St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School “Inspiring Hearts, Opening Minds”

NEWSLETTER Term 3 Week 8 7 September 2016

Dear Parents and Caregivers

We have had a busy few weeks with Book Week, Father’s Day Breakfast and Stall and Grandparents Mass and Morning Tea today, all of which have been very well attended by families. Thank you to everyone for your attendance at our different functions and activities. The students are always so excited to have their parents and grandparents visit their learning environment.   

Mary MacKillop St Mary of the Cross Australia’s first Saint Born on 15 January 1842 in Melbourne Died 8 August 1909

Cyber Safety  In today’s world, technology and devices such as iPads, laptops and mobile phones and instant access to the internet are part and parcel of daily life for all ages, both at home and at school. Computers are a vital and absolutely integral part of learning and the students at St Joseph’s are very privileged to have access to a variety of technological devices which the teachers use to enhance learning. There are however, some risks with young children using the internet as it opens up a whole new world of information and communication and students need to be taught how to use technology responsibly and to be closely supervised at all times when they are using a device.   

When students use the internet at school, we have very strong filters which deny students access to inappropriate sites. I receive a monthly usage report from our computer technician which gives me details as to the amount of usage in each grade as well as anyone who has tried to log onto an inappropriate site.   

CANONISED 17th October 2010

Our three pedagogical principles are Active, Collaborative and Creative learning and through the use of the Google platform, our students are strongly encouraged to work collaboratively with their classmates on Google Slide presentations which they can also access at home using their student log-in and password.   

To ensure the responsible use of technology and to keep all our students safe could you please remind your children of the following points which are constantly reinforced at school:   

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:7  

28-32 Thurlow Street Riverwood NSW 2210 Phone: 9533 3341 Fax: 9584 2672 [email protected] www.stjriverwood.catholic.edu.au

 

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School “Inspiring Hearts, Opening Minds” FROM THE PRINCIPAL Cont’d     



Keep your password to yourself and don’t tell anyone what it is, except your parents Never use another child’s password to send inappropriate messages to other students Always log off the computer or device at school once you have finished using it. If you don’t log off, the next person to use the device can ‘pretend’ that they are you It is never appropriate to change another child’s work without their approval Always make sure that whatever you do on the computer would be approved by your teachers or parents. If you don’t think that mum or dad or your teacher would like what you’re typing or accessing, then it’s probably not the right thing to do. Remember that everything you do on a computer leaves a “digital footprint” so make sure you use the internet safely.

Parents please be very vigilant about your children’s computer usage and access. With primary aged children it is best to keep the computers and tablets in the kitchen or living room where you can freely supervise their activity. It is your responsibility to check what your children are accessing and also your responsibility to enforce the rule that your children play age appropriate computer games, no matter how “uncool” that may be.   

Please find listed below an excellent Cyber Safety website called iParent which I strongly encourage you to read as it offers some very practical and useful advice. If you have any questions about cyber safety or passwords please do not hesitate to contact me.  https://www.esafety.gov.au/iparent   

Parent Forum  In response to the Parent Survey sent out earlier this term I will be holding a Parent Forum on Monday morning at 9:00am in the Library. The purpose of the forum is to respond to the concerns and queries that have been raised and to engage in purposeful and positive discussion concerning these issues. The issues include:   

Homework



Class sizes



Uniforms

 

I look forward to meeting with you to build a better learning community for our students. 

“Blessed are the merciful, for they obtain mercy.”  

Matthew 5:7

 

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School “Inspiring Hearts, Opening Minds” FROM THE PRINCIPAL Cont’d Demountable Classroom  

There has been a hold up with council at Surry Hills so the demountable will not be arriving for a few more weeks. I will inform you as soon as I know a definite date.   

I will be taking Long Service Leave for the last week of this term. Mrs Lynda Busuttil, our Assistant Principal will be looking after the school during my absence.  God Bless

Kim McCue Principal

REMINDER: FRIDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER IS A PUPIL FREE DAY

Has your child been absent from school this week?   

Parents are required to inform their child's teacher in wri ng of  the dates and reason of absence within a week of return to  school or the absence will be recorded as an UNEXPLAINED     absence on their file. 

“Blessed are the merciful, for they obtain mercy.”  

Matthew 5:7

 

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School “Inspiring Hearts, Opening Minds” FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL MATHEMATICS PARENT WORKSHOPS Thank you to the parents who attended the two Parent Workshops yesterday. One of the most important ways parents can help their children with Maths is to help them to see that Maths is all around them in their everyday lives. Parents are best placed to show children how they can use in-school maths out of school. This helps children make connections and shows them that maths is useful and purposeful. I have attached a list of websites to this newsletter that all parents might find useful if looking for ways to support their children with practical assistance and with developing a positive mindset towards Maths.

Maths is everywhere if you look hard enough!!!!!

ICAS ENGLISH RESULTS Congratulations to the following children for their pleasing results:Distinction:

Elena Cavdarovski & Vincent Suarez

Credit:

Marcus Buckley, Luka Cavdarovski, India Faber, Thomas Finn, Alanson Garcia, Erin Marcozanis, Nina Nguyen, Margaret Oszywa, Deanna Vasiliou, Cristina Yazbeck & Evan Zafiropoulos

Merit:

Angeline Garcia, Sheldon Suarez,

Enjoy your fortnight! Lynda Busuttil “Blessed are the merciful, for they obtain mercy.”  

Matthew 5:7

 

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School “Inspiring Hearts, Opening Minds” FROM THE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CO-ORDINATOR

We have been blessed this past week to have been able to spend some quality time with special family members, at school. Last Thursday morning the children enjoyed a special Father’s Day breakfast with their dads and today we have had the pleasure of the company of our wonderful grandparents. Thank you very much for the loving support you provide to your children.  

Today our grandparents were able to join with their grandchildren in the celebration of Mass, enjoy a delicious morning tea and then visit the children in their classrooms.  We offer this blessing for all our grandparents.   

A Prayer for Grandparents  Dear God,  Please bless our grandparents.  Thank you for the life they gave our  parents and for the life they give to us.  For the ways they help us and make  us strong, we give thanks.  For the ways they love us no matter  what, we rejoice.  For the ways they have paved the road  that leads us here, we are grateful.  Let them grow in wisdom and joy in life.  Let them find peace and rest from their work.  Let them be healed of every sickness and pain.  And let them see with their own  eyes the glory of your Son, Jesus,  in the love of their children and grandchildren.  Bless them always until they come to rest in you.  We ask this through Christ our Lord.  Amen.    Prayer by Diana Macalintal Copyright © 2005  http://dsjliturgy.org/2006/08/27/a‐prayer‐for‐grandparents/ 

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:7    

 

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School “Inspiring Hearts, Opening Minds” FIRST CONFESSION AT ST JOSEPH’S PARISH RIVERWOOD   

An invitation and enrolment form for First Confession will come home with the children from St Joseph’s Riverwood Parish, who are in Year 2, this week. If your child is in a grade above Year 2 and has not yet made their First Confession, please ask them to collect an invitation and enrolment form from the office.   

Information evening

Wednesday

21/9/16

7:00pm 

Lesson 1 Lesson 2 Lesson 3 Lesson 4

Sunday Sunday Sunday Sunday

16/10/16 23/10/16 30/10/16 6/11/16

8:30am  8:30am  8:30am  8:30am 

Liturgy

Wednesday

9/11/16

7:00pm 

 

We ask that the candidates and their families attend the 9:30am Mass after Sunday School.   

If you have any questions please contact Margaret at the St Joseph’s Presbytery on 9534 1537 or me, through the School Office.     

Crazy Sock Day The children are invited to wear Crazy Socks on Monday 12th September. Children may wear crazy socks in any way they would like - on their feet, in their hair, as jewellery etc. however instead of bringing in socks, we are simply asking for a gold coin or pink note donation.      

Peace and best wishes

Robyn Green      

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:7  

 

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School “Inspiring Hearts, Opening Minds” COMING TOGETHER

DIARY DATES

Friday Prayer Assembly

Wed 7 September - Grandparents Mass / Morning Tea

09.09.16

4 MacKillop

23.09.16

5 MacKillop

Fri 9 September

Sat 10 September - P & F Family Photos St Joseph’s Parish Centre

Wednesday Penance 14.09.16

- Kindergarten Excursion Calmsley Hill City Farm

Year 5 Penola

Mon 12 September - Crazy Sock Day Wed 14 September

Year 5 Excursion Hazelhurst Gallery

Fri 16 September - PUPIL FREE DAY Wed 21 September

Year 1 Excursion to Botanic Gardens

Fri 23 September - Last Day of Term 3 Mon 10 October - Term 4 commences Wed 12 October - Swimming Program - Wed 30 November Kinder, Year 1 & Year 2 Friday 14 October - Kindergarten Incursion Friday 21 October - Year 3 Excursion Royal National Park Thurs 1 December

Swimming Carnival

 

Fri 16 December - Last Day of Term 4 for Students

“Blessed are the merciful, for they obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:7  

 

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School “Inspiring Hearts, Opening Minds” FROM THE SPORTS CO-ORDINATOR Netball  

Yesterday, 51 students represented St Joseph’s at the 2016 NSW Catholic Primary Schools Netball Carnival. It was an early start to the day and the students played between 6-7 games each in extreme heat. Unfortunately, there were no teams that won their division, however, all teams played extremely well and with great sportsmanship. Thank you to Mrs Rosanne McGrath for her superb coaching on the sideline and all of the parents who came to support the students on the day. A big thank you to Ann Simone, Allison Buckley, Mandy Carr, Danae Woods and Kellie English who trained and coached the teams on the day. The day would not have been so successful without you! Well done to all of our Netballers. A great day had by all!     

K-2 Swimming Program   

Just a friendly reminder to all parents from K-2 that the Swimming program notes and surveys are due back by Friday September 9. Thank you to those who have returned this note so promptly.     

Sports Nominations    

Late this term and early next term, students from Years 4 and 5 will have the opportunity to trial for representative sports such as softball, cricket, basketball and tennis. If your child plays these sports and has demonstrated a high level of skill they will have the opportunity to trial and if successful will become part of a MacKillop team and play across NSW. The nomination form will be sent out this week and will need to be returned by the end of Week 9 if you wish your child to be considered for any sporting opportunities for the remainder of 2016 and for 2017.     

Year 2 Parents: Swimming Carnival   

St Joseph’s Swimming Carnival will be held on Thursday 1st December. An online Google form will be sent out via email and skoolbag app to all of the Year 2 parents regarding the Swimming Carnival in Term 4. Year 2 will have the option to participate in either the Infants or the Primary Carnival events. The information regarding these two options is outlined in the Google form. Highly confident and competent swimmers are invited to participate in the 25m and 50m events in the Primary Carnival. Please enter your child's preferred option by Friday September 23 in order for the appropriate note to be sent out in Term 4. 

Have a good fortnight Jenna O’Donnell Sport Coordinator “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:7  

 

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School “Inspiring Hearts, Opening Minds”

t/ s u g Au er b m e Sept ys a d h Birt

Happy Birthday to the following children who will have a Birthday between 29 August and 11 September 2016

Natalie Govesis

Isaac Evans

Sienna Dawson

Justin Zingovski

David Nguyen

Claudia Nguyen

Kiarna Whitten

Talena Saumaitoga

Justin Wilkinson

Ava Ost

Angelina Papadopoulos

Tess Marcozanis

Kenrick Theodore

Zachariah Trinidad

Leanna Marta

MINDQUEST 2016

St George Girls High School (Victoria Street KOGARAH) Saturday & Sunday 17 & 18 September 2016 NSW Talent Enrichment Weekend for gifted and talented students from Years 1-6. Information Sheets available from the School Office. Cost of weekend $190.00 Closing Date: Friday 19 August. Contact Shelagh Poray - Ph: 4232 2494 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:7  

 

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School “Inspiring Hearts, Opening Minds”

MERIT CERTIFICATES Congratulations to the following students who received Merit Certificates at assemblies on Friday 26th August and Friday 2nd September:-

Kindergarten

Mabelle Khoury, Xavier Peterson, Kaedis-Cordal Roebeck, Gabriela Scaf, Kate Rose Skagias, Jacob Susi, Monica Tarabo & Kristian Vostoganis

Year 1

Emma Ene, Peter Gereige, Peggy Hammond, Diamond Kete, Jeriah Leger, Lucas Michaelides, Oliver Munro & Daniel Suteski

Year 2

Olivia Asprea, Isabella Clancy, Mary-Anne Elazzi, Zachary Papadopoulos, Cruz Pena, Ben Ridley, Joshua Shore & Ava Signorelli

Year 3

Jerome Estephan, Brianna Graniero, Noah Khoury, Noah Lane Chicharo, Jovan Leger, Alex Ninovic, Charlotte Poole & Annabelle Samuel

Year 4

Elena Cavdarovski, Madison Jarvis, Brianna Lakiss, Jack Milic, Yianni Papagianopoulos, Daniel Preziosa, Sam Ridley & Tameika Usijanovski

Year 5

Joshua Crewes, Noah Dixon, Theano Houdalakis, Jacob Khoury, Isabella Mandalinic, Nicholas Oendy, Natasha Santos & Laurel Whale

Year 6

Michael Antonio, Matthew Campos-Peterson, Jordan Coyle, Alanson Garcia, Erini Papagianopoulos, Hannah Ridley, Olivia Simone & Veronica Wasef

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:7  

 

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School “Inspiring Hearts, Opening Minds” P & F News Dear Parents and Caregivers

Father’s Day Breakfast A big thank you to all the parents who assisted with the co-ordination of the Father’s Day Breakfast and Father’s Day Stall. The two events were a great success and we couldn’t have done it without you.

A special thanks to the Khoury family, for once again donating gift bags for use at the Father’s Day Stall.

Professional Family Portraits A reminder that it is not too late to register for the professional family portraits which will be taking place this Saturday 10thSeptember at the school. Please contact Nicolle Whale on 0414 207 201 for more information and to book your spot.

Cookbook We still need photos for the school cookbook ASAP. If you have any you would like to share please email them to [email protected].

Cupcake Day We will be having a cupcake day on the second last day of Term 3, stay tuned for more information.

Save the Date – A Night at the Races A reminder to save the date for our annual night at the races on Friday 11 November, last year’s one was a great night out and we’d love to see some new faces there this year!

Steve McMahon P & F President Mobile:0419 770 355 Email: [email protected]

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”  

Matthew 5:7