"Where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am among them.” Matthew 18:20
Dear Families and Friends
The above scripture passage is now proudly on display in our Library and reminds us of the presence of Jesus in our lives as we carry out every day tasks. Thank you to Miss Leah Wilson who has spent a great deal of time displaying new signage in our Library and to the P & F who generously donated funds to make this possible. The children have been making the most of this revamped space in seeking additional shelter from the heat during lunch breaks.
School Vision
At the end of last term, staff spent two days on retreat at Mirilingki in Warmun. We were led by Sr Alma Cabassi and CEWA Religious Education Consultant Jo Harris as we sought to make changes to our current vision statement which reads:
St Joseph's Parish School, Kununurra is an educational community which provides a caring environment where the dignity of each person is nurtured through knowledge and understanding of self, respect of cultural heritages and the love of God.
After engaging in a variety of activities that provided teachers with the opportunity to reflect upon what we value at St Joseph's, the following vision statement was devised:
Inspired by Mary Mackillop we strive to achieve excellence in education, foster wellbeing, develop strong values and include all cultures and community members.
The next step in the process of renewing our vision statement will be to hear from our remaining school community. We are inviting parents and friends to contribute thoughts and suggestions about our draft vision statement. Please contact me via email (tim.hogan@cewa.edu.au), phone, or in person if you feel there needs to be alterations made to this statement. Over the coming weeks, we look forward to finalising our vision statement and making this known to the wider St Joseph's community.
Parent/Carer Survey
Thank you to those parents and carers who have responded to the short survey sent via email earlier this week. Results gathered from this survey will be used to assist in formulating our School Improvement Plan for 2018. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey and help us to provide the best possible education for your children. Please click on the button below to access the survey.
Touch Rugby
On Tuesday, students from Years 1-6 participated in touch rugby clinics led by representatives from Touch Rugby Australia. Congratulations to all students for the way in which they engaged in this unique experience.
School Disco
Due to popular demand, we are investigating the possibility of holding a disco for students later this term. In order for the disco to take place, we will need our parents and friends to assist in the planning and organisation of this event. Please make contact with Amanda Moncrieff via her email: admoncrieff@bigpond.com if you’re able to help.
Parents and friends who are able to assist are invited to attend our next P & F meeting at 'The Grande' on Monday 6th November at 5:15pm. We look forward to seeing our school community support this event which will benefit the students.
Mini Vinnies
The Mini Vinnies’ latest assignment involved delivering care packages to a number of appreciative residents within our community. Stay tuned for additional projects that you can help support over the coming weeks.
St Joseph's has got Talent
Children are continuing to show a great deal of enthusiasm for this upcoming event. Thank you to Mrs Monks for making the Music Room available each Friday lunchtime over the coming weeks, providing students with the opportunity to practice their various routines.
Swimming
A reminder that swimming continues for Students in Years 4-5 this week and swimming will commence for students in Years 2-3 next Thursday.
Have a great week.
Tim Hogan
Principal
Kindy News
SAND AND WATER PLAY
Children seem to be instinctively attracted to all things ‘sand and water’. These materials offer rich learning opportunities about the world around them, as well as providing an abundance of sensory experiences. Some of the learning experiences can include:
- Co-operating, turn taking and sharing equipment as part of a group.
- Developing fine motor skills through manipulating tools, pouring, filling, stirring, pushing, pulling, digging, patting, moulding, drawing etc.
- Developing hand/eye co-ordination e.g. pouring sand into containers, making sand shapes using moulds.
- Making physical features such as hills, tunnels, roads.
- Exploring 3D forms using a range of moulds.
- Creating and exploring sound using shakers of sand, gravel, pasta.
- Exploring various mathematical concepts e.g. capacity, size, weight.
- Understanding and using mathematical language e.g. full, empty, need more/less, heavy, light, straight/curved lines, names of common shapes.
- Making shapes and patterns in the sand.
- Asking and answering questions.
- Recalling and reporting back at group times.
- Developing pre-writing skills e.g. making patterns, marks.
- Making up stories using additional props such as play people, farm animals, vehicles.
As the weather heats up during barndenyirriny (hot season) it is the perfect time for us to focus on sand and water play. The children will get wet and sandy so please send a spare change of clothes and a towel (clearly labelled) in your child’s school bag. Children also need a school hat and water bottle for outdoor play.
PALS Funding
St Joseph’s successfully applied for PALS funding which contributed to our 50th Anniversary and NAIDOC Week celebrations, specifically, towards our mural and Mirima dancers.
PALS is an initiative of the Department of Lands, Planning and Heritage which encourages Western Australian schools to develop projects that promote reconciliation in their local community.
PALS is based on the core attributes of:
- Partnership between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people;
- Acceptance of difference as unique and to be respected;
- Learning more about ourselves and each other, and,
- Sharing a common journey along the path of healing and reconciliation towards a more harmonious and optimistic future.
Thank you PALS!
Sport
Term 2 has kicked off to a great start with students returning from their holidays full of energy and enthusiasm. Hopefully the heat will not dampen this too quickly! This term we are very excited to welcome back Miss June Blair who will once again be working with the students from Kindy through to Year 2. Each Tuesday of this term students will have the chance to be a part of the Bluearth program to develop their skills across all areas. This term Miss June and myself will be focussing in particular on team work and cooperation as well as balance and coordination.
Next week all students from Years 2 – 6 will begin their swimming lessons during sport time. Mrs Allen, Ms Gehrmann and Mr Jamie will be instructing the students in their lessons and we look forward to seeing all the students develop their confidence and skills in the water. Please remind your children to pack their swimmers, towel, shoes, hat and water bottle each Thursday.
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Dates
Term Dates
Term 4: 9 October - 8 December
Monday, 16 October: Year 6 Camp
Wednesday, 1 November: School Mass (PP-Year 6)
Monday, 6 November: Kindergarten Orientation Day (8:30am -10:30am)
Thursday, 30 November: Christmas Concert
Friday, 8 December: Graduation/Whole School Mass and final day for students
Thursday, 14 December: Final day for staff
Assemblies, Friday 1:20pm
20 October: Year 3
3 November: Year 5/6
17 November: Year 4/5
1 December: Year 2
Leaving town at the end of the year?
If your child will not be attending St Joseph’s School in 2018, please advise us as soon as possible, as this will make our job of classroom planning for next year easier.
Thank you.
Newsletter Photos
If you would like a copy of a newsletter photo of your child, please contact Di in the office on 9168 1079 or email admin@stjoknx.wa.edu.au.
Credits:
Created with images by Vijayanarasimha - "three mangoes fresh mango dharwad" • Pexels - "black and white boy child" • eslfuntaiwan - "quiz test exam" • Ash_barr - "lighting dj disco" • gregory_mccormick - "Swimming pool Switzerland" • RaeAllen - "GOPR2182_school" • Got Credit - "Money" • jarmoluk - "apple education school" • FreePhotosART - "carousel childhood school" • NZ Car Freak - "Bedford TK removals truck"