Week 1 Term 3 2023

Dear Families,

Welcome to Term 3! I hope that you all had a relaxing and restful holiday with your children. The children have returned to school with such wonderful enthusiasm and eagerness to begin the second semester of 2023!

Over the holidays I was pleased to be able to attend the celebration of the life of and farewell, Sr Janet Cummings, on behalf of our school. Sr Janet was the last Josephite Sister to work at our school in 2015-2016. 

I had the absolute pleasure of working with Sr Janet in 2 schools- St Cecilia's Wyong and St Joseph's Woodburn. Throughout those times I counted her as a mentor and a friend. She wonderfully fulfilled a pastoral role in both schools.

In her farewell from our school in 2016, Mrs Boyd wrote: The children openly thanked her for all her work with them in the roles of mentor, Altar Trainer, LAP organiser, good listener, helpful speech writer, Seasons worker, Sacramental Program Assistant and as a Year 1 student stated, ‘She just cared for us!’

I was in awe at her funeral to listen to the story of a woman who had dedicated 60 years of her life to others in the roles of teacher, principal, leader and pastoral care worker. 

We are forever grateful that we had a chance to share in her life of following in the footsteps of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. 

The final blessing song that was played at her farewell from St Joseph's Woodburn echoes our current sentiments: “Until we meet again Sr Janet, may God hold you in the palm of His Hand”. Thank You!

Our Parent Teacher Interviews will be held next Tuesday 25  July. These have been arranged using our online booking system. Thank you to the parents who booked.
Parent Teacher interviews are valued and supported by both parents and teachers. At these interviews parents and teachers have the opportunity to celebrate successes and also to work through any recommendations and goals to improve learning
outcomes for the remainder of the year.

As you know Legislative requirements mandate that students are assessed using a grade scale and this can cause some anxiety for parents. These interviews can allay any of these anxieties by discussing and supporting grades that have been given
by teachers.

During the interviews, teachers also have the chance to walk through students' portfolios that contain work samples and assessments. They will be used to discuss and support a student's report in context. The portfolios are a celebration of success as well as a record of assessment tasks.

As each interview will last only the dedicated time it is a good idea to write down any questions, queries or concerns so that they are not forgotten. It is important that interviews run on time so that families are not left waiting unnecessarily.

We thank you for your interest in assisting your child/children by attending these very important interviews with your child's teacher.

ADDITIONS TO OUR SCHOOL THAT WE ARE TRULY GRATEFUL FOR....

Over the holidays we were fortunate to receive some very welcome additions to our school. We now have,

• an undercover eating and play area (transferred from Woodburn), 
• shade covering the playground area,
• awning protection at the front of the students' toilets,
• and a shade covering the Cypress Street entry.

The staff are also extremely pleased to be able to enjoy a proper staffroom and meeting room. 

There is continuing building work happening on the front office, sick bay and leadership offices. We will keep you updated as changes occur. 

We are very appreciative of all the changes happening to make our school a better place to be.

THE EXCURSION THAT WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO

Stage 2 students will be going on an excursion to Camp Goodenough. The excursion will be held next week Wednesday 26 July to Friday 29 July 2023. 

The activities students will participate in are designed to positively impact student learning and development, in fun and exciting ways. Students take part in fun group challenges and activities that promote key learning through: Relationships - developing skills in communication, problem-solving, cooperation, negotiation, respect and care; Outdoors – nurturing an appreciation of the natural environment and sustainability; Action – reinforcing the importance of physical activity for wellbeing; Resilience –collaborating, negotiating and reflecting on difficult challenges to build courage and strength.

The  Curriculum areas addressed on this excursion: include Science and Technology - The Physical World. Geography - Places are Similar and Different. 
Religion: - Created by God and One with God’s Creation, Appreciation and stewardship of God’s creation and Personal Development Health and Physical Education-Makes decisions as an individual and as a group member; Makes positive contributions to group activities; Uses a range of problem-solving strategies and participates and uses equipment in a variety of games and modified sports.

We wish them all the best and can't wait to hear their camp stories when they return. A big thank you to Mrs Cronan, Mr Sandral and Sheree for all your organisation in the lead-up

. 

In Week 3 of this term I will have the opportunity to spend some time with our Kindergarten students for 2024 and their parents during their interviews. It will be a joy to have one on one conversations with our pre-schoolers. I love their enthusiasm, excitement and initial understanding of all that big school holds. It will also provide a wonderful opportunity to talk to both our current and new parents. I am particularly interested to hear why people chose St Joseph's for their child. From their responses, we will get a snapshot of our school from the outside looking in. We get to know how some of the community feels about the teaching and learning; the inclusiveness; the values; the community and the Catholic ethos that permeates all. We continue to strive on a daily basis to make St Joseph's the best school it can be, and in that process, we always welcome and value your input.

This a reminder to our current families who would like to enrol siblings for next year, we are enrolling students now. You can enrol online on our School website or collect your enrolment pack from the office. Please let us know if you would like one sent home. The enrolment interviews will be held in Week 3 of Term 3. 

Please make sure that you spread the word to friends and relatives who are looking to start their child in Kindergarten in 2024

Junior Joeys- Kindergarten 2024 Transition Program (7 weeks) will begin on Wednesday 16 August 2023 9am-11am.

St Joseph's Primary School Woodburn (currently at Evans Head) https://www.wdbplism.catholic.edu.au/

TERM 3

             

                           

• Our Students, it's great to be back with them!
• Our new additions to our school 
• Our Award Winners for showing us their best in Week 1. 
• Pie Day Friday.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Principal

Richmond Zone Athletics Carnival

Next  Thursday, the Zone Athletics Carnival is going ahead at St John’s College Woodlawn. For your child to attend this event, permission needs to occur via the Compass event. It is extremely important that the information in this event is read. Information includes the order of events, canteen price list and venue map.

If your child is unable to attend, please decline the event as withdrawals need to be made prior to the carnival.