Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL)

This fortnight our schoolwide PBL focus has been Be Respectful: Include Others.

On the playground staff are keeping an eye out on how students are including others as they are playing. In the classroom students are learning about the definition of ‘inclusion’ and ‘exclusion’ and having discussions about the associated feelings connected with each of these. It is reinforced for students that including others is important because we

• celebrate everyone’s differences (their individuality)
• display kindness as we are empowered when we care for others
• want to be ‘shepherds not sheep’ (idea of not following the crowd)
• if we notice exclusion it is each of our responsibility to do something about it

Please take the opportunity at home to discuss how we can all be inclusive with your child.

It is great to see the excitement students are displaying around the Dash tokens so far this year!  Our first mid-term final count is going to take place at the end of next week. The winning sport colour house will enjoy a special reward.

Typing Tournament

The school, across K-6, is subscribed to Typing Tournament. By completing fun quests, this resource is used to teach students how to type using all 10 fingers. We know that typing is a life skill that students require, even at this early age. With NAPLAN moving online as well as other assessments, typing skills should not have to be a barrier to their level of achievement. St Joseph’s is a Bring Your Own Device school for students in Years 4-6 and typing skills are needed across all subject areas. This resource is used as a lesson break at school. However, if the opportunity arises, we encourage students to complete more activities at home. Students have been given information with their username and password at school. Maybe there are a couple of times during the week where students can practise at home? For more information, click here.

Bus Safety Week

Bus Safety Week runs from Monday 21 - Sunday 27 February. This week acts as a reminder to families to discuss road and bus safety practices.

Some of the key messages from Transport NSW include:

• If your child catches the bus to or from school, remind them to always wait until the bus has gone before choosing a safe place to cross the road. Keep our children safe. They’re counting on you.
• Lights flash on the back of buses to warn motorists that they’re picking up or dropping off school children. Slow down to 40 kilometres per hour when the lights on buses are flashing. Keep our children safe. They’re counting on you.
• Always supervise your child and hold their hand when walking to and from the bus stop or interchange and when crossing the road until they are at least 10 years of age
• Always meet your child on the same side of the road as the bus stop – never call your child across the road
• Encourage your child to take a seat quickly when they get on the bus and to buckle up if the bus has seatbelts
• Motorists may not expect to see, or find it difficult to see, a child crossing the road at an informal bus stop.

If you would like further information regarding bus safety for school students, you can access the Transport NSW brochure online