Reports

Semester 1 reports are due to go live to parents in Week 10 of this term. These reports will look slightly different to previous student reports. The main aspects of the reports are still there.  However, for each Key Learning Area, your child will receive an indication of their achievement across each strand of the Key Learning Areas and no overall grade indicator. A ‘Learner Profile’ will indicate your child’s personal and social development as well as their learning dispositions. The report will finish with a general comment that will speak to your child’s overall attitude to learning and highlight achievements in the key learning areas other than Religion, English and Maths.

Comments for Religion, English and Mathematics are focused into two areas for each of these KLAs. The strengths of your child will be reported as well as an area of development. Specifically identifying strengths and areas for development are essential in the learning process. Together we can build on the strengths of your children whilst addressing areas of development which will feed into learning goals that have already been set for your children within the classroom.

When reading your child’s report, celebrate their achievements with them, look closely at their commitment to learning and the ‘Learner Profile’. Not every child will get an A and remember each child grows in their learning at different stages. The important aspect is to help your children to be curious about learning, to develop creative thinking and resilience in learning and to encourage them to be engaged.

My daughter received C’s in primary school, but developed a love of learning and is now achieving A’s and B’s in her high school studies. Remember that overall grades in primary school will not determine their future. The attitudes that we model and teach our children in their formative years will determine their success in the future.

Use your child’s report to celebrate every small achievement, they will remember this long after they have left school. Be proud of who you children are, don’t let a grade define their identity. Don’t forget the teacher’s are here to work with you in ensuring your children grow to their potential whilst at Joey’s.

Matilda's Ponytail Chop

A reminder that Matilda Burrup will be getting her ponytail chopped off on Friday 30 June (further information about the special assembly will be announced on Compass). This has a dual purpose, to raise money for the Cancer Council for much need research and so they can aid cancer sufferers, but also Matilda’s hair will be donated to make quality wigs for cancer sufferers undergoing chemo. We can’t underestimate the positive effect his will have on a person with cancer.

I am extremely proud of Matilda’s efforts, as she looks to make a difference in people’s lives. It is an excellent reminder that no matter what age you are you can make a significant difference in the world. Matilda has raised $632 already, let’s make a last ditch effort to hit the $1000 mark. In an effort to boost donations I am willing to have my hair taken off as well. I don’t have long locks that can be donated but I am willing to get a number 1 done on my hair if we can boost donations. After all it is tax time and donations are tax deductible, so let’s really push for the grand total of a GRAND!!

Here is the link to the donation page:

Matilda's Ponytail Project donation page

 

Kindergarten 2024

Please note that if you have children who you are wanting to start Kindergarten next year, can you please contact the school office staff to start the enrolment procedure. Similarly, if you know of someone who has a child who would be school age for next year, please pass on our details to them and invite them to join our community.

Take care, celebrate often, and go gently.

Brad Fuller

Principal

Dobell Art Festival

This year there were quite a few entries from our school into the Dobell Art Festival held recently.  The quality of entries was exceptional.  A huge congratulations to Finn C for his very talented artwork, for which he won his age group category!  Well done Finn!

Community Partnership

I'm pleased to update you on our continuing Community Partnership between our school and Toronto Men's Shed.  The children have really enjoyed the hands on approach to building and decorating their nesting boxes.  We were excited to welcome our friends from the Men's Shed to address the assembly on the great success of our project.  Other stages will have the opportunity to engage with our community next term in similar projects.  Watch this space for more information.

Regards,

Courtney Porter

Assistant Principal

First Holy Communion

Congratulations to the students who celebrated their First Holy Communion on Sunday 11th June.

Imogen, Airlie, Grace, Matilda, Ruby, Imogen, Hayden, Darcy, Mason, Thomas, Toby with Father Greg Barker

It was lovely to spend some extra time with you in the weeks leading up to your First Holy Communion, helping to guide you on this part of your faith journey, with Christopher (Parish Leader). It was also lovely listening to your insights and thoughts around the Sacrament of Communion during these sessions.

First Holy Communion is celebrated after the completion of both Confirmation and Reconciliation, usually when the child is at least eight years or older. First Holy Communion completes a person's journey into full communion with the Catholic Church and is the high point of our faith.

Thank you also to our school P&F, for gifting all of the First Holy Communion children with a Bible, and the parish members who made some delicious cakes for the occasion!

It means a lot to know that the children are supported on their faith journey by our whole community!

Mini Vinnies Leader Update

On Friday the 16th of June, the five Mini Vinnies leaders and three of our year 6 members went to the Kilpatrick Court nursing home. When we first arrive, we are always a bit nervous, but it's great fun and the residents love it when we visit.
We played balloon tennis, which is definitely my favourite, and a ball rolling game. It was fun having the residents trying to reach the balloons with their hands or a tennis racket and laughing and enjoying themselves. One of the residents, George and I had a competitive rally in balloon tennis!

The ball rolling game was fun too, the residents had to roll a ball along a table and see which arch they can get their ball to go through. Eva, one of the residents, was amazing in that game, getting six 6's in a row, but Arthur won because he threw the whole bowl of balls across the table and he got a high score!

I think we help the residents feel really happy because they don't receive visits often, especially from kids. This was our second visit and we all love going and can't wait to go again!

By Mia Redwin, Mini Vinnies leader

Term 2 dates for the calendar:

• Friday 30th June: NAIDOC Liturgy in the Hall at 9:15am

Term 3 dates for the calendar:
• Tuesday 25th July: 100 Days of Kinder and Grandparents Liturgy in the Hall at 12pm
• Tuesday 8th August: Feast of Mary of the Cross Mackillop Mass in the Church at 9am

Blessings,

Taylor James

RE Co-ordinator

Parents, caregivers and extended family members are invited to join us for our NAIDOC WEEK Liturgy that will be held in the Hall

9:15 am on Friday 30^th June 2023

As you may be aware, the theme for NAIDOC WEEK in 2023 is “ For Our Elders”. 

In addition to our Liturgy, our SJKB NAIDOC Week Community Radio Station will be broadcasting within a 2 KM radius of our school, each morning and afternoon during Week 10. Tune in to 90.0FM in your car to listen to our students share their learning and culture. 

Dear Everyone, 

With the holidays almost upon us, I thought it would be interesting to equip us with information about our own country's uniqueness (in case you're traveling overseas). 

The last point made me chuckle! 

 Happy reading!

• Greetings are usually informal in social settings.
• First names are almost always used during initial introductions.
• A handshake is the common greeting between strangers. Shaking with a firm hand and eye contact reflects confidence.
• If you are a newcomer, take the initiative to introduce yourself. Depending on the situation, your Australian counterpart may expect you to do it yourself as opposed to introducing you to others.
• It is sometimes assumed that people will get to know each other as they mingle in a social setting. In this context, an introduction is not always necessary and handshaking can seem forced and awkward.
• Different physical greetings depend on one’s sense of another person’s comfort level.
• When greeting each other, close friends may hug, back-slap or kiss one another on the cheek, while others may simply offer a nod.
• Women generally tend to be more physically affectionate during greetings.
• The most common verbal greeting is a simple “Hey”, “Hello”, or “Hi”. 
• Some people may use Australian slang and say “G’day” or “G’day mate”. However, this is less common in cities.
• Many Australians greet by saying “Hey, how are you?”. This is usually spoken as a simple greeting, and is not an actual inquiry about your wellbeing. The common response is “I’m good, thanks. How are you?” or "Yeah, not bad." Giving an answer that is deeply personal, long-winded, or less positive to someone you are meeting for the first time (or do not know well) can make them uncomfortable.

Dionne Mitchell

EALD Teacher

Library News

This week we have enjoyed participating in activities to get ready for NAIDOC Week in Library lessons. Infant students have participated in a colouring competition and primary students have written some fantastic poetry about respecting culture.

St Joseph’s has a wonderful collection of books that we encourage all students to borrow.

The Library is open during lunch times on Wednesday – Friday and the children love coming in to enjoy books, chess, games and writing or drawing. It is a great social activity for them and it’s lovely to watch them interact with each other and enjoy creating. Students are also able to borrow during lunchtimes on these days.

Library borrowing occurs weekly for students. 

Students are able to keep the books for two weeks, although most return them for new ones each week.  If students would like to keep books for longer than 2 weeks, we ask that they bring them to the Library to "renew" the borrowing record in our system.

Infants (K-2) borrowing day is Monday.
Primary (3-6) borrowing is Tuesdays.

PRC

The Premier’s Reading Challenge is an initiative by the NSW Government that encourages a love of reading in students from Kinder to Year 9. It is not a competition but a challenge to each student to read widely and enjoy reading. Students are each given an individual username and password to log onto the PRC website. There they can add the PRC books they have read to their reading record. Students who complete the challenge will have their names displayed in the library and the newsletter. At the end of the year they will receive a certificate to show their achievement. At St Joey’s we also like to celebrate with a Pizza Party for those students that complete the challenge in term four. The challenge continues until 18th August.

The PRC Website can be found here:

Kinder: Madeline R, Halle C, Alice D, Patrick K

Year 1: Leighton E, Eloisa D, Evie M, Charlie W.

Year 3: Xavier Q, Ike B.

Year 4: Lincoln E, Ruby M, Martine S.

Year 5: Vincent C.

Sora

St Joseph’s has a subscription to SORA. Sora is an eBook and audio book Library. As part of the Australian Catholic Education Network (ACEN) member collection, your child can access eBooks and audio books through the Maitland Newcastle Diocese.
All you need to do is to download the SORA app or go to the website and sign in through the
ACEN membership, then you and your child can enjoy some terrific books on your devices at home.

One of the great features of SORA is the inclusion of a Premier Reading Challenge book section. Graphic novels, Fiction and Non-Fiction books are also available.

Log in and explore today.

I am very blessed to have some wonderful helpers in the library. Our Library monitors volunteer at lunchtimes to help organise resources, put books away and keep the Library neat and tidy. THANK YOU to those students.

If you have any questions about anything in the Library, feel free to send me an email.

Happy reading,

Leah Hannan

Teacher Librarian and ER Teacher

leah.hannan@mn.catholic.edu.au 

The slushie machine has been repaired, so slushies are back!  A slight price rise to $2.50 was as all ingredient prices have risen.  We also have Nippy's frozen cups (kids call them Ice Crushers) - still great value at $1.00.

The supply of hash browns has finally improved and they are back on the menu!  Feel free to order them.

Warm Milo is also available this term and next - order on Qkr or send cash for your child to purchase over the counter $2.00.

Here is the latest menu for your reference.  Please send any questions to admin@kilabenbay.catholic.edu.au or call the school office on 4959 1355

Unfortunately, due to increases in supply prices, there will be a very slight increase in the price of some hot food items.  These will be advised early next term and a new menu will be distributed.

Some reminders:

Pre-ordered frozen beverages

Supply Changes

Please note that vegemite scrolls are no longer available and bacon and cheese rolls continue to be available for the moment.

Lunch Order Issues

Volunteer Roster

Every helper is so appreciated and we extend our sincere thanks to our wonderful regulars, together with the new volunteers who are just starting out.  Although a couple of new people have registered (big thanks!), we will need more people.  As with any volunteer position at school you must be registered.

If you are able to offer help, please send an email to admin@kilabenbay.catholic.edu.au and Margaret Livingstone or Susie Doran will help with your volunteer registration.   

See the Roster below.  Thank you to our wonderful volunteers!  Your children would not benefit from all the canteen has to offer without you!!

If you are unable to make it on your rostered day, please either text Tracey or

Week 10

Wednesday 28.6.23 - Michelle Cherniyaeff

Thursday 29.8.23 - Yasmin Every-Burns

Friday 30.6.23 - Jenna Lorriman, Emma Douglas

Term 3

Week 1

Wed 19.7.23 - Michelle Cherniayeff, Cal Couglas

Thur 20.7.23 - Tanya Bower, Elise Fitzpatrick

Fri 21.7.23 - Sarah Morris, Cheryl Henriques

Week 2

Wed 26.7.23 - Suzanne Golsby

Thur 27.7.23 - Merryn Compton, Andrew Edwards

Fri 28.7.23. - Sheree Williams, Ewelina Bursa

Week 3

Wed 2.8.23 - Ruth Blyton

Thur 3.8.23 - Yasmin Every-Burns, Nicole Davison

Fri 4.8.23 - Jenna Lorriman, Emma Douglas

Week 4

Wed 9.8.23. - Michelle Cherniayeff

Thur 10.8.23 - Maryanne Cartwright, Lyn Moseley

Fri 11.8.23 - Jenny O'Reilly, Kylie Wilkinson, Emily Sault

Week 5

Wed 16.8.23 - Aleisha Quinn, Helen Edwards

Thur 17.8.23 - Tania Bower, Elise Fitzpatrick

Fri 18.8.23 - Sarah Morris, Cheryl Henriques

Week 6

Wed 23.8.23 - Michelle Cherniayeff

Thur 24.8.23 - Merryn Compton

Fri 25.8.23 - Sheree Williams, Ewelina Bursa

Week 7

Wed 30.8.23 - Suzanne Golsby, Cal Couglas

Thur 31.8.23 - Yasmin Every-Burns

Fri 1.9.23 - Jacqueline Hanson, Stefanie King, Emily Sault

Week 8

Wed 6.9.23 - Ruth Blyton

Thur 7.9.23 - Maryanne Cartwright, Lyn Moseley

Fri 8.9.23 - Jenna Lorriman, Emma Douglas

Week 9

Wed 13.9.23 - Michelle Cherniayeff

Thur 14.9.23 - Nicole Davison, Andrew Edwards

Fri 15.9.23 - Sarah Morris, Cheryl Henriques

Week 10

Wed 20.9.23 - Michelle Cherniayeff

Thur 21.9.23 - Merryn Compton, Jade Davison

Fri 22.9.23 - Sheree Williams, Ewelina Bursa

Over the Counter Sales / Recess Qkr ordering

Some healthy snack items are available for pre-order and payment on Qkr for Recess.

If you would like your child to have a recess snack, please place a comment in the "note to staff" section when selecting your item.

Thank you

Margaret Livingstone

and Tracey Ryan-Ward

How to Order

We have been blown away by the number of orders being received through the link placed on our informal parent Facebook page.  If you don't know about the group, you are welcome to send us an email and we can point you in the right direction.

A general link that is not Facebook related will be available shortly.  If you are desperate to order in the meantime, you can send an email to the school admin@kilabenbay.catholic.edu.au and your message will be forwarded to the PLUS volunteers.  Note that the admin staff are not able to leave the office to fill orders.

PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR CHILD'S NAME AND CLASS in the message as our volunteers do not have access to the different family surnames to make connections to students - therefore use your child's name first, then your name, especially if different surname.  Payment is via the Qkr! app. 

Thank you!

THE PLUS TEAM

The children continue to enjoy their guitar lessons so if you would like your child to learn guitar:  We have a guitar group here at St Joseph's where children receive tuition from professional teachers at school.  For more information, please contact Ricky direct on 0407 534 944:

An updated paper Term Planner will be sent home next week for your reference for next term - some dates are still being finalised so apologies again for the delay.

However, please continue to check your Compass app for daily information shown in orange in the calendar section.