General Information
Mobile Phones and Other Electronic Devices
At St Joseph's we acknowledge that parents may wish their child to carry a mobile phone for personal safety reasons however, once students arrive at school they must hand in their mobile phone, smart watch or other electronic device at the school office. Devices will be returned to students at the end of the day. All electronic devices that are brought to school are at the owner's risk. No liability will be accepted by the school in the event of loss, theft or damage of the device.
School Uniform
Students may continue to wear their summer school uniform in Term 2. We will officially change into winter uniform next Tuesday, 11th June. We ask that whichever uniform your child elects to wear, that they wear the full uniform correctly - please do not mix summer and winter uniform items. Thank you for your support with.
Lost Property
We have a number of items in our lost property that have not been claimed. Can you please make sure that all uniform items are clearly labelled with your child's name so they can be returned. It is impossible to return items that are not labelled or unreadable. Your assistance with this is greatly appreciated.
P&F Pie Drive
The St Joseph's P&F are holding a Pie Drive. Order forms were sent out to families last week. Please complete the order form and return to the office by Thursday 1st August. Payment can be made by electronic transfer or cash. All monies raised will go to buy new resources for the school. Pies will be delivered to the school on Friday 16 August.
School Photos
Chess
Chess is held in the hall each Friday during first break with Mrs McNeill. Chess is one of the most powerful educational tools available to strengthen a child's mind. Whatever a child's age, chess can enhance concentration, patience and perseverance.
All year levels are welcome.
P&F Meeting
The next P&F meeting will be held on Tuesday 30th July at 5:30pm in the staffroom. All parents and friends are welcome to attend.
Book Club
Book Club order form and monies are due 21st June.
National Consistent Collection of Data
Every year, schools in Australia are required to participate in the National Consistent Collection of Data on school students with a disability (NCCD).
Please read full details in the fact sheets and letter attached below.
Attendance
Please note the new procedure regarding absences for all schools in the Armidale Diocese:
From the 20th May, parents of students who have not explained their absence for the day will receive an automated text message and an email at 10:00am from the administration staff at school. The message is consistent across the diocese.
From Friday, 24th May, parents of students with unexplained absences who have not explained their absence for the week will receive an email at 11:00am from the Principals. The message is consistent across the diocese.
Please see the table below for the the impact non- attendance has over 6 years of education!
Application for Extended Leave
Family holidays and travel are no longer considered under the Exemption from School Procedures. Travel outside of vacation periods is now counted as an absence for statistical purposes. Please see the office if your child will be away from school for 10 days or more as an application form will need to be completed and approved at the discretion of the Principals or delegate.
School Hours - Supervision & Attendance
A reminder that school commences at 8:45am and ends at 2:50pm. Please note that supervision of students commences at 8:15am and families are kindly asked not to drop off children before this time.
If your child arrives at school after 8:45am, a parent/carer will need to sign the student in at the front office. The Crown Street gate is locked for security reasons at 8:45am.
'Kiss and Drop'
We encourage families to 'kiss and drop' of a morning to assist with easy drop off procedures. A staff member will be at the front gate from 8:30am - 8:45am each morning to welcome students and assist your child walking in and ensuring they are settled and ready for a day of learning and fun.
Esteem Kids
If you require the services of after school care please contact William Wong directly at info@esteemkidsgroup.com.au or 0410 841 628. If your child has a change of plans and will not be attending after school on a particular day please call the Esteem service number on 0483 320 202.
Change in Routine
Can you please advise the school office before 2:30pm if there is any change in your child's afternoon routine.
2024 Canberra Excursion
Our Stage 3 students and staff will be travelling to Canberra for their excursion on Monday 11th November to Friday 15th November 2024.
Parents should have received a Compass Event notification which will include excursion details, consent and payment options.
The initial deposit of $100 was due Friday 3rd May 2024 with the remaining money to be paid in full by Friday 18th October.
A huge thank you to our wonderful P&F Association for their generous donation towards the Stage 3 Excursion, which has resulted in a $50 discount to all families. Also, the school has been able to subsidise families by contributing a monetary amount per child to assist in reducing the cost of the excursion.
Please contact the office if you have any questions or are experiencing any difficulties.
2024 School Fees
Thank you for your continued support of St Joseph's. Term 2 fees have now been issued. Please contact Jodie via email jwesthorpe@arm.catholic.edu.au or by phoning 6765 4079 if you haven't received your statement or if you have any questions regarding your fees. Payments can be made via BPay - details are available on your statement, Eftpos or cash to the school.
Any family/carer requiring assistance with school fees is encouraged to make an appointment and come and meet with us as soon as possible.
2024 Pupil Free Days
Please note the following Pupil Free Days in your diary:
- Friday 28th June
- Monday 22nd July
- Friday 27th September
- Monday 14th October
- Friday 20th December