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- News from the Principal - Megan Pearce
- APRE News
- P & F AGM - Positions avavilable
- Curriculum News
- St Joseph's Cross Country 2021
- News from our Counsellor - Tosca Grainger-Dee
- Prep News
- Year 1 News
- Year 2 News
- Year 3 News
- Year 4 News
- Year 5 News
- Year 6 News
- St Monica's Enrolment Information
- Weipa Community Events
- Weipa Junior Soccer Club
- QLD Country Credit Union - School Banking
- Dates to Remember
Dear St Joseph’s Families,
It’s hard to believe we are at the halfway mark of the Term, but what a great start to the new school year. The students have settled into the routine exceptionally well.
The great start has a lot to do with you, the parents. It is obvious you have made sure your children are well prepared for school each day and speak positively to them about the many exciting things that they can experience and the importance of a quality education. This gives kids a head start. When leaving home with a positive mindset about learning it goes a long way to ensuring they have a top day at school.
The teachers and support staff also deserve recognition. Their efforts in preparing learning experiences, a welcoming and caring environment and willingness to offer extra-curricula opportunities, provide a structure for maintaining a supportive school culture.
A large part of the work we are doing is developing the mindsets of your children towards helping them understand that ‘smart’ is not something you are, it’s something you become.
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.
‘High performing’ students with fixed mindsets do well in the early years of schooling, only to struggle and avoid work as it gets harder. These students avoid taking risks and stop asking questions in class for fear of being discovered to be not the ‘smart person’ their parents and teachers have told them they are. They will stay with what is easy and perhaps make excuses for not achieving. They lack resilience when faced with challenges.
So how can a parent develop a growth mindset in children? Here are two simple ideas to get started:
- Praise effort, strategy and action - not 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 affected. For example, focusing on two or three things your child did well before giving constructive feedback; that is, feedback that will help them improve.
Last week we celebrated Ash Wednesday and the beginning of our Lenten Period. Lent, is a season of fasting and prayer where we prepare for the resurrection of Jesus and is one of the most popular and important holy days in the liturgical calendar. Ash Wednesday takes place 46 days before Easter Sunday, and is chiefly observed by Catholics, although many other Christians observe it too. Ash Wednesday comes from the ancient Jewish tradition of penance and fasting. It includes the wearing of ashes on the head, symbolizing the dust from which God made us, the dust to which we will return.
Lent is a time to prepare for the coming of Christ at Easter. We can do this by reflecting on how we can be better people who give more of ourselves to our families, our communities and God. By making space for these important other’s in our lives, we’re really making space for the risen Jesus. How can we use Lent as a time of reflection and prayer and open our hearts to listen to what God wants of us?
For me the challenge I will be trying to take up this lent is to pray more, reach out to others, and to find some quiet time every day to reflect and listen with the heart.
God Bless,
Megan
IMPORTANT NEWS FROM THE PRINCIPAL
TERM DATES 2021
Term 1 Wednesday 27th January to Thursday 1st April 2021
Term 2 Tuesday 20th April to Friday 25th June 2021
Term 3 Tuesday 13thth July to Friday 17th September 2021
Term 4 Tuesday 5th October and ends Friday 26th November 2021
Please note that term 2, 3 and 4 start on a Tuesday. The first day of term 2 and 3 are taken as the nominated travel days as outlined under the Catholic Enterprise Agreement and the first day of term 4 is the Queen’s Birthday public holiday.
Academic success and wellbeing for all students at St Joseph’s
At the heart of our vision and mission at St Joseph’s is the school community working together to ensure academic success and wellbeing for all our students.
Our curriculum and learning support team have been working with class teachers to collect and analyse class data for discussion about the needs of the students within every classes. Further assessments are currently being undertaken to pinpoint students’ strengths and growth areas for targeted teaching and support.
Each year we follow The Response to Intervention Model. This is a three-tiered model for targeted learning and intervention. Amanda Rowe, Kelly Bienvenu, Mel Turner and the School Officers will provide support across all three tiers – within the classroom, small groups and individuals.
Tier 1 : Classroom Support
The majority of students (80%) succeed in the regular classroom with assistance from the class teacher and school officer. Class teachers use data (assessment results) to monitor student progress and make adjustments according to these results. Teachers record modifications and adjustments being made. Teachers will continually communicate learning goals with students and parents throughout the year.
Tier 2: Small Group Support
There will be a small percentage of students (15%) who require additional support to achieve at the expected level. Amanda Rowe, Melanie Turner and Kelly Bienevu work alongside teachers and parents to identify these students and to provide intensive, short-term, targeted support. This support is in addition to classroom support provided by the class teacher and school officer.
Tier 3: Individual Support
A very small number of students (5%) require a high degree of support and a team approach from a number of specialists. These students often require an individual intervention plan or program.
Students move between the three tiers according to their progress, consequently, progress needs to be carefully monitored. This model is not only relevant to academic tasks (literacy and numeracy). It is equally applicable to behaviour, social skills, speech and occupational therapy and counselling services. Please let us know if you have any queries or concerns.
Cross Country/General Fitness Training
The St Joseph’s Parish School Cross Country Carnival will be held in the first week of Term Two on Friday 23rd April. In preparation for this event, we will be running our annual cross country training program from next week. These sessions will be offered on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 7.30am until 8.00am.
Training starts next Tuesday 2nd March 2021, 7.30am. Students are to arrive at school wearing casual shorts, shirts and shoes (due to the wet weather it is advised that they do not wear their school shoes). Teachers will supervise students during warming up, running around the the oval and warming down. Students will then change into their school uniforms and wait in the entrance area until 8:15am.
Due to Covid restrictions only parents of students Prep - Year 1 are able to remain on the school grounds.
Stop, Drop & Go
To assist the teachers on duty at the stop, drop and go zones, it would be appreciated if you could display your family name either on the visor or dashboard of your car. Not all teachers recognize parent/grandparent faces or the make of vehicle. Having the kids ready on the footpath greatly improves the efficiency of these zones.
Safety in this area is paramount so please be patient, do not pull out and go around other vehicles. If your child is not out when you are in the line we may ask you to go around again so that we can keep the flow and prevent frustration for others. If you have an urgent engagement to attend please park and collect your child from pick up area.
Ash Wednesday Liturgy
Last Wednesday we began our Lenten journey with Ash Wednesday. The school gathered for a Liturgy, listening to Scripture readings which call for a change of heart and teach us about the traditional Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. The staff and students received a sprinkle of ashes which were made using palms from the previous year’s Palm Sunday and blessed by Father Dariusz.
Lent- A Time of Praying, Fasting and Almsgiving
For forty days during Lent where we are called to examine our hearts. It is a time of preparation for Easter as well as a time of reflection for those waiting to receive the Sacrament of Initiation at the Easter Vigil. This time, also marks the beginning of the annual Caritas Australia Project Compassion Appeal. Donations to Project Compassion allows Caritas Australia, the Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development, to work with local communities around the world to alleviate poverty, hunger, oppression and injustice. We encourage you to put your compassion into action this Lent through your prayer, fasting and almsgiving by supporting Project Compassion. Saint Oscar Romero is our inspiration for Project Compassion 2021, so in his words let’s
“Aspire not to have more, but to be more.”
This year, our country celebrates 200 years of Catholic Education in Australia. The theme of ‘Faith in the Future’ recognises this unique story of Catholic Education and acknowledges that the story only develops in a positive manner when we place value, faith and hope in each employee, parent, learner and parish member that is involved in Catholic Education in Australia.
Historically, the Catholic Education story is intertwined with Australia’s Church and political history. To celebrate, remember and reflect on this history there will be a number of events to celebrate the impact that Australia’s history has had on the growth and development of Catholic schooling.
22 February 2021 - 26 February 2021
The official launch of the Bicentenary of Catholic Education in Australia will be occurring across the country in each state, territory and diocese in the week commencing 22 February 2021.
Perceptual Motor Program (PMP) Prep-Year 3
Our Prep- Year Two classes commenced the Perceptual Motor Program this week which has been designed by our Occupational Therapist. The aim of the program is to assist with the development of perceptual motor skills in a fun way and will assist with the transition to learning. When arriving at school in the morning, Prep-Year Two students will remain in their designated seating area and be collected by their teacher to start the course at 8:20am from Tuesday-Thursday.
School Times and Supervision
St Joseph’s first bell rings at 8.25am with students moving off to class to begin their learning at 8:40am. In the classroom, students access all information required to start their day successfully. Unfortunately, late attendance means that your child may find it more difficult to connect to the class as they begin their day, therefore having an impact on their learning. Please ensure your child arrives at school by 8:40am.
Parents are advised the supervision at St Joseph’s begins at 8.15am in the morning and ends at 3:15pm.
We would like as many people as possible to attend our AGM (Tues 9th March @ 7pm). Should you wish to nominate for any Executive positions, or to nominate someone else in our upcoming AGM, please contact Stacey Edmonds @ sedmonds@cns.catholic.edu.au
NAPLAN 2021
The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is an annual assessment for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9.
NAPLAN tests skills that develop and improve over time. The best way to get your child ready for NAPLAN is to continue to develop literacy and numeracy skills.
This year all students in Year 3 and Year 5 will participate in NAPLAN Online between 11th – 21st May. These students will have the opportunity to practise these tests from the end of March to ensure they are familiar with the assessment formats and online platform.
Parents of students in Years 3 and Year 5 please read the attached NAPLAN information guide. If you have any further questions relating to NAPLAN please contact a member of the school leadership team.
Amanda Rowe
Middle Leader – Learning & Teaching
INFORMATION ON Facebook Messenger for Kids
Dear Parents,
How can school counsellors help your child and family?
School counsellors are committed to ensuring that all students have the skills needed for social, academic and personal growth.
They do this by:
- Providing short term individual or group counselling to students to help them improve the way they feel about themselves and to think about issues in different ways.
- Working with families to facilitate referrals to appropriate external support agencies for students with concerns that do not impact on their learning, or for concerns that require longer term counselling.
- Working with school leadership to implement school-wide practices that promote positive relationships and positive emotional wellbeing.
- Working with families and school staff to increase their understanding of why a student may be presenting with specific social, emotional or behavioural concerns.
- Working with families, school staff and external support agencies in supporting students with specific social, emotional or behavioural needs.
- Working closely with Catholic Education Services Psychologists to identify and support students with mental health concerns which are presenting at school.
It is my pleasure to be a part of the St Joseph’s community,
I will be back in Weipa in Week 6 : 1st March to the 5th March.
Warmest regards,
Tosca Grainger-Dee
In Prep, we have been learning the sounds that letters make and that some letters can make more than one sound. Students have started using these sounds to sound simple words such as cat and map.
Hello families of Year 2,
It has been a great start to 2021 in Year 2! The students have all settled in and are engaging in learning activities!
In English we are looking at a range of picture books, e.g. The Super Bear, Skat the Mutt and Miss Lily’s Fabulous Pink Feather Boa to name a few! Students are deconstructing the text, looking at language features and structure as well as characters and emotions.
In Religion, students have been looking at the Old Testament, including God’s covenant with Abraham and Sarah and God’s promise to Noah after the flood. Students are looking for key words or actions that represent God’s nature before Jesus. Next week we will look at some key parts of the New Testament to see how God is portrayed.
In Maths students have been exploring all things to do with number. From this week onwards, we will look a multiplication and division as equal groups, where students will use manipulatives, such as counters, to share equal amounts and find an answer to a sum.
Our Positive Behaviour for Learning this week was ‘Lining Up the St Joseph’s Way’. Year 2 have been doing an amazing job at lining up and moving around the school in a respectful, appropriate manner.
Year 2 will be presenting at assembly next week (week 6), which will focus on the topic ‘World Day of Prayer’. We will begin practising next week.
Some reminders:
- Library books need to be returned Friday, so students can borrow Friday afternoon
- Home due in on Friday
- PE and HEALTH Friday
If you have any questions please contact me via email or the school office.
Kind Regards,
Emily
These past five weeks have gone by so quickly; it’s hard to believe that we are half-way through the Term already. So far this Term in Math, we have been working on odd and even numbers and place value into the thousands. Beginning this week, we will start with our Friday afternoon Math rotations which I know the students will love! There has been a lot happening in English so far this Term also as we have been constructing our persuasive texts and pulling apart examples of persuasive paragraphs to identify the persuasive language and structure that is used; we have also begun spelling and writing sprints. During our writing sprints, students are given a picture and spend 15 minutes writing whatever comes to mind in order to strengthen their writing and help further develop their imagination. This Term, the students are particularly enjoying our technology unit where we are looking at occupations that require technology and identifying how technology has changed from the 1800’s to now.
A few reminders:
Monday: homework is due and sent back home. Please ensure your child is reading at least 3 times a week for 15 minutes per night and that one math’s activity is completed for the week from their math matrix (found in their homework book).
Thursday: Library. Please ensure your child brings their library bag so that they can borrow a book and take it home as part of their reader.
Friday: Health and PE. Students are to wear their sport uniform on this day.
YEAR 4
In English, we have been learning about what makes a poem, a poem! Students have had fun writing some samples of poetry that rhyme, some stupendous alliteration, and the flow of their writing with using rhythm when saying poems. The students are looking forward to beginning their own poem that tells a story they have imagined.
In Maths, we have started with a very challenging topic, fractions! Students have been revising the idea of fractions being part of one whole object as well as how some fractions appear different but have the same value. This whole process is always made easier when you use chocolate as a teaching object!
Dear Parent and Guardians,
We have definitely had a busy start to the school year with many events and learning already taking place. The Year 5’s have settled into how to be a great learning by showing the 4R’s in and out of the classroom. They have all shown commitment to being our future leaders by helping out with taking our lunch time bins at the end of each lunch break.
In our writing lessons we have been working on ensuring our handwriting is legible while creating narratives. We are understanding that language features and other descriptive language is vital in making our narratives engaging for reading. The students have been enjoying listening to the Ickabog by JK Rowling in the afternoons before home time. This will be used to help us to create our own response to a new or different ending to the story for assessment later in the term. Our reading groups are becoming more and more a part of everyday routine with students respectfully and responsibly taking ownership of their learning when working with both staff or by themselves.
Religion
Our first Religion unit saw us looking at the 4 Gospels in more detail. We were able to compare stories and identify the differences. Once we grasped the idea of the meaning behind the scripture, we were able to then write our own story using the same meaning or moral. This has shown that we can relay a message to the reading while keeping the same meaning but in a simpler format.
Maths
Maths lessons so far have been about grid locations, perimeter and area. We had the opportunity to measure the length of various spaces/items in and outside the classroom. Upon returning to class we then calculated the perimeter and the area. This was a lesson that could be continued each and everyday because we had so much fun doing it. In coming weeks we will start looking at decimals and fractions.
It is so nice to see so many of our students handing in homework on time and completed to a high standard. Until we are able to take devices home there will be a variety of worksheets that support our leaning in the classroom used in replacement to our original online tasks.
SEL
In SEL the Year 5 students have been learning about The Zones of Regulation and The 5 Point Scale. This is where you record how you feel and what strategies you can use that can help you get back to the Green Zone.
Important days to remember
Homework, Library and PE days - Thursdays
Communication
If you have any questions or queries, please email us on sedmonds@cns.catholic.edu.au and mturner@cns.catholic.edu.au and we will endeavour to return your email within 24 hours.
Year 6 Newsletter Article
There has been great excitement over the past week as the Year 6 students formed groups and discussed and researched their Design Technology Projects. They have been tasked to design and construct an arcade game using recyclable materials that can be played by Primary School Students. Their ideas have been inspired by the efforts of a 9 year old boy, Caine, who began making games from scrap material in his Dad’s workshop and who now has a following of thousands of like-minded children. The Year 6 students have selected a project, created a design, determined a list of appropriate materials and have enthusiastically commenced construction. To accompany their project, the groups are also required to produce a google slides presentation showing the steps involved in the process and including photos and an evaluation of their successes and learning. The class hopes to be able to set up their completed projects at the end of the term and invite other students to visit the Year 6 Games Arcade.
In Maths, we have been working hard to understand equivalent fractions and relating fractions, decimals and percentages to practical situations.
In English, students have been using connectives to join and convert simple sentences to interesting and more informative complex sentences. We have been examining the structure and purpose of information texts including emails, brochures, catalogues, posters, reports and newspaper articles and writing our own with a provided scaffold as support.
Students have been conducting simple experiments and investigations to demonstrate or determine whether various changes in states of matter are reversible or irreversible and on occasions believing their results prove some more recognised scientists than themselves have made huge mistakes???
Thank you for your support with the homework routines and it is already evident that some students are completing these tasks because they want to and can see the value of taking some responsibility for their own learning which is going to help them enormously in the future.
