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Dear Parents,
Welcome back to Term 3. How good is it for all of us, but most especially our children, that schools in our region are operating as normal? We are so grateful that the children’s learning and social needs are able to continue to be developed by being at school each day with their teachers and friends. Our hearts go out to those families in regions where this is currently not possible, and we pray that in the near future their children will once again be running around school playgrounds and interacting in person with one another in their classrooms.
Term 3 Plans
There are a number of major events planned for this term and we are hoping that these will still be able to go ahead. It is our feeling that some events may be cancelled and others may need to be modified. As it stands at the moment:
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NAIDOC Week celebrations which were scheduled for this week have been cancelled. When we are able undertake the planned tasks without compromising the COVID regulations we will rebook for our day of whole school indigenous themed activities.
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School Photos, planned for next Tuesday 27th July, have been cancelled and are now rescheduled for Term 4 Week 1, Friday 8th October
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The ASPIRE production, originally to be performed this week, will now take place in November.
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Several excursions have been planned, though we are waiting to hear whether these will still be able to occur. This includes the Year 5 Great Aussie Bushcamp in Week 10.
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Book Week, with the theme of “Old World, New Worlds, Other Worlds” is planned for Week 7. We have a range of activities planned for each day that week, including our Scholastic Book Sale, and our Character Parade, which will take place on Friday 27th. We will live stream the parade if parents are unable to come on site, which is looking highly likely. Book Week will definitely be going ahead!
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A whole school Read-a-thon, organised by our Year 4 parents will take place throughout August. Details will be coming your way soon.
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Our School musical, “An Unexpected night at the Zoo” is scheduled for Week 9, Wednesday 8th and Thursday 9th September in the theatre at St Pius. We may not be able to perform this in the way that we are planning on, however, if not, we believe we will still be able to perform it, though not necessarily to a live audience.
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The staff Faith Formation Day, which is a pupil free day, has been rescheduled to Sunday 12th -Monday 13th September, in Week 10. Please make a note of this pupil free day in your diary.
Library
We are vey happy to welcome Mrs Jodie Drabble to our staff. Mrs Judy Collins has reduced her hours and Jodie will share the School Support – Library Assistant role with Judy. Together Dee Milgate, Judy and Jodie will continue to provide great experiences and resources in the Library for our children.
Afternoon pick-up arrangements
Congratulations and a huge thank you to the staff and parents for doing a terrific job each afternoon. The Kiss and Ride zones seem to be taking no extra time and a number of parents are phasing their arrival time and are coming along a little later than normal which is resulting in a better flow of traffic. Parents who are walking to collect their children are being very patient and obliging of an afternoon at the Parish car park pick-up spot and this is making the process run smooth and seamlessly each afternoon.
Lost Property
Two weeks into the term and there is an obscene amount of hats and jackets in the lost property bins. Please encourage your children to be more responsible with their belongings and expect them to thoroughly check the bins if they are missing anything. Perhaps a consequence for each time they have misplaced a uniform item may help them to develop this sense of responsibility - washing or wiping up after a meal, cleaning up after the dog, wiping out the bath, taking out the rubbish etc or a donation to a worthy charity of some pocket money or a toy. We are happy to share with families any ideas that you may have found to be particularly effective in helping to ensure your children take greater care of their belongings. Feel free to email them in to admin@merewether.catholic.edu.au
Update of Details
Over this coming week you will be receiving a document for each child that has your details regarding names, addresses, emergency contact details, email addresses, contact numbers etc. These details are what we currently have on the system for you. Over time these details may change, and parents often forget or do not realise that they need to update this information with us. It is important that we have the most current information for you and your children, particularly if we need to contact someone in an emergency. We also have noticed that in some instances the parent identified as the bill payer does not regularly check their email account for the address we have been given and parents wish to change who the statement gets sent to. Please adjust any details you wish to make and return the form to school. If there are no changes needed please still send it to school with a big tick on the right hand side of the page to indicate that you have reviewed it. All forms need to be returned to school by Friday 6th August.
HOW CAN WE HELP?
I recently came across a story that I felt has a valuable message for all of us.
“When Justin was 24 years of age, fairly cash poor, newly married and, with his wife expecting their first child he felt overwhelmed, and the quality of his work was suffering. He was summoned to the office of Paul, his boss. ‘Justin, we’ve noticed that things aren’t good. Your performance is well below what we are used to, and what we expect. You’re struggling.’
Justin braced himself as Paul paused. His eyes were downcast. He was listening intently, waiting for the criticism, the explanation of the written warning, the ‘performance management system’ that would be introduced. Paul remained silent. Justin waited a few seconds before slowly lifting his eyes to meet Paul’s. Then he realised this was not going to be a lecture. He was telling Justin what he had seen. Now he was waiting to see if he was right or not. ‘Yes. I am,’ Justin agreed with Paul and waited. He didn’t quite know how to respond.
After a few moments, Paul asked Justin a question that has stayed with him for nearly 20 years.
‘Justin, what can we do to help?’
When we encounter people who are struggling, we really have three choices.
- We can turn against them and make them our enemy.
- We can turn away, insisting that the problem is theirs and they need to deal with it, or
- We can turn towards them – recognising them as a fellow human who simply needs some support and understanding until they get back on track.
Why not use this term to take the time to explicitly focus on caring for others in this way and model this for our children in order for them to apply such behaviours in their own encounters with others? Just think, if this were to happen, in the words of Louis Armstrong - ‘What a Wonderful World it Would be!’
Upcoming Dates
28 July | Diocesan Athletics Carnival |
30 July | Water Safety Education Program K-6 |
13 September | Pupil Free Day |
Curriculum Corner - Renata Powell
Semester 2 Student Council
During Week 1, each class reflected on the qualities of leadership as they voted for their Semester 2 Student Council Representatives. We wish to congratulate the following students:
Flynn H | Lula K | Jack W | Ava K |
Joshua V | Eve M | Felix P | Lily G |
Mason H | Chloe W | Sidney M | Anderson C |
Louis W | Miller C | George B | Sasha M |
Domenic P | Josephine R | Charlie W | Abigail T |
These students received their Student Council badges at assembly on Monday morning. We look forward to a great semester working on a variety of initiatives together.
Thank you again to all our Semester One council members who represented both their class and St Joseph’s with great maturity, leadership and pride.
Australian Catholics Young Voices Award 2021
In Term 2, Year 6 students entered the Australian Catholics Young Voices Competition. This year, students were asked to write either a journalistic article, capture and caption photographic images or create a short video or podcast about an inspiring person or community group that have achieved something extraordinary.
We are very pleased to announce that many of our wonderful Year 6 students have received special recognition for their work.
In the category of Junior (Year 5 and 6) digital journalism we highly congratulate -
Winner – Lucia M for her video ‘The cover is not the book.’ The combination of the personal and the more objective look at disability and people’s response to it, resonated with all the judges. Please click on the link below to view Luscia's entry.
Two St Joseph students received honourable mentions –
Maddie L for her photographic series ‘Candlelight vigil for domestic violence.’
Xavier M for his written piece ‘Heart to heart with a trailblazing conductor’.
Also Highly commended were:
Lucy W, Bonnie P, Abbie H, Gizelle G, Josephine, Meera S, Patrick A, Aidan S, Abi T, Isabelle E, Isaac L, Chase F, Ella R, Lillian S, Eva C, Eden, Ivy J and Ivy S
To have so many students recognised from one school in a national competition is truly impressive. Well done to all Year 6 students and particularly to those mentioned above. We are very proud of you!
https://www.australiancatholics.com.au/article/young-voices-awards-2021
Positive Behaviour Learning (PBL)
Congratulations to the Blue Sports Colour House for achieving the most tokens in the second half of last term! Students in this sports house enjoyed a sausage sizzle for lunch last Thursday. A special thanks to staff who assisted in cooking the BBQ. Please see photos from this special reward below.
Our PBL focus this fortnight is Act Safely – Moving safely at all times. This is a big focus area as quite often children are reminded to be aware of their surroundings and how they move within them. In class, students are identifying ways we move safely (and unsafely) as they analyse different scenarios and how they can be most safe. On the playground teachers will be keeping a close eye on students who are walking on the concrete and playing safely on equipment. Hopefully many tokens will be given out!
Australian Mathematics Competition
Wednesday 4 August – Friday 6 August
The Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC) is an engaging 30-problem competition that demonstrates the importance and relevance of mathematics in students’ everyday lives; it is open to students in Years 3 to 12. Australia’s leading educators and academics, with a deep understanding of our national curriculum standards, actively design the unique AMC problems each year. The competition is fully online.
Held in Term 3, the AMC has two divisions applicable to primary school: Middle Primary (years 3–4) and Upper Primary (years 5–6). The cost is $6.50 per student.
If you would like your child/ren in Years 3 - 6 to participate in the competition, please complete the payment via QKR. Entries close Friday 30 July 2021.
For more information click here
Save The Date
Interrelate
Interrelate is a not-for-profit provider of relationship services that specialises in supporting parents and children. St Joseph’s has benefited from their service in the past and we have now secured a date for two evening sessions this year (13th October, 2021).
The two sessions are:
Session 1: Where Did I Come From?
Audience: Year 3 and 4 students and their parents/carers
(Students from Year 5 and 6 are welcome to this if they have not particpated previously) Program focus: • Discuss the male and female reproductive systems, foetal development and the birth process • Personal safety and protective behaviours
Session 2: Preparing For Puberty
Audience: Year 5 and 6 students and their parents/carers Program focus: • Discuss the physical changes of puberty, emphasising that it can be different for everyone • Develop students’ understanding of periods and sperm production, as well as the physical, emotional, social and intellectual changes associated with puberty for both boys and girls • Enhance awareness of children’s personal safety and protective behaviours Note: Younger students are welcome to attend at the discretion of their parents/carers.
These sessions will take place in the evening on 13th October. More details and booking information will be available closer to the date.
Celebrating our Faith - Donna McMillan
Back to School Blessing
Dear Heavenly Father,
For all the children and families returning to school,
send your Holy Spirit as their guide and protector.
Keep them free from danger and unnecessary harm.
Put each of us in the right place, at the right time, to receive your grace.
Let each of us grow strong. May the presence of your Spirit fill each of our hearts.
Help us to mature as parents and caregivers.
Bless every family, O Lord.
We entrust our children to you, dear God.
Since from the beginning, they are yours to keep.
In the name of the greatest Son of all, Jesus Christ,
AmenThe Gift Of Grandparents
Pope Francis has proclaimed the World Day for Grandparents and the Elders will be celebrated on the fourth Sunday in July each year – July 25 in 2021. Grandparents are the symbol of true love and care. We send all our love to all the beautiful grandparents in our community.
The Social Justice Art Exhibition
The Social Justice 2020-2021 Statement, To Live Life to the Full: Mental health in Australia today, provides the opportunity to better understand mental illness and how as social beings we need the bonds of family, friends and the broader community to celebrate the joys and hopes of life. We all want to share in the fullness of life and live life to the full. We are invited to attend the annual Social Justice Art Exhibition - now online https://www.mnnews.today/your-diocese/2021/54075-the-social-justice-art-exhibition/
St Joseph’s Social Justice Group
Vinnies Family Winter Sleepout
Last term our community were all so generous in your support of the St Vincent de Paul Society’s, ‘Winter Appeal’ with all of the food and blanket donations, take care of those families in need this winter. The continuing COVID situation along with soaring house prices, limited places to rent and cuts to JobSeeker, will put extreme financial pressure on families some of whom may find themselves homeless.
The theme of this year’s winter appeal is ‘Home Wanted’, with a focus on the homelessness, particularly on children. Facing homelessness is overwhelming. We can continue to show our support by our continued involvement in activities.
Vinnies Sleepouts give us a glimpse into the realities of homelessness by ‘sleeping rough’ for a night to raise awareness and funds for Vinnies homelessness services. This experience challenges your sense of home and offers unique insights into the complex issues faced by people experiencing homelessness.
As an act of solidarity with those people forced to sleep rough, we are inviting families to participate in the Family Winter Sleepout @Home on Friday 30th July.
On Monday, Mrs Helene O’Neill will visit and speak to our all students at our assembly about this great initiative and to raise awareness of the plight of many people in our own country. We encourage you to support this initiative as a way of further educating your children about life’s realities for the less-fortunate.
If you choose to participate, it would be great if you could send in a photo of your family sleeping out in your backyard to be included in the school Newsletter for publication in Week 4.
Please see the Parish Bulletin for more details and registration for Masses in our area - https://www.newcastlecatholic.org.au/weekly-bulletins/
2G NEWS
2G is the best class ever! Have you ever walked inside the 2G classroom? Our class has amazing artists, outstanding authors and super sports people. It is truly amazing!
In 2G we have lots of fun doing some quite impressive work in Sport, English, Science and lots more. In Religion we are learning about the church calendar. In Mathematics we are learning about patterns.
Our desks are arranged in the shape of Australia with a chalk outline on the floor for Geography. Every time you walk into our classroom it is like you are walking around Australia. You can go all the way from Western Australia to Tasmania through every state. There are no border lockdowns in our class.
Everyone loves collecting Brag Tags we have because you get little prizes when you reach a certain amount and you can take them home and show your parents. Mrs Standing never runs out of Brag Tags because she has millions of them.
Talking about art, we do like our Uluru paintings which are really interesting to look at.
I really hope you want to join Two Gold with our two, terrific teachers and laughter every day!
Prepared using the words and ideas of
Lula K, Harriet M, Ava M, Lila K and Riley B
Here is a sample of some of the writing that we have done. We have some examples of persuasive and informative texts.
How do snails move? Snails make a slimy trail called mucus. The mucus, helps them to move their foot. If they don't have mucus to move they will stay on the floor forever.
- Harrison C
What are snails? Snails are gastropod molluscs.
There are land, sea and freshwater snails. They are invertebrates which means they have no backbone.
Snails have a shell but their shell grows with the snail. Snails, carry their home, on their back.
Snails eat lettuce plants, and lots of leaves.
What do snails look like?
Snails have a shell, they have one big foot but it doesn't look anything like a human's foot.
They are shiny and leave a silver trail when they move.
Snails live in damp wet places. Snails get called pests because they eat plants and they usually are eating plants and food. They come out of their homes after it rains, some live under rocks.
- Poppy D
I strongly believe that sports are good for you because you get strong and healthy. Some people think that sports are bad but they are actually very good for you because you can make new friends. In my opinion, sports are fun, exciting and enjoyable.
I hope you now play lots more sport than just one or two. I play five sports. I might play more.
- Harriet M
It saddens me to see so many people not playing sport.
Firstly sport is really fun because if you score a try, you celebrate. I think that's fun. Secondly, you get fitter stronger, faster and healthier because you use all your muscles. Lastly, you learn how to cooperate in a team.
Here is a fact about rugby league. It started in America. There was a game of soccer than a, man just picked up the ball and started running to the goal and dived.
In conclusion.
I hope you're playing a lot of sport.
- Archie B
You should play sport because it's good for your health.
Please play sport because you can make wonderful exciting, new friends.
If you play sport, you can lose weight. I hope I convinced you that sport is super.
- Charlotte H
Children should stop watching television.
I strongly believe that children should stop watching television, right this minute.
It is absolutely clear that children should stop watching television because I know sitting in the living room watching something that teaches you nothing is lazy.
I'm certain that people should stop watching television.
- Frankie S
Devices are bad for your brain.
I strongly believe that devices create laziness and bad behavior.
I am absolutely certain that devices are bad for you because there could be arguments and fights.
I am certain that devices are rotting your brain and definitely it is a waste of time.
I am incredibly sure. That devices are awful and you should stop using them.
- Billy G
Diocesan Athletics Carnival
Date: Wednesday 28th July, 2021
Venue: Hunter Sport Centre, Stockland Drive Glendale
Time: 9.45am - 2.00pm approximately. Students are expected to stay for the duration of the carnival.
Due to the current COVID-19 situation, spectators will not be able to attend the Diocesan Athletics Carnival.
Transport: The Central Region has organised two buses to transport students to and from the event.
The following information is for students from St. Columba’s, St. John’s, St. Joseph’s, Holy Family and St. Patrick’s:
School/s |
Bus Pick-Up and Drop-Off Point |
Pick-Up Time |
Drop-Off Time |
Adamstown |
Lambton Pool Carpark |
8:30am |
2:30pm |
For those parents who like a copy of the program, Team Managers will be selling them for $2 for students to buy. The canteen will be available to students.
If using a home computer or laptop the following URL can also be used to access the results via their web browser click here
A copy of the results will also be posted here on the CSO website within 24 hours.
This QR code can be scanned throughout the day of the carnival which will show live results.
The St Joseph’s Diocesan team and events are as follows:
Lily Graham - 9yrs 100m, Junior 800m
Eve Yuen - 10yrs 100m
Mabel Hainsworth - 11yrs100m, 11yrs shot put
Bonnie Petersen - 12yrs 100m, 12yrs 200m, 12yrs Shot Put
Violet Lusby - Junior 200m
Eden Buxton - 12yrs 1500m
Stella Childs - Junior Long Jump
Oliver Sciulli - 8yrs 100m
Evan Beacher - 9yrs 100m, Junior Boys Relay
Archie Doyle - 9 yrs 100m, Junior 800m, Junior High Jump, Junior Boys Relay
Jacob Flynn - 10yrs 100m, Junior 200m, Junior Long Jump, Junior Boys Relay
Sidney Maxwell - 10yrs 100m, Junior 200m, Junior Shot Put, Junior Boys Relay
Vrix Marcelo - 13yrs 100m
Zachary McGready - 12yrs 800m, 12yrs High Jump
Lucas Vickery - 11yrs High Jump
Carter Allan - 12 yrs High Jump, 12yrs Long Jump
Byron Schmidt - Junior Long Jump
Oliver Moran - 12yrs Shot Put
We wish all these students the very best for this upcoming event!
PSSA event news
Postponed events in Week 4 & 5 Term 3
- NSWPSSA Girls' Rugby 7 Championship
- NSWPSSA Boys Touch Championships
Cancelled events in Term 3
- NSWCPS Hockey Gala Day
In line with the Premier’s announcement regarding the extension of COVID-19 restrictions for Greater Sydney, the NSW All Schools U16 Boys & Girls Hockey Tri Series, 5 & 6 August @ Newcastle; NSWPSSA Girls' Rugby 7 Championship 9 – 10 August @ Gateshead; NSWPSSA Boys Touch Championships 10 - 12 August @ St Marys have been postponed.
With the current COVID-19 restrictions for Greater Sydney and in the Western region, we are conscious that these events require travel for a number of families and staff therefore wish to provide as much notice as possible.
CSNSW Sport and the School Sport Unit will investigate dates and venues with a view to running the pathway events later in the year and will provide regular updates for students, families, staff and schools.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
Kind Regards,
The Team from CSNSW Sport
Upcoming Dates
Central Region Netball Gala Day: 24th August
Polding Athletics: Friday 3rd September
Aboriginal Education - Danielle Shaw
We are standing on Awabakal Country, may we tread carefully on their land
The 4th-11th of July was NAIDOC week. This significant event is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and a chance to acknowledge their history, culture and achievements.
The NAIDOC 2021 theme – Heal Country! – was chosen by the National NAIDOC Committee. It calls for all of us to continue to seek greater protections for our lands, our waters, our sacred sites and our cultural heritage from exploitation, desecration, and destruction. The theme invites the nation to embrace First Nations cultural knowledges and understanding of Country as part of Australia’s national heritage, and to equally respect the cultures and values of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as they do the cultures and values of all Australians. Heal Country, heal our nation. (scriptcourtesy of SBS Learn)
“We cannot change the history of this nation, but we can learn from the past by sharing our stories: truth telling together is healing, and it’s time to Heal Country!”
Unfortunately our amazing NAIDOC celebration day has been postponed due to COVID restrictions. This is very sad news however not all is lost. Once restrictions allow, our NAIDOC celebration day will go ahead as planned later in the year. I’m sure the celebration will be worth the wait!!
In the meantime, our students continue to be immersed in our rich and awe-inspiring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island culture at St Joseph’s Merewether!
Danielle Shaw
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Teacher
School Musical
It's full steam ahead, steady as we go and any other suitable boating analogy heading towards our Musical in Week 9. We've seen some inner fashion designers come out in our staff as they work towards creating simple but very effective costumes for our zoo animals. Staff met with The Factory Theatre Manager and our friends at LifeLike Atmospheres to talk all things technical with our lighting and sound plot ideas.
We've had a wonderful week of rehearsing here at school with students skateboarding, dancing, singing and finishing the vision of their class items. Next week some grades will be recording special projects to be displayed throughout their musical piece. Stay tuned!
Michael Nolan
BOOK WEEK
OLD WORLDS, NEW WORLDS, OTHER WORLDS!
21st - 27th August 2021
Book week will be here soon! We are hoping to have great week of events including the wonderful St Joseph’s Book Character Parade. Time to start planning costumes!