St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School “Work and Pray”
NEWSLETTER Term 2 Week 6 1 June 2016
Dear Parents and Caregivers Over the last two days I attended the Eastern Region Principals Conference at Bowral. The theme of the Conference was “Mercy in the School: Step Back to Lead Forward”. This was a wonderful opportunity to take time to reflect and continue to strengthen our personal dimension of religious leadership in our school communities.
Mary MacKillop St Mary of the Cross Australia’s first Saint Born on 15 January 1842 in Melbourne Died 8 August 1909
CANONISED 17th October 2010
Professor Br David Hall’s FMS presentation to the principals focused on our vocation as principals in a Catholic school and how we strive to bring about the mission of Jesus in our day to day work with our school communities. He spoke about how we need to “look in” so that we “lead out” and successfully navigate our way as leaders of Catholic schools in contemporary times.
Sr Philippa Murphy fdnsc and Sr Lorraine McCleary fdnsc spoke to the principals as to how we can strengthen our souls and develop a deeper sense of personal awareness in our complex, yet incredibly rewarding role as Catholic school principals. The sessions provided us with many thought provoking questions and a valuable opportunity to reflect on our role as leaders.
Kindergarten Enrolments We have completed our Kindergarten 2017 enrolment interviews and are currently in the process of sorting through applications to decide on placements for next year. Offers of enrolment will be sent to families on June 17th. If you know of any Catholic family in our area who has a Kindergarten child for 2017 and has yet to put in an application, could you please advise them that it is vital that they contact the school immediately.
Learning Support Intervention Groups Our school has been involved in the Eastern Region QLT (Quality Literacy Teaching Program) for the last 18 months. Last year our professional development focused on aspects of teaching reading and this year the focus has been on highly effective principles of writing.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:7
28-32 Thurlow Street Riverwood NSW 2210 Phone: 9533 3341 Fax: 9584 2672
[email protected] www.stjriverwood.catholic.edu.au
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School “Work and Pray” FROM THE PRINCIPAL Cont’d
Over the last few weeks we have trialled a different model of learning support for the students using our EAL/D teacher Mrs Zina Tuffy and our Special Needs teacher Mrs Cate Joseph (and in her absence whilst on sick leave, Mrs Elizabeth Graham and Mrs Carol Rigby) to collaboratively support the students in an intensive writing program. Students from all grades have been withdrawn to work with these teachers according to their specific needs, leaving the teachers with a smaller “core” group for the writing component of the Literacy block. At our staff meeting yesterday, teachers brought along assessments of students writing and, as a result of the focus on writing, could see evidence of improvement across all grades. BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CARE We are currently looking at the feasibility of operating a Before & After School facility on site. We will be sending out an online survey to all parents to gauge your needs of this service. This survey will be sent out on Friday 3 June and needs to be answered by Friday 17 June to enable us to prepare all the necessary documentation for our Head Office to assess if there is a demand for this service. LITTLETON STREET “ MORNING DROP OFF”
Unfortunately there continues to be a few problems with parents not driving safely and responsibly in Littleton St throughout the morning drop off period. Concerned parents have reported to me that some parents are making U turns into the line of traffic on the school side of Littleton St, or holding up the line of traffic by stopping directly outside the gate and not moving right to the end of the drop off zone near the pedestrian crossing. I try to observe the drop off line as often as I can but it is not the school’s responsibility to “police” parents driving. Please parents, think about the safety of all of our children and do not rush or perform dangerous and irresponsible U turns into school traffic. Your cooperation in this matter is much appreciated.
God Bless
Kim McCue Principal
“Blessed are the merciful, for they obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:7
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School “Work and Pray” FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
UNIFORM All students should now be wearing their winter uniform. A new long, water resistant, fleece lined school jacket has been added as an option to our winter uniform. This is available from Lowes for $59.95 (listed as a Navy Nylon Jacket). Children are reminded, however, that this jacket is intended for wearing outside and that the existing fleece jacket can be worn in the classroom if extra warmth is needed. We are fortunate that all our learning areas are air conditioned so please avoid overdressing students with too many layers. Gloves and short scarves are permitted for wear on the playground only and are to be plain navy blue or black. ICAS A reminder that the closing date for entries for this year’s ICAS Mathematics and English Competitions is this Friday 3 June. If your child wishes to participate, forms are available from the School Office or can be found attached to this newsletter for printing. PARENT CHILD TEACHER INTERVIEWS Interviews will be held during Week 10 (Monday 27 June - Friday 1 July). As in previous years parents will be able to book interviews online. Teacher availability and booking instructions will be provided in our next newsletter. MATHS PROBLEM SOLVING COMPETITION As an essential part of the learning process, working mathematically is an important aspect of students’ development as mathematicians. In our rapidly changing society, students need more than computational skills. Everyday life is becoming increasingly mathematical. Students need to develop the ability to think creatively, reason mathematically, and to apply mathematics in a variety of situations. Working mathematically is a core component of the NSW Maths syllabus for all age groups and is developed through a range of activities, group work and interactions with peers and teachers to help clarify understandings. Students are provided with opportunities to see relationships between their mathematical studies and the real–life situations they come across, to solve a range of unfamiliar problems in creative ways and to develop a deep understanding of the mathematics involved. “Blessed are the merciful, for they obtain mercy.”
Matthew 5:7
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School “Work and Pray” FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
To help encourage students to use their problem solving skills, beginning today each newsletters this term will include a different maths problem. Students are invited to participate by attempting to find the solution for each problem. There are no age restrictions and students are encouraged to read the problem, determine possible strategies to solve it and discuss it with siblings or parents. The ability to vocalise their ideas is important. Mathematics challenge is attached to this newsletter. Children may submit one answer each showing any working and including full name and class. All correct entries will be included in a draw at the end of the term for a mathematics themed prize. Answers must be submitted before the publication of the next problem. Entries can be posted in the specially marked box in the Office foyer. Good luck and have fun!
We were happy to hear that four of our students performed successfully at the Metropolitan Solo Event run by the Metropolitan Band Branch of the Band Association of NSW. Kane Mc Carren
First Place Second Place
U/11 Restricted (1st time entry) Any Instrument U/11 Slow Melody Woodwind
Nicholas Oendy
First Place Fourth Place
U/11 Slow Melody – Brass U/11 Restricted Any Instrument
Claudia Nguyen
Second Place Fifth Place
U/11 Any Instrument U/11 Slow Melody Woodwind
Margaret Oszywa
Third Place Fourth Place
U/11 Any Instrument U/11 Slow Melody Woodwind
Have a good fortnight Lynda Busuttil
“Blessed are the merciful, for they obtain mercy.”
Matthew 5:7
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School “Work and Pray” FROM THE RELIGIOUS CO-ORDINATOR
I am sure we have all been feeling the bite of winter this week which leads us to remember those people in our community, city, country and the world who are much less fortunate than ourselves. As a community who celebrates being Catholic in Australia we are called to impart Catholic beliefs, values, practices and traditions and to work with those who are disadvantaged. To this end the staff and students of St Joseph’s are involved in two initiatives which enable us to act on Catholic social teaching, in particular the preferential option for the poor. (Archbishop’s Charter #5) Social Justice Initiatives This coming Sunday night, 5th June, staff will participate in Vinnies Night Patrol. We have volunteered to provide food, hot drinks, blankets, toiletries, conversation and companionship to those who are homeless and lonely. Providing companionship is arguably the most important of these. Our evening will begin at Mary MacKillop Outreach in Lewisham at 6:30pm. After packing the van with supplies we will travel to Ward Park, Devonshire Street where we will serve food and drink and converse with clients. We will then move on to Phillip Street Martin Place, where we will do the same. Afterwards we will return to Mary MacKillop Outreach where we will return equipment, clean up the kitchen and be on our way home at about 10:00 pm. Our second initiative is one we traditionally contribute to and that is the Vinnies Winter Appeal. This year’s theme is Rethink Homelessnes. There are 45,813 women in Australia facing homelessness! There are also over two million people living below the poverty line in Australia, including over half a million children. Our donations allow the St Vincent de Paul Society to provide immediate help, to those in need, in our local community. The Vinnies group in our area is most appreciative of food donations at this time of year. The list below outlines the food items that are most needed and ensures that we receive a balanced contribution of food across the grades. This year we have also included some items that we can provide for the Night Patrol initiative, either this week or for other night patrollers in the future.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:7
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School “Work and Pray” FROM THE RELIGIOUS CO-ORDINATOR Kindergarten
Canned Soups; Cheese and cracker snacks (Le Snak)
Year One
Canned Vegetables/Fruit; Poppers- Orange and Orange/Mango
Year Two
Baked Beans/Spaghetti; Chewy Muesli Bars
Year Three
Canned Salmon/Tuna
Year Four
Canned meals e.g. Steak & Vegetables
Year Five
Noodles/Pasta & Sauce; Packs of snack size chips
Year Six
Vitabrits/Tea/Coffee/Biscuits
Thank you in anticipation of your generosity. This Friday, 3rd June is the Feast of the Sacred Heart. You are warmly invited to attend Mass with our whole school community at 12 noon. If we have some early food donations we will present these at the Offertory Procession during Mass. Sacraments Congratulations to our students who received the Sacrament of Confirmation last Thursday evening and our First Holy Communicants who attend Our Lady of Fatima Parish and received their first Eucharist on the weekend. All the celebrations were reverent and joyful events. A special thank you to our choir members for their talent and dedication to making our Sacrament of Confirmation once again a prayerful and uplifting experience:
Confirma on Enrolments ‐ Our Lady of Fa ma Parish Peakhurst The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated at Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Peakhurst on the 14th August 2016. Enrolment forms are now available and are due back at the Parish Office NO LATER Friday 10th June Application forms are being sent home via your child’s school bag, however are also available at the Piety Stall, the Parish House during office hours Tuesday – Friday, 9am-4pm, or can be downloaded from our website http://ourladyoffatima.com.au by following the links to ‘Sacramental Program’ then ‘Sacrament of Confirmation. The parent and candidate informa on mee ng is on Monday 27th June, 7.30pm in the Church. PLEASE NOTE ENROLMENT FORMS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AT THE PARENT MEETING AND MUST BE RECEIVED AT THE PARISH OFFICE BY THE DUE DATE. Peace and best wishes Robyn Green
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School “Work and Pray” COMING TOGETHER
DIARY DATES
Whole School Mass
Monday 13 June
-
PUBLIC HOLIDAY (Queen’s Birthday)
Tuesday 14 June
-
P & F Meeting
Friday Prayer Assembly
Monday 20 June
-
MUSICA VIVA
03.06.16
5 MacKillop
Wednesday 22 June -
Year 6 IMAX Excursion
10.06.16
2 Penola
Friday 24 June
FUNATHON
17.06.16
3 Penola
03.06.16
Feast of the Sacred Heart
Wednesday Mass (9am) 08.06.16
Year 6
15.06.16
Year 2
22.06.16
Year 3
-
Mon 27-Thurs 30 June
Parents / Teacher Interviews
Friday 1 July
-
Last day of Term 2
Monday 18 July
-
School Resumes for Term 3
Wednesday Penance 15.06.16
5 MacKillop
22.6.16
5 Penola
Has your child been absent from school this week?
Parents are required to inform their child's teacher in wri ng of the dates and reason of absence within a week of return to school or the absence will be recorded as an UNEXPLAINED absence on their file. “Blessed are the merciful, for they obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:7
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School “Work and Pray”
The Premiers Reading Challenge 2016
Premier’s Reading Challenge books have been literally flying out the Library doors as the race is on to finish the challenge. Students in Kindergarten - Year 2 are well on the way to completing their 30 books having recorded the titles from classroom reading, library lessons and borrowed books on their personal reading log.
Here’s a reminder of the rules The Challenge opened on 7 March and all participants must have their Student Reading Record handed to their class teacher by 19 August in order to complete the Challenge and receive a certificate from the Premier.
K‐2
Number of Min number of PRC Max number of PRC Booklists you can books you must Books Personal Choice read from read books 30 25 5 K‐2. 3‐4.5‐6,7‐9
3‐4
20
15
5
3‐4. 5‐6, 7‐9
5‐6
20
15
5
5‐6, 7‐9
Challenge
Kindergarten - Year 2 students will have their reading record entered on line by the class teachers. Years 3 - 6 students will be given their username and password when they have completed the Challenge and will enter their own record at school. (No user names or passwords will be sent home - all entries will be completed at school).
Happy reading everyone!
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:7
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School “Work and Pray” FROM THE SPORTS CO-ORDINATOR
Cross Country
Congratulations to Tamara Buckley, Antonio Caruana, Tiana Petkovski and Mitchell Woods who have all qualified for the Mackillop Cross Country Championship to be held on Friday 17th June at Eastern Creek. This is a fantastic achievement for all four students and we are so proud of you all. We wish you all the best of luck at this extremely high level of competition. A special mention goes to Tiana Petkovski who placed first in the 8-9 Girls 2000m Championship Event. An outstanding result Tiana!
Rugby League
On Tuesday 24th May the Year 3/4 boys competed in the Rugby League Lance Thompson Cup Playoffs at Kogarah Oval. The boys competed against Mortdale Public School and won the game! The boys played a fantastic game and showed amazing teamwork and sportsmanship. You made us all so proud watching the game. A very special thank you to Mrs Kim McCue, Mrs Lynda Busuttil, Sister Carol, Parents and their families and all of our St Joseph’s supporters for attending the afternoon. I’m speaking on behalf of the boys but I know how much it meant to them and myself to have you all there! Congratulations boys!
Congratulations to the 2016 Lance Thompson Cup Champions St Joseph’s Primary School, Riverwood Bashir Boulos, Bob Boulos, Emmanuel Elazzi, Noah Khoury, Jovan Leger, Kane McCarren, Zachary Nobrega, Levi Saua, Aidan Whale, Finlay Whitten and Mitchell Woods.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:7
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School “Work and Pray” FROM THE SPORTS CO-ORDINATOR
Athletics Carnival Unfortunately, our annual school Athletics Carnival was cancelled today due to the rain and the closing of Hurstville Oval. There will be further information regarding the running of events in the coming weeks.
Special thanks to all the parents who volunteered to assist at the carnival and all the P&F for the Sausage Sizzle organisation.
SOCCER GALA DAY
On Tuesday 7th June, 29 students from Years 5 and 6 will represent St Joseph’s at the Eastern Region Soccer Gala Day held at Heffron Park, Maroubra. There are three teams competing in the Gala Day, two boys teams and one girls team. Goodluck to the following students: Michaela Benic, Tamara Buckley, Katiana Laspatzis, Ella Nicou, Erini Papagianopoulos, Elena Tnokovska, Lara Tolic, Christina Vandarakis, Veronica Wasef, Matthew Campos, Antonio Caruana, Luka Cavdarovski, Harrison Cragg, Daniel Crimmins, Alanson Garcia, Peter Govesis, Adam Hagras, Noah Hagras, Dilan Ivanoski, Alex Kulchar, Joshua Lopizzo, Nicholas Oendy, Alex Papadopoulos, Joshua Roy, Christian Signorelli, Kenrick Theodore, Luke Trajkovski, Dion Vandarakis and Daniel Wilding.
OZTAG GALA DAY
On Tuesday 7th June, 38 students from Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 will represent St Joseph’s at the Catholic Oztag Gala Day held at Gannons Park, Hurstville. There are four teams competing in the Gala Day, two boys teams and two girls teams. Goodluck to the following students: Christian Alvaro, Dimitri Antonio, Michael Antonio, Teana Bourke, Marcus Buckley, Dylan Carr, Kansas Chakouch, Gabrielle Cook, Jordan Coyle, Jack Donati, Michael Elazzi, Emmanuel El Azzi, Oliver Farr, Lucy Finn, Emma Harris, Liahna Hofman, Theresa Jouni, James Keeling, Jeremy Khoury, Rory Little, Leanna Marta, Austin McDean, Rechelle Nagle, Claudia Nguyen, Marc Noun, Margaret Oszywa, Patricia Papagianopoulos, Yianni Papagianopoulos, Tiana Petkovski, Patti Psahios, Olivia Simone, Sheldon Suarez, Miara Tumang, Finlay Whitten, Mitchell Woods and Samara Woods.
Aim for the moon. Even if you miss - you’ll land among the stars! Jenna O’Donnell “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:7
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School “Work and Pray”
y a M / April s y a d Birth
Happy Birthday to the following children who will have a Birthday between 22 May and 4 June 2016
Finn Garland
Louise-Mary Kitoko
Jessica Lopizzo
Jake Gillies
Emma Harris
Matthew Ippolito
Sienna Cogle
Daniel Suteski
Renee Govesis
Evan Zafiropoulos
Abbey Hronis
2nd Hand Uniforms The 2nd Hand Uniform shop will be
open fortnightly during the year on Friday
mornings before assembly. Items range from $3.00. The Uniform Shop is open of the following days during Term 2::Friday 10 June & Friday 24 June. If you are unable to attend on these days you can leave a request with the School Office and we will endeavour to help you.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:7
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School “Work and Pray” P & F News Dear Parents and Caregivers We want your favourite recipe You will soon be receiving a request from us to submit your favourite family recipe. Feel free to submit as many recipes as you like and we will choose at least one submitted recipe from each family. Submitting the recipes is really easy, just go to www.createacookbook.com.au and choose the submit recipe option at the top of the page. Find our school in the drop down list and then fill in the necessary fields. Make sure you tell us which child and class the recipe belongs to so that we can include that information in the cookbook. We'd love to start receiving some photos from parents who would be happy to have them published in the cookbook. We can't promise we will use them all but we'll do our best to include as many as we can. I'm sure there are some great photos from crazy hair day that could be included. Please send them to
[email protected] We are still in need of sponsors for our school cookbook. We will include the sponsorship forms with the recipe request when it goes out. You can then either drop them to the office or email
[email protected]. If you have any questions please contact Bec Abel on 0414 580 132. FUNATHON FRIDAY 24 JUNE, 2016 - Help needed! Our biggest fundraiser of the year will be held on Friday 24 June. As usual the children will have a fun packed day full of activities with the chance to win some great prizes. To make this event successful again this year we need your help and this is how: Donate a prize for the raffle. Any prizes, vouchers etc will be gratefully received in the office. 1. 2. 3.
Raise as much money as you can and return the card that will be sent home with your child. Volunteer to help on the day or even part of the day. Please email
[email protected]
As a guide we usually divide the day into 4 sessions starting with Kindergarten and finishing with Year 6 but details will go out closer to the day. Thank you and your assistance is appreciated. Please contact Steve McMahon on 0419770355 if you have any questions. Next P&F Meeting Our next P&F Meeting is on Tuesday 14 June at 7.30pm in the school library. Come and join us and enjoy a glass of wine and some nibbles. We look forward to seeing you then. Steve McMahon Mobile: 0419 770 355 / Email:
[email protected] “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”
Matthew 5:7