In Reception and Year 1, we have been embracing the beautiful weather and taking our learning outdoors. We have used chalk to support and represent our learning in fun and engaging ways.

In Literacy, we have been practising writing our letter of the week and our heart words and strengthening our early reading skills. The R1 students have also been using iPads to access the UFLI phonics program word work board, where they are developing their ability to segment and blend sounds to read and build words.

In Numeracy, we took our learning outside to create a life-sized cherry diagram. Using ourselves as counters, we worked together to explore and represent whole-part-part models, helping to deepen our understanding of number relationships.

In Technology, we have been working with our year 2/3 buddy class to explore and use different types of robots, including Dash Robots and Bee-Bots. The students have loved working alongside their older buddies, learning new skills and developing their confidence in using technology. It has been wonderful to see the collaboration, teamwork, and enthusiasm shown during these learning experiences.

Catholic Identity

Throughout his ministry, Jesus often used parables (stories) to help explain his teachings. Many parables involved the use of images of vegetation known to the region at the time. The parable of the Mustard Seed is one such example. The message Jesus portrays is that from little things big things grow. The mustard seed, the smallest of all seeds grows to become the largest of all plants. Here at St Joseph’s School, we are entrusted with supporting our parents as they nurture their children to grow and become the best they can be in whatever direction they choose to take in life. At St Joseph’s School we focus on the education of the whole child, intellectually, morally, emotionally, spiritually, religiously, physically, and socially, providing many varied learning opportunities and experiences in the process. It is great to see all children engaging with the learning opportunities presented to them each day. 

Curriculum News

I have included two mathematical tasks which you might like to have a go at with your child/children.

This week’s Mathematical tasks:

Reception to Year 3

Make your own obstacle course by going over 3 things, through 2 thing, under 3 thing, around 5 things and between 4 things.

Write or draw where you could stand in this room so the door is to your left/right?

Years 4-6

Find your school using Google maps. Where could you go that is close to 3.5 kilometres away from the school?

When Mr Pick leaves home each morning he travels in a West direction to get to school. What suburb might he live in?

Happy inquiry.

Reading is another core learning area here at St Joseph’s School. Children develop their reading skills, knowledge and understanding by reading regularly. At St Joseph’s School regular reading at home forms a major part of homework set each evening. Why not create regular timeslots throughout the week whereby all electronic devices in the home are turned off and members of the family spend 15 minutes reading together. 

Happy reading.

Physical Education Update - D Nguyen

Reception - Year 2

This term, students in Reception to Year 2 have been placing a strong emphasis on following rules and instructions during physical activities. They have been working towards identifying boundaries such as personal space and designated playing areas, while also demonstrating the safe and appropriate use of equipment. These foundational skills have been embedded throughout lessons as students continue to develop essential ball control and fundamental movement skills using a variety of equipment and objects.

Students in Year 2/3 have continued refining their technique and fluency in key fundamental movement skills involving objects. They have also deepened their understanding of fair play by applying basic rules and scoring systems during physical activities and games. Additionally, students have learnt to recognise unfairness and exclusion in game situations and have explored strategies to promote inclusion, teamwork, and positive participation.

Year 3 - 6            

This term, students in Years 3-6 have focused on participating positively in groups and teams by encouraging others and negotiating roles and responsibilities. They have continued developing leadership skills through effective communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking during physical activities and team games. A key area of focus has been applying sequences of specialised movement skills while participating in a variety of invasion games and modified sports.

Carnivals - Lacrosse

A total of 44 students across Years 3-6 participated in the Catholic Schools Lacrosse Carnival in Week 4. Students showed great enthusiasm and commitment during training sessions prior to the carnival, with a strong focus on teamwork, skill development, and positive sportsmanship.

School Band

Gianni Pedicini has taken on the role of School Band coordinator this year. Gianni also works in the school as an instrumental music teacher for Hallmark Music.

Several of our children attend band practice with Gianni on Thursdays during lunchtime and after school. Gianni has also overseen the school’s entry into the Battle of the Rock Bands Primary Schools Competition which was held at Nazareth College Flinders Park Campus this week. Established band members began preparing for the Battle of the Bands competition in Term 1.

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)

Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The NCCD process requires schools to identify information already available in the school about supports provided to students with disability. These relate to legislative requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, in line with the NCCD guidelines (2019).

Information provided about students to the Australian Government for the NCCD includes:

• year of schooling
• category of disability: physical, cognitive, sensory or social/emotional
• level of adjustment provided: support provided within quality differentiated teaching practice, supplementary, substantial or extensive.

This information assists schools to:

• formally recognise the supports and adjustments provided to students with disability in schools
• consider how they can strengthen the support of students with disability in schools
• develop shared practices so that they can review their learning programs in order to improve educational outcomes for students with disability.

The NCCD provides state and federal governments with the information they need to plan more broadly for the support of students with disability.

The NCCD will have no direct impact on your child and your child will not be involved in any testing process. The school will provide data to the Australian Government in such a way that no individual student will be able to be identified - the privacy and confidentiality of all students is ensured. All information is protected by privacy laws that regulate the collection, storage and disclosure of personal information. To find out more about these matters, please refer to the Australian Government’s Privacy Policy (https://www.education.gov.au/privacy-policy).

Further information about the NCCD can be found on the NCCD Portal (https://www.nccd.edu.au).

If you have any questions about the NCCD, please contact the school.

How does Exercise affect Mental Health and Wellbeing?

Physical activity promotes many aspects of child and adolescent development, including social and emotional skills, as well as physical development of motor skills. It also supports mental wellbeing. We know that high levels of inactivity can lead to a greater risk of both physical and mental health problems. 

Physical activity:  

• can increase levels of serotonin and endorphins; the neurotransmitters involved in regulating and improving mood
• promotes sleep - which also helps regulate moods, increase energy levels and improve memory and learning
• increases the connections between the brain neurons, which improves memory and learning capacity 
• pumps blood to the brain to boost mood, concentration and alertness 
• promotes relaxation by reducing skeletal muscle tension 
• provides children and young people with an outlet for excess energy and frustration, which relieves tension
• provides an opportunity for children and young people to socialise and meet new people, reducing loneliness and isolation
• improves motor and cognitive skills, which boosts self-esteem 
• distracts children and young people from negative thoughts.

These benefits also serve to improve classroom behaviour and promote a more positive learning environment. 

To learn more about how you can support the wellbeing of your child, visit Be You (formerly Beyond Blue). The website also provides a range of resources and ideas to support the mental health and wellbeing of our young people. I encourage you to visit the website at https://beyou.edu.au/and have a look for yourself.  

Term 3 Preschool and Reception Intake

St. Joseph’s School will once again have a Pre-school and Reception intake at the start of Term 3 this year. Our Term 3 new Pre-school children will replace those moving into Reception as part of our Term 3 Reception intake. The criteria for starting Pre-school or Reception on the first day of school in Term 3 is that a child will have turned 4 (Pre-school) or 5 (Reception) between 1 May and 31 October in that year. This week we held the first of three transition visit mornings for our new Pre-school and Reception children with the aim of supporting their new start.

May the love of the Risen Lord continue to be with us.

Working in partnership with you.

Shaun O’Leary.

Audiri App has been replaced by EdSmart

As you may be aware we have moved away from using the Audiri App to using EdSmart which is an email-based product. Information regarding what is happening within our school along with upcoming school events will now be communicated to families using EdSmart. Be sure to monitor your email inbox for school updates.

The school has cancelled its subscription with Audiri.

Mass and Liturgy

Fr Marek is recovering from his broken arm and surgery and we wish him all the best for a speedy recovery

You are always invited to join us. The next Masses will be:

• St John the Baptist mass at 10am on Wednesday 24 June.
• Saints Peter and Paul mass at 10am on Monday 29 June.

Some other dates for the diary:

• Multicultural Day - Monday 24/8 starting with Whole School performance from Sean Choolburra
• Father's Day breakfast and liturgy - Friday 4/9

Tuesday, 16 June - 

Preschool Transition Visit 9:15am-10:45am. Reception Transition Visit 9am-11am

Tuesday, 23 June - 

Preschool Transition Visit 9:15am-10:45am. Reception Transition Visit 9am-11am

Tuesday, 30 June - 

Preschool Transition Visit 9:15am-10:45am. Reception Transition Visit 9am-11:30am