St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Wandal Newsletter

13 October 2021

Weekly Prayer Reflection

Playing the game.

I don’t follow football, at all, but when even I hear about a good match, you know it has been excellent.  Okay, one side lost – just - but both played exceptional football and the fans got more than their money’s worth.  It is times like this that one realises that the final score isn’t the important thing but how the game is played: the players gave it all they had and the overwhelming majority of people who watched the game had an amazing time.  What is more to like? 

Excessive emphasis on who wins or loses can spoil our enjoyment not only of sport, but even of life.  If my sense of self comes from doing better than another, my sense of well-being will be short-lived.  Someone, somewhere will be better than me.  If it is based on what I own or on what I look like, I am even more set on the path to unhappiness.  I will never come up to the false ideal I lay on myself.

But if I learn to live in the moment, appreciate what I have I lay the ground for happiness and a sense of fulfilment.  It is only in the moment that I can love.  It is only in the moment that I can feel loved by God.  It is only in the moment that I can connect with the people I love.  Oh, and by the way, it is only in the moment that I can play the game.

Loving Jesus, let me learn the wisdom of living in the moment.  Open me to its wonders, especially its power to share love with those around me. I ask this in your name confident that you will hear me.

Sr Kym Harris osb

 

From the Principal

Classes for 2022

*Response is required by every family*

It is hard to believe that we are already busily planning for the 2022 school year. As of tomorrow, our Confirmation of Enrolments forms will be accessible via Parent Lounge. We require EVERY family in the school to complete this form, to confirm your children's enrolment here in 2022. Please complete the form even if you plan on leaving St Joseph’s at the end of the school year (Year 6 students excluded). Please complete the forms at your earliest convenience so that we can commence our preparations for classes in 2022.

Staffing for 2022 is not yet finalised and teachers will not be appointed to classes until the very end of term (at the earliest).  We send out information regarding the next year’s teachers and classes the week after school finishes, as our priority for this term is providing quality teaching and learning opportunities until the very end.

In the next month or so, teachers, in conjunction with the Learning Support staff and Leadership team of the school, will commence preparations for class grouping for 2022 school year. If you feel you have information that teachers may not be already aware of, and which may be useful for this process, please ensure you notify your class teachers at your earliest convenience. A polite reminder that we do not take requests for particular teachers – they are all fabulous!

Parking and Pickups

Thank you for your patience as we continue to negotiate a tricky parking and collection arrangement. If other people in your family are regular pickup people, could you please ensure they are fully aware of the changes? Some of our teachers have been met with surprised or disgruntled responses when asking people to move or wait. The vast majority of the community are showing a great sense of understanding and realise that staff are doing the best they can -  thank you!


Please remember that the area outside the Admin office is strictly 2 minutes; you cannot park here.

To alleviate the congestion, the following will be in place for Term 4:

·         Families with students in Prep - Grade 1 will be ready for collection at the Admin pickup gates at 2.45pm. Families with students in Years 2-6 only will be at the pickup zone at 3.00pm. Please do not come early and wait, we will ask you to move. So, if a family has children in Year 1 and Year 4, both siblings will be ready for collection at 2.45pm. If a family has children in Year 5 and 6, both siblings will be ready for collection at 3.00pm.

·         Please remember that the Rundle Street supervised area is for Daycare Busses only. We will not permit your children to exit or to be collected from this area unless boarding a bus.

Please understand that the priority of staff is to ensure that 350 children are safely and promptly delivered to their families. 

 

Year 6 Graduation Mass

This week, our Year families  would have received information  pertaining to the Year 6  Graduation Mass which will be held at St Joseph’s Cathedral on Wednesday 24th November, commencing at 5.30pm. It would be lovely to see other members of the school community at this special Eucharistic celebration. Nibbles, drinks and a cutting of the Year 6 graduation cake will follow in the Cathedral Corso for Year 6 families and invited guests immediately after Mass. 

A reminder: Parent (Guardian & Carers) Rights:

A sincere thank you to our Touch Football Coaches and Managers who are giving up their own time to train, manage and referee our children’s games on the weekend.  The vast majority of our parent community engage in respectful and supportive interactions. It is perhaps timely though, for me to remind our community of the Parents’ Code of Conduct which applies to all parents (guardians and carers) who are present at any related Catholic Education or Catholic Education sponsored activity / meeting / or function organised within and outside of official hours.  My personal advice to those with ‘concerns’ is to offer your assistance, to make supportive suggestions or if needed, contact school staff to discuss the issues. Sideline ‘griping’ is neither appreciated nor productive.

 

Parent (Guardian & Carers) Rights:

A. To be treated with respect and courtesy by staff, students and other parents.

B. To be listened to, and clearly communicated with by the school, in regard to your child’s education and development.

C. To have confidentiality over sensitive issues respected by staff, students and other parents.

D. To be treated in a caring and polite manner.

E. To have a timely response to concerns raised.

F. To be treated with professionalism by all staff members.

G. To be treated as a partner in your child’s education.

 

Board Meeting

 A reminder to our School Board members that our next meeting is scheduled for 7am tomorrow (Thursday) morning.

End of Year Christmas Concert

Plans are underway with regards to our annual end-of-year Christmas function which will be held on Friday, 19th November (note: this is a week earlier than normal). Our P and F organises the BBQ and bar on this night and it is always a lovely, informal way to finish off the school year as a community. Each class prepares a small item to perform on the night and we count on the majority of our students and families attending. Please inform your child’s teachers if they will be absent on the night as this may interfere with plans for ‘performances.’ Class items will commence at 6pm sharp. Rides will be on the school oval and tickets for these will go on sale shortly. More information will follow in the coming weeks.

In partnership,

Kellie Jenkinson

From the Assistant to the Principal: Religious Education (APRE)

Gospel Reflection

Mk 10:17-30

A man asks Jesus what he has to do to enter the kingdom.

One of the main characters in this story from Mark's gospel is known as 'a man of great wealth'. He is identified by his material status. Jesus called on the rich man to make a sacrifice – to let go of what he really loved and valued. What Jesus really called the man to do was to place his trust in Jesus and not in material wealth – that was the sacrifice he was called to make. Ultimately, the man couldn’t do that! He couldn’t let go of certainty and security and entrust his life and soul to Jesus.

Year 3 Prayer Assembly

Please join Year 3 in the Undercovered Area on Friday at 8.35 am for prayer.

October - The month of the Holy Rosary


The Rosary is a prayer in which we meditate on the life of Jesus. Because of the mission that Mary received from God, her life was closely tied to Jesus. Mary’s Immaculate Heart was always focused on the life of her son Jesus. When we pray the Rosary, we are asking Mary to pray for us that we might be more focused on the life of Jesus.

Stations of the Cross displayed in the Hall

Last term, Year Three students wrote persuasive letters outlining why Catholic Schools should have the Stations of the Cross displayed in their schools. A student from Year 3, Lucy, had her persuasive letter, read at a meeting with all Catholic Principals in Rockhampton. Lucy's letter was quite convincing and we are very pleased that we were able to support Lucy’s request, with the assistance of Miss Leesa Jeffcoat, Director of Dioeceson Rockhampton Catholic Education Office.

Catholic Mission - Socktober

Catholic Mission is the international mission agency of the Catholic Church in Australia. Inspired and compelled by the message, life and love of Jesus Catholic Mission provides for those in need regardless of race, religion or gender. World Mission Month is October and students and staff will participate in advocacy and formation activities.

This year, students across Australia will learn about the missionary work of the Good Shepherd Sisters in Thailand who, through their Kindergarten Centre, are bringing about generational change to some of the poorest communities in Bangkok.

To raise awareness and much needed funds for Catholic Mission, we will have a 'Free Dress and Crazy Sock Day' on Wednesday 27 October. 

Please bring along a gold coin donation to donate to this worthy cause.

Year 6 Students selling Zooper Doopers

Commencing next Tuesday and Thursday a small group of Year 6 students will sell Zooper Doopers at 1.40pm for 50c.  Year 6 have decided that they would like to donate all funds raised to Catholic Mission. I'd particularly like to thank the Year 6 students for their initiative and service to raise funds for a worthy cause.

Year 6 Graduation

Information regarding our year 6 Graduation was emailed to parents earlier this week and uploaded to the School App.  Invitations for the graduation will be sent home on Friday.  Please look out for these invitations.

A reminder that our Year 6 students will recieve their Graduation Certificates on the last day of school as they lead our final prayer assembly.

Would you like to receive the Sacrament of Penance, Confirmation and Eucharist?

Continuing the Journey in the Catholic Faith Sacraments 2021 - 2022

Calling all families with children who have reached the age of reason (which is seven years of age) to join the preparation journey 2021-2022 towards the celebration of Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist in 2022.

The time has arrived for the journey to commence:

The first meeting will be held on 26 or 27 October

This meeting is for parents only – parents only need to attend one meeting…

·       5.30pm to 6.30pm

·       Venue Kevin Castles Centre West Street (opposite Red lion Hotel) 

Term 4 Prayer Assembly dates

15 OctoberYear 3Prayer Reflection 
22 OctoberYear 4Prayer Reflection 
29 OctoberYear 2World Mission Day
5 NovemberYear 5HAll Saints Day
11 NovemberYear 5MRemembrance Day 10.40 am Thursday
19 NovemberPrepPrayer Reflection
26 NovemberStaffChristmas Prayer Reflection
3 DecemberYear 6Graduation Prayer Reflection and the handing out of Graduation Certificates

Thought of the Week!

Parish Bulletin

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With gratitude,

Rheanna Starr

Curriculum Update

PIRLS

Today, students in 4E participated in the PIRLS (Progress in International Reading Study ).  PIRLS is an important educational research project investigating student achievement in reading.  More than 50 countries, including Australia, are participating in this study.  PIRLS is an important activity to keep us, as parents and citizens, informed about how our students in Australia are performing in comparison to their peers in other countries and to compare programs of study and teaching practices.  We will be able to obtain current national and international information which will help improve the teaching and learning in reading in our country.

The students were amazingly well-behaved and it was a pleasure to spend the time with them.

Book Fair Orders

Our online book fair orders arrived today and will be distributed as soon as possible.  Thanks for your support.

"Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better."

– Maya Angelou

Janette McLennan

Something to think about...

Student Awards

“Striving for Excellence” Award – (for a student who has exhibited academic improvements and/or has been applying themselves to the very best of their ability)

Raina L- Year 1 - For working hard to reach your learning goals. You have demonstrated fluency and accuracy in your reading this term. Well done.
Bayley D - Prep  - For displaying a positive attitude towards your learning in history. I was impressed with your detailed drawing and explanation about how toys have changed over time.
Ben G - Prep - For working towards achieving your learning goals. Keep striving for excellence! I am proud of you.
Kaelen M - Year4 - For your amazing achievements of speed and accuracy when working on your multiplication and division facts. Keep striving for excellence!
Jayde L - For your dedication and effort when taking on-board teacher feedback, to improve the quality of your written work. Jayde your writing is a pleasure to read.  Well done.

Life Education Visit

Liz and Healthy Harold will be at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Wandal from Monday 25 to Friday 29 October, 2021. We can’t wait to meet our old friends and make new ones too. We’ll be learning about healthy lifestyle choices and having lots of fun along the way.  

Head to our Parent and Carer Hub  to have a look at the modules that your children will be working through. You will find detailed overviews of the modules and fact sheets with 'conversation starter' ideas so that you can carry on discussing the lessons at home. We will also post a story after the visit so be sure to ‘like’ and follow our CQ Life Education Facebook Page   

Liz and Healthy Harold.  

Sports News

Touch Football

Please see link for game times.

Calendar Dates for 2021

Term Dates for 2021

Term 4      5 October - 3 December -   9 weeks

October

15 October Year 3 Prayer Assembly

15 October Pumped Sports

22 October Year 4 Prayer Assembly

25 October Year 6 Orientation at TCC

25-29 October Healthy Harold

26-27 October Parent Workshop Sacraments

27 October Beats N Pieces - Performance

28 October Year 3 Testing Day for Instrumental Music (St Joseph’s Wandal)

29 October Year 2 Prayer Assembly

November

1 November All Saints Day

2 November Melbourne Cup

5 November Year 5H Prayer Assembly - All Saints Day

7 November Chamber Music Concert 1:00 - 4:00 pm Cathedral

8 November RSCS Workshop and Music Evening (at TCC more info to come)

9 November Prep Orientation Day

11 November Remembrance Day

11 November Year 5M Prayer Asssembly - Remebrance Day 10:40

16- 17 November Parent Workshop Sacraments 

18 November AGM 5:15pm at St Joseph’s Wandal

19 November Prep Prayer Assembly

19 November Christmas Concert

24 November Year 6 Rite of Passage - St Joseph’s Cathedral 

26 November Staff Prayer Assembly

December

3 December Year 6 Graduation Assembly and Graduation Certificate

3 December Term 4 Concludes

Position Vacant

Community Announcements

Rosary in the Cathedral

When: 11 am Saturday, 16 October

This year, due to COVID-19 concerns, our annual Rosary to Our Lady of Fatima, will be held in the Cathedral.

Please join as a community in honouring Our Lady and asking her intercession for Australia and for the world.

Registrations open at the front of the Cathedral from 10.30 am.

Everyone welcome!

Identifying and Building Your Childs Learning Strenghts

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Fundraiser Beyond Blue

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Ninja Dash

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