Principal's Page
Dear Families,
I hope that you all had an enjoyable long, long weekend! Can you believe we are already into Week 7?
Child Safety
With football, netball and basketball seasons all about to begin, it is important for school staff to know how students are travelling to either home or other activities after school. Please notify the school in writing if your child is walking anywhere after school due to child safety.
Photos
We have a strict policy and parent permissions regarding taking photographs of children involved in school activities. Please only take photos of your own child/children on school property and activities.
Bus Update
After discussions with the School Advisory Council and the Staff Leadership Team, it has been decided that a couple of changes will be made to the School Bus Program. A staff member will be on the bus each morning and afternoon and there will be firmer consequences for students who are not being respectful or safe. If students stand, swap seats, not have their seatbelt on or are speaking disrespectfully to others, will be given a warning and asked to sit at the front of the bus for a week - if it happens a second time, parents will be notified and students will not be able to catch the bus for a period of time. We need to take student safety on the bus seriously. Please speak to your child/children about these new procedures. Your assistance with this is greatly appreciated.
Mental Health in Primary Schools
A Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader has been funded at St Joseph's for the next few years by the Victorian State Government. Jenny Todd has taken on this role. The role of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader (MHWL) is to build the capability of the whole school with regard to mental health and wellbeing (identification, promotion and prevention), provide support to staff to better identify and support students with mental health needs, establish clear pathways for referral for students requiring assessment and intervention, and monitor and evaluate student progress. The role will allow Jenny to support educators in the classroom and to provide a crucial link to resources external to the school.
Let's Talk
Jenny organised a professional learning opportunity for all staff yesterday on the Let's Talk Program. The initiative focuses on breaking stigma and improving mental health conversations which is crucial for fostering a supportive, safe environment that reduces the escalation of mental health issues into crises. The program aims to move beyond awareness into action, providing structured ways to break down barriers to help-seeking. One aspect of the program involves a couple of our senior students wearing high vis jackets at recess and lunch each day so that students know that they can talk to them with the idea that letting everyone TALK safely about their concerns before it escalates to bigger issues.
Artist in Residence Program
We are fortunate to have Sue Osborne working with our students over the next few weeks to create a large mural on the wall outside the student amenities.
NAPLAN
Students in Years 3 and 5 will participate in NAPLAN assessments to measure student progress in essential literacy and numeracy skills against national standards. It provides critical data for schools to identify learning gaps, evaluate teaching programs, and target support.
Welcome
A warm welcome to Emily (Prep) and her family who have recently joined us. We look forward to welcoming you into our community.
Snow Camp
We have limited spots available for the optional Snow Camp and will need to finalise students attending by Friday this week. If you are keen on your child attending, please complete the nForma as soon as possible.
Lunch Orders
The Peninsula Lunch Co will be supplying lunch orders for our students on Wednesdays commencing next term (Wednesday 22nd April). An nForma will be sent home in the next few weeks with menu and ordering instructions.
Building Project Update
Demolition of students amenities, junior hub and specific walls in the Prep and Year1/2 Learning Spaces has taken place with construction beginning in the next few days. Thank you for your flexibility with valet arrangements.
Catholic Education Week
Next week is Catholic Education Week. Congratulations to Dallas and Levi who have their art displayed in the Visual Arts Exhibition. School Student Leaders will accompany me to the St Patrick's Mass for Schools followed by a concert in the park next Friday.
MACS Family Survey
Have Your Say - Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) invites current families to take part in a short online survey about school choice and their experience as a MACS family. The survey explores what influences families’ choice of Catholic education, what supports satisfaction and belonging, and what matters most at different stages of schooling. The findings will help inform future planning across the MACS system. The survey takes 10–15 minutes,
responses are confidential and everyone has a chance to win one of five $100 eGift Cards https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MACSFAMILY Your voice matters. By sharing your experience, you are helping shape the future of Catholic education for current and future families. Prize draw terms and conditions: https://www.edified.com.au/post/macs-parent-survey-prize-draw
Parent Portal
Just a reminder that we have a Parent Portal which can be accessed through our school website. Calendar dates, school newsletters and parent resources can be found in this portal. The password is: sjs3943.
The next two weeks...
Tuesday 10 School closure day
Wednesday 11 NAPLAN
Thursday 12. NAPLAN
Friday 13 NAPLAN
SWAT Meeting
Year 1/2 Intra - tag clinic
Monday 16 Assembly
Tuesday 17 Open morning for new families
Thursday 19. St Joseph's Feast Day
Friday 20. Mass of St Patrick's for Schools
Please let me know if I can assist you in any way.
Many thanks,
Monica