Dear Parents and Carers

This afternoon all families will have received an email regarding arrangements for next week.  It is important that you read through this information carefully.  Should you have any questions please contact me to discuss.

While a great deal has been publicised about students continuing learning at home next week there are some things that you also need to consider. The first is that the last week of school is generally a time of drawing the term to a close.  It commonly involves finalising some student work, reflecting on the term, looking to the term ahead and enjoying some time together in celebration of a job well done.  Students would normally spend time focussing on the Easter story and preparing some gifts for the holiday.  Please do not think that you need to launch into six hours of focussed curriculum or that next week is going to disadvantage student progress.  Students are welcome and encouraged to engage with online resources available to them and to consolidate their essential skills such as reading and maths mentals.  Please keep in mind that they too have been working hard this term and are looking for a well-deserved break.  

The current situation has meant uncertainty and placed pressure on all families.  Many are keenly feeling this at the moment and the last thing we need to do is add more pressure to our homes.  Children need to be active and engaged and at home as the Premier has clearly stated. This again does not mean that they need to be in a virtual classroom all day. Reading, playing games, writing stories, taking time as a family will be as valuable as trying to recreate classroom conditions at home in the final week of the term. Be kind to yourselves.  You have a lot to deal with and keeping things as normal as possible will help everyone.

Finally, all education departments are taking steps to support at-home learning and are developing resources to support families in this area should the need arise.  Please be assured that significant time and resources are being directed to this area.  Parents and Carers are not responsible for developing these resources or seeking them out.  Quality educational alternatives have been and continue to be developed. 

As parents and carers, you have on other things to focus on at the moment.  Your well being and the well being of your families is at the top of that list. Closely followed I'm sure by the desperate search for toilet paper and hand sanitiser!! Do what you need to do for your families first and foremost.  We will be here, after the Easter break to support you with your child's education in whatever form that may take.

Thank you again to our amazing school staff.  They have done and continue to be nothing short of wonderful.  I am very grateful for their support and dedication.  I am also very grateful for your patience and understanding.  It is difficult keeping up with a situation that changes by the day, and I am very appreciative that you allow us space and time to get clear messages to our community.  I know there have been many disruptions to our normal routines and again am grateful for your understanding.  I am also incredibly grateful to our amazing students who continue to take this all in their stride.  They have been great this term and deserve a break as much as anyone.

I sincerely hope that you stay safe and healthy over the break.  Enjoy time together as a family, look after one another and those who need our help the most.

God Bless

Tim

Thank you to everyone for supporting our Icy Cup Fundraiser for Project Compassion.  If you have Project Compassion boxes at home could you please return them to school by Wednesday.  Thank you for your help in supporting those who are less fortunate.

Pope Francis also called for all Christians to join him yesterday at 12pm in saying The Lord's Prayer.  We stopped at this time and Aria led the school in prayer over the PA System.  It was a wonderful way for us to join as a school community, united in prayer during such an extraordinary time.

Reading and Reflection in this difficult time

Luke 12:32-34

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.  Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+12%3A32-34&version=NIV

In the wake of an unprecedented threat to our health and wellbeing – as individuals and as a society – it is understandable that we would be feeling uneasy about what is to come.  Moreover, the given the rise of ‘fake news’ it isn’t hard to see why there is probably a greater sense of uncertainty regarding what information we can rely on to keep our minds  at ease. Whenever we feel this way – about a virus, a weather event, an unfolding threat to safety and civilian life – we can always turn to the Good News for comfort and new insights that speak to us where we are.

Today’s Gospel from St Luke begins with “do not be afraid”, a message that is repeated 365 times by Jesus in the New Testament. Whenever Jesus says something along the lines of “fear not”, it is a pivotal time when Jesus’ followers have needed to pause, asking for direction and courage. For us, now is probably one of those times.
Jesus goes on to say, “sell your possessions and give to the poor, for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”. This is in direct contrast to the panic buying that we have seen in the shopping centres, where everyone seems to be looking out for themselves with little regard for the wellbeing of others. Perhaps this is a timely reminder to take stock of all the good we already have and can stand to gain. What if we don’t have any material goods to give away?

How, in this time when people are feeling a little more ‘on edge’ than usual, could we
continue to spread positivity, a sense of community, and a calm disposition? What are some practical things that we could do in this time and space that we be life-giving for others – those who are ‘poor’ in heart…in soul…in courage?

http://www.liturgyritualprayer.com/new-resources

Look after yourselves

Take care and God Bless

Amanda

St. Joey’s Cross Country 2020

St. Joey’s Cross Country Carnival will be conducted this year on our school oval, Friday 1st May (as scheduled), for all students Prep - Year 6. If we are unable to proceed on this date, the carnival will be postponed to an alternative time. Students will not be gathered in house groups for this carnival.

Students will attend class as normal and will run in their year level groups at various times through the day (timetable attached). Whilst the event will have a ‘Fun Run’ approach, points will be allocated to houses according to the number of laps completed in the designated time. Spirit points will also be given to house groups throughout the event as normal. Students need to wear their PE/Sports uniform and will require a water bottle, sunscreen and their broad brimmed school hat.

Students will again participate in our ‘Townsville to Cairns Challenge’ prior to the carnival. This initiative helps to develop some fitness and stamina in a fun way. Every lap that each child completes is recorded to a year level tally. The first year level to reach Cairns receives the coveted T2C Trophy. The emphasis is on having a go and enjoying a jog. 

Volunteers (recording and checkpoints) are needed on our carnival day. If you are able to assist for one of the half hour events, please email Anthony Meekin: ameekin@sjnwtsv.catholic.edu.au to express your interest. We look forward to our modified Cross Country Carnival in 2020.

Tuckshop will be available next week from Wednesday 1st April to Friday 3rd April 2020.

Easter cups for sale $2.50

Central School Dental Clinic is currently treating St Josephs School. If your child/children are in Prep to Year 6 and you would like to access this FREE service could you please phone the clinic on 0436915759 to make an appointment to bring your child in.  If we are unable to come to the phone please leave a message and we'll return your call. (This clinic is currently open every Monday and the occasional Friday) 

School Dental Staff