PRINCIPAL'S NEWS

Staff Professional Learning

Last Friday the staff of St Joseph's engaged in some professional learning at the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry with Sherry Balcombe. Sherry led the staff in exploring the history of Aboriginal people and Aboriginal Spirituality. We gained much insight into the rich culture of Australia's First Nations People and the ongoing impact of the many injutices experienced by these beautiful people. We also enjoyed learning about Aboriginal Spirituality and its connection to Catholicism. We look forward to sharing our new learning with our students and to play a part in raising a generation who respects and honours the ancient culture of our First Nations People.

Parent Teacher Interviews

Parent teacher interviews will be held this term on Tuesday 5th September from 2pm. More information about this will be sent home later this week so keep an eye out on Audiri.

No Toys at School

This term, we have noticed an increase in the number of toys and sports equipment being brought to school. We would like to take this opportunity to put in place a No Toys at School expectation. While we understand that toys can be a source of comfort and entertainment for our young learners, bringing them to school can pose several challenges. Our primary concern is ensuring a safe and focused learning environment for all students. Here's why we kindly request that toys stay at home:

1. Minimising distractions: Toys, no matter how small or quiet, can easily distract students from their lessons and activities. We want to create an environment where they can concentrate on their learning and interact with their peers.
2. Sharing and Fairness: The presence of toys at school can sometimes lead to sharing conflicts and feelings of inequality among students. We encourage sharing and inclusivity, but it's best to leave personal toys at home.
3. Loss and Damage: Toys brought to school can occasionally get lost or damaged. We wouldn't want any child to experience the disappointment of losing a cherished possession.
4. Focus on Educational Materials: Our classrooms are well-equipped with educational materials and resources carefully chosen to support the curriculum. We want students to engage with these tools to enhance their learning experience.

We kindly ask for your support in reinforcing this expectation at home. Please remind your child not to bring toys to school, and instead, encourage them to explore the educational opportunities provided within the classroom. Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain a productive and focused learning environment. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to Mary or Kate.

Lollies and Chocolate

We want to take a moment to address an important topic related to nutrition and the well-being of our students: the consumption of lollies and chocolate at school. We have noticed a significant increase in the amount of lollies, chocolate and other sugary treats being consumed at school.

While we understand that treats like lollies and chocolate are beloved by many students, it's crucial to strike a balance between these foods and maintaining a healthy diet. Our school promotes a healthy learning environment and want to ensure all our students are set up for learning success. High amounts of sugar do have an impact on students' ability to focus on their learning so we encourage you to keep these treats for special occassions at home and to pack your child a healthy lunchbox for their school day.

Trivia Night - SAVE THE DATE

This year our annual TRIVIA NIGHT will be held on Saturday, September 02.  Please note the date and keep it free - it is always a fun night and a great community event.