Principal's Page

Dear Parents and Carers

Parental Engagement in Learning

Today you will receive the Term 4 Grade Curriculum Note from your child’s teacher/s. I encourage you to set aside some time to read it carefully as it will assist you in engaging in your child’s learning. Next year the curriculum notes will include some tips on how you can support your child’s learning throughout each term.

The partnership between school and parents in a child's learning has a big impact on learning outcomes. The curriculum notes form a small part of that partnership in providing you with information your relationship with your child's teacher is very important. I invite you to grab a cuppa and read the article below from Dr Justin Coulson. 

Teacher Relationship

By the time your child graduates high school, they will have spent about 17, 640 hours at school. That’s a lot of hours. In fact, on a typical school day, our kids spend 2-3 times as many hours with their school teacher than they spend with us, their parents and caregivers. 

Our teachers work hard. On average, Australian teachers work 45 hours a week, with many even working on weekends to keep up with the workload. Yet 71% of teachers feel as though their work is unappreciated, and that their profession is not respected. I don’t know about you, but anyone who spends twice as much time with my kids as I do on a regular basis deserves to feel all the appreciation in the world.  And while buying a #1 Teacher mug or a box of chocolates as a gift on World Teachers Day certainly helps, there are things we can do all year round to have a great relationship with our kids’ teachers, and help them to feel supported and appreciated.

Communication

Having open and frequent communication with the teachers goes a long way towards establishing a supportive relationship. This includes taking a proactive approach at the start of the year, where you should share with the teachers any relevant information that may affect your child’s performance or behaviour at school. This includes medical conditions, learning difficulties, and even special interests. Then throughout the school year, keep the teacher updated about any changes in your family’s or your child’s circumstances. 

Communication can occur through emails or phone calls on an as-needed basis, but also make sure to attend parent-teacher conferences, school events, and any other meetings organized by the school. Frequent contact fosters open communication. 

Finally, if your child is facing any academic or behavioural challenges, collaborate with the teacher to address any difficulties and identify strategies that you can employ together to support your child’s learning.

Involvement

Show interest in your child’s education by asking them about their day and experiences in class. When you demonstrate an interest in their education, it sends a positive message.

If you can, make time to get involved in the school community. Volunteer in your child’s classroom as a parent helper, participate in school events, or join the parent council. Getting involved both supports your child’s education and eases the burden on your child’s teachers.

Finally, attend workshops or training sessions that are offered by the school. By having a better idea about the educational approach used in the school, it becomes easier to support your child and their teachers.

Respect

I wish this didn’t need to be said, but sadly it does: Don’t verbally threaten, intimidate, or get physically aggressive with your kids’ teachers. It’s never ok.

Respect goes beyond that though. Treat teachers with kindness and appreciation for their work. Take time to acknowledge and appreciate their efforts and dedication. Be grateful for the time they invest into your children.

Make sure you see your child’s teacher as a whole person (hopefully as an adult you no longer believe that teachers sleep at the school!), with responsibilities and interests beyond teaching. Avoid contacting them outside of school hours and be patient in awaiting their responses.

Finally, support classroom rules and expectations. Don’t undermine your child’s teachers by disrespecting them at home. Encourage your child to take responsibility in the learning process, and follow the guidelines set by their teachers.

Teachers do one of the most important jobs in our society. They are shaping the next generation of leaders, thinkers, caregivers. Let’s do what we can to thank them for everything they do for our kids.

World Teachers' Day

At St Joseph's, we will be celebrating World Teachers' Day on Wednesday 25 October. It will be a chance for all of us to thank them for the extraordinary work they do and the care they have for the learning and wellbeing of all of our students. Thank you to the P&F for providing lunch for teachers to help celebrate World Teachers' Day. 

Kindergarten 2023 Parent Information Evening - Thursday 26 October

Next Thursday, we welcome the parents of Kindergarten 2024 to an information night to be held in the school hall from 6-8pm. The Kindergarten teachers will be providing workshops on literacy and numeracy, and how to prepare children for school. We warmly welcome all new parents to St Joseph's and give thanks for our current parents with children entering Kindergarten next year.

Formation of Classes for 2023

The process for forming classes for 2024 will soon begin. Teachers have a very good understanding of their students, their learning, and their social and academic needs and strengths. They spend a great deal of time considering the placement of each student with grade partners.

Included with this newsletter is St Joseph’s formation of classes policy. Please take time to read the policy as it will provide you with an understanding of the process.

At times, there may be extenuating circumstances where parents may make a request regarding class placement. 

It is not appropriate to make a request for your child to be with their friends or your preferred teacher. Teachers will ensure your child is placed with a friend.  

All requests regarding a child’s placement should be in writing and addressed to the Principal. 

Whilst parental requests are considered, there is never a guarantee that they will be granted. Please be aware that there may be circumstances surrounding requests that prevent them from being granted.

For all things at St Joseph's, we give thanks.

Mrs Jen Charadia

Principal

Principal Awards - Friday 20 October 2023

The following students will receive their Principal Awards on Friday 20 October 2023 (Term 4 Week 2) at 2pm

How does my child receive a Principal's Award?

Class teachers nominate students for Blue Merit Awards which are presented at the weekly assembly.  When five Blue Merit Awards have been received, students send them to the school office to be recorded and are then eligible for a Principal’s Award. When students attain their 4th Principal Award, they are awarded a Principal’s Medallion at an assembly. End of Term awards can be included as part of the 5 awards.

Acknowledgement to Country

St Joseph's Bulli acknowledges and pays respect to the Dharawal people past and present, the traditional custodians of the land on which our school is built.