Term 4, Week 9
The first day of school for students in 2024 is Wednesday, 31st January
The school office reopens on Monday, 22nd January
Principal's Piece
Dear Parents and Carers
Thank you to everyone who came along to help us celebrate the year at the Carols and Awards night. We used a slightly different format this year and we hope that you enjoyed the night.
Congratulations to ALL of our children on their efforts this year. Learning new facts and skills is not always easy to do, but our children have done exceptionally well in a range of different pursuits during the year. Well done to those children who received specific awards for their efforts.
On Tuesday morning we celebrated the final school Mass for this year and Year 6 Graduation. While in some respects it is sad to farewell those moving on to new schools, new work opportunities and new spaces, it is also a time of excitement and anticipation about what is just over the horizon. To everyone moving on, we wish you great success with your forthcoming adventures and we know that you will take just a small piece of St Joseph's Kununurra with you! Some words of wisdom from two great children's authors:
"The 100 percent totally danger-proof future is amazing!" ~ Andy Griffiths
"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.
You're on your own, and you know what you know.
And you are the guy who'll decide where to go."
~ Dr Seuss
Thank you to those families who have paid their fees for this year. If you have not already done so, please finalise your child's school fees as soon as possible.
Reports were sent out electronically yesterday. If your child's report has not arrived in your inbox, please let us know.
We are coming to that time of the year where we hold the Annual General Meeting for both the School Advisory Committee and the Parents and Friends Association. I encourage all members of our community to come along and participate in these meetings. Our P & F do an amazing job raising funds to support our school, while the School Advisory Committee provide support in the areas around school governance.
- The AGM for the P & F committee is set down for Monday February 5 at 2:15pm in the School Library. All positions are declared vacant and a new committee is elected.
- The AGM for the School Advisory Committee is on Monday February 12 at 4:00pm in the School Library. There are two vacancies for the school committee.
Nomination forms can be emailed to you or collected from the front office.
As we move through our last few days of school, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have supported our children through their various activities year. Many parents and friends have volunteered for different tasks that have assisted in the education of our children. Thank you to all of you.
I would also like to thank members of the wider Kununurra community for supporting us in a myriad of ways during this year. There are many things that go on in the background that contribute to the success of our school.
Finally, thank you to the entire staff who have also worked hard to encourage the development and growth of our children. Often the end product that you see does not reflect the considerable effort that goes into the result. All of your efforts are greatly appreciated!
We are working to secure one more teacher for 2024, with interviews are scheduled for today and tomorrow. You will have seen recent media reports relating to the significant challenges in finding teachers to fill vacancies across all education systems in WA, and our school is no exception. We anticipate that all teaching positions will be filled by the end of next week.
Parents are asked to understand that class groupings may change due to enrolments over the holidays. We look forward to welcoming all new and returning children from Kindy to Year 6 back to school on Wednesday, 31st January.
If your family has a little one starting Kindy next year and are yet to enrol, please contact with us so that we can reserve a space for them and complete enrolment forms.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Kununurra; thank you to all who welcomed and supported me during my stay. It has been an amazing experience and I leave with many fond memories.
I would like to wish everyone a very Holy, Happy and Safe Christmas and an enjoyable holiday break. I trust that 2024 will be a good year for you.
Some final words for thought....
“To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Miss Therese
Principal
Christmas Carols and Awards Night 2023
Year 6 Graduation Mass
Changes to School Reports
There have been some small shifts in the way school reports are presented that will continue on into 2024. Over the last 10 years reporting for schools has changed with the times to reflect the current population. After the last review by the WA School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA), a few suggested revisions were made about reporting, the most significant concerning the writing of comments for individual subjects. Hereon in, students will receive a grade for each subject and an overall general statement of achievement, but no individual comments for each subject. We have included some information about English and Maths in the general comment to assist parents with information on the main subject areas. Being a Catholic school, we also regard religious education as the first subject and have provided some general statements of what has been covered throughout the year. Individual Education Plans will still include comments because students on IEPs do not receive a grade. The situation for Kindy students remain unchanged with a portfolio of work being sent home at the completion of the year. Pre-Primary students will have only a slight change to their reports; they still won't receive a grade, but will be assessed against a new set of criteria (Excellent, High, Satisfactory, Limited and Very Low).
St Joseph's staff have had significant discussion around this change and have decided that written report comments do not sufficiently convey the various aspects of a student’s learning journey and that the Parent-Teacher Interview is a much more effective way to find out about your child's progress. I know that this will be a shift for some people, but we are confident this is a much better way for parents and teachers to communicate and discuss student progress.
Outlined below is some information to assist with better understanding the new grading process for Years 1-6:
Achievement standard
A: Excellent
B: High
C: Satisfactory
D: Limited
E: Very low
Children receive an overall grade (A to E) for their achievement in each learning area. In some learning areas they may also receive a grade for the learning area components assessed.
The achievement standard describes an expected level that the majority of students have achieved by the end of a given year of schooling.
- Meeting the achievement standard at a satisfactory level is described by a C grade. This means that any student who demonstrates the understanding and application of the required level of curriculum for any year level will receive a C grade.
- If students can demonstrate that they know more and can extend beyond their given year's curriculum content, they will receive a B or A grade. Students will need to demonstrate consistently that they understand and can apply knowledge above their year level to receive B and A grades.
These grades are worked out through key documents from SCAA that have work examples, rubrics and guides. The mid-year grade is the calculated decision measured against the Australian Standards and the end of year grade is a cumulative grade for the the entire year.
More time will be allocated in 2024 to Parent-Teacher Interviews so that student progress can be discussed in fine detail.
If you have any further questions about these changes to our reporting, please contact the school and ask to speak to Mr Shaun Joseph.
Shaun Joseph and Therese Clancy
SACRAMENTS and other matters
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.
Baptism
Please contact Sr Julianne at school, or Fr Vinu (0475 846 331), at any time, to collect a “Request for Baptism” form. Baptism can occur during the week, or Saturdays/Sundays.
Other Matters
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 Visits
Visits to the Juniper Aged Care Facility continue to be a highlight, especially in light of the NAIDOC theme this year being "For Our Elders". We have a wonderful two-way learning between ourselves and our Juniper friends.
Please don’t hesitate to contact Sr Julianne or Miss Marion Roberts, through the school office, at any time if have queries or questions about our Religious Education program.
Sr Julianne
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The Season of Advent
During four weeks in December, most churches will celebrate Advent, a season of expectation of the arrival of Christ, by lighting four candles. The candles, held in a wreath, are lit once a week and represent the following:
- Week 1 - Hope
- Week 2 - Peace
- Week 3 - Joy
- Week 4 - Love
At St Joseph's we started the Advent season early so that we can complete the Advent cycle before school breaks up. We are currently in Week 4 - love. When Jesus came to this earth, he brought a special kind of love. This love is unselfish, compassionate, unconditional. He loves us just as we are. Our condition is irrelevant to his love. It is a love that picks us up just where we are in life and carries us further than we could ever go on our own.
He gives us his love so we can give it away in the same unselfish, compassionate, unconditional way he gave it to us. He tells us this love will be our trademark. It will distinguish us as followers of Jesus.
Christmas Masses and Other Important Dates
3rd December - 1st Sunday Advent
10th December - 2nd Sunday Advent
17th December - 3rd Sunday Advent
24th December - 4th Sunday Advent
22nd December - Christmas Mass at Warmun
24th December - Christmas Mass Wyndham
25th December - Christmas Mass Kununurra, 8.30am
26th December - 2nd February - Fr Vinu will be on leave - no Mass
21st January - Communion Service
28th January - Communion Service
4th February - Commisioning Mass for St Joseph's School Staff
~ Fr Vinu is available for Reconciliation from 5.00pm for Tuesday - Saturday Masses (5.30pm)
and at 8am for Sunday Mass (8.30am) ~
Specialist Subjects
Science
Last week in Science, students continued learning about how Earth’s rotation on its axis causes regular changes. This was illustrated when they designed and created a sundial. Once it was made, they evaluated what they could do differently next time. Some students chose to check their sundials at recess and lunch to see if they were working still!
Sports
As the weather has warmed up, we have been doing most sport sessions indoors in the air-conditionin, with our focus on table tennis. It has been fantastic to see teamwork, enjoyment, positive attitudes and improved hand- eye coordination during all sports lessons! Students worked with and against a variety of classmates to play quick ball (an adapted table tennis game), table tennis and some other related games.
Marion Roberts
Specialist Teacher
Graduation Lunch
On Tuesday our graduating Year 6 students had their Graduation Lunch and a swim at Lake Argyle. Thank you to Lake Argyle Resort for accommodating us; no other venue in Kununurra was available!
Miss Silvia
Year 5/6 Teacher
Strong Kids Say "No" to Energy Drinks
Energy drinks like V, Mother, Red Bull, Prime and Bang are bad for your health and children should not bring them to school.
Telethon Kids Institute researchers found in 2018 that more than half of young people who consumed energy drinks suffered negative health effects.
Of 3,688 high school students who had tried an energy drink, 55.4% reported they had experienced adverse outcomes – some serious enough to require medical assistance:
- 24.6% had heart palpitations
- 24.5% had trouble sleeping
- 24.3% had headaches
- 24% had upset stomachs
Energy drinks have been connected to cardiovascular and neurological issues such as seizures, psychosis and cardiac arrest. There is also evidence linking energy drink consumption in children and young people to substance use and a range of behavioural problems.
In addition to the caffeine and other stimulants they contain, energy drinks are often full of sugar and salt, both of which are damaging to the health of our children.
Please don't let your child bring energy drinks to school.
Encourage them to drink water -
it's free, it's safe and it keeps them healthy and ready to learn!
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
Moving House?
If you're leaving Kununurra at the end of this year, please let us know. It will help with our classroom planning for 2024.
Olivia and Grace’s
- farm fresh free range eggs
~ $8 a carton ~
- laying hens (9 months old, lay daily)
~ $20 each ~
Call or text
Mary (Mum) on 0428 524 611
POSITION VACANT
family liaison officer
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
o Aboriginality is essential for this position, under Section 50D of the Equal Opportunity Act
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, Therese Clancy, at:
St Joseph’s School
PO Box 262
Kununurra WA 6743
Applications close 30th November 2023
(St Joseph's School reserves the right to interview and appoint prior to the close of submissions.)
POSITION VACANT
Canteen Manager
We are seeking a Canteen Manager to join our school team at St Joseph’s School. The Canteen creates and serves delicious and nutritious recess/lunch for the school staff and students to enjoy every day.
The details
· Hours 30 hours per week (school holidays off).
· Hours of work are 7am – 1pm (weekdays – no weekends, 6 hrs per day).
· On-the-job training and support.
· Managing the day-to-day operations of the site.
· Organising and managing the daily orders, counter service and catering requests.
· Ensure food safety compliance is maintained.
· Knowledge and understanding of special diets and allergies.
Skills preferred
· Previous experience in a school canteen.
· Front-of-house focused.
· Cash handling experience.
· Great communication skills and ability to show initiative.
· Driver’s licence or willing to work towards.
Duties
· Managing the day-to-day operations of the site.
· Organising and managing the daily online pre-orders, counter service and catering requests.
· Ensure food safety compliance is maintained.
Applicants must be fully supportive of the objectives and ethos of Catholic education.
The successful applicant will have undertaken Food Safety Supervisor and Food Handling training or be willing to work towards.
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) Nationally Coordinated Criminal
History Check prior to commencing work.
As a diverse and inclusive workplace, we strongly encourage applications from First Nations Australians.
All applications should be addressed to the Principal, Therese Clancy, at:
St Joseph’s School
PO Box 262
Kununurra WA 6743
Applications close 30th November 2023
The position may close early should a successful candidate be placed.
Canteen Volunteers
We are looking for parent helpers to assist in the Canteen. Even if you have just an hour to spare, it would be very welcome. Please drop by the office and let us know.
(You won't need a Working With Children Check if your child is enrolled at St Joseph's)
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
School Bus Pick-ups and Drop-offs
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.
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.
Reminders
Term Dates 2024
Term Dates 2024
Term 1: Wednesday 31 January - Thursday 28 March
Term 2: Monday 15 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 & Tuesday, 17-18 June
Monday, 15 July
Monday, 26 August (Catholic Day)
Monday, 4 November
Assemblies
Our assemblies are every second Friday afternoon at 1.10pm.
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.
