Week 3 Term 3
Dear Families,
- You will be asked NOT TO ATTEND THE SCHOOL AT THIS TIME. The school will be placed into an amber lockdown. The children will continue with classes while Catholic Schools Office contacts Health authorities and organises cleaning etc. No parents will be allowed on site until Catholic School Office or NSW Health authorities advise.
- Families will then receive another message advising the plan, the possible closure of the school for cleaning (usually 3 days) and the process for picking up students.
- The NSW Public Health Unit will contact you if you or your child’/en require testing or self-isolation as part of the contact tracing process.
- A final communication will be sent to families before the school is to reopen.
- If the advice of a confirmed COVID-19 case comes during out-of-school hours the same method of communication will be used.
- Please monitor your email, and SMS, as we will be communicating updates with you as we move through this process. All decisions regarding processes moving forward will be under the guidance of Catholic Schools Office and NSW Health
Evans and Coraki Counselling service
A reminder from Catherine Flemming, Child and Family Counsellor| Child and Family Health that the Child and Family Health Service available to children (up to 12 years of age) and their families in the Coraki and Evans Head area.
As 2020 continues to bring challenges of all varieties to many families Catherine thought she would just touch base to remind you all of the service that is available here to children and families. The referral process is simple, families or parents can contact Catherine directly by phoning 66 839 000. She currently works part-time in this role based in Coraki every Wednesday and Friday as well as alternative Thursdays.
Some of the difficulties that she is able to assist families and children with include managing stress and anxiety, family separation, adjustment difficulties, parenting challenges, trauma, social skills and emotional regulation. Parents may also be having difficulties with children not wanting to engage in school at present following a significant period of disruption over the course of this year thus far.
Coraki HealthOne, Surry Street, Coraki Tel (02) 6683 9000 | Fax (02) 6683 9033 catherine.fleming@health.nsw.gov.au
Important Reminders
School Photos 2020
School Photos will take place this year on Wednesday 19 August. Photo envelopes have been sent home next week.
COVID 19 Practices Term 3
- Non-essential adults will still not be permitted to enter the school grounds. We ask that no parents enter the School past the front office. All inquiries to the front office, please.
- Pick up and drop off will continue out the front of the school.
- We have resumed our Canteen, and will continue to offer this if we are able to get parent volunteers to assist. The Parent helpers will be advised of the mandatory hygiene practices at the front office. PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE ON 66822468 IF YOU ARE ABLE TO GO ON TO THE CANTEEN ROSTER FOR TERM 3.
- It is paramount in these times, in particular, that any child who is unwell is kept at home. We appreciate your understanding and consideration for the safety of the other students and the staff.
- Our bubblers will still not to be used and therefore the children require a water bottle.
- Our stringent hygiene practices for our new normal continue with: the washing of hands regularly; sanitiser after eating, no food or drinks to be shared; coughing and sneezing into elbows, tissues discarded immediately, cleaning of the desks between lunch and recess breaks and extra cleaning of the school by our cleaners.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Sunday Gospel Reading:19th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Matthew: 14: 22- 33- JESUS WALKS ON WATER and the disciples acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God.
In this Sunday's Gospel, we recall when Jesus walked on water. Jesus called the disciples to calm their fears when they see him, then Peter asks Jesus to call him out onto the water, and Jesus grants this request. Peter’s example teaches us that true Christian ministry emerges from the understanding and faith that Jesus is God’s Son.
Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop
Tomorrow is the Feast Day of our first Australian Saint - St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. Father Michael is offering special Masses in the Parish to celebrate this occasion. Please see the Parish Bulletin below for the Mass times. Due to the COVID Restrictions, only Stage Two were able to attend a school Mass to celebrate the Feast Day. We thank Father Michael for this opportunity.
In 1866 Mary MacKillop and Father Tenison Woods started the religious order of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart (the Josephites) and in 1867 Mary MacKillop became a nun – Sister Mary of the Cross.
Mary and the Josephite nuns set up schools in Australia and New Zealand including the school at Woodburn
They also set up houses for elderly women, young girls and women without jobs. They gave their life to people in need often giving comfort to the sick and dying and even visiting people in jail to give them whatever help they could.At times in her life, Mary MacKillop met people who made it hard for her to perform her good works but she never gave up. Many of her wise sayings resonate with us now such as “Never see a need without doing something about it.”
Mary loved Jesus and acknowledged him as the Son of God. She had a strong faith and trusted in the providence of God. She constantly advised others to have faith and hope in the goodness and providence of God.
St Joseph's Coraki Parish Bulletin
Father Michael has updated the St Joseph's Coraki Parish Website and Parish Bulletin. You are now able to access this and other important Parish information by clicking on the link below.
The following information comes from https://bullyingnoway.gov.au/
Talking about bullying
Children and young people who know what bullying is, and know what to do about it if it happens, also know they are not alone in dealing with it.
They know that parents and teachers will be willing to help if needed.
Don't wait for bullying to happen to talk about it.
Use opportunities in conversation
Parents can use the many opportunities that arise to talk with their child about how people behave in various social situations and how people get on with each other.
If your child tells you about things at school or you see things in public that involve conflict or bullying, and if it appropriate, take the opportunity to talk about what bullying is.
Talk about what bullying is before it happens so children can recognise it and know what to do.
First, make sure you have a clear idea yourself by checking out the formal definition of bullying at What is bullying? You can also find ways to describe bullying that are suitable for children of various ages here.
Point out that bullying is not just when someone is mean to you once, but it happens over and over and makes you feel like you can't stop it. If you want, you could use some of these questions:
- What do you think 'bullying' is?
- Have you seen bullying happening? What did you do? How did you feel?
- Why do you think some people bully other kids?
- Who are the adults you would talk to when it comes to things like bullying?
- Have you ever felt scared to go to school because you were afraid of someone bullying you?
- Has someone tried to bully you? What ways have you tried to change it?
- What do you think parents can do to help stop bullying?
- Have you or your friends left other kids out on purpose? Do you think that was bullying? Why or why not?
- Have you ever tried to help someone who is being bullied? What happened? What would you do if it happens again?
Tell children that bullying can happen to anyone but it is never okay. Talk about how to respond to bullying safely. Make sure children know what to do if it happens to them or they see it happening to someone else.
With your child, read the strategies at For Kids (8-12 year olds) and For teens as relevant.
Most importantly, let children know how to get help if bullying happens.
Encourage them to speak to an adult if it happens, and to keep on asking for help if the bullying doesn't stop. Read more about what to say at Responding to bullying.
Talk with students about how they might handle other challenging social situations as well.
Parents and carers have an important role to help children and young people learn how to manage their own feelings and to work out how to argue or disagree with other people in appropriate ways. Everyday activities and issues can be valuable learning opportunities.
Words to avoid
Avoid describing a child as a 'bully' or a 'victim'. Although these words are often used in research and in the media, they are not very helpful for finding positive and lasting solutions.
Talk about bullying with the understanding that children and young people are growing and still learning how to be effective members of the community.
When you talk about bullying, focus on more appropriate ways to act with others and positive ways to get on with other people.
Children can change the way they behave with support from parents and teachers. If the labels of 'bully' or 'victim' stick, it can make it harder for them to change. Using these words can suggest that bullying and being bullied are due to unchangeable things about the children involved.
The labels of 'bully' or 'victim' can also cause further harm if a child accepts them as part of their social identity.
Keep communication open
Children and young people will ask for advice and help with problems if they think parents and caregivers are interested in them and their concerns.
When parents and carers spend some time each day asking about what happened during the day, and show genuine interest in their feelings and experiences, children will know that they can talk to their parents if they have a problem.
Check in with kids often. Listen to them. Know their friends, ask about school, and understand their concerns. Ask them about issues they tell you about, but don't jump in to solve their problems. Ask them what they think they can do about it.
Be alert too that children sometimes 'shut down' and become reluctant to talk if they are experiencing bullying and don't know what to do. Be alert to the signs of bullying. Sensitive and caring conversations about what is happening for your child can make a difference.
Read more about what to say and do if your child tells you about bullying.
This week Richard Clarke returned to our school to add the handprints of the Kindergarten students, any new students and those students who were absent to Digby's wall. Even our School Consultant, Mr Paul Wilson added his handprint to our community mural. Thanks, Richard!
St Joseph's Cross Country
Next week we will run our belated St Joseph's Cross Country on Thursday 13 August 2020. In keeping with the current health restrictions and guidelines, we are unable to watch the race as a whole school. The race will take place with one age group of students running while the next age group of students cheer them on. Unfortunately, parent spectators are not permitted to attend the school for this event. We will post photos and announce the age champions in the following newsletter. We thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Some of our 2019 winners
The Newcastle Permanent Maths Competition
Stage 3 students have been asked to nominate themselves for the Newcastle Permanent Maths Competition for 2020. Those who have nominated will partake in the Maths competition on Thursday 20 August 2020. Parents will be notified of the results later in the year.
Family Connect Service
Sometimes families need a helping hand, especially in these challenging times.
St Joseph’s Primary School is pleased to announce that we are introducing the Family Connect Service to our school. Wendy Jansen is our new Family Connect worker who will be able to help any of our school families get the support they need. If you or anyone in your family would like assistance with:
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- Parenting challenges
- NDIS
- Accessing housing support
- Accessing welfare supports
- Accessing counselling services
- Linking to domestic violence supports
- Finding culturally appropriate support
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Contact Wendy by phone: 0437 179 916 or email: wendy.jansen@socialfutures.org.au
CANTEEN ROSTER
Monday, 10th August
Leticia Hull
Wednesday,12th August
Katrina McGillivray
Could you please give Gayl a call on 66822468 if you
are able to help out in the canteen during Term 3.
THANK YOU LADIES!
TERM 3 - WEEK 2 |
KINDER | |
YEAR 1 | Tom Bailey |
YEAR 2 | Meluca Jett |
YEAR 3 | Leila Bailey |
YEAR 4 | Boston Long |
STAGE 3 | Jackson Grissell |