In Literacy we have started learning the UFLI Foundations program; an explicit and systematic program that teaches skills for proficient reading and spelling. WE are still in the beginning stages of implementing it, but the students have loved it so far!

In Maths we have been consolidating our knowledge of Place value up to ten thousands and addition and subtraction. The students have shown enthusiam in using seesaw to share their learning.

In HASS (Humanities and Social Sciences) and Art, we have started an integrated Inquiry unit on exploring Multicultural Australia through Art and History. So far we have enjoyed learning about different Aboriginal and Indigenous artworks and their significance in our Australian history. We look forward to learning about more artwork inspired by the different cultures here in Australia over the coming weeks.

In Our Religion unit of work we are exploring 'Jesus as a story-teller' and how He uses parables to teach lessons and God's message. We have been making connections with class discussions and acting with plays.

Last week we celebrated 'National Reconciliation Week'. In conjunction with our Inquiry unit, we learnt about how we can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. On Thursday every class created their own class totem pole to further reflect on our learning.

Catholic Identity

On Sunday May 19 the Catholic Church celebrated Pentecost. Pentecost is a time when we celebrate and acknowledge the gift of the Holy Spirit given to us by God. One way to think of the Holy Spirit is of the words and actions of Jesus being lived out through others today. During Pentecost, classroom Religious Education programs have centred on the Holy Spirit at work in our lives today. Our weekly communal prayer has also reflected upon the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Curriculum News

I have included two mathematical tasks which you might like to have a go at with your child/children.

This week’s Mathematical tasks:

Reception to Year 3

A family has 7 children. We know at least three of the children are girls. Draw as many possibilities as you can as to what the family might look like.

Someone asked the teacher a question and he replied “Maybe.” What might the question be?

Years 4-6

My sister was complaining that it was always extremely hot on her birthday which spoilt the activities that had been planned. When might the date of her birthday be? Explain your answer.

Design a spinner for which the chance of spinning red is 2/6.

Happy inquiry.

Children develop their reading skills, knowledge and understanding by reading regularly. Below are some strategies you might like to try at home to support your children’s learning:

•  Encourage and model reading in the home
•  Listen to your child read their reading material and ask specific questions   related to what they have read
•  Read with your child
•  Share what you are reading with your child
•  Read your child a bedtime story
•  Read to your child in your family’s first language
•  Talk to your child about the different situations you find yourself in whereby   you are required to read texts.

Happy reading.

Teaching & Learning Inclusive Education

We have several programs that are executed through Inclusive Education. These programs target specific skills that students need to develop in order to be successful in school and in life. Sue Scheller (Co-educator) runs a gross motor skills program, “Nimble Nippers”. Sue also implements “The Listening Program” for 6 students in Year 1-2. 

 “The Lego Club” began in Term 1 and these students will continue for another term. There are 4 different Lego Club age groups with each group consisting of 4 students. Students from Year 2 to 6 have been selected to participate in this social skills program. Staff involved are Michelle Dinning, Jan James and Jodie Mannix. We are already seeing benefits in terms of engagement, focus and well-being.

School Start Time 8:45am

I encourage you, if possible, to ensure your child/children are at school by 8:45am each day. This will ensure that your child is present during key explicit teaching moments at the beginning of Literacy and Numeracy Blocks. This will ensure your child is well informed and ready to be a successful learner.

School Master Plan Update

The front of our school hall has been cladded to match our new building providing additional street appeal along Ina Avenue. The front footpath has been repaired and the verge along the front of the school has been landscaped. In coming days, the Tenison Woods Centre (school hall) entry porch will be finished off to match the rest of the building.

Public Holiday Monday June 10

A reminder that Monday June 10 is a public holiday.

Term 3 Preschool and Reception Intake

St. Joseph’s School will once again have a Pre-school and Reception intake at the start of Term 3 this year. Our Term 3 new Pre-school children will replace those moving into Reception as part of our Term 3 Reception intake. A new class will be created for our Term 3 new Receptions which will be located next to the current Junior Primary unit. The criteria for starting Pre-school or Reception on the first day of school in Term 3 is that a child will have turned 4 (Pre-school) or 5 (Reception) between 1 May and 31 October in that year. During Term 2 we will hold three transition visit mornings for our new Pre-school and Reception children with the aim of supporting their new start.

How do Children Play?

As children grow, the way they play will change. Below are examples of play for children of different ages:

Babies (birth to around 18 months)

With babies you might try:

• music, songs, gentle tapping on your baby’s tummy while you sing, bells or containers filled with different objects - these activities can help develop hearing and movement
• objects of different sizes, colours and shapes to encourage a child to reach and grasp
• sturdy furniture, balls, toys or boxes to get a child crawling, standing and walking
• play with movement (for example, holding a baby while singing, swaying or gently dancing)
• play with words, such as in simple rhymes, animal noises, books, blowing raspberries and playing peek-a-boo.

Toddlers (around 18 months to three years)

A toddler might enjoy: 

• big and light things like cardboard boxes, buckets or blow-up balls to encourage them to run, build, push or drag
• chalk, rope, music or containers can encourage jumping, kicking, stomping, stepping and running
• hills, tunnels or nooks that encourage physical activities like crawling and exploring
• experimenting with different sounds and rhythms (try singing, dancing and clapping along to music with your child).

Preschool children (around three to five years)

Ideas to get your pre-schooler’s mind and body going: 

• Old milk containers, wooden spoons, empty pot plant containers, sticks, scrunched-up paper, plastic buckets, saucepans and old clothes are great for imaginative, unstructured play.
• Simple jigsaw puzzles and matching games like animal dominoes help improve your child’s memory and concentration.
• Playdough and clay help your child develop fine motor skills.
• Favourite music or pots and pans are great for a dance concert or to make up music.
• Balls and frisbees can encourage kicking, throwing or rolling. When encouraging your child to kick or throw, try to get them to use one side of their body, then the other.

School-age children

School-age children can have fun with the following objects and activities:

• Furniture, linen, washing baskets, tents and boxes are great for building.
• Home-made obstacle courses can get your child moving in different ways, directions and speeds.
• Rhymes or games like “I spy with my little eye, something that begins with...” are great for word play and help develop literacy skills.
• Simple cooking or food preparation like measuring, stirring and serving food is great for developing numeracy and everyday skills.
• Your child’s own imagination - with imagination, your child can turn themselves into a favourite superhero or story character. If your child is interested, you could think about getting them into some sports or team activities for school-age children. Other possibilities include after-school or holiday art and craft activities.

To learn more about how you can support the Social and Emotional Learning and Wellbeing of your child visit Be You  https://beyou.edu.au/dashboard/resources/fact-sheets

Important Safety Message

Students and families are reminded to be wary of approaches from strangers, especially when they are unaccompanied or travelling to and from school. If they are approached students should not respond and should not accept offers of rides or gifts.

Students should seek the assistance of other nearby adults if they feel unsafe and should report the event to a trusted adult (parent or school staff member) as soon as possible.

SAPOL advises that taking out a mobile phone and calling police can deter the offender and they recommend the student making a formal report to their closest police station.

Kiss and Drop Zone Speed Limit 10km per Hour.

A reminder that the school Kiss and Drop Zone along Rosewater Terrace has a speed limit of 10km per hour. Please ensure you observe the speed limit when using the Kiss and Drop Zone as this is an area where children are entering and exiting the school in large numbers.

A reminder also that the school Kiss and Drop Zone is not a place to park your car if you need to enter the school grounds as this holds up all incoming and outgoing traffic. It also leads to children exiting their cars on Rosewater Terrace and having to manoeuvre between traffic, raising further safety concerns. If you need to come into the school grounds, parking is available along Rosewater Terrace and on Ina Avenue.

Thank you in anticipation of your support with these important safety matter.

Audiri App

To keep up to date with what is happening within our school along with upcoming school events why not download the AudiriApp from the App Store on your mobile phone. Once downloaded simply search St Joseph’s School, Ottoway and add to your Audiri page. Many of our families currently use the Audiri App to keep up to date with what is happening across our school.

May the love of the Risen Lord continue to be with us all.

Working in partnership with you.

Shaun O’Leary.

2025 Sacrament Program

Every second year at St Joseph’s School, students are invited to be a part of the St Maximillian Kolbe Parish Sacramental program.

We are preparing to begin the 2025 Sacrament Program group in collaboration with parents and the parish. Catholic children from Year 3 to Year 6 can nominate to be prepared for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation. Baptism is a prerequisite.

Can you please indicate on the form below your choices and return it to the office or email me at smccullough@stjotto.catholic.edu.au

We have no dates available for these celebrations, but families will be advised of these as they come to hand from the parish. If you are interested or would like to find out more about the Sacramental program, please fill in the slip below and return to the front office.

Kind regards,

Simon McCullough

APRIM

 I would like for my child to join in the 2025 Sacramental program.

My child is already baptised: Yes             No

I would like to enrol my child in preparation for  Reconciliation

I would like to enrol my child in preparation for First Eucharist       

I would like to enrol my child in preparation for Confirmation 

Child’s Name.........................................      Class:...........................

Parent’s Name........................................    Signature:........................

Drumbeat

David Hillard from BeChangeGrow is just completing another very successful Drumbeat program with some of our students. Drumbeat is a 10 WEEK program of 45minute sessions incorporating the themes of;

·         - The Rhythm of Life

·         - Relationships

·         - Harmony

·         - Identity and Community

·         - Emotions and feelings

·         - Teamwork

DRUMBEAT is an acronym for Discovering Relationships Using Music, Beliefs, Emotions, Attitudes, and Thoughts. It is the world’s first structured learning program using music, psychology and neurobiology to reconnect with ourselves and others. DRUMBEAT incorporates hand drumming, behavioural therapeutic principles and discussion and thinking elements to achieve positive outcomes.

Our students work in groups of 10 with David and have been giving very positive feedback about the experience. The sessions culminate in a performance which is enjoyed by their class and sometimes by the whole school.

You are invited to join us when we attend the Parish masses.

The dates are;

·         Sacred Heart of Jesus Mass Friday 7th June at 10am

·         Nativity of John the Baptist Monday 24 June at 10am

Halal Hotdogs

We would like to inform you that Halal hotdogs are now available on Tuesdays.

On Friday, May 24th, St Joseph's Ottoway took the Catholic School's Lacrosse Carnival by storm as 38 of our student athletes represented our school proudly. It was a day filled with excitement, sportsmanship, and outstanding performances that truly showcased the talent and teamwork of our students.

From the first whistle to the final buzzer, our athletes demonstrated exceptional skill and commitment on the field. Whether they were scoring goals, making crucial saves, or cheering on their teammates from the sidelines, each student played an integral role in representing the school proudly.

A big thank you to Ms Michelle, Ms Kylie, Miss Ruby and Mr Pick for attending and supporting each of their teams. We look forward to continuing our successes for future carnivals this year.

Daniel Nguyen, Sports Coordinator.

3rd - Pupil Free Day

OSCH available contact Mieke

7th - Sacred Heart of Jesus Mass

19th - Battle of the Bands

24th - Nativity of John the Baptist