2023 Week 8 Term 4

SEMESTER 2 REPORTING

Reports
Reports for Semester 2 are changing.
The introduction of the new curriculum in Mathematics and English across Kindergarten - Year 6 has meant that we change the way we report to parents thus aligning with the new requirements, current research and consistency across our Diocese. Therefore, you will expect to see the following changes when you receive your child’s Report this Semester:

- As per Semester 1, there is no overall grade in any subject area for Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2. All Key Learning Areas (KLAs) for Year 3 - Year 6 will remain with an overall grade A to E. We use the descriptors on a scale for the substrands of each KLA.

- Comments for English, Mathematics and other KLAs will be derived from the syllabus outcomes and written in parent friendly language (not too technical).

- Comments will be in the form of a structure narrative. The comment will have 3-4 sentences reflecting what your child can do well. This will be followed by goals or areas for growth that your child should aim to achieve next to improve their learning.

- Commitment to Learning Refers to the student’s interest and motivation in the KLA and is reported on a four point scale as follows: Excellent, Very Good, Satisfactory or Needs Improvement.

- The Learner Profile provides a report on students general capabilities and is assessed using descriptors.

Reports this Semester may seem a little more precise, direct and more formalised compared to what you may have received in the past.

As always, should you like further information after receiving your child’s report, you are always welcome to make an appointment with your child’s Class Teacher for further explanation.

Christmas Carols 

Join us for a festive evening of Christmas Carols on the School lawn.

All classes will perform with a special performance from our School Band and Choir.

Please bring:

* Picnic Rug

* Donations for the Christmas appeal food hampers

* Singing voices

* Dress in festive Christmas colours

* Money for cold drinks or soft serve

A reminder that this is a family event. Children need to be supervised by their Parent/Guardian on site. 
Please inform the school if your child will be supervised by someone other than a family member. 
No alcohol permitted. 

Lismore Diocesan Summer Sport trials

We congratulate Rose, Jett, and Livio for representing the Hastings Zone at the Lismore Diocesan Summer Sport trials for Basketball. Also, Riley for representing the Hastings Zone at the Lismore Diocesan Summer Sport trials in Cricket. Each student showcased great sportsmanship and demonstrated their finest skills throughout the trials.

During the Year 6 Graduation evening Thursday 14 December 2024, up to two awards provided by the Catholic Schools Office will be presented to selected students who demonstrate outstanding cultural leadership or demonstrate commitment to Reconciliation and improving awareness of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture within our school community. 

These awards align with the Diocesan vision for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander outcomes and reflect the Lismore Diocese Action Plan for the Education of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Award One - The Aunty Doreen Flanders Deadly Leadership Award

The student who receives this award will have demonstrated:

• Leadership in cultural events
• Mentoring of other students
• Consistent application to their studies
• Modelling the ways of Christ in their interactions with students and staff involvement in extracurricular activities (sporting and cultural activities) 

Award Two - The Aunty Doreen Flanders Reconciliation Award (Non Indigenous)

The student who receives this award will have demonstrated:

• Leadership in cultural events
• Mentor/ role model for Indigenous students
• Modelling the ways of Christ in fostering reconciliation, positive relationships with peers and staff
• Involvement in social justice initiatives that recognise pathways to reconciliation

Tegan Houghton

Indigenous Education Officer

Term 1 - 2024 Start

School Administration Day (PUPIL FREE DAY) - Monday 29 January 2024

Year 1 - Year 6 commences Maths Assessment Interviews 

Tuesday 30 January 2024 to Thursday 1 February 2024

Year 1 - Year 6 classes begin Friday 2 February 2024

Kindergarten Best Start Interviews - Tuesday 30 January 2024 to Monday 3 February 2024

Kindergarten commences  - Wednesday 7 February 2024

Term 1 last day – Thursday 11 April 2024

MONDAY 4 DECEMBER 2023 11.30 AM - 12.30 PM, TUESDAY 5 DECEMBER 2023 9.30 AM - 12.30 PM, WEDNESDAY 6 DECEMBER 2023 11.00 AM - 12.30 PM and

FRIDAY 8 DECEMBER 2023  9.30- 12.30

WEEK 10 CLOSED - MONDAY 11 DECEMBER 2023 TO FRIDAY 15 DECEMBER 2023

PLEASE COME DIRECTLY TO THE UNIFORM SHOP AND USE THE SIGN-IN QR CODE ON THE UNIFORM SHOP DOOR.

The uniform shop is situated on the side of the Administration building.

PLACE UNIFORM ORDERS AND PAYMENT VIA FLEXI SCHOOL UNDER 2024 UNIFORMS.

WE WILL REOPEN ON TUESDAY 30 JANUARY 2024, WEDNESDAY 31 JANUARY 2024, THURSDAY 1 FEBRUARY 2024 and FRIDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2024 from 9.00 AM - 12.30 PM

COLLECT YOUR UNIFORM ORDER DURING YOUR CHILD'S MAI APPOINTMENT.

NORMAL OPERATING HOURS WILL BE COMMENCE FROM WEEK 3, TERM 1, 2024

MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY 12.00 noon - 12.30 pm

2024 School Uniforms - available to order

New uniforms are now available to order via FlexiSchools App. Thank you to those parents who have already placed an order, this will ensure a smooth transition. Please note the bucket hat design will remain the same, and can be worn 2024. Surf hat design will no longer be part of our uniform once the new uniform becomes compolsory. 

Uniforms purchased will be available at your child's MAI assessment Week 1, ready for their official start of school year 2024 in Week 2 - 2024.

A New Look for St Joseph's Primary Wauchope

Dear Parents

We are thrilled to introduce an exciting change at St Joseph's Primary School, Wauchope for the upcoming 2024 school year. As a result of your valuable feedback, we have made the decision to update our school uniform to better meet the needs of our students and families. This change will provide a more practical, comfortable, and cost-effective uniform while preserving the school's identity and the high standards we uphold. We are committed to enhancing the overall experience for our students and parents alike.

Background

In September, we reached out to all parents to seek your opinions on the quality and suitability of our current school uniform. Your overwhelming response indicated that the current uniform, particularly for the girls, was impractical and outdated. In response to this feedback, we established a uniform committee comprising Principal, teachers, parents, and members of our Parents & Friends (P & F) Association to address this issue effectively. After much consultation and the wonderful work of the uniform committee, some decisions have been made in relation to the uniforms from 2024 onwards. Student representatives were consulted, and tried the new items during the final stages of the decision-making process.

The New School Uniform

The new school uniform will offer several improvements, designed to address the concerns raised by parents and ensure the comfort, ease of care, and affordability of the uniforms. Our new provider will be Team Spirit in Kempsey.  Team Spirit has been contracted by the school to produce our new school uniforms. Although these will be produced and supplied by Team Spirit the purchasing of our school uniforms will be through the Uniform Shop onsite at St Joseph’s School.

Key Elements of the New School Uniform:

• Navy and Gold Cotton Blend Polo (Monday - Friday wear): A comfortable and stylish polo shirt the students will wear every day to display pride in our school.

• Choice of Microfiber Navy Shorts with Emblem or Skort with Emblem (Monday - Friday wear): Practical and comfortable options for both boys and girls.

• Navy Bucket Hat with Emblem (Monday - Friday wear): To protect students from the sun while showcasing their school identity.

• Navy with SJW Logo Socks (Monday - Friday wear): Completing the look and reinforcing our school's identity.

• Optional School Bag: Families can choose either the official St Joseph's school bag or one of their own preference.

• Optional Library Bag: Students can use either a St Joseph's Library bag or choose one of their own liking.

For Cooler Days:

• Navy and Yellow Track Jacket with Emblem: A warm and stylish option for colder weather.

• Navy Track Pants with Emblem: Comfortable and practical track pants for added warmth.

• Navy Sloppy Joe with Emblem: A cozy option to keep students comfortable during the cooler months.

Transition to the New Uniform

To ensure a smooth transition, the new uniform will be introduced in a phased manner. Kindergarten students starting in 2024, and all new enrolments, will be required to purchase the new uniform. Students in Stage 1, Stage 2, and Stage 3 will need to purchase the new uniforms when replacing their existing uniforms. As of Monday 22 July 2024 (Day 1, Term 3), it will be expected that all students will be wearing the new uniform in its entirety and no mixing of old and new uniforms will be allowed.

Please note - Current uniform stock will be available to purchase until the end of Term 4 at a discounted 50%.

Old uniform stock will not be available post 2023.

Year 6 students/families only - we understand the dilemma facing Year 6 families who may not wish to outlay funds for new uniforms.  The transition period for Year 6 students has been extended to the end of Term 4, 2024.   Year 6 Class shirts are to be worn on sport days and either the new uniform or current uniforms on normal school days.

Purchasing the New Uniform

We have simplified the uniform ordering process to make it as convenient as possible for parents. You can continue to use Flexi Schools as the preferred method for ordering. Uniforms will be available for ordering from Week 3, and they will be packaged and sent home with your child during their MAI assessment in Term 1, 2024.  Students will wear their new uniforms on the first official day of school. To assist you in choosing the correct size, a sizing guide will be available on Flexi School and via the Newsletter. Additionally, we will have a display with sample sizes for trying on in our uniform store. Sample sizing will be available to families, as a staggered approach, with regular Uniform Shop hours remaining unchanged. More information will follow once the new stock has arrived.

Updates

We hope that this advanced notice and detailed information will enable you to plan your uniform purchases for the 2024 school year effectively. Thank you for your valuable input, which has played a significant role in this important change for our school. We look forward to enhancing the comfort and satisfaction of our students and the convenience for our parents with this updated school uniform. 

Please stay tuned for further updates through our school's Information Book, Compass, and Flexi Schools. If you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact the school on (02) 6585 1745. Your partnership in this exciting change is greatly appreciated.

Kind Regards 

Brendan Kiely

Principal

Thank you

Thank you to the wonderful Mrs Smallwood who today we say goodbye to after 7 years of volunteering in our canteen every Friday on her day off. 

Without people like you our beautiful little canteen does not run. 

Thank you for the laughs, the fun, and being the best nugget lady a canteen could ever ask for. 

We are so lucky to have people like you in our school community. 

All the best now that you are graduating to high school. 

You will be missed by the canteen, the staff and the children!! 

Reminder - Canteen closed Week 10 - 2023