Dear Families and Friends of St Joseph’s,

What a week it has been as we have welcomed back our Year 2 – 6 students. For the first time in a long time, our school has finally felt more like its old self this week. It is certainly wonderful to have everyone back at school where they belong.

School is more than a place where you come to learn.  It is also a place where positive relationships matter.  As we welcomed back the students this week, the campus came alive again with the incessant chatting, bursts of laughter and the shouts and groans from the handball courts. The smiles were very evident on the faces of the students - and the teachers! - as they reacquainted themselves with their friends.  Whilst some had already caught up with each other using technology, others had been isolated from these friendships for many weeks.  Naturally there were some nerves and our priority this week is to make sure that everyone feels safe and supported now that we are back at school. 

Another of our priorities moving forward is to 'build back better', to coin a phrase that is being used at the moment in many contexts.  COVID-19 has certainly presented its share of challenges, however from the school’s perspective we were very happy with the use of the digital platforms and student engagement in their learning during this period. Heading forward, the digital platforms used during the learning at home period will continue to form an integral part of the teaching and learning environment. It is exciting times ahead.

For example, students have developed a greater level of independence and an improved sense of their capabilities as a learner. Although many of our teachers were already skilled in this area, all teachers have further developed skills in the implementation of technology to enhance what they do to deliver a quality learning program.  Moving forward, we will be examining the successes of the learning at home program with a view to ensuring that each student has the opportunity to be the best they can be.

I cannot thank the staff enough for their efforts in preparing for their students return to school this week. The many conversations, explicit teaching of behavioural expectations, setting up the classroom and establishing routines have all taken place this week. I also commend the support and assistance that you have given to your children over these unprecedented times. We know it has been a challenging start to the term but knowing that you are genuinely grateful for what teachers and support staff have done, makes all the hard work worthwhile. My sincere thanks to our community for the positive comments that we have received. It really has been a team effort and something we all need to be proud of.

We now look forward to the task of normalising school as much as possible. Whilst social distancing requirements mean that all school gatherings and events are currently cancelled, we look forward to this changing in the future as the Premier continues to ease restrictions. I will keep you up to date with any changes to these restrictions as they come to hand.

Thank you once again to parents for your unwavering support and understanding during the changes that we have all been enduring. The ‘stop, drop and go’ has been a massive change and your patience allows us keep everyone safe during these uncertain times.

God Bless,

Megan

The Easter Season Concludes                                                                                                      

This Sunday we celebrated Pentecost marking the conclusion of the Easter Season.  Pentecost focuses on the gift of the Holy Spirit given to timid, fearful men “huddled behind closed doors”, and transforms them to bold men who “bear witness to [Jesus]” (Jn 15:27).  The gift of the Holy Spirit continues to provoke change, guiding the heart and people in new directions, so as to renew hope, joy and new life

As we emerge from our recent struggles and challenges may we wake up each day and say: ‘Come, Holy Spirit, come into my heart, come into my day’.   https://youtu.be/J5tr4pqWIo4

National Simultaneous Storytime

On Wednesday, classes participated in the National Simultaneous Storytime. Ms Edmonds entertained us all when she dressed up to read this year’s chosen book was Whitney and Britney Chicken Divas.

National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) is held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country.

Now in its 20th successful year, it is an event that aims to promote the value of reading and literacy, using an Australian children's book that explores age-appropriate themes and addresses key learning areas of the National Curriculum for Prep to Year 6.

National Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June)

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) started as the Week of Prayer for Reconciliation in 1993 (the International Year of the World’s Indigenous Peoples) and was supported by Australia’s major faith communities. In 1996, the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation launched Australia’s first NRW. The dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey-the anniversaries of the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision.  Gurrumul ‘Jesu’  https://youtu.be/N4LiJiiSlf8

Growth Mindset – ‘I can’t do this…..YET! —Carol Dweck’s research into ‘Growth Mindsets’ reveals how the use of language when encouraging children can have a large impact on their attitudes to learning. When we praise intelligence and ability, we are assuming a giftedness through natural talent, taking away from our children the idea that with effort, we can push through struggles and achieve at high levels. So how can a parent develop a growth mindset in children? Here are three simple ideas to get started: → Praise effort, strategy and action instead of results—This type of encouragement, helps children develop the belief that success has more to do with what they do rather than born gifts or talents. → Give honest feedback- Honest feedback about their performance not only helps them improve, but also promotes a growth mindset. Sometimes we avoid giving feedback to protect a child’s self-esteem. However, by being sensitive to how we provide feedback, ensures that our children are not negatively effected. For example, focusing on two or three things your child did well before giving constructive feedback. That is, feedback that will help them improve. → When your child tells you that they can’ t do something—put the word ‘Yet!’ on the end to let them know that with effort, they can progress.

Soccer Drills -juggling challenge

As we return to regular play routines, we have added some additional activities to support students interests and skill development. As many of our students enjoy soccer, we have set up daily skill and drill tasks for them to participate in. Here are a few videos supporting the activities we have set up regarding agility and ball skills.

Fast footwork https://youtu.be/tMY5Cj39xN8

Ongoing challenge for the next few weeks is to ‘juggle’. https://youtu.be/Txr2YQzsLDU

Dribbling skills https://youtu.be/Sdv6Y1tqE4U