ABOUT - Term 1 Week 1 - 6 February 2025

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

Faith makes everything possible

Hope makes everything work

Love makes everything beautiful

WELCOME BACK FROM THE PRINCIPAL

A very big welcome back to a brand new school year.  We hope everyone had a relaxing and enjoyable holiday and we now look forward to a prosperous year.  A special welcome to our new Kinder class.  We hope all the new members of our school family find their time at St Joey's enjoyable and rewarding. Also, we welcome Mrs Simone Beaton to Joey's.  Simone is our new face in the office and we hope she enjoys her new role in the Joey's family.

FIRST DAY BACK MORNING TEA

Thank you to Jemma Burrell and Jane Semmler, who organised and served some beautiful goodies for our first day back parent morning tea on Tuesday. 

STAFF FOR 2025

Kinder - Mrs Alison Newstead / Mrs Julia Jeffery
Year 1 - Mrs Phillipa Haling / Mrs Haylee Barry
Year 2 - Mrs Nikkola Thomas
Year 3 - Miss Abigail Dobson
Year 4 - Mrs Melinda Morris
Year 5 - Mrs Meichelle Schier
Year 6 - Mrs Jess Morrissey / Mrs Donna Colwell
Parish Priest - Fr Greg Kennedy & Fr Nam
Principal - Mr Geoff Gibbons
Assistant Principal/REC - Mrs Donna Colwell
Support Teacher - Mrs Sheree Spora (currently on leave) / Mrs Haylee Barry (acting support teacher)
Executive Release  - Mrs Jess Morrissey
RFF/Library - Mrs Julia Jeffery / Mrs Alex Dann
Literacy/Numeracy Assistants - Mrs Cheryl Batten, Mrs Margie Stewart, Mrs Sue Alchin, Mrs Jacinta Ferguson, Mr Gabe Bustamante, Mrs Leisa Scotti
Aboriginal Education Worker - Miss Tahlah Thompson, Mrs Swade Wilson
Office Manager - Mrs Heather Hodge
Clerical Assistants - Mrs Toni Fuller, Mrs Simone Beaton
Cleaner - Mrs Christine Couley
Groundsman - Mr Robert Graves

KINDER / YEAR 6 BUDDIES

It was an exciting time on Tuesday morning when the Year 6 students were introduced to their Kinder buddies.  They now have a big job in front of them making sure our new Kinders settle in well at St Joseph’s.  The Year 6 students and Kinder children will do things like visit the church together, have lunch together and be there for one another.  A full list of the buddies is included at the bottom of today’s newsletter.

STUDENT LEADERS INVESTITURE MASS

We look forward to celebrating with our Year 6 Leaders at their Investiture Mass next Tuesday, 11 February in St Joseph's Church at 10:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome to attend.  Please bring a plate to share for morning tea which will be held after the Mass.

SCHOOL SWIMMING CARNIVAL - Next Thursday, 13 February - 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Our swimming carnival will take place next Thursday, 13 February with the war cries commencing at 10:30 a.m. followed by morning tea. The length of the pool races for primary children and those infants students who would like to swim a length of the pool will commence at 11:00 a.m. with the activities for the infants children in the little pool commencing at 11:20 a.m.  The carnival will conclude at approximately 2:00 p.m. at which time the children will walk back to school.  Alternatively, children may leave from the pool with their parents.  There will be a teacher at the exit of the pool to sign out children.

There are no canteen facilities available at the pool.

All children will need to bring their morning tea and lunch.

To help make the carnival a success, we will need your help.  We are asking for people to assist with handing out rods at the conclusion of all the races.  If you can help out, please complete the below online form or complete and return the hardcopy roster which has today been sent home, by next Monday, 10 February.  The staff look forward to seeing you for a family morning of fun and friendship. 

NEXT WEEK'S ABOUT WILL GO HOME ON WEDNESDAY

Due to the swimming carnival taking place next Thursday, next week's About will be sent out on Wednesday, 12 February.

INTERNATIONAL ANGELMAN DAY

Out-of-Uniform Day - Dress in BLUE

As many of our families would be aware, Year 1 student, Ted Johnston has Angelman Syndrome ("AS").

International Angelman Day is held each year on 15 February and to bring awareness to our students about Ted's disorder, we ask that everyone wears the colour BLUE to school next Friday, 14 February.

AS is a rare neurogenetic disorder that affects chromosome 15, resulting in intellectual and developmental delay. It affects about 1 in 15,000 people worldwide.

Some of the challenges Ted faces with having Angelman Syndrome include:

• Mobility & gait impairment
• Balance and coordination issues
• Gross and fine motor issues
• Intellectual disability
• Epilepsy
• Nonverbal communication
• Sleep disturbances
• Anxiety & behaviours
• Feeding & gut issues
• Sensory processing issues.

People with Angelman syndrome have some distinct behavioural traits, including a happy demeanour, characterised by frequent laughing, smiling and excitability. Many individuals with AS have a fascination with water and take great pleasure in activities like swimming.

You can follow Ted’s journey on facebook by following “Ted’s Angels” or find out more at cureangelman.org.au and support Ted by wearing blue to school on Friday, 14 February.

TERM PLANNER

A Term 1 Planner was sent home with each family on Tuesday.  This document contains important dates of what will be happening at St Joey's during Term 1.  It is possible that there may be changes throughout the term as more events are added or if we are required to change dates.  It is therefore important to make yourself familiar with the online version of the school calendar, which can be located by visiting the school website at www.stjosephsgilgandra.catholic.edu.au.  Click on the "Parents and Families" tab and "School Calendar" from the dropdown menu.

Any changes in the calendar will be advised in the weekly newsletter.

SCHOOL NEWSLETTER - PRINTED COPY

Our weekly newsletter, the 'About', is our main form of communication to all of our families regarding items of high importance, as well as interest.  The About is published each Thursday.  Please make sure you take the time each week to read through the newsletter and make note of items relevant to your child/ren.

A note was sent home on Tuesday, for families to complete if they would like a paper newsletter sent home each Thursday.  As indicated in the note, our school newsletter is available online through our Compass Portal, which is our preferred method of communication, as it contains important links as well as photos of what has been happening at school.  

However, if you would prefer to receive a 'condensed' printed copy of the About, please complete and return to school the tear-off slip from the note, or contact the office and let us know.

LIBRARY

Library classes commenced for some classes this week with the timetable being as follows:

Tuesday:  Year 1, Year 2, Year 5, Year 6

Wednesday:  Kinder, Year 3, Year 4.

Each child must have a library bag.  School library bags may be purchased from the school for $4.00 each.

The children have today received their first Book Club brochure, with orders being due back at school by Wednesday, 19 February.

CRUNCH & SIP PROGRAM

Our ‘Crunch & Sip’ Program will continue this year in each classroom at 10:00 a.m. every day.  At this time students take a five minute break in their class to have a drink of water and to eat some fruit. This is a voluntary activity and the water and fruit is brought from home.  All fruit must be cut into bite-size pieces.  Acceptable foods include apple, grapes, banana, carrots, celery sticks, sultanas, dried fruit, strawberries, cherry tomatoes. The purpose of this activity is to encourage healthy eating and to give the children an energy boost in the morning.

SEVERE REACTION TO NUTS

As some of our students have a ‘nut’ allergy, we ask that you refrain from sending nuts and nut products as part of school snacks and lunches. We appreciate your help in this matter.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

All children should be dressed in full school / sport uniform each day.  School uniform is worn on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday with the sports uniform being worn on Thursday in Term 1.  Just a reminder:

• School Shoes – all black.

• Earrings – 1 pair of sleepers or studs, worn one per earlobe.

• Hair Styles – Appropriate to our environment.

CATHOLIC DEVELOPMENT FUND

School banking will re-commence next Tuesday, 11 February.  If you have any questions in relation to school banking, please contact Mrs Fuller in the office.

P & F ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Our P & F AGM will be held at school in Week 3 on Tuesday, 18 February at 5:30 p.m.  Everyone is most welcome and encouraged to attend.

UNEXPLAINED ABSENCES

It is very important that your child attends school every day.  If your child is away, please advise the school the reason for the absence via the Compass App.  If this is not possible, please phone the school or send a note on the child’s return to school. All absences must be verified by parents/carers within seven days.

STUDENT ABSENCES MATTER!

Just a reminder of the importance of children attending school every day as absenteeism has a big impact on student achievement.  If a student misses as little as 8 days in a school year, by the end of primary school, they will have missed over a year of school!  

LATE ARRIVALS / EARLY DEPARTURES

If your child arrives to school late or is required to depart early, please make your way to the school office and sign your child in or out using the Compass Kiosk.  Thank you for your assistance.

BACK TO SCHOOL ROAD SAFETY TIPS

It has been six weeks since road users have had to remember to slow down and look out for children around schools and forgetfulness and complacency can affect us all after an extended break.  Drivers and riders should allow for children who may act unpredictably on the road as uncertainty and excitement over the new school year overrides otherwise sensible behaviour.  Please remember to abide by the School Zone speed limit of 40 km/h from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 and 4:00 p.m. 

FAMILY INFORMATION / PERMISSION NOTE

Every child received a Family Information/Permission Note to take home on Tuesday.  These forms need to be completed and returned to school as soon as possible.  Please note, a separate form must be completed for each child.  

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES USER AGREEMENT

A Digital Technologies Student User Agreement was sent home on Tuesday with each child. Please take the time to read through this and sign it with your child so they are aware of the rules and expectations at our school regarding the safe use of technology.  A form needs to be completed by each student and returned to the office by Monday, 10 February.

BUS TRAVEL APPLICATIONS

Our school has partnered with Transport for NSW to use the online process for parents to submit school travel applications.  Applications for 2025 bus travel are now open.  Please click on the below link for further information.

SCHOOL DRIVE SUBSIDY

The School Drive Subsidy is available for students who travel by private vehicle from home to the bus stop.  It is paid twice a year.  Applications may be made by phoning 131500 for assistance or online by clicking on the below link.

SPARE YEARBOOKS

We have spare 2024 Yearbooks available for purchase from the school office.  The books are $20.00 each.  

CANTEEN HELPERS REQUIRED

COMPASS PARENT PORTAL

How to Email Your Child's Teacher Using the Compass Parent Portal 

To email your child’s teachers, you will need to use the Compass website as 'emailing' is not a function supported by the app. You are able to access the website directly from within the app by following these instructions:

1. Click the 3 little lines (☰) in the top left corner or bottom right corner of your phone.
2. Click on the "Open in Browser" button.
3. You will see your child/ren on the left-hand side. Next to each child will be a link 'Send email to child’s teacher'.
4. When you click this link, a new window opens that allows you to compose an email. You can add a subject and a message body and there are formatting controls if you wish to use them.
5. On the right hand side you will see your child's teacher is a recipient.  If you would like any other staff members, click on 'Add Recipients' and type the name into the 'Add Individual' box, then 'Add'.
   
6. Click 'Send' at the bottom of the window. The staff in the Recipients list will receive an email from Compass with your message. You will also receive a copy of the message in your own email — the email you receive will contain your message and the list of staff who received it.

FLEXISCHOOLS ONLINE CANTEEN ORDERS

Our school utlilises the Flexischools online ordering system.  We encourage everyone to use Flexischools to place their child's morning tea and lunch orders. If you have not set up an account with Flexischools, please click on the links below which will show you how to register and place an online order.

Lunch orders can also be sent to school by writing your child's name, class and order on a paper bag and putting the cash inside.  Cash can also be used over the counter at the canteen for children to purchase their morning tea and any chips, ice blocks etc at lunch time.

NEW CANTEEN PRICE LIST

Please click the below link to view the 2025 Canteen Menu and Price List.  There have been a couple of price increases.  Please destroy all previous canteen menus.

NO HAT, NO PLAY

If your child does not have a hat, he/she will not be permitted to play on the playground.  Please ensure your child has a maroon school hat.  All classes have been distributed with sunscreen.

KEEPING YOUR CHILD SAFE ONLINE

Back to School Photo Tips

As the new school year begins, many families love sharing back-to-school photos of their children. While these moments are special, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) is reminding parents and carers to be mindful of online safety when posting images. 

 To help protect your child’s privacy: 

 Keep personal details like full name and age private.

Avoid showing school logos or locations in photos.

Check privacy settings to ensure only trusted friends and family can see your posts.

 Be cautious about sharing photos publicly or in large community groups.

Please also be mindful of sharing photos of other children without express permission from their families.

A few small steps can go a long way in keeping children safe online. Let’s work together to make social media a safe space for everyone! 

St Joseph's Community || Online Safety Matters 

PICKING UP CHILDREN FROM SCHOOL - A SAFETY ISSUE

Just a reminder that when picking up children from school to use the Wrigley Street entrance and not the Dudley Street entrance. The Dudley Street entrance is for buses only in the afternoon and it is too dangerous for children to be ducking between buses to leave school. Please ensure you walk across Wrigley Street to collect your child from the front gate.  No child should walk across the street unattended.

ST JOSEPH'S P & F DEBUTANTE BALL - Saturday, 22 March

The P & F Debutante Ball will be held at the Shire Hall on Saturday, 22 March.  This is a wonderful evening and raises funds for our P & F Association which in turn is then spent on much needed and very worthwhile resources for our school.   Tickets will go on sale soon, we will keep you posted.  There are always lots of jobs in the lead up to the ball with working bees to be held at school.  We will advise details of these working bees in the coming weeks.  If you feel you have something you would like to contribute to this year's ball, please contact our Ball Secretary, Bianca Williams at sjdb.coordinator@gmail.com

PIANO LESSONS AVAILABLE AT THE CONVENT

Mrs Estelle Joseph holds piano lessons at the convent on a Wednesday and Thursday during school hours.  If anyone would like their child to learn the piano, please contact Estelle on 0404 089319.

2025 KINDERGARTEN/YEAR 6 BUDDIES

CLASSROOM NEWS

Kindergarten

It has been non-stop in Kinder this week as we welcomed our Kinders and their families to St Joey’s. It was lovely to see so many smiling and familiar faces.  In our classroom we were keen to start learning.   Each morning we have practised our sounds and had a go at writing them.  We sang songs to match our sounds and we copied the actions.  During Reading with Mrs Newstead we will listen to a nursery rhyme and complete lots of fun activities. This week we sequenced “Jack and Jill” and discussed what  the meaning of the word, ‘crown’ was in the rhyme.  Our Maths time involved counting and making patterns with counters. It was lots of fun. Today we went swimming for Sport. We practised some skills we will need for our swimming carnival next week.  We look forward to a fabulous year in Kinder - we are certainly off to a flying start!  Have a lovely weekend.

Mrs Alison Newstead & Mrs Julia Jeffery

Year 1

Welcome to 2025 and welcome to Year One! We are so very thrilled to be your teachers this year. We look forward to getting to know all of the children and their families throughout the year. This week in Maths we have been revising our knowledge of 2-digit numbers and applying the principles of 'before' and 'after' to change the way we use them. We have also implemented a number of new Number Sense activities to promote consistent understanding. In Religion we have been building our understandings of how much Jesus loved children and how these lessons can be seen in our lives. We really enjoyed swimming today for Sport and are very excited for the Joey’s swimming carnival next Thursday. We hope everyone enjoyed the first week back of 2025 and look forward to an exciting year ahead!

Mrs Phillipa Haling & Mrs Haylee Barry

Year 2

It has been a busy but fun week catching up with each other after a long holiday. Welcome to Year 2, there is so much to look forward to this year and we have certainly hit the ground running. The children went to the Library on Tuesday, please remember to bring a bag to borrow a book. We eased our way into the work this week and completed some revision of concepts in Maths, Phonics and Grammar. We also created cute artworks to brighten our classroom. We certainly enjoyed cooling off in the pool today and look forward to our carnival next week. Have a lovely weekend!

Mrs Nikkola Thomas

Year 3

Welcome back to school everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday. It's been great seeing everyone's smiling faces again. We have hit the ground running here in Year 3 and are straight back into Spelling and Grammar. We started our first day by reading, "You Are Special" by Max Lucado and discussing how God has made us all special and unique. We then wrote and drew pictures of all the different things that make us different to one another and have these displayed in our classroom. In Writing we recapped the structure of a recount and began writing our own recounts about our holidays. It's been amazing hearing about what everyone's adventures. During these lessons we also learnt how to rule a margin in our books. It’s a tricky process that we are still learning but in a couple of weeks, we will be masters at it. In Digi Tech with Mrs Jeffery, we learnt about reading lexiles and how each book is set at a different lexile level. We completed the test that determines our level and will borrow the book according to this tomorrow. It's been a busy week but it's great to be back. Thank you for covering the books being sent home and returning them so quickly, it is a timely process.  I look forward to getting to know you all better as the year progresses. Have a wonderful weekend. 

Miss Abigail Dobson

Year 4

Welcome to Year 4! It has been lovely to welcome the children back to school this week. We have had a fabulous few days as we are reconnecting and establishing our routines and expectations. We have begun our class novel, "The Thing About Oliver" and the children have enjoyed being introduced to the characters and the plot of the novel. I will start sending books home to be covered on Friday.  Please ensure they are returned to school on Monday. Some children have been participating in the swimming heats in preparation for our carnival next Thursday. It is bound to be a fun day! I am looking forward to a wonderful year with this delightful group of students. Please don’t hesitate to contact me as we work together to ensure a happy and productive year for your child. Enjoy the weekend!

Mrs Melinda Morris

Year 5

Welcome back! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and it was great to see everyone happy and healthy as they returned to school. Year 5 has hit the ground running with the commencement of Spelling and completing Maths assessments. We enjoyed hearing about everyone’s holiday adventures and the students wrote a personal recount of all the activities they enjoyed during their break. In Religion we defined and listed what values are important in our relationships with others and created a collaborative artwork of our class depicting how we all ‘fit’ together as well as a ‘getting to know you’ activity. Over the next few days some students will be completing swimming heats in preparation for our school carnival next week and I am pleased with everyone’s enthusiastic participation. Thank you for covering the many books being sent home and I look forward to working with you and your child in the action packed year ahead. Have a great weekend. 

Mrs Meichelle Schier

Year 6

We would like to officially welcome all students and families back for 2025! We are excited to embark on our Year 6 journey this year and have certainly hit the ground running. We are excited to be the leaders of our school this year and look forward to guiding the younger students. We would also like to say a special welcome to our newest class member, Ryan. It is great to have another student join our class. We are busily preparing for our Investiture Mass next week and look forward to receiving our leaders' badges. In the classroom we have eased in with some revision Maths operations, tested out our editing skills and completed a fantastic holiday recount, outlining all of the fabulous things we did over the break! Did you know, Pope Francis has declared 2025 a Jubilee Year for our Church, with the theme, “Pilgrims of Hope?” With this in mind we have been inspired to create a display that reflects all the things that we hope for this year. We hope everyone had a wonderful first week back and can’t wait to see what the term has to offer!!

Mrs Jess Morrissey & Mrs Donna Colwell

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NOTICEBOARD