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Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome to Week 6!
Diocesan Maths & Spelling Bee
Congratulations to Patrick D (Kindergarten), Noah W (Stage 1) and Kobe J (Stage 2) who all attended the Diocesan Maths and Spelling Bee in Newcastle. What a fantastic achievement to be representing our region at Diocesan level. Congratulations to Noah who came 2nd in the Maths and Kobe who came 2nd in the spelling.
Year 5 Buddies
Our Year 5 buddies are doing such a wonderful job looking after our Kindergarten 2023 children during their transition to school program. Yesterday we had our final playdate. Thank you Year 5, you are all displaying excellent leadership skills and wonderful role models.
Year 5 Leadership Day
On Monday our Year 5 children had their leadership day. They had opportunities to identify excellent leadership skills required to be a good leader including honesty, good listening skills and being good role models. All children received their leadership application form on Monday. Even if your child is not nominating themselves as a 2023 leader, I suggest your child still completes the application form as a reflection of their time at SJKB. These applications for 2023 leadership positions are due to myself on or before Monday, 21 November. They will then be read by the staff and children will be invited to present their speeches commencing on Monday, 28th November and if need be will continue on Tuesday, 29th November. Children in Year 2-5 are involved in the voting process and all voting will then be reviewed by all staff members.
Nursing Home Visit
Our visit to Kilpatrick Nursing Home at the beginning of November was a wonderful experience for all who attended. The girls mingled with the residents, shared their morning tea time and also played ten pin bowling. The smiles on the residents’ faces and the SJKB girls was priceless. We can’t wait to visit again in December.
Aboriginal Dance Visit
Our Aboriginal dance crew visited SJKB to share their cultural dance with us. The story telling through dance was mesmerising and we even got invited to join in!
Visit from the Director of Schools
Mr Gerard Mowbray, our Maitland-Newcastle Diocese Director of Schools, is retiring at the end of 2022. Mr Mowbray visited our school last week. We hold a special spot in his heart because he held the Principal’s position at St Paul’s, Booragul in previous years. Our spectacular choir, and they were spectacular, performed two songs to entertain Mr Mowbray. All classes contributed to a special book we presented to Mr Mowbray, “tips for retirement”. Our Year 6 captains then took Mr Mowbray on a tour of our newly refurbed shade playground area. Mr Mowbray was extremely impressed with the lovely nature of our school community, the beautiful manners and how we look after our environment. Thank you all for making Mr Mowbray feel so special. I explained to the children Mr Mowbray is my boss. I then was asked by a Year 2 child who is my boss now – my reply was “I have plenty of other bosses!!!”
Term 4 Big Write
Our Term 4 Big Write was last week with the topic of “Holidays”. Our provocation was set up in our sand pit to inject some ideas and enthusiasm into our writers. Thank you to our parents and carers for also being involved in the conversation before our Big Write took place. The growth in the writing skills of the children is excellent. They walk away with two stars and a wish! Their wish becomes their learning goal.
School Improvements
Our Stage 3 classes have had new carpet tiles installed over the last week – thank you for your cooperation boys and girls. Kindergarten classes will have their new carpet installed on Monday and Tuesday. I have booked the library to have new carpet tiles installed in the January holidays. Mr Stewart is doing a great job painting feature walls within some of the classrooms and our library to freshen the learning environment up.
P&F Disco
Tonight (Thursday) is our end of year Disco! Our discos are always a lot of fun and I hope you are able to attend. Thank you to our wonderful P&F committee for organising this for us.
Children's University
Congratulations to all our Children’s University graduates will be celebrating their graduation on Wednesday, 23 November evening at Newcastle University. We will be able to share some photos, all gowned up, in our next newsletter!
Meal Deal
On Wednesday, 30 November (Week 8), Tracey has organised a meal deal for the end of the year. This will be available on QKR.
Carols Night
Our carols night where we will "Jingle and Mingle" will be on Friday, 2 December commencing at 5.30pm. This event is a joint school and parish organised night. Please order your sausage on a roll on QKR asap. An information flyer went home on Monday for further details. All classes will be performing at least one Christmas song and we have a band organised to entertain us also.
Stuck on You - Clothing and Item Labels Fundraiser
This is a great idea for labeling all of your child/ren's items brought to school or other places and they will never be lost! See flyer below for more details. The P & F receives a percentage of sales for their general fundraising (Courts resurfacing being the main project at present).
School Building Improvements
Do you know a fantastic Builder? If so, could you please ask them to contact me on charlene.reid@mn.catholic.edu.au to quote on the installation of external sliding doors in some of our classrooms? Thank you!
School Fees (Reminder)
A big thank you to those families who have been able to honour their commitment to the payment of school fees as promised when they enrolled their child/ren at St Joseph's. Monthly Fee Statements have been emailed to the nominated email account for each family. Please note that in some cases this email address may be for a parent who doesn't check their inbox too often, so please bear this in mind. Some families have been so enthusiastic in their commitment to our school that their account is now in credit! This will show as a balance in brackets e.g. ($215.00) or with a minus -$215.00. This means that you don't owe any more money this year and can cease payments until next February if you wish. For those who are yet to finalise their school fee commitment, prompt payment is appreciated as the school has many bills to finalise for the end of the year.
For those families who are challenged by outstanding amounts, please contact our school office to make an appointment to see me to discuss your account.
End of Year Excursion: K-5 (reminder)
A reminder that I have reserved tickets to the production of “Who Stole Christmas?” based on the Grinch story, at Hunter Ice Skating Stadium as a Christmas end of year treat for K-5. Year 6 will be at their beach fun day that day on December 8. The show starts at 10am and will finish near 12pm. A permission note will go home shortly. Please do not send any money to school.
Term Dates:
Please check your Compass App daily (and days in advance) for upcoming school activities. If you have difficulty logging in or any other questions, please send an email to admin@kilabenbay.catholic.edu.au
- Canteen meal deal - Hot Dogs - order on Qkr by Monday 28 November for lunch on Wednesday 30 November
- Carols at school “St Joey’s Jingle and Mingle”: Friday evening, 2nd December order your sausage on a roll on Qkr!
- Semester Two reports available to parents on Compass: Monday, 5th December
- Giving tree and end of year awards: Tuesday, 6th December at 11:00 am
- Popcorn and movie day (GOTCHA rewards): Wednesday, 7th December (your child will receive a permission note to attend if they have 350 GOTCHAS!!!
- Year 6 surf fun day: Thursday, 8th December
- K-5 Who Stole Christmas? Ice skating show: Thursday, 8th December (permission note will be sent home shortly)
- Year 6 farewell liturgy (11am tbc) plus children’s lunch: Wednesday, 14th December
- Year 6 clap out (afternoon): Friday, 16th December
- Last day for students: Friday, 16th December
2023 dates:
- First day of school for students Years 1-6: Tuesday, 31st January
- First day of school for Kindergarten: Thursday, 2nd February MODIFIED HOURS 9-12pm, then Friday, 3rd February will be the start of their full days.
- St Joseph’s swimming carnival: Tuesday, 7th February
- School photos: Thursday, 9th February
God bless,
Charlene Reid
Principal
Advent - A Waiting Time
A new liturgical year begins next weekend with the 1st Sunday of Advent.
Advent is a wonderful time of year. The traditional Advent colour of violet is revealed in Australia with the blooming of Jacaranda trees and agapanthus and we are filled with a sense of anticipation. Advent is a time for preparing for Christmas. The word Advent literally means ‘coming.’ We wait for God’s coming into our midst now, just as the world waited so many years ago.
However, when we think of Christmas what immediately comes to mind? Our first thoughts are usually about the Christmas tree, the presents to be bought and wrapped, the cards/messages to be written and sent, the food to be prepared etc. But in doing all these things, which really are essential and necessary, let’s not forget the very reason why we do them: we are celebrating the new birth, the new beginning of Jesus, the baby born in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago.
So, while still doing all these other things over the next five weeks please also take
the time to stop and to remember the reason for the season.
During our Story of Christmas play on Tuesday 6th December we will be donating Christmas Hamper goods to a local St Vincent de Paul Conference. These items will be distributed to families in need in the Lake Macquarie area. Thank you for your support to those in most need in our local community.
For those waiting for the most basic needs of life, the smallest gift can make all the difference.
Just some reminders:
~ Friday 25th November – 1st week of Advent Ceremony: lighting the Advent candle – at morning assembly at 8.50am run by KB
~ Friday 2nd December – 2nd week of Advent Ceremony: lighting the Advent candle – at morning assembly at 8.50am run by KM
~ Tuesday 6th December - Story of Christmas play at 11:00 am in the hall. This includes our Giving Tree where donations of Christmas hamper items will be made to a local St. Vincent de Paul Conference. (See Giving Tree notice for more details)
~ Wednesday 14th December – Year 6 Farewell commencing at 11.30am in the Church.
Thought for the week ahead:
"It is the beautiful task of Advent to awaken in all of us memories of goodness and thus to open doors of hope." - Pope Benedict XVI
May your days be filled with joy and peace this Advent season!
Ruth Cootes
RE Co-ordinator
Welcome to the Library!
During this term students have been reading some fantastic books and using technology to participate in research tasks and coding activities.
Kinder have been introduced to our Bee-Bots. They are exploring ways to program these small robots and direct them to travel around our Bee-Bot mats. The students are very enthusiastic and are enjoying their introduction to coding.
The final week for borrowing is next week WEEK 7.
After that we need books returned as soon as possible for our annual stock take. Please ensure your children return any Library Books in Week 8 (no later than 30 November - thank you) Students can continue borrowing books through SORA during the holidays.
School Library bags are available for $14 for anyone who needs one. Simply pay on Qkr! and the bag will be delivered to your child in school time.
SORA
A reminder that Sora St Joseph’s has a subscription to SORA. Sora is an eBook and audio book Library. As part of the Australian Catholic Education Network (ACEN) member collection, your child can access eBooks and audio books through the Maitland Newcastle Diocese. All you need to do is to download the SORA app or go to the website and sign in through the ACEN membership, then you and your child can enjoy some terrific books on your devices at home. One of the great features of SORA is the inclusion of Graphic novels, Fiction and Non-Fiction books. Log in and explore today!
Happy reading!
Leah Hannan
Library Teacher
Canteen News - Including Volunteer Roster
Meal Deal is Back! End of Year Celebration
Pre-ordered frozen beverages
Lunch Order Issues
Volunteer Roster
Every helper is so appreciated and we extend our sincere thanks to our wonderful regulars, together with the new volunteers who are just starting out. As with any volunteer position at school you must be registered.
If you are able to offer help, please send an email to admin@kilabenbay.catholic.edu.au and Margaret Livingstone or Susie Doran will help with your volunteer registration.
See below for the Roster for Term 4 - If you are unable to make it on your rostered day, please either text Tracey or call the school office:
Week 6
Wed 16.11.22 - Andrew Edwards
Thur 17.11.22 - Sheree Williams, Nicole Davison
Fri 18.11.22 - Jenny Lorriman, Hannah Stark
Week 7
Wed 23.11.22 - Michelle Cherniayeff
Thur 24.11.22 - Tania Bower, Elise Fitzpatrick, Julie Kempnich
Fri 25.11.22 - Sarah Morris, Cherul Henriques
Week 8
Wed 30.11.22 - Ruth Blyton, Michelle Cherniayeff
Thur 1.12.22 - Yasmin Every-Burns, Jade Davison
Fri 2.12.22 - Alesha Quinn, Helen Edwards
Week 9
Wed 7.12.22 - Suzanne Golsby
Thur 8.12.22 - Maryanne Cartwright, Lyn Moseley
Fri 9.12.22 - Emily Sault, Laura Rowan
Week 10
Wed 14.12.22 - Andrew Edwards, Michelle Cherniayeff
Thur 15.12.22 - Sheree Williams, Nicole Davison
Fri 16.12.22 - Jacqueline Hansen, Jenny O'Reilly
Over the Counter Sales / Recess Qkr ordering
Some healthy snack items are available for pre-order and payment on Qkr for Recess.
Here is a picture of the popular and healthy Crunchie Munchie pack. It includes a delicious mix of fruit and veg, a tasty cheese stick and rice crackers all for just $2.
If you would like your child to have a recess snack, please place a comment in the "note to staff" section when selecting your item.
Thank you
Margaret Livingstone and Tracey Ryan-Ward
A huge thank you to all of the families who answered our call for donations! We were so pleased with the response. We still need larger sizes (Size 12 - 16) if you have any at home.
The new format of our pre-loved uniform shop continues with items of clothing presented in a much easier way for purchase. New prices are:
- All “good quality” clothing - $5 a piece, except sports jackets, which are $10.
- All “ok quality” clothing is still a gold coin donation.
Of course we will always look after those families who need it the most.
DONATIONS ARE GRATEFULLY RECEIVED, so please check through your child's uniforms to see whether they are growing out of them and send surplus ones in to the school office (on carline drop off is fine). We particularly need larger sizes of good quality uniforms e.g. 12, 14, and 16. Thank you! A Lowes pricelist is attached to remind you of the cost of new uniforms. It's a reminder that PLUS runs a very cost effective service that supports our school.
To make credit card payment for your items, please download the Commonwealth Bank Qkr app (see school office staff for details) and choose
P & F - PLUS - Pre-loved Uniform Shop + New Hats
and type in the total amount for the items you are purchasing
A reminder there are two suppliers for new school uniforms, particularly as the children are in their winter uniforms now:
> Verdun Hiles have stocked St Joseph's uniforms since the school's beginning.
They carry a full range of stock except girls' shorts (they haven’t got the girls shorts in yet as they are awaiting a sample). The majority of their items are Australian made, resulting in a top quality finish. Also a good option when Lowes are out of stock.
> Call in and check it out. They also stock the same colour but thicker winter stock of girls pants than the Lowes brand. So if you want to support local, you have the choice.
> See Val at Verdun Hiles
> 88 The Boulevarde Toronto
> Ph 02 49591258
Also Lowes Glendale stock a full range. Some sizes go out of stock from time to time but we wanted to let you know that you may be able to get it at Verdun Hiles instead.
Lowes, Stockland Glendale - 20% off next thursday and Friday 4 and 5 August.
387 Lake Road
Phone 02 4956 8570
If you're looking for a particular uniform item, please try us first as sometimes we’ve had items with the price tags still attached. Please email direct to the P & F Volunteers on joeyspandf@hotmail.com or the school office admin@kilabenbay.catholic.edu.au and we will pass on your message PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR CHILD'S NAME AND CLASS in the message as our volunteers do not have access to the different family surnames to make connections to students - therefore please use your child's name as well as your name.
Thank you!
THE PLUS TEAM
Our Bus Timetables are available to download for your reference. Please note that we have simplified the bus numbers so that younger children are able to remember which bus they catch. See below for our Bus Number Table Reference:
Pre-School Playgroup at St Joseph's - St Anne's Playgroup
St Anne's Playgroup is back!! See the downloadable flyer for more information. If you or anyone you know has children 0-5 years - all are welcome!
St Nicholas OOSH - Information
Open for Pupil Free Day on 11 November - please pre-book.
Here at St Nicholas OOSH we provide a variety of activities for the children that attend OOSH including arts and crafts, construction, role play, a variety of sports activities and plenty of opportunities for your child to relax and chill out after a busy day of learning. We are still taking enrolments for 2022 and our Easter Vacation Care program will be available very soon. If you wish to enrol your child please contact the service either via email kilabenbay@stnicholasoosh.org.au or phone 0437 664 070. Alternatively you can head to the St Nicholas OOSH website https://stnicholasoosh.org.au/kilaben-bay and click on the enrol button which will take you straight to our online enrolment form.
We are also currently accepting the Service NSW Before and After School Care Vouchers. These vouchers can be applied for online via the Service NSW website and give families $500 per child toward the out of pocket costs of sending your child to Before and After School Care. If you have any questions regarding the vouchers please contact Kristy, Centre Coodinator, via email or phone.
St Nicholas OOSH Kilaben Bay Opening Hours
Before School Care: 6:30am – 9:00am Breakfast provided
After School Care: 2:45pm – 6:30pm Afternoon Tea provided
Vacation Care/Pupil Free Days: 6:30am – 6:30pm Breakfast and Afternoon Tea provided.
Pricing for 2022
Before School Care
Casual $24.00
Permanent $19.00
After School Care
Casual $30.00
Permanent $25.00
Vacation Care
Day Camp $60.00
Incursion $70.00
Excursion $80.00
We look forward to seeing you soon.
Kristy and the St Nicholas OOSH Team.
KRISTY MARNEY
NOMINATED SUPERVISOR - OOSH | ST NICHOLAS OOSH
P 0437 664 070
| PO Box 775 Newcastle NSW 2300
Email Kristy.Marney@stnicholasoosh.org.au Visit us online www.stnicholasoosh.org.au
Zumba in our School Hall
Zumba by Julz is in full swing in our school hall on Tuesday nights. The sessions are casual and fun. All welcome! Please check the info below for more information:
Latina Body by Julz
ZUMBA ® Classes
Exercise disguised by fun dance moves to Latin and world rhythms.
Julia has been dancing to Latin beats for 20 years and loves sharing her passion with others. No experience necessary.
Dance, laugh and feel fabulous!
School Hall
Tuesday 6.30pm
Full details:
Foster Carers Needed
Unless otherwise stated, the advertisements placed in this newsletter are by independent third parties who have no legal relationship with the Diocese. The activities or services of the advertiseers are not supervised or controlled in any way by the Diocese. The Diocese is not in a position to endorse the advertisers of the services provided and makes no representation about those matters. Accordingly, the Diocese cannot accept any responsibility for the advertisers of the activities or services that are the subject of these advertisements.
We have a number of students who have life threatening anaphylactic allergic reactions to all nuts and eggs. We would like to encourage families NOT to send these food items to school with their children or to ask their children to tell their teacher if they have brought them, so that they can be eaten away from affected children. We also encourage children NOT to share food at school.