2021 - Term 4 Week 1 Newsletter
Principal's Message
Dear Parents
Welcome to Term 4. It was lovely to see the faces of our children as they arrived at school this week! The joy of watching the children greet each other and staff members was a blessing. The connection within our school community is something that brings us great energy. Thank you to parents and carers for your friendly waves and ‘good morning gestures’ as you dropped off your children at school, this week.
Return to School
A large amount of energy is spent each time we transition in and out of Blended Learning. Important information, is collated and forwarded to us from the Catholic School's Office and we, in turn, communicate this to you. Please remember to continue reading all the Operoo notes - this is the true source of information concerning our school and what it means if we go into further lockdowns or stay at home orders. We appreciate that you take the time to read the information, follow procedures and guidelines which are in place. These guidelines are not only for organisational purposes, but ensure the health and safety of all.
Health
Perhaps the most important action school communities can take to reduce the risk of transmission
of COVID-19 is to ensure that any unwell staff, children and young people remain at home. Please exercise good judgement by keeping children home if they are feeling unwell, for any reason, and seek a Covid test.
Please notify the school if a member of your family or your child is required to have a Covid test, based on them being a close contact to someone who is a confirmed Covid case. Close contact notification is always issued by NSW Health. This supports us in being proactive with our procedures at school, if required.
Uniform Expectations
Whilst we are reaching the end of our school year, it is still important that we uphold our high standards and expectations regarding uniforms. If your child has grown out of their summer school uniform, it is expected that parents purchase a new uniform and continue to abide by the expectations of the school's Uniform Policy. I understand that this may cause some parents unwanted costs, especially if their child is in Year 6. We do have a secondhand uniforms which may assist families in this situation. We appreciate your support.
End of Year events
There are many events which mark the end of another journey through the school year. Such events are both enjoyable and seen as a ‘rite of passage’. Throughout the year we have had to adjust and consider how we can organise outings and activities differently. Traditional events which are seen as highlights and essential on our school calendar will take place in one form or another. Please be advised that staff are working on how we can ensure we continue to honour what is important - in a COVID safe way. We will communicate information regarding such events as we finalise arrangements.
Mr Brendan Kiely
PRINCIPAL
Back to School Term 4
Year 5 - Student Leadership
Over the coming weeks Year 5 students will begin their journey towards becoming school leaders for 2022. This will involve students who are eligible and wishing to nominate for school leadership positions preparing and delivering their speech to present to their peers. During this process we will vote to elect School Captains, Vice-Captains, House Captains and Ministry leaders.
Nominated students will be supported by the Stage 3 teachers and the school leadership team.
We wish all these students well as they embark on the exciting journey of becoming the leaders of St Joseph's School for 2022.
Year 5 - Student Leadership
As part of the process of being eligible to be a leader at St Joseph's School, students complete a leadership application. The application requires students to reflect on why they would make a good leader at St Joseph's School and has them describe their comitment to the roles.
After completing the application form, students will be shortlisted by their peers before undergoing an interview with Mr Kiely or Mr Toole. During the interview they discuss the gift of leadership, to be expressed for the benefit of the whole school community and how this develops in students a sense of purpose as a positive contributor to school life.
During the interiew they will also discuss their gifts, abilities, vision, sense of purpose, demeanour at school and previous involvement at St Joseph's School.
School Captain Speeches - Tuesday 16 November 2021
House Captain Speeches - Wednesday 24 November 2021
Canteen
P & F
Book Club
