Dear Parents,
What a great term we have had. I have been very proud of the all the students and their achievements both in and out of the classroom. One of the highlights of the Term has been seeing our re-formed choir perform and win at the Abermain Eisteddfod. Going into the holidays I have included some things in the principal’s news to think about over the course of the break.

Referendum

We all know that the country will be undertaking a referendum on the 14th October. This referendum is for the country to decide if we will alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. We will be voting with either a Yes or a No as to whether we agree the following statement should be added to the constitution.

129 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice

In recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia:
I. there shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice;
II. the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to the Parliament and the Executive Government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
III. the Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures.

I am not going to try and persuade you to vote one way or the other. I am going to encourage you to make your vote count. The idea of a democratic vote is one way a modern society ensures people who are effected get a say in the decision. This understanding is one of the pillars of Catholic Social Teaching, called subsidiarity, so please exercise you right to vote effectively.
To exercise your right to vote effectively, you need to ensure you educate yourself about both sides of the argument and the different opinions that exist with the Yes vote and within the No vote. As Catholics it is our responsibility to vote with an informed moral conscience.
The most important aspect of the lead up to the vote is to ensure we honour the dignity of each person. This means listening to people with respect and not attacking them just because they have a different opinion. History will look back and judge our generation, not on the decision that is achieved in the referendum, but the manner in which we engaged in debate regarding the vote. If we can maintain dignity of all regardless of the outcome we will move forward as an Australian community and be better for the debate we had.

(Parts of the first paragraph and the wording of the amendment that is being voted on have been copied directly from the AEC website)

Australian Electoral Commission (aec.gov.au)

Afternoon Pickup

During the holidays, parking signs will be installed around the site with particular attention to the bus bay and surrounding areas. These will be Bus Zone and No Stopping Signs. Please always obey the traffic rules. When the job has been completed, I will take pictures and inform the community of the changes in our traffic management system. I am looking to return to the Kiss and Drop style of pick up as soon as I can, as this was the preferred option when the whole school vote was administered earlier this year.

2024 Classes

Take care, go gently and celebrate often.

Brad Fuller

Principal

Updating Information and Health Care Plans

Please ensure that any Asthma plans, Anaphylaxis plans or medical plans are updated and signed off by the GP and are returned to the school as soon as possible. In the case of an emergency, we need to have access to the most accurate and up to date information. Please also ensure that any changes to addresses, phone numbers, emergency contacts or court orders are provided to the office. Your cooperation with this is really appreciated.

Toronto Mens Shed

This term students involved in the Men Shed Groups made pencil cases! They look amazing! The volunteers from Toronto Men’s Shed have helped teach the students how to use tools needed to make the project and the kids love learning from them! These students give up their lunch play each Tuesday to develop these skills as well as dabbling in some cooking and gardening. Next term, a new group of students will be invited to participate. Thank you very much to the amazing volunteers at Toronto men’s Shed! You’re awesome!
This week we celebrated the student’s success with a picnic walk to the Lake. Thank you, Mr Hession and Mel, for always being an incredible support to these groups!

Learning Support

Next term, I return to my classroom teaching position on 3/4M. To all our learning support families, thankyou for your patience as I have navigated my way around the Learning Support Teacher role. I have learned that it is a very rewarding and fulfilling role. As a parent of a child with a disability, it has reminded me about the importance of advocacy, reinforced the need for inclusion and right for education. I have thoroughly enjoyed responding to intervention needs and getting to know students from other classes even more closely.
Next term Courtney Albury will start as our Learning Support Teacher, and I will support her as she transitions to this role.

Volunteers

We want you!

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at our school, please follow the instructions on the link below:

https://www.mn.catholic.org.au/people/volunteer/

If you have been a volunteer in the past and your WWCC has expired, you can renew it for free at Service NSW.
Once you have been cleared, you will need to come in for a site induction. Please contact me or admin if you would like to complete this process. We appreciate you all so much!

Our Term 4 Site induction dates are:
Tuesday October 24th 8.45am
Monday November 6th 2pm

Please RSVP your attendance to courtney.porter@mn.catholic.edu.au  or admin@kilabenbay.catholic.edu.au .

Regards,

Courtney Porter

Assistant Principal

Confirmation

Congratulations to Shelley Daley, Darby Douglas, Maddison Gwynne, Archie Lorriman, Poppy Lorriman and Callum Renyolds, who made their Confirmation on 7th September. Bishop Michael Kennedy presided over Mass, with Father John and Father Anthony also there to celebrate mass with us.

The sacramental program is a very important part of a student’s faith journey as a Catholic. Confirmation is the sacrament which seals our baptism promise before we take the final step in becoming a full member of the Catholic Church – sharing in Holy Communion for the first time.
For further information on how your child could be a part of the Church’s sacramental program, please contact our Parish Leader  christopher.voigt@mn.catholic.org.au .

Mini Vinnies - Kilpatrick Visit 

Socktober

Next term we will be raising money for Catholic Mission’s Socktober, to help support better health and education outcomes for children in Timor-Leste.
In the lead up to this, CSO Maitland-Newcastle have a raffle that will be drawn at the diocesan Socktober launch event held on the 10th October.

Prizes include a corporate box at a Newcastle Jets games and dinner for two at Rustica. Scan the QR Code on the attached poster, then click on ‘sponsor us’. Every $10 sponsorship will give you an entry in the raffle to win!

There is also a raffle for the students to win a signed Jets jersey and soccer balls. We have been selling these tickets at school during the last couple of weeks of term and will continue to sell them on the first day back at school.

Students can buy tickets from the sports captains at lunchtime. 50c for 1 ticket or 3 tickets for $1.
All money raised will go to Catholic Mission.

Mercy Day - Catherine McAuley - 24th September

As part of Mercy Week this week, I had the privilege of visiting all of the classes in the school on the 19th September. Mercy Week (18 – 24 September), is an annual opportunity to acknowledge the inspiring work of Catherine McAuley, foundress of the Sisters of Mercy.
In class we discussed Catherine McAuley’s life, how the Sisters of Mercy have a connection to our school and how the Pillars of Mercy (Compassion, Justice, Respect, Hospitality, Service, Courage) relate to our everyday lives and interactions with others.

About Catherine McAuley

Catherine McAuley was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1778. In 1824 she used her inheritance, from an Irish couple she had served for twenty years, to build a large House of Mercy, where she and other lay women would shelter homeless women, reach out to the sick and dying and educate poor girls. The House on Baggot Street opened in 1827. To give these efforts greater stability, Catherine and her co-workers founded a new religious congregation. On 12th December 1831, she and two others professed their vows as the first Sisters of Mercy. Before her death on 11 November 1841, Catherine founded convents and works of mercy throughout Ireland and England.

Our School Connection to the Sisters of Mercy

Our school is unique in the fact that it has been run by both the Sisters of St Joseph and  the Sisters of Mercy.

1950                             St Joseph’s Primary School was first opened by the Brown Sisters of St Joseph in Carey Street, Toronto.

1950 – 1956             The Brown Sisters of St Joseph staffed our school for 6 years.

1956-1973                The Sisters of Mercy staffed the school for 17 years.

1973 – 1983             The Black Sisters of St Joseph staffed our school for 10 years.

1984                             St Joseph’s was closed in Carey Street, Toronto and relocated to the present position in Kilaben Bay.

1984 – present       Lay teachers began to staff and continue to teach at St Joseph’s Primary School, Kilaben Bay.

As a result, both the Josephite Sisters and Mercy Sisters had long standing appointments to run our school, which is why they are both uniquely important to our school.

Living our SJKB Values

One of our school values is to ‘Keep out environment clean and tidy’ and Eddy Harvison, from Stage 2 and our Mini Vinnies Team, is a big advocate in our school for this. During Term 3, he has discussed keeping the environment clean with students at assembly and hung posters around the school as a reminder. On Tuesday this week, Eddy helped me lead a group of Stage 1 students on a cleanup around our school at lunch time. Armed with tongs, gloves and buckets, we faced the hot day with a mission to make sure we live out this school value of keeping our school environment and gardens clean and tidy.
Thank you to Eddy and the Stage 1 students who carried out this act of service!

Term Break

Wishing everyone a safe and happy term break! 

During these holidays I will be travelling to Israel and Jordan. To explore the spiritual underpinnings of the Holy Land, including how geography, history and culture have shaped individual and theological understandings. I can’t wait to deepen my understanding of my own personal faith journey and be able to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. I am looking forward to seeing the location of many of the teachings from the Bible, to capture in my heart and mind forever. During this pilgrimage, run as a diocesan formation opportuning through the CSO, I will visit many scared sites in places like Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Jericho, Bethany, Sea of Galilee, Nazareth and the Dead Sea.
I am looking forward to sharing my photos and experiences with student when we all return to school in Term 4.

Blessings,

Taylor James

RE Co-ordinator

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

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 Mondays.
Primary (3-6) borrowing is Tuesdays.

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.

Many parents and carers often wonder if a book is appropriate for their child. A great resource to help with this is Common Sense Media . This website

allows parents/carers to search books, games, apps, movies and websites to view whether it is age appropriate and what its content contains.

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.

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 

A conversation could change a life.
Do you know how the people in your world are really going?

R U OK? inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with the people around them and start a conversation with those in their world who may be struggling with life.

You don't need to be an expert to reach out - just a good friend and a great listener. Use these four steps and have a conversation that could change a life:

1. Ask R U OK?
2. Listen
3. Encourage action
4. Check in

R U OK? Day 2023 was Thursday 14 September and is our National Day of Action when we remind Australians that every day is the day to ask, 'are you OK?' and start a meaningful conversation whenever they spot the signs that someone, they care about might be struggling with life.

Now could be a great time to ask your child “Are you OK?” and to support them if they are struggling.
As you know having a meaningful conversation with children or teenagers can sometimes be a bit tricky that’s why Reach Out Australia has created resources to help parents help their young people.

Find out how you can effectively communicate with your child and some practical things to try to engage your child in a meaningful conversation.

HOW TO BE A GOOD FRIEND AND ASK ARE YOU OK?

Whilst children cannot be expected to fix someone’s problems, they can be encouraged to listen to what their friend is saying, show they care and tell a teacher, school counsellor, pastoral care worker or trusted adult if they are worried about their friend. This video shows them how to do that.

https://youtu.be/KEKhTSagJ3I

More R U Ok? Day resources can be found at  www.ruok.org.au 

Mel Dobosz

Pastoral Care Worker

Netball Gala Day

Last Thursday stage three students participated in a netball gala day at Charlestown Netball Courts. We had to be at school by 7:45 am, and our bus left at 8:00 am. We went there on a double decker bus which was very exciting!! It was a lot of fun seeing the cars down below.

When we arrived, the teachers set up the gazebos and got the students to put some sunscreen on and have a quick snack before our first game.

On the day, stage three participated in between three and five netball games. We had six teams, and each team had one or two team managers. The team managers organised the positions and helped the teachers get to and from the courts smoothly. Every student participated in some way and showed amazing sportsmanship. We had no major injuries and we all played our games in the right spirit. Everyone was hot but very proud of our efforts.

We were all exhausted after all the effort we had put into our games. Overall, it was a great day and we are super proud of everyone involved.

By Charlotte Every-Burns, Evanna Starkey, Ruby Fitzpatrick and Sophie Morris. (Sports Captains)

Representative Sport

There are some summer sport representative opportunities early in Term 4.
If your child is registered with a local tennis competition and competent to umpire their own games, they may like to trial for the Lakes Region Tennis Trials which will be held at:
Mount Hutton Tennis Courts. Dunkley Parade, Mount Hutton, NSW, 2290
Friday 27th October 2023 (9.00am – 11.00am approx.)
Also
The 2023 Lakes Regional Basketball Trial will be held on:
Monday 6th November at the Josephite Centre at St Paul's, Gateshead.
Again, students must be registered with a local association, and preferable identified in a representative squad.
Both of these trials are for Year 5 and 6 students only.

Anne Neems
Primary Coordinator / 3/4 Blue Teacher
St Joseph's Primary School
Kilaben Bay

Students participating in the Childrens' University must finalise their hours by Monday 9/10/23. Passports must be brought to Mrs Neems on Tuesday 10/10/23 and left with her so she can upload all the hours into the spreadsheet. Passports will be returned later in the week.
Graduation gown fitting will be conducted on Monday 23/10/23. Graduation Day is Tuesday 21st November at 4pm. A bus will be provided to transport the children to the Graduation from school.

Anne Neems
Primary Coordinator / 3/4 Blue Teacher
St Joseph's Primary School
Kilaben Bay

Slushies are back!  At $2.50 they are a great way to cool down.  We also have Nippy's frozen cups (kids call them Ice Crushers) - still great value at $1.00.

Unfortunately, due to increases in supply prices, there has been a very slight increase in the price of some hot food items.  

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

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 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 call the school office.

Term 4

Week 1

Wed 11.10.23 - Michelle Cherniayeff

Thur 12.10.23 - Maryanne Cartwright, Lyn Moseley

Fri 13.10.23 - Sarah Morris, Cheryl Henriques

Week 2

Wed 18.10.23 - Ruth Blyton

Thur 19.10.23 - Nicole Davison, Andrew Edwards

Fri 20.10.23 - Jenna Lorriman, Ewelina Bursa

Week 3

Wed 25.10.23 - Michelle Cherniayeff

Thur 26.10.23 - Jade Davison, Merryn Compton

Fri 27.10.23 - Sheree Williams

Week 4

Wed 1.11.23 - Cal Douglas/Emma Douglas

Thur 2.11.23 - Tania Bower, Elise Fitzpatrick

Fri 3.11.23 - Sarah Morris, Cheryl Henriques

Week 5

Wed 8.11.23 - Michelle Cherniayeff

Thur 9.11.23 - Yasmin Every Burns

Fri 10.11.23 - Jacqueline Hansen, Emily Sault

Week 6

Wed 15.11.23 - Michelle Cherniayeff

Thur 16.11.23 - Maryanne Cartwright, Lyn Moseley

Fri 17.11.23 - Jenna Lorriman, Ewelina Bursa

Week 7

Wed 22.11.23 - Michelle Cherniayeff

Thur 23.11.23 -Jade Davison, Merryn Compton

Fri 24.11.23 - Jenny O'Reilly, Stefanie King

Week 8

Wed 29.11.23 - Alesha Quinn, Helen Edwards

Thur 30.11.23 - Tania Bower, Elise Fitzpatrick

Fri 1.12.23 - Sheree Williams, Emily Sault, Kylie Wilkinson

Week 9

Wed 6.12.23 - Michelle Cherniayeff, Emma Douglas/Cal

Thur 7.12.23 - Yasmin Every Burns, Andrew Edwards

Fri 8.12.23 - Sarah Morris, Cheryl Henriques

Week 10

Wed 13.12.23 - Michelle Cherniayeff, Ruth Byron

Thur 14.12.23 - Nicole Davison, Help Needed

Fri 15.12.23 - Jenna Lorriman, 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

Tracey Ryan-Ward and Susie Doran

How to Order

Thanks to everyone who has placed orders via the link for second hand school items (link below)

PLUS second hand uniform request

Hats can also be ordered via our system please specify new or used in the comments.

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

Please remember to NAME all clothing, especially jackets.

Lost property goes into the cupboard near the door to the playground in the Admin building, check here and also with your child's teacher. If the item is named it will come back to you straight away.

Some items that might be a bit more precious get handed into the office. We will put a photo of the latest goodies in the newsletter each fortnight, please send an email to admin@kilabenbay.catholic.edu.au if you recognise something and we will return it to the owner.

Thanks

Susie Doran

School Office

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: