Newsletter No. 11- 30th October 2024

Message from the Principal

Communion Last Sunday, I had the pleasure of attending the mass for our students receiving the sacrament of communion. Congratulations to them as they take this important step in their faith! We have a second group of students making their communion this Sunday, and we warmly invite all members of our school community to join us. The mass will be held at 9 am in our church. 

Debating Congratulations to both of our debating teams for representing SJKB in the Lakes Region competition on Friday! A special shout-out to our SJKB team, who won the Lakes Region Final and will progress to the Diocesan Finals. Well done! 

Enrolments We continue to receive numerous enrolment inquiries and are excited to welcome many new students across all grades in 2025. Thank you for your strong recommendations! Our school leaders have been busy conducting tours for prospective students and their families wishing to join our SJKB community. We’ve reached capacity in some year cohorts and are now compiling lists for 2026 kindergarten prospects. If you know any families considering enrolling their children, please encourage them to contact the school soon. With advance notice, we can plan accordingly and avoid disappointing families, if we do not have positions available. 

PB4L We invite you to join us for a parent information session on our Positive Behaviours for Learning (PB4L) Framework on Tuesday, November 12, at 3 PM. We’re excited to share our plans for 2025 with our wider school community. During this session, we will discuss our response continuum to behaviours, initiatives for student wellbeing, and efforts to build community spirit, as well as our student leadership plans. 

Vision and Mission Pupil Free Day The SJKB teaching team had a productive first day of term focused on reimagining our school vision and mission. We collaborated with members of our Religious Education and Spirituality Team to identify emerging themes from the data gathered from our parish and school community stakeholders. We are currently refining our statements and will continue to communicate with parents throughout this discernment process. 

2025 Classes In terms of staffing, we are still in the process of finalising details for next year. We have been informed that the current model of stage-based classes will shift to straight classes, in line with other schools in our system. In addition to this there will be teacher movements (across grades). So while we’re yet to confirm teachers for 2025, we can certainly discuss any specific needs you foresee for your child.  

Regarding class placement, the teaching staff, learning support team, and leadership will be working together to formulate the class lists for 2025. We will carefully consider academic, social, and emotional factors when placing children, and we will also gather input from the students themselves through a sociogram, where they identify friends they’d like to be with based on current friendships or collaborative work. However, not all friendships may result in being placed in the same class, as we aim to foster both new connections and strengthen existing friendships.  

It’s also quite common for children to feel some uncertainty about their new class or teacher, but we’re here to support a smooth transition. To help with this, we have our Step-Up afternoon planned for Tuesday, 10th December, when the children will spend time with their new class and teacher.  

Please feel free to reach out if you'd like to discuss anything specific regarding your child’s class placement. I am also happy to meet with parents and can arrange a time to chat before classes are finalised.  

Teachers and class allocations for 2025 will be announced in conjunction with the Semester 2 reports that are released in Week 9. 

Retirement Announcement  We are both sad and excited to announce the retirement of two cherished members of our SJKB family: Mrs. Carole Elbourne and Mrs. Anne Tutton. 

Carole joined SJKB in 1992, initially working part-time before transitioning to a full-time role. Anne, who retrained as a teacher later in her career, began her journey with us in 2015. Starting in a casual capacity, she quickly moved to part-time work, their dedication and passion for our community have made a lasting impact over the years. 

We thank Carole and Anne for their invaluable contributions and wish them all the best in this new chapter of their lives! Anne and Carole will be with us to the end of the school year and we will farewell them as part of our end of year events.

Playground and Classroom & Admin upgrades Many thanks to the P&F who have covered the costs of our refreshed line marking. Our students are thoroughly enjoying the clear lines for their handball games and our students are re-engaging with games such as “What’s the time Mr Wolf.” 

The building of our new playground equipment has been completed and the shaded area will be open to students as of Thursday.  The works to refurbish the Infants block are scheduled to commence on 5^th November.  

If you have visited the office recently you will also notice our administration area is undergoing some refurbishments also. 

We are very pleased to have commenced these projects and are looking forward to more refurbishments and building works commencing in the New Year. 

With delight we congratulate Isabel and Sophie and their family on the safe arrival of their beautiful little brother Thomas.  We know he will have two fabulous big sisters!

With every best wish,

Nikki Norley

(Principal)

Playground Upgrades

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Message from the Assistant Principal

Mobile Phones and Smart Watches at School

Rationale

St Joseph’s Primary School accepts that parents give their children mobile phones or smart watches for their security and personal safety from everyday risks. There is also ever-increasing concern about children travelling unaccompanied.  With parents having to work shift hours as well as organise busy afternoon schedules for their children, we acknowledge that providing a child with a mobile phone or smart watch gives parents reassurance that they can contact their child outside school hours.

With this, there is increased responsibility and compliance regarding the acceptable use of mobile phones and smart watches at school. These include:

• All students who bring a mobile phone or wear a smart watch to school must have signed the Acceptable Use Policy for mobile phones. If you need a copy of this policy, please ask our admin staff.
• Phones are kept safe and securely in the classrooms and must be switched off during the day. They may be switched on at 2.40 pm (end of the school day).
• Parents are reminded that in cases of emergency, phoning the school office remains the foremost point of contact and can ensure your child is reached quickly, and assisted in any appropriate way.
• Smart watches MUST be turned to school mode if they are worn during the day.
• Inappropriate conduct including using SMS messages, taking or sending photos or by making phone calls will result in possible phone confiscation and will be reported to parents.

Progressive Achievement Tests

Students in years 2- 6 will be participating in PAT assessments over the next few weeks. These Progressive Achievement Tests help to establish what students are capable of so that we can challenge them at the appropriate level for effective learning. This year, students in years 2-6 will complete 3 tests, Reading, Maths and Vocabulary, all of which are completed online.  

Hats off to our teachers

Friday 25th October 2024 was recognised as 'World Teachers Day', a day where we recognise the outstanding contributions made by teachers everywhere! Our teachers often take on several roles within one day, ensuring the students in our school feel known, valued and cared for whilst learning the curriculum. A very special thank you to all of our amazing teachers who contribute to the learning and personal growth of each of our students. Your passion for educating and supporting all of our students is appreciated each and every day! Some of our students made a video which was shared on our schools Facebook page, check it out if you haven’t already! 

SCHOOL TV

School is a wellbeing resource that can support you in the challenges relating to modern-day parenting. School TV can be accessed by visiting our school website under the parent information tab.

Message from the REC

Socktober

This Friday we will be having lots of fun, all in the name of charity!

We will be raising money of Catholic Mission’s Socktober. Students will participate in soccer theme games and in the afternoon, they will be able to participate in fun games and activities like hair spraying, putt putt golf, nail painting, tattoo transfers and ‘catch a duck’. There will also be mini food stalls where drinks, cakes and fruit wands will be sold. Student can bring coins to partake in these activities or parents can prepay via QKR before Friday. The activities will range from 50cents to $2.

All money raised will go towards helping children in need in Mongolia.

For more information on Socktober please visit: 

First Holy Communion

Congratulations to the students who received their First Holy Communion last Sunday!

First Holy Communion signifies the children’s full initiation into the Catholic faith and their deepening relationship with Jesus Christ. It marks a turning point in their spiritual journey, deepening their faith, strengthening their connection with God, and welcoming them into the fullness of the Catholic community.

Congratulations to Scarlett, Shelley, Mason, Darby, Poppy, Archie, James and Callum! 

If you, or anyone in your family are interested in learning more about any of the Sacraments please click on the link below or call the parish office on 02 4943 4153.

We also have more students who will receive their First Holy Communion this weekend. If you are able to join us at 9am on Sunday, you are more then welcome to come and help us celebrate Lachlan, Emma, Adelyn and Piper.

Message from the Primary Coordinator

Lakes Debating Competition

Last Friday SJKB entered two Stage 3 teams into the Lakes Debating Competition. There were 10 teams in total and each team prepared and delivered two debates with an hour of preparation for each. The two teams with the highest scores then went head-to-head in the final, and one of our teams was crowned the Lakes Debating champions! This team will now go through the Diocesan level to compete against other regions.

Both teams did a fantastic job – it is so incredible to watch our students speak so confidently and articulately in a high-pressure situation. Our girls on both teams should feel very proud of how well they represented our school on the day.

A big thanks to Mrs Woollett for spending hours preparing with the girls and giving them feedback to uplevel their debating skills. Not all schools enter the competition because not all schools have a ‘Mrs Woollett’ who is so knowledgeable, and is willing to lead and train the debaters. We are very lucky!

Well done girls and good luck in the next debate!

Lakes Debating Competition

Library News

Author visit

Class News

Spotlight on 1 Maroon

Term 4 is a busy time in 1M. In Religion, our unit teaches us about the Holy Family and how it is an example of a loving family. We are exploring how Mary and Joseph cared for Jesus in many of the same ways that parents care for their children today. The stories of the Annunciation and Visitation will introduce us to the Advent season, the season of waiting. We will learn that Christmas is a special time where families and Christian communities gather to remember and share in the message of Jesus’ birth.

In English we are continuing with our reading groups

and we have introduced news groups during literacy time.

In Mathematics we have been learning about halves.

In Geography we have revised the seven continents and talked about places the children have visited and where they would like to go. We will investigate Aboriginal Connection to Place and read stories such as ‘You and Me: Our Place’ by Leonie Norrington, which illustrate this connection.

We have been investigating water as a resource in Science as part of this term’s unit ‘Caring for our Earth’. We have been on a water walk to find places where water sources can be found around our school.

We have also been simulating rain on different surfaces to investigate what happens to the water once it hits either sand, dirt, grass or concrete.

PE  is always fun in Year 1!

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Diverse Learning Team News

Supporting self-regulation in the home environment can make a significant difference for all children especially students with autism and anxiety. Here are some effective strategies:

Establish Consistent Routines
Predictability reduces anxiety. Set consistent wake-up, meal, homework, and bedtime routines. Visual schedules and daily checklists can be particularly helpful to provide structure and make transitions easier.

Create a Calming Space
Designate a specific area in the home as a “calm-down” or “safe” zone, filled with calming items like soft pillows, weighted blankets, or headphones for listening to calming music. Encourage your child to use this space when they need a break.

Practice Sensory Awareness
Experiment with sensory tools such as stress balls, fidget toys, or weighted items to help regulate sensory needs. Recognizing their preferences (such as using certain textures, colours, or scents) can make these tools more effective and comforting.

Teach and Model Deep Breathing
Practice simple breathing exercises together, like “square breathing” (inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4) or "rainbow breathing." These can become a go-to coping mechanism when emotions run high.

Use Visual and Verbal Cues for Emotions
Introduce “emotion cards” or a “feelings chart” to help label and communicate emotions. This helps children identify how they’re feeling, which is the first step in learning how to self-regulate.

Break Tasks into Manageable Steps
Large tasks, like homework or chores, can feel overwhelming. Break them into smaller, clear steps and provide positive reinforcement after each step. This can make tasks feel achievable and reduce anxiety.

Introduce Social Stories for Emotional Preparation
Social stories, which describe specific situations and the emotions that may come with them, can help your child understand and prepare for challenging or unfamiliar scenarios, like doctor’s visits, playdates, or family events.

Encourage Physical Activity
Exercise is a natural way to reduce anxiety and regulate emotions. Activities like walking, yoga, dancing, or using a mini-trampoline at home can help release built-up energy and improve mood.

Provide Positive Reinforcement and Rewards
Celebrate efforts at self-regulation, whether big or small, with praise or small rewards like stickers or extra playtime. This reinforces positive behaviour and builds confidence in their ability to self-regulate.

Encourage Open Communication and Reflection
Invite your child to talk about their day, what went well, and what was challenging. Over time, this reflection can increase self-awareness and make it easier for them to recognise their emotions and needs.

Please feel free to email or arrange a meeting with the Diverse Learning Team if we can support in anyway.

Aboriginal Education News

YAM Project

It is widely acknowledged that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples had a diet consisting of between 230-240 different fruits and vegetables many of which were seasonal. Our Yam bed, near the Chess Area, reminds all of us of the significance of ancient farming techniques developed over thousands and thousands of years.

Our Yams, cared for by our students, have just started flowering and should be ready to harvest and then replant before the end of the term.

Awabakal Seasonal Calendar

The official interactive Awabakal Seasonal Calendar was launched toward the end of last Term after many years of development. This important resource will be used by many classes in ongoing implementation of the NSW Syllabus for the Australian Curriculum.

Pre-School Visits

Small groups of Stage 2 learners will be visiting some of the  local pre-schools to engage in cultural storytelling, perform dance and art/craft activities around BayiiBayii (coastal emus). It was a well known fact that coastal emus, closely related to inland emus but shorter, would gather near Redhead Swamp to nest.

Awabakal Health Service

Awabakal's Medical Service is an Aboriginal community-controlled health service, which aims to deliver culturally-appropriate primary health care services, advocacy and social and emotional support to Aboriginal people and their families in our community. Awabakal Health Service offers four clinic locations across their service area, including:

• Hamilton - catering for the Newcastle community
• Cardiff - catering for the Lake Macquarie community
• Raymond Terrace - catering for the Port Stephens community
• Maitland - catering for the Lower Hunter community

Awabakal Medical Service is open Monday to Friday 8:30am-5pm, however the hours vary across their clinics. They are closed on weekends. Check with their medical reception team for specific opening times for each site. You can obtain an appointment by phoning reception on 1300 174 908.

Sport News

Todd Woodbridge Cup

Last Wednesday, 10 students from Stage 2 were lucky enough to attend the regional tennis Todd Woodbridge Cup! The Joey Tigers made it through from the first event at Rathmines last term. 

The Tigers showed teamwork skills throughout the whole day and are commended for the effort that they put in. It was a very hot day and many matches were played. Students had to even had to score their own games! 

One of our players - Mason Upton won an impressive teamwork award from the Tennis organisers. Well done, Mason! 

We are so proud of all students who were involved in this day. 

A special thanks to Mr Hession for training with the Tigers throughout the weeks leading up to the event. 

Go Joey Tigers! 

Kind regards, 

Taylah Vinson 

Tennis

League Tag Gala Day Stage 2

Today our lucky Year 2's are having fun at the League Tag Gala Day at the Wallsend Touch football fields. There are plenty of skills on show and great teamwork by our students. Thanks to Miss Goodhew for organising this fun event.

League tag

Art

In September artwork was submitted by the students to Miss Vinson for the WOW artwork competition. Our wonderful students have put so much effort into creating artworks that make them go WOW! These artworks have shown the talent that we have at SJKB. You have the opportunity to see these artworks displayed at Lake Macquarie Multi – Arts Pavilion on the 4th and 7th of November. Tickets are available via the QR code on the attached flyer. Thank you to all who submitted an artwork!

Attendance

The Government require us to keep accurate records of all the students attendance. It is important for you to communicate to us if your child is away or will be away for a length of time. If your child will be absent for over 10 school days you are required to fill in an Extended Leave Application Form with a copy of your itinerary/plane ticket and submit it to school before we issue you a Certificate of Leave.

Please phone or email the school office well in advance on 4959 1355 or admin@kilabenbay.catholic.edu.au if you would like this form.

School Fees Information

Collection of school fees is crucial to our ability to effectively provide quality education for our students. The fees go directly to paying for new technology, resources for the classroom, experiences for students such as excursions, costs of buses etc.

As always, if a family is experiencing financial hardship, it is imperative that you contact the school to make an appointment to meet and discuss school fees, so that a payment plan can be arranged and families are supported.

P & F News

Please join us for our next P&F meeting on Tuesday 12th November at 5:30pm in the school library- All Welcome!

Volunteering at SJKB

We regularly need volunteers for various roles within our school. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at our school, please follow the instructions on the link below:

School Safety

Message from the Parish

PLUS

The PLUS Second hand clothing shop runs on Monday and Friday mornings from 8.20am to 8.50am during school terms. 

We have wide selection of secondhand uniforms available all uniform items are $5 and jackets are available for $10. All payments can be made via QKR! after your order has been received, we will attach the amount owing to the order.  

Alternatively you can order online and we will send your order home with your child via the link/QR code below. 

Hats can also be ordered via our system please specify new or used in the comments.

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 use your child's name first, then your name, especially if different surname.  Payment is via the Qkr! app. 

Thank you!

THE PLUS TEAM

Canteen News – Including Volunteer Roster

We are seeking new volunteers to help in the canteen.  With our new lunchtime the volunteers are only required to be here between the school drop off time and 11.15am.We ask any new or current Parents or Grandparents if if they could offer a couple of hours once or twice a term in the canteen so that the children can receive this service. They will love you being here too!

Qkr cut off times have been changed recently so please ensure Qkr orders are placed before 8.00 am each day.

If you would like to volunteer please call or email admin@kilabenbay.catholic.edu.au

Term Planner

Lost Property

These items have been found recently either in the carpark or on the school premises. If you think something is yours please phone the school office on 4049 1355.

Good For Kids

Guitar Lessons

Community Notices