General Information
Anzac Day
St Joseph's Primary School will be participating in this year's ANZAC March on Thursday 25th April. We encourage all students from Kindergarten to Year 6 to represent our school. Children wishing to participate in the march are asked to meet teachers at 9:30am in Bourke Street. At the conclusion of the march, all students can be collected from Number 1 Oval. Students are to wear their correct SUMMER uniform (including hat).
Return to Term 2 - Uniform
Students may continue to wear their summer school uniform in Term 2. We will officially change into winter uniform after the long weekend in 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 this.
P&F Mothers Day Gifts
Students will be making gifts with their class teachers for their mother or special person for Mother's Day. There will be no Mother's Day stall this year.
Mother's Day
Canteen News
Our new canteen supervisor, Ms Sarah Bogie, will be opening the canteen on Monday 8th April with a limited menu on offer. On Friday 12th April the canteen will be offering a hot dog lunch after the cross country for students if they wish to order.
All canteen orders are to be placed via the Qkr! app which will be open on Friday afternoon - 5th April. Orders are due by 9am on the selected day.
The full canteen menu will be up and running on Mondays and Fridays commencing Term 2.
Parents are reminded to please update student details on Qkr!, including their class year if they haven't done so already.
We are also seeking parent helpers to volunteer in the canteen. Please contact the office if you are able to assist on Mondays and/or Fridays from 10:30am - 1:30pm.
P&F BBQ
Thank you to our Parents & Friends Association for organising the wonderful P&F BBQ. Also thank you to the Cortez family (Oscar Year 3 and Olivia Year 1) owners of Tyrepower Tamworth for their generous cash donation to purchase the sausages for the BBQ.
A wonderful afternoon was had by all!
2024 Pupil Free Days
Please note the following Pupil Free Days in your diary:
- Monday 27th May
- Friday 28th June
- Monday 22nd July
- Friday 27th September
- Monday 14th October
- Friday 20th December
'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.
P & F Meeting
The next P&F meeting will be held Tuesday 7th May at 5:30pm in the staffroom. All parents and friends are welcome to attend.
ADIG Bonus Saver
Enrolling Now for Kinder 2025
Our enrolment period for Kindergarten 2025 is now open! Please visit https://stjosephstamworth.catholic.edu.au/enrolment/ for enrolment details or contact the office on 6765 4079 for further information. Enrolment applications must be accompanied by the relevant supporting documents as listed on the cover page of the application form. Applications close on Tuesday 9th April. If you know anyone who has a child wishing to start Kindergarten at St Joseph's next year, please share this information with them.
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 School Fees
Thank you for your continued support of St Joseph's. Term 1 school fees are now due. Statements have been emailed and fee balances are available on Compass. 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.
Student Absences
The NSW Education Act (1990) and the Catholic Schools Office, Armidale require parents/carers to ensure that children of compulsory school age attend school on each day that the school is open for instruction. If children are absent from school, parents/carers are legally required to provide the school with an acceptable explanation, in writing, within seven days of the absence.
Please also be aware that partial absences calculate towards non attendance at school e.g. if your child arrives late to school, leaves early or misses part of the school day.
Late arrival makes it more difficult for a child to settle in class. Leaving the class early results in the child missing out on important information to help them prepare for the next day. Each day or part day missed makes the support of your child more challenging as staff attempt to ensure they are learning at an appropriate rate.
The Importance of Arriving at School on Time
Arriving at school and class on time:
- ensures that students do not miss out on important learning activities scheduled early in the day
- helps students learn the importance of punctuality and routine
- give students time to greet their friends before class
- reduces classroom disruption. Lateness is recorded as a partial absence and must be explained by parents
What if my child has to be away from school?
On occasion, your child may need to be absent from school. Absences explained by parents/carers have to be justified by the Principal. Justified reasons for student absences may include:
- being sick, or having an infectious disease - a medical certificate is provided or the Principal accepts the explanation
- having an unavoidable medical appointment
- being required to attend a recognised religious holiday
- exceptional or urgent family circumstance (e.g. attending a funeral)
An explained but unjustified absence is an instance where a parent/carer has explained the student's absence and this has not been accepted by the Principal.
