St Joseph’s  

NEWSLETTER

Catholic Primary School 

“Inspiring Hearts, Opening Minds”

RIVERWOOD  ACTIVE

COLLABORATIVE

CREATIVE

Term 4 Week 8 29 November 2017

Dear Parents and Caregivers  

The end of the school year is fast approaching, yet the beginning of the Church’s liturgical year begins this Sunday with the first Sunday of Advent. In the busyness of the next few weeks it is so important for all of us to model the true spirit of the preparation for Christmas:   

Heavenly Father, during Advent, may we remember the greatest gift ever given: Your only Son, Jesus Christ. Fill our hearts with joy day by day as we think of our Saviour putting aside His heavenly glory and coming among us. As a newborn, only a stable roof sheltered Him and ordinary, impoverished parents cared for Him. Your angels couldn’t contain themselves, but broke into the quiet night-watch of a group of humble shepherds. The heavenly messengers proclaimed the glorious news of the Saviour who would pay the price for our sins, the sign of Your goodwill to all men, and Your desire for peace on earth.

Mary MacKillop St Mary of the Cross Australia’s first Saint Born on 15 January 1842 in Melbourne Died 8 August 1909 CANONISED 17th October 2010

 

END OF YEAR ACTIVITIES On Wednesday 13th December the children will be spending part of the morning session in their new classes for 2018. During this time they will meet their teacher for next year and their new classmates. A list of 2018 staffing will be sent out with the last newsletter for the year on Wednesday 13th December. Please note that the opportunity to express your concerns for class placements has now ended and staff are compiling class lists for next year. From after lunch on Wednesday 13th December and on Thursday 14th and Friday 15th December the teachers will be cleaning and moving classes where required. There will be limited formal lessons on these days.

  Joseph’s Catholic Church Riverwood St Mass Times: Sat 9am & 6pm (Vigil), Sun 7.30am & 9.30am, Tues 7.30am, Wed 9.00am, Thurs 7.30am convent) Fri9.00am (except 1st Fri 12pm)   Confession: 5-5.45pm Saturdays

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

 

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School “Inspiring Hearts, Opening Minds” PRINCIPAL Cont’d CHRISTMAS CONCERT Our Christmas Concert will take place on Monday 11th   December on the grass playground. Gates will open at 5:00pm and the concert will start at 6:00pm. All families are welcome to enjoy a picnic dinner on the grass and you are encouraged to bring a blanket to sit on. If you bring a chair could you please sit on the edge of the main crowd so as not to block the view for those behind you. Children have been asked to wear something “Christmassy” which could include wearing a Christmas t-shirt; tinsel in their hair; angel wings; red, white or green clothes; or a Santa hat. The children have been practising their Christmas carols and on the night of the concert will be called up onto the stage a grade at a time. It is a very relaxed night and we hope that your family will be able to join us.        We will farewell our Year 6 students and families at a Graduation Mass on Friday 8th December at 9:00am. All students from Years 2 - 6 will join us in the Church. Due to lack of space, the Kindergarten and Year 1 students will not be joining us unless they are siblings of the Year 6 children. Please RVSP your attendance to the School Office by 1st December.        YEAR 6 GRADUATION DINNER AND AWARDS   There will be a Year 6 Graduation celebration at Club Rivers on Wednesday 13th December at 6:30pm. The evening will commence with the presentation of awards and David Coleman will be there as well to present some special awards to students. Dinner and a disco will follow the award giving. We are looking forward to a wonderful night of celebrations. 

“The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is His Name” (Lk 1:49)  

 

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

CHRISTMAS CARD COMPETITION - DAVID COLEMAN Each year, David Coleman’s office conducts a   Christmas Card competition amongst the local schools. This year he has requested that our school hosts the presentation of the awards and winners of the competition. This will be held in the Parish Centre at 2:00pm on Thursday 14th December. We will welcome parents and students from other schools in our area and wish everyone well in the competition, including of course, our own students who have entered the competition.

SCHOOL CANTEEN The canteen will be closed on Wednesday 6th December due to the swimming carnival. The canteen will be open until the last day of school and lunch orders will be taken up until the last Friday of Week 10. STAFFING We welcome the following teachers to our school for the 2018 school year: Brianna Polson, Emma Galloway, Kirsten Page, Chloe Aston and Veronica Aversa. It is with sadness that I inform you that Mrs Michelle Fullerton has resigned from her position at St Joseph’s. We wish Michelle success and fulfilment in her future career path. Miss Sarah Newman has also accepted a teaching position at a school in the Parramatta Diocese as she will be relocating to the area early in the new year. We wish Sarah every success in her new teaching position. For the members of staff who are leaving us this year, we will celebrate their contribution to the St Joseph’s Riverwood community at our final Friday morning assembly on December 15th.

God Bless  Mrs Kim McCue Principal “The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is His Name” (Lk 1:49)  

 

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School “Inspiring Hearts, Opening Minds” FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL  

 

WELLBEING WEEK What a wonderful week it was. I would like to say thank you to everyone who came along on Friday morning to participate in the Zumba ‘class’. I absolutely loved having the opportunity to share something I love with you all and your energy and enthusiasm was awesome. Until the next time, keep dancing.    REPORTS  Reports will be sent home Monday Week 10 (11th December) along with the Semester 2 assessments. The assessments do not need to be sent back to school, please keep them at home. Please remember these assessments are a ‘snapshot’ of your students progress at a particular point in time.  STUDENTS LEAVING ST JOSEPH’S  If your child will be leaving St Joseph’s at the completion of 2017, could you please inform us in writing and include the name of the new school that your child will be attending in 2018. Parents are also required to complete a Cessation of Enrolment Form that can be collected from the administration office. Please note that this request is not for students leaving Year 6 at the conclusion of the year. DATES FOR THE END OF THE YEAR Christmas Concert Monday 11th December 6pm Promotions Day Wednesday 13th 9.30-10.30 am Last day of Term 4 Friday 15 December (for students) SCHOOL START DATES FOR 2018 Tuesday 30th January Years 1-6 only Wednesday 31st January Kindergarten start  

Quote / thought for the Week: INSPIRE Have a wonderful fortnight Hayley Meadley “The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is His Name” (Lk 1:49)  

 

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School “Inspiring Hearts, Opening Minds” RELIGIOUS EDUCATION COORDINATOR It is a very busy time of year and so many wonderful things are happening within our St Joseph’s community.   

Seniors’ Christmas Lunch  A very big thank you to everyone who contributed to the very successful Parish Seniors’ Christmas Luncheon. We treated about 80 of our senior parishioners to a delicious lunch, entertainment by our very talented choir and each parishioner received a gorgeous, beaded Christmas ornament courtesy of our very skilled Mrs Sue Hannigan, our Finance Secretary, Mrs Cathy Truman and a few dexterous Year 6 students.   

Special thanks go to our very generous mothers who assisted with the preparation, serving and cleaning up on the day: Nicole Whale, Belinda Wilding, Joanne Samuel, Yiota Kafetzis, Linda Porter, Jackie Tolic, Maree Gereige and Maureen Bourke.   

We also had the assistance of many Year 6 students who set up the tables and chairs, served the parishioners and helped to clean and tidy up. Many hands make light work and it was a wonderful community event. Congratulations to Maryann Patterson, Norina Fincato, Gina Yazbeck, Maree Kellert and all the other parishioners who were responsible for organising such a memorable and heart-warming day for our seniors.   

Congratulations also to our choir who sang beautifully and brought many people to tears with their exquisite rendition of the Christmas Hallelujah. Thank you Mrs Leigh Eaton and Mrs Michelle Fullerton for training the choir so well. We are very proud and appreciative of you all!                       

         

  “The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is His Name”  

(Lk 1:49)

 

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School “Inspiring Hearts, Opening Minds” RELIGIOUS EDUCATION COORDINATOR CONT’D BREKKY VAN On Sunday 19th November some of our staff joined with the staff from St Aidan’s Maroubra Junction to feed breakfast to some of those less fortunate than ourselves. It was humbling to be met with such warmth and appreciation from the people we served and spoke with at Prince Alfred Park Surrey Hills. It is very important to us to take every opportunity to fulfill St Mary of the Cross MacKillop’s challenge to us to “ Never see a need without doing something about it”, as she did in her own life.

Vinnies Christmas Appeal It is that time of year again when we support our local St Vincent de Paul to make Christmas a happy and memorable occasion for those who may be experiencing difficult times. Each grade is asked to bring in a different range of items so that our local St Vincent De Paul can make up much needed and appreciated Christmas hampers for families in the local area.    

GRADE 

 

DONATION 

Kindergarten 

Christmas lollies, Pretzels  

Year 1 

Biscuits (crackers, shortbread etc.), small boxes breakfast cereal 

Year 2 

Tinned fruit, bottles of soft drink 

Year 3 

Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, jams or spreads 

Year 4 

Cordial, Fruit poppers, Tinned salmon or tuna 

Year 5 

Christmas puddings, fruit mince pies, long life milk or cream 

Year 6 

Tinned vegetables, sauces, gravy and dressings 

 

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

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION COORDINATOR CONT’D

Please send these and other non-perishable food into school by Monday 11 December. Our generous support of Vinnies is a very important part of St Joseph’s Outreach Program and assists us to fulfil the Archbishop’s Charter for Catholic Schools, in particular Principle 5: Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Sydney are called to “teach students to know, understand and act on Catholic social teaching, in particular the preferential option for the poor’ ….”  The Mini Vinnies team will be promoting the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal over the coming week.   

Staff Spirituality Retreat - Outside the Box - Redfern “Sense of Hope”  

Our staff spent last Monday 27th November in Redfern with Josephine Charbel, an educator and Youth Services Manager with St Vincent de Paul Society, Sydney Central Council. We participated in a program created by Josie and designed to raise our awareness of the injustices that are occurring in society right in our midst and to challenge us to open our minds, hearts, eyes and ears to the most vulnerable and to reach out to make a difference.   

We began our day with a liturgy in the St Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. This was not like any church most of us have visited as it provided a “Sharing a meal” service within its church walls. It hosts around 80 people, three times a week for a hot meal and conversation, support and information about referral services.   

Our next stop was at the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence. Here we learned about this safe and innovative space where young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people participate in life-changing programs and pursue opportunities. The NCIE team provide programs such as Koori Job Ready, EORA fitness and aquatics, and after-school programs such as life-long literacy.   

Another initiative is AIME - Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience which is a dynamic educational program proven to support Indigenous students through high school and into university, employment or further education at the same rate as all Australian students.   

We all found the day a highly informative, moving and yet confronting experience as we had the opportunity to learn about disadvantage and injustice from remarkable people who have either had this experience or who work first hand with those who have, and are making a significant difference every day. As a result of Monday’s Retreat experience our staff are looking forward to leading St Joseph’s into other vital social outreach endeavours.     

“The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is His Name”  

(Lk 1:49)

 

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

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION COORDINATOR CONT’D The Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) is a national gathering of Catholic young people established by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference. It exists to provide young people with opportunities to deepen their relationship with Jesus, be empowered to be disciples in the world today and encounter and celebrate the vitality of the Church in Australia.   

The Archdiocese of Sydney is hosting the event from December 7-9 2017. The Festival will launch the Year of Youth, celebrating ten years on from hosting World Youth Day 2008.   

All families are invited to attend the closing Mass of the Festival on Saturday evening 9th December from 6:30-8:30 pm in the Domain.   

There will be no Vigil Masses in the Parishes on Saturday evening.   

This Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent, the beginning of our new liturgical year.   

HAPPY NEW YEAR !  Peace and best wishes Robyn Green    

CaSPA  

On the 2nd November a group of Year 4 boys (Austin McDean, Levi Saua, Nicholas Laspatzis, Joshua Lane Chicharo and Noah Lane Chicharo) went to Southern Cross Vocational College Burwood to participate in the 2017 CaSPA Danceworks Resource Project. Schools across the Archdiocese had been trialling a Dance Resource created by CaSPA called ‘Danceworks 2017 in Term 3. Our Year 4 boys were part of this trial and were then given an opportunity to create their own composition. The students chose the theme ‘Escape Worry’ and created a dance that showed how in life we all have worries and stresses that we want to escape from. At Burwood the students were given an opportunity to learn a dance from an industry professional, have their composition filmed for the 2018 Schools Danceworks Edition and then perform their composition in front of a live audience. The boys had a fantastic day and learnt a lot about dance and performance. The dance created by the boys will be used as a resource by other schools next year. Mrs Koszek “The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is His Name”  

(Lk 1:49)

 

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

Whole School Mass

DIARY DATES

Friday 1 December -

Year 5 Movie Excursion

1.12.17

First Friday Mass 12 noon

Monday 4 December

Year 3 Excursion

8.12.17

Year 6 Graduation Mass 9.00am

Wed 6 December

Swimming Carnival Years 3-6

-

Friday 8 December -

Prayer Assembly

Year 6 Graduation Mass

Week 9

2 MacKillop

Monday 11 December Christmas Concert 6-7pm

Week 10

1 MacKillop

Wed 13 December -

Year 6 Graduation Dinner / Disco

Wednesday Mass (9am)

Friday 15 December -

Last Day of Term 4

13.12.17

Tuesday 30 January -

First Day of Term 1 2018 Students in Years 1 - 6

Wed 31 January

First Day for Kindergarten 2018

Year 3

Wednesday Penance 6.12.17

4 Penola

13.12.17

Year 2

-

     

“The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is His Name”  

(Lk 1:49)

 

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

FROM THE SPORTS COORDINATOR IN SPORTING NEWS PRIMARY SWIMMING CARNIVAL  Our School Swimming Carnival will be held on Wednesday 6 December at the Max Parker Leisure Centre, Revesby.   

We still require someone to start the races on the day. Please ring the office if you are able to assist at the carnival.   

Swimming Attire: Due to Health and Safety Regulations, all children are required to wear a swimming cap, not necessarily in their house colour. Girls are to wear a one piece costume. Any girl who does not own a one piece will be required to wear a rash shirt. We strongly recommend that all swimmers wear a rash shirt for protection from the sun.   

Clothing: Children are to wear their sports uniform, including hats. Sandals may be worn. Children will need their own sunscreen protection. Please ensure that all of your child’s belongings are clearly labelled.   

Lunch: No canteen facilities will be available to the children. Children are to bring their own lunch and drink supplies for the day.   

Spectators: Parents, grandparents and friends are most welcome to join us on the day. Please note there is a spectator fee charged when entering the pool grounds.   

SWIMMING  Kane McCarren has qualified for the NSW Metropolitan Championships in the 100m Freestyle event and will be competing at SOPAC. He has also qualified for the 2017-18, 10 - Under 12 Year’s NSW State Age Championships in 50 Freestyle, 100 Freestyle and 200 Freestyle which will be held at SOPAC on the 12th - 13th December.  

Kane has trained very hard to qualify for these events and our school community is proud of his achievements. We look forward to hearing how he goes - Good Luck!   

TOUCH FOOTBALL  Zachary Nobrega has been selected for the Under 12 Canterbury Bulldogs touch team for Junior State Cup. It will be held in Port Macquarie 16-18 Feb 2018. Best wishes for all your games and we look forward to hearing how it goes next year!   

Q. Why is Santa good at karate? A:

He has a black belt! 

Have a great fortnight! Nicole Cripps  

“The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is His Name”  

(Lk 1:49)

 

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

 

SPBL

 

Dear Parents and Caregivers

SPBL During weeks 7 and 8 we are focussing on behaviour on the Asphalt / Cement playground. Please talk to your children about ways they can meet the following positive expectations on the cement playground; I am RESPECTFUL when:  - I follow the rules of the games I am playing.  - I include others and take turns in games  - I keep my hands and feet to myself  - I speak to others with kindness   

I am RESPONSIBLE when:  - I play fairly  - I wait for my turn  - I only use tennis balls  - I play on the correct playground for the day   

I am SAFE when:  - I walk on the asphalt  - I play within the boundaries  - I report unsafe behaviour and accidents to the teacher  - I sit on seats correctly  - I am aware of those around me when I am playing 

Each day of the week we continue to acknowledge the students for their respectful and positive behaviour on the playground with “joeys” and class points when we gather under the COLA. The class who score the most points for their positive behaviour on the playground are acknowledged as Class of the week. The class of the week select the music to be played over the sound system at the end of recess and lunchtime for the following week.  

“The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is His Name” (Lk 1:49)  

 

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

SP B L

   

WEEK 7 IS WELLBEING WEEK     

Congratulations to 1P for selecting the music on the playground    

Colour house points so far;  Red 490 Blue 514

Green 687  Gold 559 

 

Bronze awards received  Congratulations to the following children for their Bronze awards.  

Kindergarten  Year 1          Year 4    Year 6   

Harrison Perks & Oscar Rapata  Jason Aridag, Leon Azzi, Sienna Cogle, Daniel Ivanovski, Mia Kehagias, Lily Morris,   Yianna Stergiopoulos, Leni Tandek & Jacob Vincent  Stella Araujo, Izabel Dawson, Jessica Ingle‐Olson & Capri Tandek  Nicholas Veldekis 

Each time students collect 10 Joeys they receive a Bronze certificate. They collect Bronze awards during their time at St Joseph’s and work towards receiving Silver awards culminating in a prestigious Platinum award.

We have received some wonderful feedback from parents, students and staff about how much they enjoy Wellbeing Week each term. Thankyou to everyone for embracing Wellbeing Week. Particular thanks goes to ; *Mrs Meadley for a wonderful Zumba class for us all to enjoy *Mrs Hannigan for leading the teachers in a “cuppa and craft making” morning and to *Mrs Joseph for running a relaxing Meditation session for our students.  

Take care Elaine Thompson    

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is His Name” (Lk 1:49)  

 

 

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

r/ e b m Nove ber m D ece ys a d h Birt

Happy Birthday to the following children who will have a Birthday between 20 November and 3 December 2017

Isaac Abouzeid

Jisla Bravo

Alexia Thomas

Emily Zafiropoulos

Kristina Thomas

Trevor Barton

Leon Azzi

Gaia El Khabbaz

Henry Graham

Ava Signorelli

David Bottaro

Blake Cohen

Erika Stothard

Marcus Stramandinoli

Kristiana Trpkovski

2nd Hand Uniforms The 2nd Hand Uniform shop will be

open fortnightly during the year on Friday

mornings before assembly. Items range from $3.00. The last day for the Uniform Shop this year will be:28th December If you are unable to attend you can leave a request with the School Office and we will endeavour to help you.

“The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is His Name” (Lk 1:49)  

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School

 

“Inspiring Hearts, Opening Minds”

MERIT CERTIFICATES   Congratulations to the following students who received Merit Certificates at our assemblies on Friday 17th & Friday 24th November:-

Kindergarten

Thomas Aridag, Madeline Bazi, Sean Fenerty, Milla Freedman, Younis Ibrahim, Harrison McKenna, Maxwell O’Neill, Katherine Pengly, Erika Raj, Alexia Roxas, Anthony Severino & Kristiana Trpkovski

Year 1

Isaac Abouzeid, Mabelle Khoury, Vivian Li, Jake Porter, Monica Tarabo, Victoria Vasiliou, Ethan Wards Smart, Matthew Williams,

Year 2

Arabella Bonto, Milla Cavdarovski, Peggy Hammond, Anastasia Lee, Kane Morris, Daniel Suteski, Raymond Tan & Isabella Trovato

Year 3

Juliet Apostolou, Le Breuer, Monika Gerges, David Gillies, Daniel Hellyer, Elena Sorras, Zoe Tsaprazis & Jessica Zhen

Year 4

Gwyneth Apostolou, Micaela Awad, Thomas Bourke, Chanel Chakouch, Taylor Coyle, Jerome Estephan, Joshua Lane-Chicharo & Hayley Saliba

Year 5

Trevor Barton, India Faber, Anna Laspatzis, Jack Milic, Felicia Nguyen, Patricia Papagianopoulos, Hunter Solomons & Vincent Suarez

Year 6

Joshua Crewes, Noah Dixon, Oliver Farr, Daniel Lakiss, Juliet Luka, Isabella Mandalinic, Lia Nikolas & Christina Vandarakis

“The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is His Name”  

(Lk 1:49)

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School

 

“Inspiring Hearts, Opening Minds”

P & F News  

Dear Parents and Caregivers Our Annual General Meeting was held on Tuesday 28th November and we would like to take this opportunity to introduce your new P&F Executive for the next 2 years: President: Vice President: Treasurer: Secretary:

Yvette Kellehear Jenine Maroon Rachael Hellyer Katy Scott

We encourage anyone who has time to get involved with P&F activities whether it be on an ad-hoc basis or as a year co-ordinator, it’s your chance to benefit your child’s school and have a voice in the school community. We would like to thank Steve McMahon for his tremendous leadership over the last three years and the immense contribution he has made to the school. Also Rebecca Abel for her contribution and commitment to the school over the last three years, especially with getting the St Joey’s Cookbook published. You have both left some very big shoes to fill! We look forward to working with the school community and your continued support over the next couple of years. Krispy Kreme Donuts The donuts will be distributed at the Christmas Concert on Monday 11 December, however if you are unable to attend the concert you can arrange collection for between 3:00 - 3:30pm on Monday 11 December after school finishes. Please contact Rebecca Abel on 0414580132 or Yvette Kellehear on 0404856905. Wishing everyone a safe, happy and blessed Christmas and New Year, see you in 2018! . Regards

Yvette Kellehear P&F President 0404856905 [email protected]

Jenine Maroon P&F Vice President 0410 427 509

“The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is His Name”  

(Lk 1:49)