2023 Week 8 Term 4
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Principal's Message
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Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching
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Christmas Carols -Monday 4 December 2023
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Swimming Carnival - Thursday 7 December 2023
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Sport
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School Based Annual Indigenous Award
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P & F Christmas Raffle
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Early Dates for 2024
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Uniform Shop Opening Hours
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New Uniform 2024
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Canteen
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Camp Australia
Dear Parents
Over the past weeks we had the privilege of listening to our Year 5 School Captain speeches as well as speeches for Ministry Leaders and Sporting House Captains for 2024.
When I spoke to the group of students, who are seeking Leadership roles, I began by telling them that Leadership can be hard to define and it means different things to different people.
I asked them all a series of questions, some questions as simple as what makes a good leader? Who is a role model for you in your leadership aspirations? What qualities do you bring to the leadership role you seek? I had many and varied answers from these students, but none strayed away from my own beliefs of what a good leader is and what it takes to be a good leader.
My simple, yet not always easy method and application of leadership can be challenging at the best of times. Although, I follow these basic principles - set standards, adhere to these standards and allow others to see the standards you accept. Follow relentlessy an agreed direction and help yourself and others to do the right things, at the right time, in order to move forward for the benefit of all. Always start your conversations in the space of empathy, seek to understand first, then involve, share and support those who you work with and for. Finally, create an inspiring vision, then motivate and inspire others to reach this vision with you. The vision for St Joseph's School should be one that is achievable, measurable in success and inclusive of all, which will ultimately bring about a positive change for the goodness of our school. Effective leadership is all of this and more, which takes real effort and conviction.
It is exciting to know that we have a group of children who are very excited to be a part of the journey of Leadership within our school. I know that any of the children chosen for leadership positions will represent the school well and most importantly represent themselves and their family. We look forward to congratulating the new leaders later in the new year.
Please join with me in congratulating the following children who have been voted by their peers for the following Leadership positions.
School Captains - Owen Smith and Chelsea Copeland
Vice Captains - Riley Searson and Rose Parker
Ministry Leaders - Coen Purcell, Danielle Steele, Maddison Saville and Naomi Scott
Sporting House Captains
MacKillop - Ella Hardes and Oisin Groogan
Waugh - Frankie Adkins and Ebony Munt
Curran - Jack Drummond and Makayla BlairNew Staffing for 2024
We would like to announce and welcome the following new teachers for 2024.
Andrew Inman - Classroom teacher and Assistant Principal from St Brigid's Catholic Primary School, Coonamble.
Samantha Ryder - Classroom teacher at West Port Public School. Previous teacher at St Mary of the Angels School, Guyra and St Joseph's School, Mungindi.
Alison Tresize - Classroom teacher at West Port Public School and Early Years Support Officer.
Alfina Jackson - Classroom teacher in a number of Sydney Catholic schools. Certfied Google Innovator, Conference Presenter for Flipped Learning Global at ICT Educators for NSW.
Sophie Mann - Experience in early childhood education. Newly qualified Graduate teacher.
Josephine Richardson - Returning to St Joseph's School in a part-time position after the birth of her third child.
Staffing Changes - Stage 1
I write to inform you that Mrs Susan Hinds has resigned from her role as classroom teacher S1P. Susan wishes to express her gratitude for the time she has been with us at St Joseph’s School, Wauchope. She also extends good wishes to our children and families for the remainder of the year.
The replacement teacher of Mrs Susan Hinds will be Miss Sophie Mann until the end of the year. I know you will join me in welcoming Miss Sophie Mann to Stage 1 and wish Mrs Susan Hinds and her family all the best for the future.
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
Term 1 Week 1 | ||
Monday | 29/01/2024 | Staff Administration Day (Pupil Free Day) |
Tuesday | 30/01/2024 | MAI Assessing / Best Start (Kindergarten) Compass booking form Coming soon for students in Years 1 - 6 |
Wednesday | 31/01/2024 | MAI Assessing / Best Start (Kindergarten) Compass booking form Coming soon for students in Years 1 - 6 |
Thursday | 01/02/2024 | MAI Assessing / Best Start (Kindergarten) Compass booking form Coming soon for students in Year 1 - Year 6 |
Friday | 02/02/2024 | First Day 2024 School year for Students Year 1 - Year 6 |
Term 1 Week 2 | ||
Wednesday | 07/02/2024 | Kindergarten Begin |
Sunday | 11/02/2023 | Our Lady of Sorrows Feast Day |
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:
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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.
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Choice of Microfiber Navy Shorts with Emblem or Skort with Emblem (Monday - Friday wear): Practical and comfortable options for both boys and girls.
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Navy Bucket Hat with Emblem (Monday - Friday wear): To protect students from the sun while showcasing their school identity.
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Navy with SJW Logo Socks (Monday - Friday wear): Completing the look and reinforcing our school's identity.
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Optional School Bag: Families can choose either the official St Joseph's school bag or one of their own preference.
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Optional Library Bag: Students can use either a St Joseph's Library bag or choose one of their own liking.
For Cooler Days:
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Navy and Yellow Track Jacket with Emblem: A warm and stylish option for colder weather.
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Navy Track Pants with Emblem: Comfortable and practical track pants for added warmth.
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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!!