Dear Parents,

Last Wednesday, our students led us all on a journey telling a story about one big, important idea: Bravery

Real bravery happens every single day, right here in St Joseph’s Crib Point

It’s the student who feels nervous about speaking at assembly, but steps up to the microphone anyway.
It’s the student who is scared to try out for the school concert lead roles, but says, "I'll give it a go!"
It’s the student who sees someone sitting alone in the playground and walks over to say, "Hello." That takes courage!
It's the student who makes mistakes, takes risks and just gives it a go.

Bravery is not about never being scared. Bravery is about trying your best, even if you don't know exactly what will happen.

Congratulations to all of our amazing students on a great night. A big shout out to Jess Scudamore and Tazmyn Hose for their wonderful leadership.

At St Joseph’s we want our students to be motivated to learn, master new skills and above all be the best we can be. We want them to know themselves well, be brave enough to make mistakes and know they can try anything they set out to do.

Children need brave adults around them who will allow them to be themselves, make mistakes and know this is part of learning.

Each child has their unique ways of knowing and will not be perfect so as we support our amazing kids we need to allow them to be brave, make mistakes and know they are magnificent human beings.

Our school is the best place for kids to do this and to shine and flourish. May we all have unconditional positive regard for every amazing student knowing they can feel brave and courageous knowing everyone still thinks they are amazing.

Congratulations to Dom Taylor for being awarded a state finalist position in the state Tidy Towns for our Nature play group. The play group is such a special program in our school and so many families come along, connect and support their beautiful babies and toddlers.

Also a big shout out to Dom for a wonderful garden day. We had many employees from Bunnings come along on the day and help us to improve our prayer garden. Thanks to all staff who helped and Kate our wonderful parent who volunteered.

May we empower our kids to be stewards of this amazing environment and show respect at all times to our gardens and grounds.

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools ( MACS) highlights the importance of attendance, behaviour, belonging, learning , mental health and wellbeing and motivation through the new Vision for engagement strategy. It is most important all students access our many programs enhancing learning and engagement.

Students are expected to attend school every day for the whole day. Students are expected to participate in all activities and not opt in and out of activities due to them feeling uncomfortable or due to a lack of interest. Please make sure you support the school and ensure your child is present for all activities every day. We will adapt programs and differentiate to all students needs but opting in and out of activities is not allowing students to grow resilience and build their basic skills.

Thanks to all camp staff who supported our 3/4/5/6 students.

Camp is a powerful setting for experiential learning and growth, often leading to measurable increases in a child's confidence, social skills, and resilience

1. Fosters Independence and Self-Reliance

Time Away from Home: For many children, camp is their first significant time away from parents. This encourages them to take responsibility for their own belongings, manage their routine, and make small, daily decisions.
Problem-Solving: Without a parent immediately available, children must learn to solve their own conflicts, manage homesickness, and figure out challenges with peers or counselors. This builds crucial self-efficacy (the belief in one's own ability to succeed).

2. Develops Essential Social and Emotional Skills

Building New Friendships: Camp introduces kids to an entirely new group of peers from diverse backgrounds, outside of their usual school or neighborhood circle. They learn how to initiate friendships and navigate new social dynamics.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Most camp activities (sports, challenge courses, group projects) require working together toward a common goal, teaching them to compromise, communicate effectively, and appreciate different perspectives.
Positive Role Models: Camp staff are often young adults who are enthusiastic and relatable. They provide positive, non-parental adult role models, influencing children's behavior, values, and sense of possibility.

3. Cultivates Resilience and Growth Mindset

Stepping Out of a Comfort Zone: Camp encourages trying new activities—from archery and climbing to public speaking and drama—where it's okay not to be perfect right away.
Overcoming Challenges: Children learn to push through physical and mental hurdles. This practice in overcoming setbacks—like mastering a new skill or adapting to a rainy day—builds resilience and perseverance.

4. Encourages Physical Activity and Connection with Nature

Screen-Free Time: Many camps limit or prohibit electronic devices, encouraging children to engage with the real world, play outdoors, and communicate face-to-face.
Healthy Lifestyle: Camp activities often involve significant physical activity (hiking, swimming, running games), fostering a positive association with exercise and leading to a healthier lifestyle.
Environmental Awareness: Being immersed in nature helps children develop a sense of appreciation for the environment and often promotes environmentally-conscious habits.

Swimming will commence today and I thank all parents for supporting this most important program in our school. This will be followed by our Beach water safety days. We invite all parents to the Beach Day.

Operoo Ceasing Services in Australia

We have been informed that Operoo will no longer be operating in Australia. As a result, many schools across the country, including St Mary’s, will be transitioning to an alternative platform by the end of this year.

The Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) has recommended that schools use NForma, which we already use for attendance rolls and school reports. We are currently working with the company to determine what this change will look like for our community.

Once we have more information, we will share details with families and provide full support to help parents and carers set up and become familiar with the new system.

Thank you for your understanding as we make this transition as smooth as possible.

Westernport Parish Family Mass – Feast Day Celebration

All families are warmly invited to join our Westernport Parish Family Mass as we celebrate the upcoming Feast Day on Sunday 7 December at 8.00am. The Mass will be held at the St Peter's Shoreham.

This special celebration is a wonderful opportunity for our parish and school community to come together in faith. Families who would like to be involved in the Mass—by completing a reading or taking part in the offertory procession—are most welcome.

If your family will be attending and would like to volunteer for a role, please contact principal@sjcribpoint.catholic.edu.au.

Upcoming events

Friday 5th December- Christmas celebration

2pm End of year Mass

2.45pm Prep Nativity

3pm Santa visiting

3.15- 4.30pm Christmas Disco and Family BBQ

Wear your Christmas clothes and invite all of your family and friends along to celebrate.

Tuesday 9th December Orientation Day 11.15am - 1.15pm

All students will step up to their next year's class and meet their teacher. Please make sure your child is in attendance for this important transition activity.

Friday 12th December

End of year assembly including Spirit of St Joseph’s awards followed by Colour Run

Tuesday 16th December

Year 6 Graduation 1.30pm

3.15pm Students finish for the 2025 School Year.

All welcome

Yours in Partnership,

Gab

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