From Mrs Scott's Desk

Dear Parents and Carers,

The rain on Friday morning was very welcome and I hope there was enough for our farming community to be relieved. We continue to pray that the season goes well for our farmers and their families.

We are mid way through Term 2 which is hard to believe! The students are busy with their learning and teachers are continuing to gather data in preparation for Semester One reports which will be sent home to parents on Thursday 27th June, 2024.

National Reconciliation Week

Last week and today is National Reconciliation Week. The theme this year is NOW MORE THAN EVER. It is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will - and must - continue.

The National Reconciliation Week 2024 artwork and design represents the momentum of the theme Now More Than Ever. The chevron, a universal symbol for pointing the way, signifies advancing as one as we look towards a reconciled future; and the vibrant artwork of Gubbi Gubbi artist Maggie Douglas encourages connecting with one another, understanding and continuing to move forward.

The dates for National Reconciliation Week remain the same each year 27th May - 3rd June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the Reconciliation journey - the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo Decision respectively. Reconciliation  must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian Community, and Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Our students have been engaged in Reconciliation discussions and activities throughout the week in their classroom and library lessons. On Friday, we gathered as a whole school in the hall to deepen our understanding of Reconciliation through the students collaborating together to create artwork that demonstrates how we as Australians can RESPECT and COMMIT to celebrating and understanding Aboriginal Art. 

Parish/School Mass

On Saturday evening our K, 1 & 2 students participated in our Parish Mass. They have been practising their readings and singing in preparation. It is wonderful to have so many students and their families coming along to the masses and supporting our Parish. A big thank you to Mrs Salmon, Mr Pratt , Mrs Brady, Mrs Kerr and Fr Paddy. I really look forward to celebrating our Parish Masses with everyone.

ACU Practicum Students

This week we welcome two pre-service teachers from Australian Catholic University, Strathfield, who will be completing their third year practicum from 3rd - 24th June at St Joseph's. 

Miss Chloe Hicks will be in Year 2 with Mrs Salmon and Miss Kiera Gow will be in Year 1 with Mrs Kerr. Both girls have a PD/H/PE focus for this practicum and will be teaching up to 75% of the day by their third week.

This is the first practicum both girls have had in a rural area and this experience has been sponsored by Catholic Education Diocese of Wagga Wagga in the hope it might encourage them to teach in rural areas once they have graduated.

They are both very excited to be teaching at St Joey’s and I know the community will make them very welcome.

School Advisory Council Vacancy

Our School Advisory Council met on Tuesday evening for our Term 2 meeting. We welcomed Michael Tracey to the team for his first meeting. Alex Kearins, who has served on the School Council since 2021 registered his resignation at the meeting.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Alex for his contributions to our School Council as well as being the Parent representative for CEDWW on the Catholic School NSW Parents Advisory Council. We wish Alex and his family all the best in their move to Newcastle in the next school holidays.

We are calling for a parent who may wish to nominate themselves or nominate another parent to fill this position which has now become vacant. Please contact the school and speak to me if you are considering being a member or express your interest below.

Below is the link to the School Advisory Council Policy from Catholic Education Diocese of Wagga Wagga. Please read through this if you want to learn more about the function of this Council and don’t hesitate to come and talk to me if you would like any further information.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bBjx68n51OJGSZB0weWlorze5Idq3O75AydusaQ4IMQ/edit

Assisting your Child with English and Maths at Home

Teachers and myself are often asked by parents how they can assist their child at home with their English and Maths. We applaud your willingness to do this and as a response Mrs Makeham will be sending home information from NSW Education Standards Authority to all parents which will give guidance around how you can support your child/ren’s learning at home in English and Maths. This information is in line with the new NSW English and Maths Syllabus’ which have been recently released. 

We still encourage you to speak to your child’s teacher if you require any assistance in supporting your child/ren’s learning at home. 

Labelling School Clothing

We have a lot of school uniforms misplaced and in our lost property box. A big problem is that clothing has not been marked with the current child’s name but instead of a past student or not marked at all.

Can I please ask that parents to come and check the office if your child is missing parts of their uniform and ensure that all items of clothing are marked with the correct child’s name.

Health and Wellbeing

There is a lot of sickness circulating at the moment and the winter season exacerbates this. To help prevent the spread of illness, we kindly ask that you keep your child home if they are sick with flu like symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat fever or cough. This helps ensure a healthy learning environment for all. 

We are installing a sanitiser dispenser in each classroom for students to use as they come in and out of the classroom as a preventative measure.

Centacare Parent Sessions 

We have attached some flyers to this week's newsletter from Centacare outlining  opportunities for parents to engage in learning such as anxiety in children, anger management and ADHD, just to name a few. We are grateful for the support Centacare offers our school and the wider community.

I hope you enjoyed time with your loved ones over the weekend.

God Bless,

Angela Scott