28 August 2018

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Message

Jim Guinan, Deputy Principal

Dear Parents and Guardians

Another fortnight has rolled by and so therefore it is time to report, through this newsletter, the busyness of another two weeks at St. Josephs.

Last Thursday and Friday, staff, students and parents had the privilege to attend a presentation by Martin Heppell from the Resilience Project. Martin’s key message was about how to help all of us maintain and develop our sense of well-being and happiness through some very simple behaviour changes and modifications. Strangely enough, they apply at all levels, students and adults.

The first is “BE GRATEFUL”. That means to thank somebody for something on a daily basis. Be Thankful for what you may experience, not necessarily for what you’ve got.

The second key is “EMPATHY”. Do something for someone you may or may not know. Doesn’t have to be a major thing; it could be as little as giving way to a pedestrian at the round-a-bout.

The third key is to “BE IN THE MOMENT” for others. Take some time to listen to someone, really listen. It may mean a response is needed, it may mean nothing is required except for listening.

These three keys and mindful that failure is a reality in our lives and something that we can’t avoid, lead us to happier and complete lives.

Coincidentally Martin coincided with the Book Week Dress Up day. What a great day. The effort that children and parents went to for dress up day was nothing short of amazing. I hope your children took the time to thank you for that effort. Thanks Kath King and Lyn Hyland from the library for organising the day.

Also the boys and girls football teams have been active at a State Final level. We know the boys team lost in the Grand Final but what an opportunity to experience a sense of loss, learn from it and move on. The girls should also be grateful for the experience and thankful for the time Mr and Mrs Gercovich put in to them to get to the final stage. Think of the many teams that didn’t.

Father’s Day breakfast coming up next Friday is another chance to say thank you to the special males in our lives. Many thanks to Cindy Joseph and her legion of helpers for the work that they do prior to this event to make it such a success it is each year.

Regards,
Jim Guinan, Deputy Principal.

School Hats – Monday 3 September

From Monday 3 September all children are required to wear their school hat during outside play as per our school policy and recommended guidelines from SunSmart.

School hats are available for purchase for $14.99 from Lowes at Gateway Plaza or their online store. Children will be required to stay in the undercover areas during recess and lunch if they do not have a hat.

Teacher Awards

Week 5

Week 6

Gold Box Winner

Congratulations to Gold Box winner Isaac Brown for being friendly. Congratulations to Gold Box winner Archie McGrath for showing great courage and kindness to leave friends to sit with someone who was alone.

Winners of our Gold Box get to go for a swim at the pool.

ICT at St. Joseph’s

In today’s fast changing world of digital technology, parents can find it difficult to know where to find out reliable information about the latest app, hints for device usage and tools to help families negotiate this ever changing landscape.

The Office of the e-Safety Commissioner has many of these resources available for parents to access free of charge.

There are two recently released advisory articles titled: Does your preschool child have access to connected devices? and Your child’s first smartphone—are they old enough? Both contain some useful tips.

In addition to these articles, the site offers a link to many social networking apps with the stated appropriate age limitations and suggested audience. For each app, click on the more information link and scroll to the bottom of the page for the app to find the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions). The questions for each app are:

This page of apps is updated regularly and would be a useful link to bookmark for future reference.

The link for the parent section of the site, which is found below, contains a myriad of links and information for parents to view prior to engaging in discussions with your children.

Sacramental Program – First Eucharist

Children participating in the program have been attending family group meetings in preparation for receiving the Sacrament of First Eucharist.

Key Dates

PSA Meeting

7:30pm, Tuesday 28th August 2018

A reminder that the PSA Meeting will be held tonight at 7:30pm in the School Staffroom. These meetings are held twice per term and all parents are welcome.

Father’s Day Breakfast

Breakfast Orders are now closed. Sorry no late orders can be accepted.

Helper’s Request

Thank you to those who have filled in a volunteer form. More helpers are required so please consider assisting.

Young Vinnies – Food Share Fundraiser

Friday 7 September, 2018

The Young Vinnie’s team are working to promote and support the work of Warrnambool and District Food Share. Food share has a Fruit for School initiative which allows all schools in Warrnambool and district to collect a box of fruit for students to access during the school day. At St. Joseph’s many students enjoy and appreciate this when they don’t have fruit to eat at school which can be for a variety of reasons.

Food Share also provides hampers of food for families who may find themselves in crisis. Families at our school have appreciated this support as well.

We understand that many families in the area need support not just our families here at school.

We would like to invite all students at St. Joseph’s to bring along a Gold coin on Friday 7th September, to raise funds to support the work of Food Share. This is in week 8 of term. The Young Vinnies will be promoting this Fundraiser in classrooms as well.

Note: This day is not a dressup/casual clothes day.

Operation Christmas Child

Belinda Wrigley

St. Joseph’s Primary School has been invited to once again take part in Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse. Families are invited to fill a box with items which is then sent to a child in need. Boxes can be collected and returned to Room B7.

There is a $10 postage charge. Boxes are due back to school by the last week of Term 3.

Thanks.

Canteen News

We are in need for some more volunteers for Term 4. Training is provided and you can pick the day that suits you and even elect to be with a friend. A current Working with Children Check is required.