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Matthew O'Brien, Principal
We thank you Lord, for this term.
For the challenges, the successes, and the mistakes from which we have learnt.
Be with us as we spend our time with family and friends.
Let us be peacemakers in our family.
Keep us safe in our activities; give us good rest and good fun.
Bring us back refreshed and ready for a new term.
We thank you for our classmates, teachers, parents
And a community that cares for us.
May we always be conscious of you in our lives.
Amen
A Reflection on the Term that Was
I would like to congratulate everyone on working through such a tricky term with positivity and good cheer. It seems an eternity ago that we began the term with a school closure for a staff Professional Development day. Who was to predict the “School Closure” would be the theme of the term. I was buoyed by the thought of a full term and our school calendar was full of fun and exciting activities.
By the end of that first week we were in Lockdown 5. It lasted eight school days and by Week 3 we were back at school albeit with two staff rooms and limited visitors. By the end of Week 4 we were back in Lockdown (that makes 6), this time for only 4 days… We were beginning to see the pattern of the Premier's Thursday announcements.
Emerging from Lockdown 6 saw a flurry of activity, Cudgee Wildlife Park, 100 Days of School, half of the Foundation 2022 interviews, Pizza Day, Confirmation and some interschool sport. When we left school at the end of Week 6 after a good run of nine straight days we knew something was in the air and by Saturday morning Lockdown 7 was upon us. Lockdown 7 lasted 14 school days and included Book Week, Fathers’ Day and Arts’ Week.
By the end of Week 9 we had all of the F-Year 2s back and Years 3-6 operating in a hybrid model. I am not going to predict what this week will bring, let alone next term.
In all we have had 3 lockdowns this term, 24 school days of remote learning for F-2 and it will be 30 days for Years 3-6.
The children have been amazing during this upheaval. They have shown resilience and flexibility. As the term ends it is timely for them to reflect on their term, their learning and their socialisation.
You might like to ask your children:
- What has gone well for you?
- What have you done when you have been stuck?
- Who helps you at school, at home, in the yard?
- What do you do to be a good friend?
- Who else needs a good friend?
- Who is there to help you?
Thanks All Staff
It is not only the children who have been flexible and resilient. Last week I visited a classroom where a teacher was operating a Kohoot online quiz with 12 children in front of her and another 13 children in from their homes. This is just one of the many examples of innovation from our wonderful teachers. I would also like to recognise our Learning Support Officers and Administration and Maintenance staff whose roles have grown and evolved over the lockdowns. I am sure that you join with me in wishing them all a very restful, well earned holiday.
School Arrival
A reminder that the school gates open for students at 8:30am. Many children are arriving prior to 8:30am. At this stage we do not provide before school care. Please do not drop children off or allow them to walk or ride before 8:30am.
Loop Drop Off, Left Hand Side
Please ensure that your children exit your car on the left hand side. This might include negotiating a toddler or baby seat but it is important for their safety.
NAPLAN
NAPLAN results were mailed to families last week. NAPLAN tests are one aspect of each school’s assessment and reporting process, and do not replace the extensive, ongoing assessments made by teachers about each student’s performance.
Your child’s teacher will have the best insight into your child’s educational progress. Along with other school assessment reports, NAPLAN reports can be used to discuss your child’s strengths and areas for improvement with their teacher. I would like to congratulate the students on their achievements.
Regards
Matthew O'Brien, Principal
Happy Birthday to children celebrating their birthday this week.
Oliver Marris, Flynn Harle, Charlie Madden, Ava Walsh, Braxton Ciurleo, Alexis Harris, Van Walsh, Harry Kerr, Henry Morrissey and Georgia Perry.
We had a great week celebrating The Arts across the school. The highlight was the annual St Joes has Got Talent show. This year it was run virtually for the first time and congratulations to everyone who took part.
A big thank you to our Arts Team: Kath McMeel, Jo Barfus, Di Brown and Cara Chisolm who put in an enormous amount of work to plan and then adapt the activities. A special mention to Sharon and Andrew and the other staff members who helped with decorating the school for the drive by.
Please enjoy the slide shows which showcase the Dress Up, Imitation of Famous Art and the Kid’s Creations.
Students Art Work
Imitation of Famous Art
We request that families who have borrowed a device to use during remote learning could they please return it after 12:30pm on Thursday 16th September. We need all devices returned by 2:30pm on Friday 17th September. Thank you.
Devices borrowed by Foundation - Year 2 should already have returned these devices.
2021 Art Fundraiser
The PSA will be running their annual fundraiser to raise additional funds for the Art Department.
This year your child's artwork will be available as a 2022 Calendar and/or Greeting Cards.
2022 Calendars
Distinctive calendars which display your child’s artwork created at school, printed on quality paper with 12 tear off wire bound months.
- One picture per 12 tear off months.
- School term, public holidays and activity stickers with plenty of room for noting special occasions.
- Printed artwork or photo A4 (300 x 210 mm) with A4 calendar attached below.
- The same artwork can be used on all our products.
- Name and age is printed on the artwork.
- All original Artwork is returned.
Greeting Cards
These fantastic greeting cards feature your childs artwork created at school, printed onto high quality card. Each pack of 8 cards comes with red envelopes and is shrink wrapped into a single high quality package.
- Suitable for all occasions, the cards are left blank inside for that personalised message.
- An excellent idea for Mothers or Fathers Day and Christmas cards.
- Size: 155mm x 110mm - C6
- Name and age is printed on the artwork.
- All original Artwork is returned.
Ordering Details
Orders are now open via CDFPay at a cost of $14 and close at 2pm on Friday 17th September, 2021.
Orders will be delivered in plenty of time to use these items as Christmas presents.
Note: Our Art teachers will endevour to ensure your child has completed the necessary artwork. However, if your child has been absent for an extended period of time for holidays or sickness they may not have completed their artwork.
Isaiah 41:10 – So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
As part of the Young Vinnies fundraising for term 3 the students are hoping to raise money toward and awareness of childhood cancer.
On Friday 17th September (last day of term 3) the Young Vinnies are asking for students to wear a touch of yellow. This can be a yellow jumper, yellow shoes, yellow socks, yellow scrunchie or a simple yellow ribbon pinned to their school uniform.
Donations toward children's cancer can be made through CDFPay and all proceeds will be made to childhood cancer research.
On Sunday 10th October, 2021 we will welcome our 2nd group of 2022 Foundations students to our school when they come to attend an Interview with a member of our Foundation team.
This is an exciting time for these children and we hope they enjoy their first schooling experience.