

We are thrilled to share that we’ve had an exciting and action-packed start to the term, particularly in the world of sports. Our students have been showing remarkable enthusiasm and talent, and we can’t wait to tell you all about it!

BNSW North Coast Schools Cup
In Week 4, we had a group of our talented students attend the BNSW North Coast Schools Cup, where they competed in Division 1. Our team faced some tough competition, taking down one tricky side and coming up short against two others. Despite the challenges, our students displayed impressive courage, sportsmanship, and excellent teamwork throughout the day. They gave it their all, and it was truly inspiring to see them support each other both on and off the field.

We are already looking forward to returning next year with even more school teams, and of course, we’ll be aiming for another crack at the title!

Friday Sport: Surfing & Swimming
Fridays have been full of action, with our students diving into both surfing and swimming programs. The waves at Turners Beach have been perfect for our surfers, and Shayno and the team from Surf Camp Down Under have been fantastic in guiding our students through the basics of surf safety and water familiarisation. It’s been a joy to see our students gain confidence in the surf, with lots of cheers and excitement as they catch their waves!

Meanwhile, our swimming students at the Maclean Pool have been working with professional instructors who’ve been amazing in tailoring lessons to the specific needs of each student. They’re progressing through a water familiarisation checklist to build their confidence and skills in the pool, and we can already see great improvements in their abilities!

Summer Sports Trials
We are also thrilled to celebrate the achievements of one of our Year 5 students, Jack Kirkland, who attended the Summer Sports Trials for Basketball. After a strong performance at the trials, Jack has been selected to represent the Clarence Zone at the upcoming Diocesan Carnival! This is an amazing achievement, and we are incredibly proud of Jack’s hard work and determination. We also thank all of the other students and families whom attended these trials and look forward to seeing all these students trialing again next year.

Looking Ahead
It’s been an action-packed start to the term, and we couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come. We want to thank all of our families for their continued support in making these opportunities possible for our students. We can’t wait to share more updates and celebrate even more achievements as the term progresses!

Mr Gilchrist

Creative Arts

MELAMINE PLATES

Our gorgeous Melamine plates have been completed, and dispatched and are now on their way to us via Australia Post! We hope to see these amazing creations arrive by early/mid next week  (Week 5)!

The organisation and collection of these plates will be similar to the tea-towels. The plates will not be distributed to the students via the afternoon message bags for preservation reasons and the logistics of fitting into school bags!

2025 MUSICAL - ALICE IN WONDERLAND

It has been decided by the students that our school musical for 2025 will be the classic and well-loved ‘ALICE IN WONDERLAND’! I have already applied and am waiting to hear back for the licensing and purchase of the show kit.
The musical will be scheduled to take place towards the end of Term 3 in 2025. 

An excerpt on ‘Alice in Wonderland’ from Music Theatre International:

“When young Alice finds herself in a strange world where everything seems upside down, she must find her way home…and find herself along the way. As she travels through Wonderland, she encounters all of the iconic characters that audiences have come to love: including the ever-tardy White Rabbit, the grinning Cheshire Cat, a cool Caterpillar, the wacky Mad Hatter, and the hot-tempered Queen of Hearts.”

The full cast info is below; please know that a bolded/asterisked character speaks and sings

PLUS

The Wonderland Ensemble: The zany, magical, and unique characters that Alice meets along her journey, from cats and rabbits to flowers and doorknobs. This group includes participants in the caucus race who are swept up by the ocean of tears; Party Guests at the March Hare and Mad Hatter’s tea party; and Royal Cards, servants of the Queen and King of Hearts, including Ace of Spades, Two of Clubs, Three of Diamonds, and Four of Hearts.

Students have nominated their character preferences and will be auditioning in the coming weeks!

Big Dramatic, Creative Arts love,

Ms Zietsch

Pastroal Care - School Counsellor

MANAGING EMOTIONS

Emotional development is a key part of your child's growth. Just as children learn to walk, talk, and read, they also need to learn how to understand and handle their feelings. With guidance and support, kids can develop emotional resilience, empathy, and a greater capacity to cope with life’s ups and downs. Here are  some practical tips to help you support your child in managing their emotions.

1. Validate Their Feelings

Children need to feel understood and accepted in all their emotions—even the difficult ones. Acknowledging their feelings helps them feel secure and respected. You could try saying things like, "I can see that you're upset," or "It sounds like that made you feel really frustrated." When you validate their feelings, they learn it’s okay to feel whatever they’re feeling, which is the first step toward managing emotions constructively.

2. Encourage Labeling Emotions

Help your child identify and name their feelings. Younger children may only understand basic emotions like “happy,” “sad,” or “angry,” but you can introduce more nuanced terms as they grow. Phrases like “I’m disappointed” or “I feel nervous” allow children to be more specific about what they’re experiencing. Try asking questions like, “Do you feel sad or frustrated?” or “Are you worried about something?” Naming emotions helps kids feel more in control and makes it easier to find solutions.

3. Model Healthy Emotional Management

Children learn by watching us, so modeling emotional regulation is essential. When you experience a challenging emotion, consider showing how you cope with it in a healthy way. For example, if you’re feeling stressed, try saying, “I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed right now, so I’m going to take some deep breaths to calm down.” This approach teaches kids that it’s normal to feel a range of emotions and that there are constructive ways to handle them.

4. Teach Calming Techniques

Simple strategies like deep breathing, counting to ten, or taking a quick break can be very effective in managing strong emotions. Practice these with your child so they become second nature. For example, you can teach “balloon breathing,” where your child pretends to blow up a big balloon by taking deep breaths and releasing them slowly. Practicing when they're calm helps them remember these techniques when they need them most.

5. Create a "Calm Space"

Designate a special area in your home where your child can go to cool down when they feel overwhelmed. This could be a cozy corner with a favorite stuffed animal, some books, or calming items like sensory toys or fidget spinners. This space isn't meant as a punishment but as a safe place where they can regroup and manage their feelings. Encourage them to visit this area as a way to reset.

6. Encourage Problem Solving

Once your child has calmed down, guide them to think of solutions to what’s bothering them. Ask open-ended questions like, “What do you think might help you feel better?” or “What can we do to make this situation easier?” This approach teaches children that while they may not be able to control everything that happens to them, they can choose how they respond

7. Emphasise Empathy

Help your child understand the importance of empathy by encouraging them to think about how others feel. You could ask, “How do you think your friend felt when that happened?” This helps kids learn to see situations from multiple perspectives, fostering compassion and self-awareness.

Emotional regulation is a skill that takes time and practice. Kids may have setbacks, and that’s okay—it’s all part of learning. As always, feel free to contact me if you have questions or need more resources. I am at the school on Wednesday and Thursdays or you can contact me at jessica.jones@lism.catholic.edu.au

Together, we can help your child navigate their emotions and build a strong foundation for a resilient future.

Additional Resource

https://raisingchildren.net.au/preschoolers/development/preschoolers-social-emotional-development/understanding-managing-emotions-children-teenagers

Jess Jones - School Counsellor

Pastoral Care - School Chaplain

Grandparents' Day Celebration 

On Thursday, we had the privilege of hosting our wonderful grandparents and grandfriends for a special Grandparents' Day celebration. It was a truly heartwarming event filled with love, laughter, and meaningful connections.

The afternoon began with a lovely tea, where grandparents and grandfriends had the opportunity to share stories, enjoy each other’s company, and make cherished memories.

Stage 1 Seasons for Growth 

We are excited to announce the start of our Seasons For Growth program, designed to nurture personal growth and development. This program will guide children through a series of fun and interactive sessions focused on understanding and navigating change and loss.

There are two groups: one meeting on Mondays and the other on Thursdays.
Our Thursday group will begin next week (week 5). The program consists of nine 40-minute sessions, with the final session being a celebration party to mark the completion of this meaningful journey.

We truly hope your children will enjoy this program and that it will offer them valuable experiences, helping them grow in important and positive ways.

Juana Mead - Student Wellbeing Officer/School Chaplain

Technology News

Technology in the Classroom: Stage 2 & 3 3D Design and STEM Learning

Stage 2 and 3 students have been engaged in an exciting project using Makers Empire 3D, a 3D modelling software designed to introduce students to Design Thinking and foster STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) learning through hands-on design and 3D printing.

The focus of their work has been on developing innovative solutions for a family impacted by a natural disaster. Students have learned about the causes and impacts of natural disasters while also exploring key wellbeing concepts such as gratitude, empathy, self-awareness, kindness, ownership, and service. They have discovered how these skills can help promote wellbeing and resilience during challenging times.

The project follows the Design Thinking process, where students identify a problem, brainstorm potential solutions, and work through an iterative process of prototyping and testing. The Design Thinking cycle includes five main stages: empathising, defining the problem, ideating, prototyping, and testing. Throughout this process, students are encouraged to think critically, creatively, and collaboratively.

In addition to problem-solving, students have been developing their skills in 3D modelling by using various features of the digital tools. They have interpreted information and followed instructions using directional language, while also ensuring that their designs are structurally sound. Testing and providing feedback on their models has been a key part of the learning experience. This project is a great example of how technology can enhance learning, promote critical thinking, and inspire students to become problem-solvers with empathy and creativity.

Here are some of their works in progress! Stay tuned for an update on their printed models and the final results of their creative designs.

Mrs Mclennan

Online Gaming

Online gaming provides children with lots of opportunities for skill development, beneficial play, creativity, self-expression, belonging, and social connection. To make sure they get the most out of gaming, parents and carers need to help them build skills to navigate risks and implement safeguards. Are you familiar with the benefits or the risks your child might be experiencing whilst playing online games? Regardless of the console or device they use, the type of game they play, whether they play alone or with others, or how often they play, it is important to understand your child’s unique gaming experience.

Playing online games with your children is a great way to learn more about their interests, while also developing a greater understanding of how they interact and communicate with others online. When adults get involved in positive ways, it can also strengthen family relationships and enable families to manage conflict about gaming in more productive ways.

For more information on gaming and simple tips for how you can make this a safer and more positive experience, visit the parent's page of the eSafety Commissioner's website. The eSafety Commissioner also has an  eSafety Guide which includes the latest games, apps, and social media, with information on how to apply safety and privacy settings, whether there are any risky digital features, and how to report abuse or other harmful behaviour.

Library News

As the end of the school year is quickly approaching, this means we are closing the library for borrowing at the end of week 8. This will enable students and classrooms to return all outstanding books so we can do a general stocktake and get ready for next year!

Now's the time to start having a look at home for any hidden library books that need returning.

Mrs O'Brien

Community Notices