Dear Parents and Carers

With just over a week left to lead us into the Easter break, there is still a great deal to accomplish in a short time.  Unfortunately the rain last night has seen the P&F Meet and Greet rescheduled to Thursday 4th of April (next Thursday).  I am sure it will be a great way to end a busy term.  It has been a massive effort this term from our P&F, and I know on top of this they have already started preparing for Beachathon 2019.  I could not be more appreciative of their incredible efforts and commitment to our school community.  Thank you.

At yesterday's assembly, we officially adopted Senior Police Liason Officer Lepani Pulea or 'Mr P' as he is known.  We welcome Mr P and his involvement with the St Joseph's community.  I am sure our staff and students will make him feel very welcome.  We look forward to future visits from Mr P.

Next Tuesday and Wednesday the 2nd and 3rd of April we will be hosting parent/carer- teacher interviews.  Bookings for these interviews are via the Compass portal.  These interviews are an opportunity for parents and teachers to discuss student progress, their achievements to date and areas for potential growth for the coming semester.  I would encourage all families to make an appointment during these times.

You would have noticed on our Facebook page and through local advertising, that the school has begun to take Prep enrolments for 2020. Last year the school had over 100 applications for limited places in our prep classes. To help us plan for the coming year we are asking all current families with Prep age children to complete their enrolment forms as soon as possible.  This will greatly assist us in finalising the number of places we have to offer new families interested in joining our Joey's community.  If you are aware of any families who may be considering enrolment at St Joseph's, please encourage them to complete their applications.  We already have a number of applications to date with more to come over the coming weeks. 

Have a great week

Tim

Sunday Mass

On Sunday Archbishop Peter Loy Chong from Suva in Fiji presided over Mass.  The Archbishop was here for the Oceania Bishop's Conference.  During his sermon the Archbioshop spoke about the importance of looking after our environment and being aware of the consequences of our actions.  He told the congregation how the rocks in his mother's village are mined and that when the rain comes it washes all the silt into the ocean killing the coral which consequently means the fish either leave or die.  This in turn affects the fishing industry in the village as the villagers are big fish eaters.

Project Compassion

Thank you for all of your support with our fundraising efforts for Project Compassion this year.  

• On Thursday we will be having a free dress day with a gold coin donation to go towards Project Compassion.
• Our last day selling icy cups will be on Wednesday. 
• Could all Project Compassion boxes please be returned to the Office by Wednesday 3rd April.

A special thank you to all of the staff who have helped to make and sell icy cups and to my many student helpers who have carried tubs of icy cups and helped sell them after school.  It is a wonderful group effort and I am incredibly grateful to have such amazing team of helpers.

SJS PEDAGOGICAL FRAMEWORK

Rigour has been a term that is often misunderstood in a classroom context.

Rigour is creating an environment in which each student is expected to learn at high levels, and each is supported to achieve at high levels.

It involves all partners in teaching and learning. Teachers must consider rigour in planning lessons, tasks, and assessment of student learning.

At SJS, rigour involves us striving to always do our very best, giving 100% to every task we are involved with.  

As one the 5Rs of our SJS Pedagogical Framework, we are working to build student capability to recognise and develop the dispositions of academic rigour as part of daily pedagogical practice.

In practice, this involves students learning to be inquisitive, open and fair minded, ready to try new ways of working, and to recognise and be considerate of alternatives.​

Promoting rigour in the classroom requires expectations and experiences that are academically and personally challenging and for teachers and students to set goals for growth.  

Again, a great life-long learning trait that is worth encouraging in all of our students!

Parent Teacher Interviews will be Week 10:

Tuesday, April 2nd, 3.15 - 7.15pm

Wednesday, April 3rd, 3.15 - 7.15pm 

The booking system is open for Parent-Teacher Interviews using Conferences located in the Compass Parent Portal. Bookings will close on Monday April 1st at 12pm. 

Please see details here for Booking Process. 

Rugby League News

Congratulations to Frankie Donovan and Jy Gasa on their recent selection in the Townsville Schools Under 12 Rugby League team. They will trial against Thuringowa and we wish them well on their journey. 

Cross Country Carnival

Our Inter-house Cross Country will be held at Anzac Park (The Strand) Friday 5^th April (Week 10 Term 1) commencing at 9.00am, for children 8yrs -12yrs (this will include all Year 3 students). Students are to arrive at school as normal. Children will walk to Anzac Park and assemble in their house areas.

Children will run in their age groups (8yrs-12yrs). Distances will vary according to age groups, with 8 years running approximately 1km, 9-10 years running 2km and 11-12 years running 3km. The children have begun our ‘Townsville to Cairns Challenge’ to develop some fitness and stamina. Please make sure the children have plenty of water, sunscreen and their broad brimmed school hat.

Children will walk back to school after the carnival and have their morning break. If parents take their children after the carnival, your child’s teacher needs to be informed. Volunteers are needed on the day and if you are able to assist please email Anthony Meekin: ameekin@sjnwtsv.catholic.edu.au

St Joseph’s Inter-house Cross Country

WHO:              8-12 Years (including all Year 3 students)

WHEN:            Friday 20th April, 2018.

WHERE:          Anzac Park.

WHAT TO BRING: Water bottle, hat, sunscreen, sports uniform (house - coloured shirt may be worn).   

* A program of the events is attached.  

Fun Run

Our Prep to Year 2 students will participate in a Joey's Fun Run on our 'Townsville 2 Cairns' course (school oval), commencing at 9.00am. Sport/PE uniform (Years 1-2) is required.

Parents are welcome to attend both of these events. 

Beachathon Is Coming!

Beachathon now in its 32^nd year, is the biggest fundraiser for St Joseph’s School, The Strand.

Monies raised through fundraising provide improvements to the School for technology, learning resources or playground equipment.

This year monies raised will be used to purchase flexible learning furniture, that can be utilised across all classrooms.

Preparations for Beachathon are underway and the Beachathon Committee (volunteer parents)

are calling for a couple of extra helpers to assist with roles where we need more help.

Roles include: preparing for assembly prize draws, making props, assisting on Beachathon Day with activities for the students.

If you are able to assist, please join us at our first meeting:

Tuesday 26 March, 6pm in the school staffroom.

Key dates: 

Beachathon Launch:  Wednesday 22 May (at School assembly)

Beachathon Day:  Last day of term 2 - Friday 28 June

Keep an eye out in future newsletters for more information about Beachathon

and the launch!

If you have any queries, please email: info@joeysbeachathon.com

Regards,

Beachathon Sub-Committee

Until the end of term there will be an Easter Raffle taking place before school near the Prep area. The money raised will be donated to the Leukemia Foundation to support those diagnosed with Leukemia. 

The tickets are $1 each and the winner will be drawn at Assembly on the 3rd April.

The winner will receive lots of scrumptious treats.