Dear Parents and Carers,

We are now at the mid-point of our term and all children are working well in the various Key Learning Areas.
It has been noticeable this week that with the combined busyness of both school and home, some of the children are very tired during the day. Unfortunately, this has at times been the cause of some poor behaviour choices. We have been in contact with families in relation to our concerns in this area.
We have also been speaking at assemblies about our understanding that when we feel tired, we need to work a little harder to ensure that our behaviour is fair to others in our class, and that we can continue with our learning of new skills.

Please be aware that last week we became aware of a potential technology related issue. This involves an avatar attaching itself to some games that children play. If a level is failed, then the Momo avatar sends an increasingly nasty message. Whilst we cannot control all messages that pop up on our screens, being aware that this could happen allows us to be more prepared for the potential event, should it occur.

No doubt most families have been shocked and dismayed by the recent media events regarding Cardinal George Pell. Please know that the safety and welfare of our students remain our absolute top priorities at St Joseph's. The child safety approaches administered by our dedicated staff assure we are held to the highest professional and regulatory standards. They are embedded in organisational governance, policy, procedures, practice and culture. It is a key responsibility for everyone who works or volunteers in Catholic education. Thank you for your continued faith in Catholic Education.

As the mornings are now cooler, some children have begun to start the day with a jumper on. Please ensure that your child’s clothing is clearly labelled with their name, so that items that have been misplaced can be returned quickly.
At present we have a size 12 tracksuit top looking for an owner.

Swimming Congratulations to Ruby who placed third in her 50m freestyle and Hamish who placed second in his 50m butterfly events at the Archdiocesan carnival earlier in the week. Well done to Genevieve and Xanthe who both swam improved times in their events.

Yr. 3-6 Excursion – please complete the medical form and return this to school by Monday March 11 so that we can confirm numbers for our trip to Jindabyne. Please finalise payment by Wednesday March 13.

School Board – an additional note is being sent home today calling for nominations for our School Board (School Committee). This note provides you with information about the role of the School Board and calls for nominations for 2019. A nomination form is attached to the note.
All nominations must be in writing and received at school by Friday March 22.

Uniform orders – if you would like to order additional clothing for the coming winter term, please fill the attached uniform order form and return to school by Friday March 15.

Excess furniture – we currently have some older style desks that are no longer needed here at school. These may be useful at at your home, for example they could be used as art tables or a homework space. If you would like to view the excess tables, please contact Therese Clancy.

Book Fair – this year, our Book Fair is here. The books have arrived and over the next few days, the children will have a chance to fill in a wish list for books that they’d like. The Book Fair will be open to families before and after school tomorrow (Friday) Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of next week for those who are interested in making a purchase.

Nits are a sensitive topic – we understand that the incidence of nits is a sensitive one, however, I encourage all families to monitor and take action as necessary.
Be aware that there have been several cases of nits recently. Please check your children’s heads and take the appropriate actions. Remember that shampoos only work if they are used at the right strength. Good ways to prevent nits include:

- Brush hair thoroughly every day
- Tie back long hair
- Check regularly for lice or eggs (nits) – take action as needed

People often say that regular use of conditioner is a very effective way to remove both eggs and lice.
All families are reminded that children whose hair is shoulder length or longer, should be wearing their hair tied back so as to keep the incidence of nits to a minimum.

Asthma Plans –There are a number of children who are making regular use of blue asthma puffers during the school day. Please be aware that if your child needs to have an asthma puffer at school then you need to provide the school with an up to date asthma plan.

Our school calendar is updated every week and can be accessed through our school website at: www.stjosephsgrenfell.nsw.edu.au Please let us know if you are not receiving the Schoolzine updates once you have installed the SZapp.

Riding bikes at school – the children have asked if we could make use of the pushbikes during recess and lunch. This provides another physical activity choice for our children during the breaks.
We use the space in the church carpark as our riding area.
Please speak with your children about the fact that there are some inherent dangers in bike riding, and choosing to ride, shows that it is understand that these dangers exist.
If you consent for your child to ride the bikes during the day at school, please return the attached note.

Sincerely,

Therese Clancy