Dear parents and carers,

This week we have been busy across a variety of different activities.

Please be aware that our landline telephone system may not be functioning.  If you are experiencing trouble contacting us at school, please use the school mobile number to get in touch - 0407401054.

Last week I participated in the principal’s gathering in Canberra.  Next year will see us working with schools across the Archdiocese to use the Initial Reading and Writing program across our K to Yr. 2 classes.

InitiaLit has been developed by Macquarie University and is a research-based literacy program with a synthetic approach to teaching letter and sounds to enable a strong base for reading and writing.  Over the coming weeks, our teachers will be participating in the associated professional learning, enabling all to have the same training in this program.

A synthetic approach to teaching letters and sounds means that letters and sounds are taught in a structured way.  To date, we have been using the Jolly Phonics program in the early years, it is also a synthetic phonics program.

This is an exciting opportunity for continuing development here at school.  I believe that this will further enhance the development of reading and writing skills for all our students and am looking forward to working with the children on this journey.

We have been continuing the journey of renewing our approaches to behaviour.  To this end, we have been focussing on aspects of our way of engaging at play times.  This week, we’ve looked at Always trying our best both in class and at play.  Choosing this way of responding helps to build links between people.  Giving everything a go, helps to understand how we learn new skills.

Our Mufti Day on Friday was enjoyed by all, and thanks to the P & F for the Lunch special – it was delicious! 

Next Wednesday we plan to be a part of this year’s Remembrance Service.  Notes have been sent home to those involved in the ceremony.  The service is set to commence at the Cenotaph at 10:45am.

KINDER TRANSITION – our Kinder transition program began yesterday, and it was terrific to see new faces and share the excitement as the children prepare for 2021!  The transition program will continue next Wednesday November 11.  All children who are eligible to commence school in 2021 are welcome to join us on Wednesday morning for a taste of life at “big school”.

For those families wanting to know more about what we do at St Joseph’s please feel free to make contact. Now is a great time to complete enrolment forms in preparation for 2021.

Year 6 Graduation Mass Presentation Photos – We would like to kindly remind parents that school related photos of your child, depicting a range of activities throughout their schooling, for the end of year school Graduation Mass presentation, are to be submitted to us as soon as is possible. Doing so will allow ample time to compile the presentation.

Year 5 School Captain Speeches – All Year 5 students are advised to prepare for the School Captain speeches. The School Captain Role Description and Essential Criteria were sent home with your child earlier in the term. This should assist your child in preparing for their speech. Speeches are to be a maximum of two minutes.

P & F – Canteen has a new menu for this term.   

Please note the RECESS menu is pre-order only – remember to pre order your recess as there will no over the counter sales. 

PLEASE use a separate bag to order for recess OR complete the recess order form attached to the newsletter.

Extra paper bags can be bought from IGA

Volunteers and suggestions for the menu are always welcome and appreciated, if you can help, please contact Catherine.

Please note that we need to comply with the NSW Healthy Canteen regulations as well as the current NSW Health covid-19 regulations.

Please see the attached order forms.

Changes to routine - Thank you to those families who are keeping us informed when children are absent from school, or there are changes to the regular routine. 

 Please make it your custom to check in at the office if your children are running late to school – we appreciate your efforts to do this.

Take care and stay safe,