Dear Parents and Carers

As you would be aware the P&F plays a vital role in building community, supporting our students and assisting with the future direction of our school.  Over the past few months we have, unfortunately, had some positions on the executive committee vacated.  In order for the P&F to continue the valuable work it undertakes in our school we do need to fill these positions in order to remain viable.  If we cannot, then we will need to look at an alternative structure.

We are currently looking to fill 2 possibly 3 positions on the committee.  There are 2 scheduled meetings per term and obviously some work behind the scenes involved with the positions.  If you would like to know more about the positions or feel like you may like to take on a position, I would ask that you contact me as soon as possible.  We have a meeting scheduled for next Tuesday evening the 1st of June at 6pm.  

The P&F is integral to our school community and I would be very grateful if you would consider your involvement in this committee.

If you would like to contact me please call in to the office, call the school or email me at tham4@sjnwtsv.catholic.edu.au.  

Have a great week.

Tim

200 Years of Catholic Education

Catholic Education is celebrating 200 years in Australia, marking the bicentenary of the first Catholic school established in Parramatta in October 1820.  Over 200 years, Catholic schools have grown to become the largest provider of schooling in Australia (outside government) with one in five school-age students attending a Catholic school.  Nearly 40 percent of Catholic schools are located outside of metropolitan cities in regional, rural and remote communities.

A National Mass was celebrated in states and dioceses on the Feast of Our Lady Help of Christians on Monday, 24 May 2021.  Our School Captains attended the Mass at the Sacred Heart Cathedral. 

As a school, we celebrated this extraordinary milestone with a whole school liturgy on Wednesday. 

As part of our 200 Years of Catholic Education, we unveiled our Mercy Cross. 

Each class was invited to contribute to the making of the cross around the themes of school, location and environment, technology, and connection to our indigenous history. Parents and families are invited to contribute to the Mercy Cross as a part of our Beachathon event. 

National Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation Week is held from 27 May to 3 June each year.   It is a time to celebrate and build on the respectful relationships shared by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians.  National Reconciliation Week is about joining the reconciliation conversation and reflecting on our shared histories, contributions and achievements.  Read more at the National Reconciliation Week website at https://nrw.reconciliation.org.au/ 

As a school, we came together to recognise Reconciliation Week and reflect upon this year's theme; More than a Word. Reconciliation Takes Action. We are called to take our awareness and knowledge about injustice towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and use it to bring about brave action.

Hope all have a wonderful week,

Trina 

SEMESTER REPORTING

Presently teachers are gathering information to assist with writing your child's Semester One Report.  The overall grade assigned for a Learning Area is based on a range of activities and assessments throughout the semester.  For each assessment task, teachers use a guide to ensure consistency and alignment with the Australian Curriculum. 

These guides from a range of tasks, assist teachers to gather all data to make an on-balance judgement; an 'overall grade' for the Learning Area.  

Achievement Scales

For students in Years 2 to 6, the achievement for each Learning Area is reported using the following grades: A, B, C, D, E.   The 'C' standard is the expected standard against the Australian Curriculum.

For students in Prep and Year 1, the achievement for each Learning Area is reported using the following grades: Applying (AP), Making Connections (MC), Working With (WW), Exploring (EX), Becoming Aware (BA).  'Working With' is the expected standard against the Australian Curriculum.

Reports will be published via Compass on Friday 25th June.  You will need your Compass username and password to access these reports.  Please see the office if you do not have this information. 

The below explanation will appear on your child's report to explain the overall grades awarded.

Your child's effort with each learning area will also appear on the report.

This week, Year Six students share the wonderful learning happening wihthin their year level. 

Congratulations Year Six for showing great leadership to the younger students and pride in your learning. 

http://readiscover1.blogspot.com.au/

Readers are leaders: More Year 1s have received their borrowing certificates.  If we make borrowing a regular practice hopefully there will be time to read them too. Congratulations to these students.

Book Club: Book club is out. Reading is a great workout.  It increases knowledge and vocabulary by 50% and lowers stress by 68%. All students must have their orders done by Wednesday June 3^rd.  Online orders are preferable.

National Simultaneous Story time colouring competition: We had some wonderful entries as you can see from our 4 winners.  Remi and Saddie tied for first and Joy and Allison tied for second. Congratulations.  Come and grab your prizes.

Belinda Walker

Teacher Librarian

Lego Masters step aside as Joey's have their own version of ....LOGO MASTERS.

Last week the challenge was set.  A designer was wanted for the "Kids Can" logo.

With over 150 entries and 60 finalists... how could we decide?

The solution was easy ....KIDS CAN decide!

Year 6 Pastoral Leaders set up the hall ready for the voting to begin.  Voters were armed with a piece of lego to place in the corresponding logo's box....but beware security (Yr6) were watching to make sure this was a legitimate vote.

KIDS CAN create.  KIDS CAN design. KIDS CAN decide.

BEACHATHON 2021...KIDS CAN!

KIDS CAN ACTIVITIES - More information coming soon!

Students will host an activity that will see their efforts give back to the community.

Activities will include; a marketplace/stall, art exhibition, pyjama party, karaoke concert and more.

Depending on the activity - parents, families and students from other classes will be invited to attend (a timetable of activities will be distributed to all families soon and displayed on posters around the school).

GIVING BACK

There is no external fundraising for Beachathon this year, alternatively, students will bring a gold coin donation if they attend an activity, or they will be able to purchase goods at the market stalls. 

All monies raised will be donated to the Vinnies Winter Appeal – providing emergency relief through blankets and warm clothing for children experiencing homelessness this winter.  Joey's kids CAN make a difference.

BEACHATHON DAY – JUNE 25

Following the walks along The Strand and Pallarenda, students will return to school to enjoy a sausage sizzle and ice block.

To celebrate the success of the student activities and Joey’s contribution to the Vinnies Winter Appeal, prizes will be drawn from the KIDS “CAN”.

All student names will go into a draw to win prizes, every student will have the chance to win!

PRIZES FOR BEACHATHON DAY

If a family within the school owns their own business and would like to donate a prize/s for Beachathon Day, please email the Beachathon Coordinator at: beachathon@sjnwtsv.catholic.edu.au

All prizes would be gratefully received.  To acknowledge your donation, your company will be promoted in the school newsletter and on our Facebook page.

School Photos will be held on

Tuesday, 8th June and Wednesday, 9th June.

The timetable for class and sibling photos will be emailed to all families next week. 

All welcome to the Andrew Chinn concert on Friday, 4th June at 1:30pm, Michael Putney Hall.