Term Four, Week Seven

November 25, 2020

Message & Notifications From The Principal

Dear Families and Friends

We have now participated in two Advent Liturgies, lighting the candles of Hope and Peace over the past fortnight. Mr Jamie and Sr Julianne have delivered thought-provoking and inspiring messages to assist the students to be the best people they can in the lead up to Christmas. These messages will continue to be conveyed to students over the coming weeks, bringing to life the true meaning of Christmas.

Last Week

Last Thursday we welcomed our Kindergarten students for 2021 to St Joseph's. Children had the opportunity to meet their new classmates whilst parents and carers attended an information session, followed by morning tea. Well done to Tanya Lockwood, Lee-Lee Morgan and Nicole McLaren who led an action-packed morning for our new students.

Thank you to Brock Burston for organising our Family Movie Night last Friday. It was great to test out our new projector and screen which was purchased for our school by the P & F Committee. Many thanks to the families who came along.

Last Wednesday, the Years 3-6 students enjoyed an afternoon of fun activities at the Leisure Centre. Thanks to Mr Zahra for organising this event for the students.

Christmas Concert

Our Christmas concert will be on Wednesday 9th December at the Leisure Centre with doors opening at 5:00pm in readiness for a 5:30pm start. Our school bus will be available to pick up students and their families from 4:30pm. Please notify the office via phone: 9168 1079 or email: admin@stjoknx.wa.edu.au if you would like to utilise this service.

Our End of Year Awards Ceremony will be held on Thursday 10th December in our library at 1:10pm. Families and friends are welcome to attend.

School Banking

The final school banking for the year will be next Wednesday 2nd December at 7:40am.

Mini Vinnies

Our Mini Vinnies students are collecting donations of long life food items and toiletries for hampers for members of our community. If all families could purchase one or more of the following items during their next grocery shop we would be most grateful: Long life milk, cereal, tea, coffee, milo, biscuits, canned food, toiletries. Thank you in anticipation of your support.

A big thank you to the families who have recently donated items via the office or children's classrooms.

Swimming

Our final swimming lessons for the year will be on Monday 30th November and Monday 7th December. Thank you to Mrs Laura Christopher, Mr Jamie Short and Miss Marion Gehrmann who have led these sessions so well.

Year 6 Transition Day

We wish our Year 6 students all the very best for their Transition Day at East Kimberley College tomorrow. Students are asked to come to St Joseph's in their full school uniform by 7:40am. They will then walk across to East Kimberley College to spend a day in the life of a Year 7 student before returning to St Joseph's for our regular dismissal at 2:00pm.

Moving Forward Day

On Friday 4th December, students from Pre-Primary - Year 5 will be promoted to their classrooms for 2021. They will have the opportunity to spend some time with their new teachers and classmates for next year. If your child will not be returning to be St Joseph's next year and you do not wish for them to participate in this event, please inform the office so that alternate arrangements can be made.

Busy Bee

This Saturday from 7:00am-11:00am, a number of large rocks will be added to our outdoor area. These rocks will be utilised by students who visit our Friendship Garden and Outdoor Classroom. If you are available to assist by positioning rocks or removing weeds, your presence would be most welcome. Please bring your own gardening gloves, hat, sunscreen and a water bottle.

Enjoy the rest of your week.

Tim Hogan

Principal

Term Dates 2020

Term 4: 12 Oct—11 Dec

Other Important Dates

26 November: Year 6 Transition Day at EKC
3 December: Year 6 Breakfast, EKC
4 December: Moving Forward Day
9 December: Christmas Concert, Leisure Centre, 5pm
10 December: End of Year Awards, Library, 1.20pm
11 December: End of Year/Yr 6 Grad Mass, 8.30am

“Let us learn to live with kindness and to love everyone, even when they do not love us.” Pope Francis

Reminders

Description Title

We are ready to collect your recyclable containers. Our drop off point is currently located adjacent to our cricket nets at the back of the school (towards Ivanhoe Caravan Park). Look out for the yellow bags!

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.

Item Link

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.

Friday of every even week beginning 1:20pm

Assemblies, Fridays, 1.20pm

20 November, Week 6: Yr 3

4 December, Week 8: Yr 2

Description Title

Enrolments are now open for VacSwim swimming lessons during the summer school holidays.

VacSwim in January offers fun lessons at beach or pool locations during the long break. Not only are they a great school holiday activity, they teach valuable safety skills to help keep your child safe in the water.

Your children can start as young as five years old.

Don’t wait! Enrol your children in VacSwim now at

Click to find out more

Keeping students reading over the summer holidays

School’s out for summer! As we approach the end of the year many students look forward to a much needed rest and break. So, what does this mean for reading? While some kids will happily have their heads in a book over summer, there are others who will use the break to joyfully have their head in the clouds. Although one of the things students look forward to in December is the academic downtime, there's no reason why they can't keep their minds sharp during the holidays. It is important to continue encouraging your child to read books and keep their motivation and enjoyment of reading up as much as possible.

Research clearly shows that when kids put down their schoolbooks on their break, their reading ability also drops with it. After six weeks away from school, children can forget some of the key things they spent the last year mastering. The term “summer slide” is well established and refers to children dropping in their reading ability following a lack of reading over the summer break. Teachers also frequently report that students return to school after their break with a lower reading level and interest in books than when they left previously. Therefore, it’s vital that we continue to encourage our children to read widely and often whilst they are on holidays.

Tips on how to make sure kids stay engaged with reading over the school break:

Make reading time fun
Visit your local library
Allow children to choose what they want to read
Give books as gifts
Create a reading challenge

If you would like a copy of either our Challenges below, please let me know.

Mrs Christopher

AFaFE News

This term at AFAFE, we have continued to focus on learning through connection and play. We have enjoyed working with the various community support services and have been thankful for their part in nurturing families in our region.

On Friday morning we visit the Stepping Stones Playgroup in Pindan Street, which is always a joy. We have also enjoyed shared playgroups and programs with OFAT, KindiLink and HIPPY.

We have jumped into water play with our friends to cool down and love swimming lessons at the town pool! The Language Nest bring their teaching wisdom weekly and we have been working on some sparkling Christmas Creations. Cooking is always nourishing as we share our recipes and skills, and a cuppa with Jo Warren on Wednesday is always welcome. We are learning every day and we are grateful to be a part of the lives of the women and children that share their journey with us.

Miss Emma and Miss Kimberley