Design and Technology using recycled materials!

The 1/2 Class enjoyed drawing their designs of what they each wanted to build in their Busy Books and then they made a list of the things they would need to build their design using recycled materials. Some students decided to work by themselves and others took the challenge to work with another person. There were lots of getting along skills, mathematics, design, creative and critical thinking. Lots of problem solving went on as they would try something and find halfway through their build they may have to choose another way. All students came up with wonderful things to design and build. A fantastic activity, well done!

Catholic Identity

Throughout his ministry, Jesus often used parables (stories) to help explain his teachings. Many parables involved the use of images of vegetation known to the region at the time. The parable of the Mustard Seed is one such example. The message Jesus portrays is that from little things big things grow. The mustard seed, the smallest of all seeds grows to become the largest of all plants. Here at St Joseph’s School, we are entrusted with supporting our parents as they nurture their children to grow and become the best they can be in whatever direction they choose to take in life. At St Joseph’s School we focus on the education of the whole child, intellectually, morally, emotionally, spiritually, religiously, physically, and socially, providing many varied learning opportunities and experiences in the process. It is great to see all children engaging with the learning opportunities presented to them each day. 

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

Make your own obstacle course by going over 3 things, through 2 thing, under 1 thing, around 2 things and between 3 things.

Write or draw where you could stand in this room so the door is to your left/right?

Years 4-6

Find your school using Google maps. Where could you go that is close to 2.5 kilometres away from the school?

When Mr. Pick leaves home each morning he travels in a West direction to get to school. What suburb might he live in?

Happy inquiry.

Reading is another core learning area here at St Joseph’s School. Children develop their reading skills, knowledge and understanding by reading regularly. At St Joseph’s School regular reading at home forms a major part of homework set each evening. Why not create regular timeslots throughout the week whereby all electronic devices in the home are turned off and members of the family spend 15 minutes reading together. 

Happy reading.

Teaching & Learning Inclusive Education

In preschool this term educators have recently introduced a Montessori inspired approach to learning, with intentional Montessori inspired table activities being accessible for children to use on Tuesdays. Montessori education fosters a child’s critical & creative thinking, independence, and a love of learning, through engaging in hands on learning experiences. The activities available for children to use range from fine motor screwing activities, pipette colour theory, sand pouring, flower arranging and more. The children have been very engaged with these activities which have been beneficial for their fine motor development.

We have also incorporated a star jar. This jar can be filled with stars when our preschool children display excellent listening, engagement in activities and show positive interactions with peers. When this jar is full, we will have a whole class party to celebrate at the end of the term.

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 roofing to the new sheltered area between the education and administration centre and the preschool entry will be installed in coming weeks. In addition, the Tenison Woods Centre (school hall) entry porch will be finished off to match the rest of the building.

Stage 3 of our School Masterplan (refurbishment of downstairs classrooms, relocation of canteen and student toilets) has commenced. Initial drawings have been put together and I have met with our architect as part of a design brief. The staff consultation and feedback process has also taken place. In coming weeks our architects will revisit the design considering the feedback provided before developing more detailed drawings. Building works are scheduled to take place in the first 6 months of 2025.

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.

School Band

Duncan Kilburn is once again coordinating our 2024 School Band. Duncan is a talented musician in his own right and has for many years worked with our school band, providing budding musicians across the school with the opportunity to develop their skills. Several of our children attend band practice with Duncan on Thursdays during lunchtime and after school. Duncan has also overseen the school’s entry into the Battle of the Bands Primary Schools Competition which was held at Nazareth College Findon (primary school) Campus this week. Established band members began preparing for the Battle of the Bands competition in Term 1.

This term the band has expanded to take in children new to the school band program. New band members have been working alongside existing band members to prepare for events to be held later in the year such as the Semaphore Street Fair, St Joseph’s on the Green and whole school assemblies held in Terms 3 and 4.

How does Exercise affect Mental Health and Wellbeing?

Physical activity promotes many aspects of child and adolescent development, including social and emotional skills, as well as physical development of motor skills. It also supports mental wellbeing. We know that high levels of inactivity can lead to a greater risk of both physical and mental health problems. 

Physical activity:  

• can increase levels of serotonin and endorphins; the neurotransmitters involved in regulating and improving mood
• promotes sleep - which also helps regulate moods, increase energy levels and improve memory and learning
• increases the connections between the brain neurons, which improves memory and learning capacity 
• pumps blood to the brain to boost mood, concentration and alertness 
• promotes relaxation by reducing skeletal muscle tension 
• provides children and young people with an outlet for excess energy and frustration, which relieves tension
• provides an opportunity for children and young people to socialise and meet new people, reducing loneliness and isolation
• improves motor and cognitive skills, which boosts self-esteem 
• distracts children and young people from negative thoughts.

These benefits also serve to improve classroom behaviour and promote a more positive learning environment. 

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

Sun Smart School

Our school meets the Cancer Council’s requirements of the Sun Smart Program, making us a Sun Smart School. Our children are required to wear their school bucket hat when outside during Terms 1 and 4 which are the hottest parts of the school year. In 2021 we moved our Sports Day to take place in April/May each year in line with recommendations of a Sun Smart School. Our Sun Protection and Hot Weather School Policy is regularly updated and can be found on our school website under Community, Welfare, Your Child’s Welfare.

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.

Diary Dates

Term 2 Concludes - 3:00pm Thursday July 4.

Term 3 Commences - 8:45am Monday July 22.

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:........................

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.

Dear Parents and Caregivers.

Welcome to Week 8, Term 2, 2024 in OSHC.

Children are in a safe supervised environment; learning happens while children play, have fun, and make new friends.

Please feel welcome to visit.

Morning care in OSHC is available, 6.30-8.30am.                                          

Afterschool care in OSHC is available 3.00-6.00pm, 2.45-6.00pm Tuesday.

Please remember to make a booking when you need OSHC.

All bookings can be made by ringing or messaging the OSHC mobile on 0437 863 067.                                               

If there is no answer leave a message on the service. I will call or message you back.                            

Making a booking helps us keep the child/educator ratio in line with legislation.                                                                                          

24 hours’ notice is necessary when cancelling a booking or charges will occur.

All parents using OSHC will need to check their myGov app to check for messages.              

When you attend OSHC casually.     

Please remember check your myGov app and Centrelink for messages.                                                                                                                                      

When parents use OSHC casually you won’t automatically receive CCS (Childcare Subsidy).

Follow the prompts-confirming that you used the OSHC service.

Centrelink is just confirming that you are using the service.

Parents/caregivers are welcome to read the OSHC Policies, feel welcome to ask and I will make copies available for your perusal.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Mieke   

OSHC Director   

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