Term 1, Week 6
Vision Statement
Inspired by Mary MacKillop, we strive to achieve excellence in education and pastoral care, foster well being, develop strong values and include all cultures and community members.
Mission Statement
Following Jesus' example, we support all cultures and needs by building trusting relationships and fostering high expectations that inspire and empower our children to be compassionate, lifelong learners.
Principal's Piece
Dear Parents and Carers
I hope that everyone enjoyed the long weekend. I know the staff members and children appreciated the extra day and it was well-deserved after the very busy first five weeks of school.
New Admin Officer
We are pleased to welcome a new Administration Officer to St Joseph’s. Amy Carter will be the friendly face you see at the Office desk from today. Come in and say “Hello”.
Swimming Carnival Tomorrow – March 7th
We are very excited about tomorrow’s Swimming Carnival. We are hoping that many parents and carers will come along and cheer on the children. If you wish to see the children in Kindy, Pre-Primary or Year 1 in action you will need to be at the pool between 9:00am and 9:45am. Years 2 to 6 will participate from 10:15am to 12:30pm. The children will then return to school for a Sausage Sizzle Lunch cooked by the P & F and the Police. Following lunch we will have the Presentations of Ribbons at 1.15pm. Come and join us for lunch and the presentations.
First Reconciliation
Five of our students will make their First Reconciliation next Wednesday, March 13th. The ceremony will begin at 4:30pm and will be followed by Mass. The candidates are Elle-Rose, Noah, Indiana, Janette and Joffery. Please keep the children in your prayers – they are very excited!
St Patrick’s Day Quiz Night – Only 10 days to go! March 16th!
Have your friends and workmates booked their table yet? It promises to be another wonderful night with the Parents and Friends Committee members working very hard to ensure everyone has a great time – the prizes are amazing!
Team Teach - for Staff
We have been able to secure training for the Team Teach Program that will provide tailored training involving: risk and restrictive practice reduction, de-escalation and positive behaviour support. This is a one day course and we have been able to arrange for the training early in Term Two on Wednesday April 24th, the day before ANZAC Day. ( We were unable to get the day after which would have been nice for families) This will be a pupil-free day for the children. The date is included in the Calendar Dates, included in the newsletter.
Barry Ennis
Acting Principal
Upcoming Events
Thursday, 7th March - Swimming Carnival
Saturday 16th March - St Patrick's Quiz Night. Tickets can be bought from our office or over the phone (9168 1079).
Dates & Reminders
Term Dates 2024
Term Dates 2024
Term 1: Wednesday 31 January - Thursday 28 March
Term 2: Tuesday 16 April - Friday 28 June
Term 3: Tuesday 16 July - Friday 20 September
Term 4: Monday 7 October - Friday 6 December
Public Holidays During Term Time 2024
Monday 4 March: Labour Day
Friday 29 March - Good Friday
Thursday 25 April: ANZAC Day
Monday 3 June: Western Australia Day
Pupil Free Days 2024
Monday, 15 April
Monday & Tuesday, 24-25 June
Monday, 15 July
Monday, 26 August (Catholic Day)
Monday, 4 November
Assemblies
Our assemblies are every second Friday afternoon at 1.10pm.
9th February - Leadership presentations
23rd February - Year 5/6
8th March - Year 4/5
21st March - Year 3/4
Kindy Days
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday
7.50am - 2.00pm
Description Title
We are ready to collect your recyclable containers. Our drop off point is located in the staff carpark, just inside the fence. Money earned goes towards Mini Vinnies.
If you change your phone number, please tell us. We many need to contact you if your child is sick or doesn’t get picked up after school.
Most school age children are eligible for free dental care in Kununurra School Dental Clinic.
Primary School children become eligible to attend the School Dental Service in the year they turn 5.
High School children are eligible to attend the School Dental Service until they complete Year 11 or the day they turn 17 (whichever occurs first).
If you changed your address or phone numbers, please advise dental clinic staff. Missed appointments may result in suspension from the School Dental Service.
We are located on the hospital grounds in the Dental Health Building, 69 Coolibah Drive and are open Monday to Friday 7:30 to 3:30.
Please feel free to call us on 0419 939 179 or email: kununurramobile@dental.health.wa.gov.au to organise an appointment.
SACRAMENTS and other matters
Sacraments
As in previous years, all classes will learn about Sacraments and rites of initiation in their Religious Education programs. For students of the Catholic faith, there will also be an opportunity to receive these Sacraments at St Vincent Palloti Catholic Church.
Fr Vinu is available for Baptisms at any time throughout the year. Baptismal forms can be collected at the school office and returned to Sr Julianne with a preferred date during the week, or by contacting Fr Vinu directly on 0475 846 331. Please also let family and friends know about Baptisms, if you aware of Pre-school children needing to be Baptised.
Other Sacraments will be celebrated as per below:
- First Reconciliation, Term 1 - Year 4 children, 13th March, 4.30pm St Vincent Pallotti Church. On the weekend, the children making their First Reconciliation were presented to the Parish. We continue to pray for Noah, Elle-Rose, Janette, Indy, and Joffery (absent), and their families, as they prepare for their First Reconciliation on 13th March. All welcome at 4.30 pm followed by Mass.
- First Eucharist, Term 2 - Year 5 children (date to be advised)
- Confirmation, Term 3 - Year 6 children (date to be advised)
All classes will complete a unit of work on Sacraments in the term they occur. This will then be followed by the celebration of the Sacrament, if requested by family, at St Vincent Pallotti Church with specific dates to be advised. We are aware that some children have missed sacraments in previous years due to sickness, absence etc, and we can make arrangements for those celebrations also.
A letter about Sacraments has been sent home this week to families identifying as Catholic on our school records. The form needs to be filled out and returned to school if you wish for your child to receive a Sacrament this year. If you did not get a form, they are available at the school office.
Mass Times
Mass is held each weekend, at St Vincent Pallotti Church on Saturdays at 5.30pm and Sundays at 8.30am. Weekday masses are held from Tuesday to Friday at 5.30pm. On Sundays, we have Children’s Liturgy during mass.
Fr Vinu is available for Reconciliation on any day, usually from about an hour before mass.
Juniper Aged Care Facility Visits
Each week a class visits Juniper Aged Care Facility and share an activity with the residents eg singing, lego, painting, reading etc. A permission form, and other information, will be sent home prior to the visit.
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Please don’t hesitate to contact me, through the school office, at any time if have queries or questions about our Religious Education program.
Sr Julianne
Sacrament Coordinator
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Upcoming Events
St Joseph’s Day
The Feast of St Joseph is on 19th March. We will defer our celebration to Friday 22nd March due to other events. Fr Vinu will celebrate Mass for us and children are invited to wear casual clothes for a Gold Coin donation towards Project Compassion.
(Project Compassion is Caritas Australia’s main annual fundraising campaign. It mobilises Australians to raise much-needed funds to help alleviate poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity in the most vulnerable and marginalised communities in the world. Held during Lent, the six-week period before Easter, Catholic schools, Parishes, and the wider Australian public participate in a diverse range of fundraising activities and events to support Caritas Australia’s programs both overseas and here with our First Australian partners.)
Easter Celebrations
During the last week of school this term, we will have short assemblies each morning, with the children presenting elements of the Easter story - Palm Sunday through to Good Friday. All are welcome.
To highlight the significance of Jesus' death, children are invited to wear black/dark clothes on Thursday, 28th March (last day of term).
On the first day of Term 2 we will have a short assembly to celebrate the Resurrection, and children are asked to wear bright colourful clothes on this day (Tuesday, 16th April). No monetary donation is expected for these two casual clothes days.
The Season of Lent
Feast and Fast for Lent
Let us feast on kindness,
and fast from sarcasm.
Let us feast on compassion,
and fast from holding grudges.
Let us feast on patience,
and fast from anxiety.
Let us feast on peace,
and fast from stirring up conflict.
Let us feast on acceptance,
and fast from judgment.
Let us feast on joy,
and fast from jealousy.
Let us feast on faith,
and fast from fear.
Let us feast on creativity,
and fast from all that deadens our souls.
Let us feast on social justice,
and let us fast from negligence of the most vulnerable.
Let us feast on service to others,
and fast from selfishness.
Let us feast on delight,
and fast from despair.
Let us feast on the Body and Blood of Christ,
and fast from all that keeps us from communing deeply with each other and with God.
Amen.
Stations of the Cross
During Lent, the Stations of the Cross will be held at St Vincent Pallotti Church at 5pm each Friday, prior to the 5.30pm Mass. All are welcome.
Art News
Some photos from last week's art excursion where students noticed the elements of art around Kununurra such as colour, line and texture. This excursion influences our art pieces that will be on display in Term 2 at the school art exhibition.
Miss Roberts
Specialist Teacher
School Bus Pick-ups and Drop-offs
Streamlining the Bus Run
This year we've had extraordinary numbers for the bus runs. One day we did two full trips, plus one in the school car. On the bright side, it is a credit to our families that they're being so diligent in regularly sending their children to school. THANK YOU!
However, because we have so many children on the bus, some of them don't get home until 3pm and some of them arrive at school too early. To make their day easier:
- If you are able to bring your child to/from school by car it would be appreciated.
- Please be out the front of your house ready for the pick up:
- Town run - 7am – 7.30am
- Community run - 7.30 am – 8.00 am
Just waiting an extra 1-3 minutes at every house can extend our trip by half hour. Unfortunately we cannot toot the horn, due to complaints from neighbours.
- At the end of the day, please be visible outside your house and wave to us as we drop off your child. We need to be assured that someone is home. Having to stop, take the child to the door, knock and wait for a response, extends the trip by half hour. This is unfair on those children waiting in the heat on the basketball court for the second bus run. If a family member is not at home, it is our policy to bring a child back to school and ring you. We are unable to make another trip to drop them off.
While we learn the 2024 bus route, which is still changing as new families continue to enrol, we may forget to stop at your house. Please call the school office, and we can collect your child on the next run.
Dropping off Your Children
For the safety of our children, we would like to remind parents that children catching our white Coaster school bus will be dropped off in the afternoon ONLY at the address from which they are picked up in the morning.
Attempts to accommodate parents who ring during the day asking that their children be dropped off elsewhere have resulted in an number of confusing situations, whereby children have ended up going home to an empty house or to a house where they are not expected.
Children who live in Lakeside or out of town may not catch our bus home to a different address.
Your child can only be dropped off at a different address if it is an emergency situation (eg you have an emergency visit to the hospital and an arrangement has been made for your child to be cared for by another family member or friend).
Many thanks for your cooperation.
Bike Education Day
Friday, 22nd March
Greetings to our families and friends. Term 1 promises some very exciting events at St Joe’s. On Friday, 22nd March, we have our Bike Education Day! This will be the third consecutive year we've held this event and it has proven to be a very important learning opportunity for students (not to mention a lot of fun!). As usual, I would encourage students to ride to school on that day as it is also the National Ride2School Day.
Please ensure your child wears a helmet and adequate footwear. If your child does not have a bicycle, by all means bring along a scooter, roller blades, skateboard etc. Students will sit for a theory session and be assessed on the bike gymkhana (at the basket ball court) and awarded a competency certificate. A water bottle would be a good idea. Only human powered transport please (no electric scooters, motor bikes or quad bikes).
Many thanks.
Mr Steve
Specialist Teacher
Get Vaccinated!
Community Health offers free vaccines for:
- COVID-19 Boosters
- Japanese Encephalitis - Residents of Kununurra & Wyndham only
- Influenza - all children 6 months - 12 years; all Aboriginal people 6 months or older; all people with a chronic disease; all people 65 years and older.
Call Kununurra Community Health on 9166 4321
POSITION VACANT
family liaison officer
(2 PART-TIME POSITIONS VACANT)
ABORIGINAL FAMILIES AS FIRST EDUCATORS PROGRAM
Position details:
St Joseph’s School seeks an enthusiastic Playgroup Support Worker to work in our Aboriginal Families as First Educators (AFaFE) Playgroup. This role will support the playgroup facilitator to develop and deliver a range of culturally appropriate early learning programs for Aboriginal children (birth to 4 years) and to liaise with families, community members and agencies to engage them in the program.
SELECTION CRITERIA
ESSENTIAL:
o Applicants must be fully supportive of the objectives and ethos of Catholic education.
o Ability to build rapport, confidence and credibility with Aboriginal families and communities.
o Good written and oral communication skills, including the ability to interact with parents, teachers and external agencies on the provision of the AFAFE program.
o Good interpersonal skills, including the ability to work as part of a team in the evaluation of the AFAFE program.
o Good organisational skills that will assist in the delivery and development of the AFAFE program.
o Able to work as part of a team, or independently and have good time management skills.
o Understanding of the needs of young children and their families.
o Current WA driver’s licence.
o Certificate in Education Support or working towards
Be aware:
o The successful applicant will be required to work towards and obtain Accreditation to Work in Catholic Education (Schools).
o Training in the Abecedarian Approach Australia (3a) will be provided to the successful applicant.
Applicants must submit a CV, including the names and contact numbers of two referees, one of whom must be a current or recent employer.
On appointment successful applicants will require a WWC Check and current Department of Education (WA) National Police Clearance prior to commencing work. 
All applications should be addressed to the Principal, Barry Ennis and emailed to: admin@stjoknx.wa.edu.au
Applications close Friday, 16th February.
(St Joseph's School reserves the right to interview and appoint prior to the close of submissions.)
Send Your Kids to School
Send your kids to school - it is the best possible way they can get a good education.
If your child misses one 1 day per week of school,
by the time they are in Yr 4 they will have missed 1 whole year of school.
Already they will by 1 year behind expected learning!
It may take some tough love, but it is worth the effort to make your child go to school every day.
Set a good routine from Kindy, don't let them miss a day.
It will give them the best start in life.
Containers for Change
Thank you to those generous families who have donated their recycling money to our school through Containers for Change!
School Recycling Bags
CHECK FOR THE 10¢ MARK
We've ended up with a lot of non-recyclable containers in our school recycling bags.
Which means we have to sort through the bags to remove them.
It's easy to save your 10¢ containers from landfill so they can live another life — just check for the 10¢ mark!
Most aluminium, glass, plastic, steel, and liquid paperboard drink containers that are 150ml to 3L are accepted.
This includes:
- Most single-serve water and fizzy drink containers up to and including 3L.
- Most single-serve alcohol containers, like beer bottles and pre-mixed spirits.
- Flavoured milk containers that are 150ml to 999ml.
- Coconut water, pure fruit, or vegetable juice containers that are 150ml to 999ml.
~ Make sure you take off the lids ~
~ Bring the lids into the school office and we'll recycle them separately ~
Items that we don't accept include:
- Glass bottles or jars of any sort - too many get broken when dropped into the recycling bag
- Plastic milk bottles
- Unflavoured, plain milk cartons
- Cordial bottles
- Non-food plastic containers (eg laundry detergent)
- Steel food cans
St Joseph's School Calendar Term 1 2024
School Bus Contact Details
The School Bus Contractors are Dylon and Chelsea Lodge.
Chelsea: 0450 250 691
Dylon: 0415 945 330
Please note that cash payments for Book Club are no longer accepted at St Joseph's. All orders should be placed through Book Club Loop.
See: https://www.scholastic.com.au/book-club/book-club-parents/
St Joseph’s Student Code of Conduct
The St Joseph’s Student Code of Conduct was developed by the students of St Joseph’s. Students participated in Steps 1 to 4 during Term 1 2021. Step 5 was worked through during term 2 and Step 6 completed during Term 3. The Student Code of Conduct was reviewed by students in Year 3 to 6 on two separate occasions. The Student Code of Conduct was shared with the wider school community during Term 3.
At St Joseph’s School, Kununurra we want to feel Safe.
1. In order to feel Safe we will follow school rules.
When someone isn’t feeling this way, or there is conflict, we will ask an adult for help.
2. In order to feel Safe we will listen and follow instructions.
When someone isn’t feeling this way, or there is conflict, we will ask an adult for help.
3. In order to feel Safe we will help and care for others.
When someone isn’t feeling this way, or there is conflict, we will ask them why they are feeling that way.
4. In order to feel Safe we will keep our hands and feet to ourselves.
When someone isn’t feeling this way, or there is conflict, we will ignore them or walk away.
5. In order to feel Safe we will treat others the way we would like to be treated.
When someone isn’t feeling this way, or there is conflict, we will remind them of the golden rule.
At St Joseph’s School, Kununurra we want to feel Happy.
1. In order to feel Happy we will smile, laugh, sing and dance.
When someone isn’t feeling this way, or there is conflict, we will ask them if they are alright.
2. In order to feel Happy we will be kind to others.
When someone isn’t feeling this way, or there is conflict, we will ask an adult for help.
3. In order to feel Happy we will make friends and play with them.
When someone isn’t feeling this way, or there is conflict, we will play with and include them.
4. In order to feel Happy we will come to school everyday.
When someone isn’t feeling this way, or there is conflict, we will look after them.
5. In order to feel Happy we will listen to the teacher and other adults.
When someone isn’t feeling this way, or there is conflict, we will try to make them feel happy.
Our Code of Conduct prohibits bullying, harassment and other forms of peer-to-peer abuse and we require respect for the privacy and human dignity of other students.
