14th December, Week 10, Term 4

From Our Principal - Mr Brendan Moloney

As our final week of 2023 comes to a close, St Joseph’s staff wish to thank all our families for their support throughout the year. This support has enabled us to provide the best learning opportunities for each child and enable them to continue to grow in learning and life. We pray that you all have a very Blessed Christmas and that you take the time to enjoy the treasures that surround you with family and friends.

As a school community we look forward to 2024 and the possibilities that the new year holds.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLANNING

The safety of our students, families and staff is our highest priority. In order to best ensure this, St. Joseph’s leadership and staff, supported by the Catholic Schools Office, plan for a number of possible incidents, emergencies or natural disasters that could take place at school or during the school term. The events of recent years have reinforced how important this planning is and we all have a role to play when it comes to emergency management, including families.

Our students participate in various safety drills and staff participate through training and safety drills. We’d like to share with you the role of parents and families in emergency management.

School Lockdown

A number of the situations we plan for include a school lockdown as one of the immediate safety actions to ensure the safety of our students and staff. We understand that some may understand the word ‘lockdown’ to mean there is an immediate safety risk to all students. It is important to understand that when a school initiates a lockdown this may not be the case.

Depending on the situation, the purpose of a school lockdown will differ. A school lockdown may be a preparation step for an evacuation, or a school lockdown may allow emergency services access to an area of the school without having to navigate past students. Regardless of the purpose of a school lockdown, no one can be admitted to the school grounds other than emergency services.

Should we initiate a school lockdown, parents and families will be informed via text message and [insert name of app] notification. We will also inform parents and families as soon as the school lockdown has been lifted or if there are any actions required of parents and families. It is important that you do not attempt to attend the school during a school lockdown. We understand that you may be concerned however attending the school may also add risk to a possible emergency situation, block emergency services or impede an evacuation.

Natural Disaster

In the event of a natural disaster, such as flood or bushfire, the school leadership, supported by the Catholic Schools Office, will determine if it is safe for the school to open. If there is a probability the school may have to close part way through the day, the school will not open for that day as it is extremely difficult to evacuate a school site and ensure all students are able to go directly home safely.

In a bush fire or flood event it is important that parents and families have a plan to get your child/ren home from school, or into your care, at short notice. Please be aware that school buses may not be running and the school can not allow your child/ren to go home to an empty house or home with another parent without your permission.

Family Preparedness

How can you help us prepare for emergency situations? Please ensure that:

• You have downloaded Compass app and have allowed notifications.
• Any changes to your contact details or custodial arrangements have been updated with the school.
• [for schools in bush fire or flood prone regions] You have a bush fire/flood plan in place that all members of your family understand.
• In the event of a school lockdown or evacuation, directions in the parent notifications are

It is always our hope that these measures will never be needed but it is also our responsibility to ensure our school community is prepared and informed should the need arise. We thank you in advance for your support and cooperation.

Brendan Moloney and Nigel McIntyre, Work Health and Safety Manager, Catholic Schools Office

Year 6 Graduation

Congratulations to our Year 6 Graduates who will be enjoying their FUN DAY today. It has been a pleasure supporting these students as they navigated primary school and are now ready for their next big challenge, HIGH SCHOOL!

Ruby               Angel-Jayne               Ellie                 Jaya

Oniika             Charlie                       Riley

Carols Evening

It was wonderful to see such a fantastic turn out to our Natvity and Carols last week. It was a wonderful event that I am sure that you all enjoyed. Well done to all our students for their particpation and performances, they were brilliant!

Thank you to our P&F, Nicole/Kirralee/Mary-Jane/Laura and Cherie who did a wonderful job with the raffle and BBQ. Thanks also to Clay who managed to cook all the steak and sausages for us.

2024 Start Date

We have some important dates to communicate for the start of the new school year. Families are asked to note that the start date for classes has changed, these dates are as follows:

Tuesday 30^th Jan – Staff Administartion Day (Pupil Free Day)

Wednesday 31^st Jan – Best Start/MAI’s (Individual times to be booked)

Thursday 1^st Feb - Best Start/MAI’s (Individual times to be booked)

Friday 2^nd Feb – Staff Development Day (Pupil Free Day)

Class for K-6 begin for 2024 on Monday 5^th Feb

 Our OSHC service will be available for the 30^th – 2^nd should families require it. Please contact Michelle to book in on 0419 600 994

MAI's

MAI and Best Start assessments are taking place on Wednesday 31st Jan & Thursday 1st Feb. Best Start times have already been allocated to Kinder 2024 Students. MAI (Mathematics Assesment Interview)  is used by teachers in a one-on-one interview to determine students existing mathematical knowledge. MAI Bookings are now opened via COMPASS App, under Conferences.

 2024 Enrolments

We continue to accept enrolments for 2024 across K-6, if you know of any families considering the wonderful learning environment we have her at St. Joseph’s please encourage them to come and have a look. Our school truly is a welcoming place that supports all our learners exceptionally well.

God Bless,

Brendan Moloney

Nativity & Carols Night

Mission News

Prayer

Dear Lord,

Thank you for this holiday—
an extra chance for fun and play.
There’s so much I can learn and do
even if I’m not in school.

All the beauty and gifts abound.
The world you created is all around.
Today’s a chance to go explore,
try new things, and discover more.

I’ll miss my teacher and my friends
just as happens on weekends.
But I know that for today,
I’m thankful for this holiday.

St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal

Thankyou for all of your donations for the Christmas Appeal!

Sacramental Dates 2024

The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be held on Monday March 19th 2024.
This sacrament is for Catholic children who have received the Sacraments of Baptism AND the Sacrament of Confirmation. 

The Sacrament of Confirmation will be held on Monday May 20th 2024. 

This Sacrament is for Catholic children in Year Three and above, who have completed the Sacrament of Baptism. 

The Sacrament of First Eucharist will be held on Sunday September 15th 2024.

This Sacrament is for Catholic children who have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Reconciliation. 

Year 6 2023

Ruby               Angel-Jayne               Ellie                 Jaya

Oniika             Charlie                       Riley

We wish you well in your next chapter.

Library News

RY NEWS LIBRARY NEWS LIBRARY NEWS LIBRARY NEWS

Thank you all for supporting the library this year!

 Merry Christmas and a Safe Holiday to all. 

Mrs Cherie Verrall

Sports News

2024 Zone Swimming Carnival.

The 2024 Zone swimming carnival will be held at Alstonville pool on Tuesday the 13th of February.

To qualify for this carnival students will need to be of representative standard (this is not a participation carnival) as students will compete against the best swimmers from each of the other 8 schools in our zone.

We are calling for nominations for this carnival. We will then select students based on past involvement and achievement during our intensive swimming week. If your child is between 8 and 13 years of age, is of representative standard and is willing to compete at a large scale carnival please contact the school before Friday the 2nd of February. Further information will then be distributed.

General Business

Happy Birthday to the following who have celebrated their birthday since our last newsletter: 

Mr Howard

Step Up day activities for the 2024 Stage 1 class. The students made some adorable snowmen using socks. They all enjoyed the task.

P&F & Canteen News

P&F Christmas Raffle 

Many thanks goes to you and your business for sponsoring our annual Christmas raffle! We had a very successful event, raising over $600!! 

Thank you to Coraki Pharmacy, Tony's Garage, Coraki Hairdressing, Pink Ivy Boutique, Coles Casino, Muzza's Milk Bar, Days Machinery, Golden Grove Naturals, Verrall, Maher, Campbell Families.

Congratulations to our raffle prize winners.

Canteen

In 2024 we are hoping to continue with offering Canteen on both Wednesday and Fridays. In order to do this we are seeking more volunteers to fill the roster as shown below. Mum/Dad/Grandparent/Friends everyone is welcome. Being a canteen volunteer requires just a few hours of your time normally from 9am -11:30am and consists of sorting the orders/cooking the food (usually just in the pie heater) then packing the lunch orders for collection & bringing along some home baking on the day. If this sounds like something you would be able to help, with please contact Donna in the office.

2023