Parliament and Civics Rebate (PACER) funding for Year 5 & 6 Camp

Students from our school have recently undertaken an education tour of the national capital. Students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding of $260 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.

St Joseph’s School wishes to thank PACER for its generous contribution to this life-changing experience for our students.

School Bus

Pick-ups and Drop-offs

For the safety of our children, we would like to remind parents that children catching our white Coaster school bus will be dropped off in the afternoon ONLY at the address from which they are picked up in the morning.

Attempts to accommodate parents who ring during the school day asking that their children be dropped off elsewhere have resulted in a number of confusing situations, whereby children have ended up going home to an empty house or to a house where they are not expected.

Children who do not live in Ranch/Garden/Reserve/old town/Hidden Valley may not catch our bus home to a different address.

Your child cannot be dropped off at a different address unless it is an emergency situation (eg you have an emergency visit to the hospital and an arrangement has been made for your child to be cared by another family member or friend).

Many thanks for your cooperation.

MENINGOCOCCAL W IMMUNISATION

Has your child received the new Meningococcal W immunisation yet?

Meningococcal W is a new strain of meningitis (brain infection) that has caused serious illness and even death.

Until the end of 2018, MenW immunisation is being offered FREE to:

• 1-5 year olds
• 15-19yr olds

It is also now part of the routine immunisation schedule at 12 months and Year 10.

Please contact Community Health on 9166 4321 for more information, or to book an appointment.

Children outside these ages can receive it through a GP, at a cost.

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.

Dates

• Thursday 1st November: 2019 Kindergarten Orientation Morning, 8:00am - 10:00am
• Thursday 1st November: All Saints Day
• Friday 2nd November: All Souls Day
• Friday 23rd November: Whole School Christmas Concert Practice at the Leisure Centre, 10:30am - 12:30am
• Thursday 29th November: St Joseph's Christmas Concert at the Leisure Centre beginning 5:00pm
• Friday 7th December: Final day for students

Assemblies

Each even week, Friday @ 1:20pm

• Week 2: Yr 5/6
• Week 4: Yr 3
• Week 6: Yr 2
• Week 8: Yr 1

Gastroenteritis Illness

In recent weeks the Department of Health has seen an increase throughout the Kimberley in the number of notifications of gastroenteritis caused by Rotavirus. Most recently, all hospitals and clinics in the region have reported a significant increase in people, especially young children, presenting with diarrhoea and vomiting.

Rotavirus is a viral infection of the digestive system spread through faeces and vomit of infected people. Symptoms usually begin 24 to 48 hours after exposure to the source of infection. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea (occasionally with blood), stomach pain, fever, lethargy/tiredness and body aches.

People are infectious from the time they begin to feel unwell until at least 24-48 hours after symptoms have stopped. An infected person (staff or child) should be excluded from school for at least 48 hours after their last loose stool. Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after eating, after going to the toilet and before and after nappy changing/child toileting minimises the risk of transmission.

Kununurra School Dental Clinic

Most school age children are eligible for free dental care in Kununurra School Dental Clinic.

Primary School children become eligible to attend the School Dental Service in the year they turn 5.

High School children are eligible to attend the School Dental Service until they complete Year 11 or the day they turn 17 (whichever occurs first).

If you changed your address or phone numbers, please advise dental clinic staff. Missed appointments may result in suspension from the School Dental Service.

We are located on the hospital grounds in the Dental Health Building, 69 Coolibah Drive and are open Monday to Friday 7:30 to 3:30.

Please feel free to call us on 0419 939 179 or email: kununurramobile@dental.health.wa.gov.au to organise an appointment.

Medications

If your child requires prescription medication during the school day, a Student Medication Administration Request must be filled out by parents/carers. These are available from the office. We are unable to administer medications without a signed form, even if verbal permission is given over the phone or to the school bus driver.

Thank you for your cooperation.

School Fees

School fees make an important contribution to providing your child with the best possible education.

Families who have a Health Care Card are asked to present it at the office for the appropriate discount on their tuition fees. If you are experiencing financial hardship, and are not eligible for the card, please make a time to see the Principal to discuss your individual circumstances.

We accept payment using the Indue Card.

ALL FEES NOW MUST BE PAID IN FULL.

SCHOOL HEALTH NURSE

Four Year Old Immunisations

Please be advised that the immunisation schedule has changed as of 1st August 2018.

4 year immunisations can no longer be given at 3 ½ years of age.

The child must have turned 4yrs to receive final childhood immunisation.

Any queries –please call Community Health on 91664321

St Joseph’s School is a Nut Awareness Zone

We have a student who has a touch-sensitive, life-threatening nut allergy. Please do not send nut products to school in recess or lunch boxes. This includes peanut butter, Nutella and many muesli bars.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Canteen Volunteers Wanted

Miss Kris is looking for parents or friends of the St Joseph’s community who may be able to lend a hand. As they say, many hands make light work! If you can assist in any way, please have a chat with Kris or the Principal.

St Joseph’s School Uniforms

At St Joseph’s School we take great pride in our appearance. The school uniform is also an important aspect of child health and safety. It is a requirement that all students wear a St Joseph’s uniform (including a hat with our logo) that is purchased from our uniform shop. Similar items bought elsewhere may not be worn to school.

Please note that our “no hat, no play” policy will be enforced.

See our website for a full range of uniform items.

Uniforms may be purchased at any time from our office.

Praying the Rosary

Sr Marcella will lead us in one decade of the rosary each Friday at 7:35am on the grass outside the administration building. Please feel welcome to join us for five minutes of prayer.

New Enrolment Policy

The West Australian School Education Act (1999) stipulates that information about immunisation status and date of birth must be supplied when applying to enrol at school. As of 2018, a child’s birth certificate and immunisation documents must be provided before they can commence their schooling at St Joseph’s.

Thank you for your cooperation.