Dear parents and carers

It has been an incredible beginning to the year.  I would like to say first of all that our thoughts and prayers are with all families affected by the recent flooding disaster and especially the families within our school community.  You would be aware that we have had a massive wave of support from families wanting to assist with anything that those affected need.  We have food, clothes, uniforms, water cleaning supplies and an army of volunteers.  It is hard sometimes to ask for help when you are not sure what you need.  Let me assure you that our community has offered assistance in any form and you only need ask or let us know that you need support.  We understand that some families will need ongoing support for some time, so please stay in touch with us as we move into the term.

I cannot thank enough our P&F and the many volunteers this week that have reached out and provided support for families.  From calling people to see what they need to cooking meals, distributing care packages and providing support wherever needed, it has been nothing short of amazing.  Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for our community.

I would like also to thank our amazing staff who have provided support for students, assisted with drop off in pick ups in torrential rain, have been incredibly flexible with everything over the last week and have given freely of themselves to get our school back to normal as soon as possible.  To the amazing Arlene Curley who has not only operated tuckshop this week, but coordinated volunteers, arranged food packs and catered meals, our deepest thanks. 

Obviously there have had to be some changes to scheduled activities such as parent information nights, swimming etc.  As soon as possible we will set new dates for these and get details out to families.

You would have seen from our Facebook page that tomorrow and Sunday we are offering care for students from 8am – 4pm for families affected by flooding, to allow adults to clean or work on homes.  For more details please check our Facebook page.

Once again an enormous thank you to our community for your generosity and support. 

Kind regards

Tim

What a challenging and trying start we have had to the new year.  In the midst of all the devastation caused by the recent weather, we have witnessed our school community pull together in an absolutely phenomenal way to support each other.  It has been wonderful to watch and shows the true essence of what it means to be part of a Catholic school community.  

To all those families who are suffering at the moment you are in our thoughts and prayers and please remember that as a school community we are here for anything that you need. 

Gracious God, we pray for all members of our St Joseph's family who are suffering. Grant them encouragement, strength, fortitude, patience and insight as they struggle with their many losses — material, physical, emotional, and personal — and begin to pick up the pieces and create a new future for themselves and their families.  Be for them a beacon of unwavering hope and confidence that there can and will be a better day. Surround them with your love and the love and compassion of others that they might be sustained in this time of trouble.  We ask this prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

There are also a number of families in our school community who are feeling the impact of either the loss or the failing health of loved ones. I would ask you to please keep them in your prayers, especially the Hennessy and Roberts families.

Sacramental Program 2019

If your child is in Year 4 or above this year and you wish for them to participate in the Sacramental program, please see the information below.  If you have any questions regarding the program please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Take care 

God Bless

Amanda

Swimming@Joey’s

We have an exciting time ahead for swimming. It begins with lessons (Years 4-6) and our annual carnival (8 – 12 Years). The Swimming Carnival program can be found here.

Carnival

Who: Students turning 8 years - 12 years in 2019 (Year 2’s turning 8 this year are invited and encouraged to attend)

Prep to Year 2’s (not involved in the carnival) will have ‘Wet Day’ activities @ The Water Park. Information to follow.

When: Friday 22 February (9.00am - 12.00 noon approx)

Where: Tobruk Pool

What: Annual Swimming Carnival (Freestyle & Relay Events - including parent, staff, student relay).

If any parents are able to assist, it would be greatly appreciated. The success of the carnival is reliant on parental support. Please advise the office or email Anthony Meekin (ameekin@sjnwtsv.catholic.edu.au) if you are able to assist with one of the jobs listed below. Parents are encouraged to walk to the carnival from St Joey’s at 8.30am if able.

This year parents/caregivers are not needed to sign a permission note for events where students leave the school grounds, as permission has been granted when signing section #26 (Student Enrolment Application). Information regarding all events will be communicated to parents/caregivers in advance and if a student is unable to participate the school needs to be notified.

Lessons (Year 4-6)

As part of our schools HPE program, the students in Years 4-6 will begin swimming lessons this term. Lessons will be conducted with qualified instructors at Tobruk Pool every Friday, commencing next Friday 15/2 (Week 3) and concluding Friday 22/3 (Week 8). Our St Joey's Swimming Carnival will be held on Friday 22 February (Week 4). Classes will walk to their lessons each week and parents are needed to assist with the supervised walk. If you are able to help, please contact your child's classroom teacher. The cost of the lessons will be added to Term 1 school fees. Please note that the lessons are Sunsafe and sun shirts are required.

Volunteers Needed:

7.00am - Set Up (Tobruk), Judges, Marshalling, Caps (for each House),

12.00 - Pack-up

Help Needed

If anyone has a ute/trailer and is able to assist in transporting our new Joey's tents to Tobruk Pool on Thursday 21st February (after school), please contact Anthony Meekin (ameekin@sjnwtsv.catholic.edu.au).

Prep to Year 2 Wet Play Day

Our St Joseph's Wet Play Day for Prep to Year 2 (those not attending the carnival) is Friday 22nd February at The Strand, Waterpark.

All students must wear sunsafe swimming clothing and may wear easy to slip on shoes to walk to and from the Waterpark (but must have their closed in shoes for school). They are to wear their full school uniform before and after the Waterpark visit. Parents are more than welcome and encouraged to assist in walking to the Waterpark.

Times:

Prep - 9.00am- 9.40am 

Year 1 - 9.40am- 10.20am 

Year 2 - 11.00am - 11.40am

Tuckshop 

Due to our Joey's Swimming Carnival and Wet Play Day (Friday 22nd February), our tuckshop will not be operating at first break. It will be open as normal for second break. 

Library Matters

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

Welcome to our library to both past and new parents. As Teacher Librarian in your school I’m here to foster your child’s reading journey.  My aim is to connect your children to books and reading for pleasure as a life long journey. Part of my program is to encourage your child to borrow and read regularly. 

The following is your child’s designated borrowing day.  Please ensure they have a library bag.

Library Borrowing days:

Library email: Once a term you will receive an email to see what books your child has out. If they have books out this is good news.  The email subject automatically says’ current and overdue books’.  Do not panic as children are allowed to have books for two weeks if they need.

Book Club:  2-3 times a year children will have the opportunity to buy books for their home library. This can be done online or you can use pocket money and pay with cash.  The first time you order books online you will have to set up your child’s details. Please ensure you put your child into the correct class.

Author Visit:  During the year, we endeavor to invite an author to our school to talk to children about the craft of writing and publishing books.  Children get to talk to the authors and ask questions during the workshops.

Junior Librarians: Each year I give an opportunity for students in Years 4- 6 to apply to be a junior librarian.  Their role is to assist teachers with looking after books in the classroom, to assist their peers with borrowing and shelving and to run lunch time activities.  Each class will have 2 students employed in this position.  Applications are open until next week.

Library Levy:  Thanks to all parents who have contributed to this levy in the past.  These funds keep our library well stocked with the latest books to entice your children into reading.  Children are welcome to request books, which, if suitable, will be purchased for our library.

Before school:  Children and parents can pop in before school every Friday to read or borrow.    

Blogspot: Check out my library blog.  Here I put latest books released and articles about reading which may be of interest, competition links, etc.

Search our library:  A link can be found on the school home page under students. When they log into the student intranet they will find a library link.

Has your child had their serve of reading aloud today?

Happy Reading

Belinda Walker (Teacher Librarian)