Principal's Message
Dear parents and carers,
DONUT you know how much we missed you all?
I hope on Monday, when you asked your children how their day was, that they enjoyed their small welcome back treat. It was so nice to have everyone back, even if we have a few protocols in place that are changing our usual day. One measure being taken that is having an impact, is the separation of cohorts during the day. Each morning the children are going to different parts of the playground, and again at break times. These measures are to assist, should there be a case within the school, with keeping students and staff safe and able to return to school more quickly.
Another measure at present, is the use of the drive-thru of an afternoon. I am aware that this causes some congestion for 10 – 15 minutes each day, but it is an important step to limit the number of visitors onto the school site. If you need to be on site to collect your child, please wait under the trees, remaining physically distanced from others, and the children will be sent across to you. Please do not stand in the carpark and call your child across – this is unsafe and there have already been some near misses.
Aas another way to limit visitors to the Front Office, it is always best that students are at school before the 8.50am bell. This gives them time to see some friends, become comfortable with the start of the day routines and settle into their learning. I can not highlight enough, the impact it has walking into a classroom once the learning / day has started and expecting a student to engage effectively. If a student is 10 minutes late each day, as some are, it equates to over a week of school that is missed during the year. I also remind parents that, where possible, appointments are arranged for outside of school hours and early pick-ups are minimised at the moment. Limiting visitors into the school is an important aspect of our COVID-safe protocols.
Thank you all for your support and understanding with these matters.
The St Joseph's BIG NIGHT IN is happening!! Next Friday night, via Zoom. Full details in the P&F Section of this Newsletter.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
2022 Classes
Going home with students in Foundation to Year 5 next Monday, will be the 2022 Socio-gram. This is an important aspect to our planning as we begin to look at placing the students into their new classes for 2022. This is always a very carefully considered process that begins with the current teacher and what they know of each student and, first and foremost, their learning. At the same time, all social aspects of friendships and new opportunities are taken into account. On the Socio-gram, we ask you and your child to consider 3 friends that they would like to be in a class with in 2022. The intention is to ensure that each student is paired with at least one of their friends they nominate.
If there is specific information that parents would like to advise me of to assist the composition of classes for 2022, then this must be done so in writing to me either via email or letter by no later than Friday 26 November. This does not include requests for particular teachers, nor does it include considerations other than the learning needs of your child. Each year is a new start for all students, and teachers, and therefore only information provided this year is taken into consideration when putting classes together for 2022.
Supporting the School – The P&F and School Board
Once again, I invite all parents to consider involving themselves in the activities of the P&F as a way to build our school community and contribute in some way. The P&F works to promote the role of all parents within the school, as well as support fundraising efforts to provide resources for the students. The P&F operates and oversees the Canteen and Uniform Shop, at the same time offering an opportunity for all parents to contribute to community events and the school in general.
Therefore, please consider nominating yourself to join the P&F. All parents are members of the P&F, and can attend the AGM on Wednesday 10 November at 7pm via Teams. All positions on the P&F are declared vacant each year, so any and all nominations are welcome.
Please email Cameron.tarrant@cg.catholic.edu.au to be sent the Teams link for the P&F Meeting, or to find out more about how you can support and contribute to the wider St Joseph’s community.
2022 is a fete year as well!
Likewise, the Board plays a vital role in the functioning of the school and is an extremely worthwhile avenue for parents to assist with the success of the school. The Board’s work is dedicated to enhancing all that happens for your children at our school and we endeavour to work towards our vision of St Joseph’s being an excellent school within a Christ-centred community.
Unlike the P&F, the School Board is comprised of elected members, voted in if necessary, who take on a two-year position on the Board. Members can only serve three consecutive terms. Please consider if you have particular skills and capabilities that may build on the excellent work of the current and past Boards.
If you are interested in finding out more, please contact me or refer to the linked information and nomination form below. Nominations close Monday 22 November, in time for consideration at the next Board meeting on Wednesday 24 November.
School Board Nomination Form 2022
Foundation Orientation Day
On Wednesday 10 November at 5.30 – 6.15pm, all Foundation 2022 students are invited to spend an orientation session at school. This will be a chance for the children to meet some teachers and to orient themselves to the physical layout of the classroom and school. The timing of the orientation is to best fit with the COVID safe plans that are currently in place and allow an opportunity for me to meet with parents as well. It is vital that all families attend this session.
An email was sent to all incoming Foundation families last week. Please contact the school if you have not received this communication.
Have a great end to the week.
Yours in Christ,
Cameron Tarrant