General Information
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.
Presentation Night 2023
The school Presentation Night will be held tomorrow evening - Tuesday 12th December at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre (TRECC) commencing at 7:00pm. It is an expectation that ALL students from Kinder to Year 6 attend. Students are to arrive at the TRECC at 6:30pm and meet their teachers. Students are to wear full summer uniform, black polished shoes and short navy socks. A reminder that all long hair is to be tied back, no dangly earrings, no polished nails or makeup is to be worn.
All students will be transported by bus to and from the TRECC tomorrow morning for a rehearsal and will return to school in time for lunch. Students are to wear their sports uniform for the rehersal tomorrow.
If your child is unable to attend the Presentation Night please email the Principals - Mrs Holland and Mr O'Toole at sjtadmin@arm.catholic.edu.au as to why they will not be in attendance.
Canteen
Canteen will be available Thursday this week . There will be no canteen this Friday 15th December.
Mufti Day
Change in Routine
Can you please advise the school office before 2:30pm if there is any change in your child's afternoon routine.
School Student Travel
Equipment Lists for 2024
Equipment lists for each stage will be sent home this week. A copy is also available by clicking on the attachments below.
School Fees
A gentle reminder to please have your school fee accounts finalised by the end of Term 4 2023. If you are not receiving these statements, please contact our office staff. Thank you for your continued support of St Joseph's.
School dates for 2024
Return to school dates for 2024 and other important dates for the coming year have been added to the Upcoming Events page in this newsletter. Please note that students in Years 1 - 6 return for the 2024 school year on Thursday 1st February and Kindergarten commence Tuesday 6th February.
School Uniform
Students in Years K-6 will return to school in 2024 wearing their full summer uniform. Sports uniform is to be worn Wednesday and Friday.