Friday, June 10 2016

Dear Parents and Friends

This week our parents and staff were given the opportunity to attend a workshop hosted by

Catholic Education on managing anxiety in children. The sessions, presented by Professor Shona

Bass, offered many fantastic insights to the variety of contributing factors leading to the rise in

anxiety amongst children.

Shona’s presentation focused on four key factors influencing the wellbeing of children: family

history/hereditary factors, temperament, resilience, and motivation (intrinsic vs extrinsic). The

strategies offered were practical and applicable to all school and home settings, and a summary of

these is included with this newsletter for those families who were unable to attend. One of the

most interesting observations she made during her presentation was a reflection on the pressure

parents feel to ‘give their children everything’. This could be trying to protect children from

disappointment, giving them many and varied opportunities to try everything from a very early age,

instant gratification with rewards, etc.

Shona’s point was that without resilience, we are setting children up for emotional anxiety which is

leading to mental health issues in the future. Resilience is about developing a growth mindset that

sees failure as an opportunity to learn. The little disappointments that children experience every

day are golden opportunities for the development of resilience.

The impact of a reliance of extrinsic motivation (doing the right thing only for reward), a lack of

resilience and the natural temperament of a child or hereditary pre-disposition to anxiety is

significant on children’s ability to function socially, academically and emotionally at school. Shona

rattled off a whole list of attributes that we hope to see in children as they leave school into

adulthood – many of these were outside of being able to read, write or count.

The partnership between school and home is such an important one. Consistency of expectations

is one of the greatest factors for success in assisting children to develop into happy, emotionally

healthy young people. We hope to offer more parent workshops on this topic in the future.

iPads at St Joseph’s – Parent Information Sessions

We have reached the point in our journey towards 1:1 devices at St Joseph’s, where we would like

to actively engage with parents by offering the opportunity to listen, learn and observe the iPads

in actions. We aim to achieve this by offering all parents to opportunity to attend a variety of

workshops next term.

WORKSHOP 1: LISTEN: 1:1 Devices at St Joseph’s – An Introduction for Parents

When: Wednesday 20 July (Term 3, Week 2) 6pm- 7pm

What: An introduction to what the 1:1 device program would look like at

St Joseph’s. An opportunity to ask questions, find out about the

benefits of 1:1 devices and our whole school approach.

WORKSHOP 2: LEARN: iPad Skills for Parents – Tricks, tips and where to begin!

When: Wednesday 17 August (Term 3, Week 6) 6pm – 7pm

What: We will offer three levels of skill development sessions (basic,

intermediate, advanced), with skills ranging from navigating

apps, creating accounts, security settings, general functionality

and more.

DEMO DAYS: OBSERVE: Come and see the iPads in Action

When: Monday 5 September and Monday 12 September

What: All classes will demonstrate what they have been working

towards and how iPads have changed the way learning tasks

are approached. A timetable for these visits will be distributed

early in Term 3.

Keep an eye out on our Facebook page also, as we will be publishing stories sharing some of the

awesome things students have been doing with iPads in class. The students can’t wait to show

you what they have been learning.

Bianca Hodges

Principal

JUNE 20 Pizza & Sushi Day 22 Southern Suburbs Athletics Carnival 23 Mackay Show Holiday 24 Report Card available through Parent Lounge 24 Term 2 Concludes

JULY

11 First Day Term 3 11 Grinch Rehearsals 3pm – 4pm 13-15 Challenge Cup – Yeppoon 14 P & F Meeting, 6pm Library

LITURGY NEWS

Friday Mass is celebrated each Friday at 12 noon. You are most welcome to join with us in celebrating Eucharist.

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM

Congratulations to the following students from St Joseph’s who made their First Communion last weekend. Well done to all our

Sacramental Candidates who worked so hard and participated so well in the program.

Trey Sturgess Reed Coleman Cooper Edgerton Tahlia Grima Lily Wardrop Lani Felhaber Daniel Harris Matthew Hoff Estella Martin Liam Neilson Will Radke Matthew Bundesen Connor Doyle Georgia Price Beau Byrne Kai Wilshut Tyler Smith Georgia Rose Chambers

Kids Matter Families

Looking after yourself: positive mental health for parents and carers

Looking after parents’ and carers’ mental and physical health is just as important as looking after children’s.

When parents and carers look after themselves and feel supported, they are more able to provide their children with the best care they can.

Having healthy parents and carers is also good for children’s mental health and wellbeing. When parents and carers are more relaxed and less stressed, they are more able to relate to their children, make good decisions and model appropriate responses.

They are able to be more responsive, fun and open with their children. This helps children feel secure, relaxed and develop an understanding of how to manage life’s difficulties. When children are raised by parents and carers who respond to life’s challenges in a healthy and calm way, they have the chance to enjoy their childhood experiences and are more able get through stressful times.

Also, when parents and carers look after themselves and accept support to manage difficulties, it can help them address any concerns they have early (eg stress in managing parenting). Addressing concerns when they are first noticed also helps to improve children’s mental health.

Seven tips for parents and carers on looking after yourself

1. Eat a healthy and balanced diet Eating healthy, good quality food is one way parents and carers can look after themselves. A healthy diet creates a nourished body and mind and sustains high performance in everyday life. It also reduces the risk of getting sick. A healthy diet includes eating a balanced amount of proteins, fruit, vegetables, grains, eating breakfast every day and drinking plenty of water.

2. Try to exercise for half an hour each day

Being physically active regularly increases energy levels, reduces stress and promotes health. A casual way of including exercise into a family’s routine can be for parents or carers to go for a walk or swim with their child or play an energetic game together. Playing with children helps parents and carers develop a close relationship with them. Children benefit from close relationships with adults who they can trust and share fun times with.

3. Build and maintain positive relationships

It’s important for parents and carers to build positive relationships with other adults. Experiencing positive relationships with other adults provides support from people who are trusted, respected and safe. Children benefit when they see their parents and carers interacting positively with other adults. By watching adults, children learn skills like communicating effectively, relating well to others and how to build and maintain healthy relationships. Supportive relationships can be a positive factor that helps parents and carers cope with difficulties. Children, parents, carers and families cope best when they have support. Support may be available through

friends, extended family members, health professionals, community organisations, school and early childhood staff. Being able to draw on support is especially helpful during hard times.

4. Try to spend time alone doing things you enjoy such as reading, writing, swimming or taking photos

Parents and carers who maintain personal interests also provide children with a model for a balanced life. When parents and carers have time to relax and do things they enjoy, this allows them to be happier and less stressed when with their family.

5. Try to recognise when you are feeling stressed and what might be causing this

Recognising signs of stress is an important part of parents and carers looking after themselves. Stress is the body’s reaction to change or overload. This reaction can be experienced physically and mentally. Stress may be the result of changes or overloads related to work, family, relationships or in fact, any event that requires a person to respond physically, mentally or emotionally. Stress can be managed so it is kept at a useful level rather than a harmful one. This requires awareness and an understanding of stress. When parents and carers do things to help them manage their stress, it is easier to make healthy life decisions for themselves and their children.

6. Try to reduce risk factors and build on protective factors

Recognising when your family is exposed to mental health risk factors and observing how well you are all coping helps work out what to do and what support you need to access to meet your family’s needs.

7. Access support and resources that may be able to help, such as family support services or health professionals

All journeys through parenthood will be different. It is very important all parents and carers have access to the support of family, friends and health professionals to help them on this journey. If concerned, a good place to start is your family doctor who can refer you to local psychological supports and services.

SCHOOL FEES

SCHOOL FEES Term 2 school fees are now overdue. We would like to thank those families who have already paid, however there are a number of families with outstanding accounts. It would be appreciated if you could attend to this matter as soon as possible. If you are experiencing difficulties, could you please contact Di Wilson in the office.

P & F NEWS

Pizza/sushi day: Monday 20th June Market meeting- for anyone interested or willing to help out with market preparation, we will be holding a meeting at school on Wednesday, 15th June at 2pm.

CONVEYANCE ALLOWANCE ASSISTANCE

Conveyance Allowance is an assistance provided be the Department Transport and Main Roads to eligible parents/guardians who drive their students to school or to the route of a school bus. There are several types of Conveyance Allowance available. These are determined by the type of school attended, distance driven to school or bus route and the type of school bus service (if any) provided in your area. Application forms with further details are available by calling into the TransLink Division of the Department of Transport and Main Roads at Level 3, 44 Nelson Street, Mackay of by telephoning 49518673.

SCHOOL BUS ASSISTANCE FOR LOWER INCOME FAMILIES

The Safety Net Scheme was developed by the State Government to assist students who do not receive other forms of School Transport Assistance and are members of lower income families. WHO MAY BE ELIGIBLE? To be eligible for assistance under the Safety Net Scheme, students must be in one of the following categories: Students of families eligible for a Health Care Card, Students eligible for a Health Care Card, Students of families eligible for a Pensioner Concession Card, Students of families receiving Veterans Affairs Pension or Students placed under a Care and Protection Order. Application forms with further details are available by calling into the TransLink Division of the Department of Transport and Main Roads at Level 3, 44 Nelson Street, Mackay or by telephoning 49518673.

Prep R Zoe McCarthy

For your fabulous participation during literacy groups each day. Thank you for always trying your hardest Zoe. Prep W Portia Hill For your wonderful artwork. Our class is so inspired by your creativity. Thank you. 1B Raiden Davidson

For the impressive narrative writing you have been doing in class. You are a writing super star. Keep up the fabulous work.

1K Levi Savage For being helpful and displaying a responsible attitude toward looking after school property.

2R Ruby McCosker For the positive way you approached our problem solving lesson this week. Well done and keep up the hard work.

2S Lachlan Jacobs For your excellent work in all daily five rotations this week. Keep up the fabulous work Lachlan!

3D Jeremiah Breen For your positive attitude and willingness to share your knowledge with others. It has been wonderful to see you using your energy in a constructive way!

3BM Norman Hartigan For the positive attitude you have showed towards you Maths tasks this week. It’s been wonderful to see you making great choice in the classroom to benefit you learning.

4H Zac Jesinowski For the huge improvement that you have made in your mathematics work. You have been working extra hard and I am so proud of you.

4P Luke Dowden For the excellence you have shown when writing your persuasive text. You have worked well to create strong and believable arguments, as well as using a number of persuasive devices. It has been fantastic to see you doing your best.

5D Jai Ison For the wonderful way you conduct yourself in the class and for always being willing to help others. Thank you Jai.

5S Olivia Reid For the wonderful effort you have been displaying during Maths testing this week. Keep up the great work Olivia.

6B Maddison Wilson For your conscientious approach to your work. Your time management toward you assessment pieces is commendable. 6GG Ethan Pinnington

For achieving great results in assessment tasks. Well done.

TUCKSHOP NEWS

TUCKSHOP ROSTER

Thursday 16th June Rob Ely, Michael Gee

Friday 17th June Carmen Arthy, Kacey Barba

HOMEBAKE ROSTER

Thursday 16th June Jessica Jackson-Gee – Pikelets Lynette Harris – Chocolate Slice

Friday 17th June

***** PLEASE NOTE:***** If your child/ren are purchasing from the tuckshop during the lunch break could you please send the correct change or as close to it as possible. As we run a ‘cashless’ tuckshop change is not always available. Please try to refrain from sending $10 and $20 notes. Thank you.

HOCKEY 2016 Week 10 Draw – 11th June U7 St Joseph’s v McKillop 8:00am Field 1B U9 St Joseph’s v Emmanuel Gold 8:00am Field 5B U11 Boys St Joseph’s v Eimeo Combined 8:55am Field 2

NETBALL

Netball - Saturday 11th June 2016

Time Grade Game Court

8:00 am 11B St Joeys Topaz vs WAS Turquoise 5

1:00 pm U10 St Joeys Diamonds vs Brothers Cherubs 1

2:15 pm U8 St Joeys Rubies vs Galaxy Mars Bars 6

Other duties Opening Duties – Please assist putting out post pads and bins prior to 8am round 9:15 am St Joeys Topaz Umpiring Court 2 - Tina Kirkwood 2:15 pm St Joeys Office Duties – Susan Viero Please ensure your children arrive 15 minutes prior to the start time have water and a soft brimmed hat. Please note if your children are unable to play ensure to contact your coach directly.

PREP ENROLMENTS - 2017 We are now taking enrolments for 2017. If you have a child due to commence Prep next year (born between 1 July, 2011 and 31 July 2012) please complete an enrolment form and return it to the office. If you do not have an enrolment package please download one from the school website or collect one from the school office.

LIBRARY NEWS This will be the last week for borrowing for Term 2. Next week (week 10) will be returns only, so can all students please ensure they have returned their library books by Thursday 16th June. Class Library Visits Library lessons will commence the first week of Term 3.

Students must have a library bag to borrow. No library bag = No borrowing.

Parents, if your child accidentally tears a library book, please do not repair it yourself. Please bring the library book to me to fix as I have special tape for repairs.

All lost or badly damaged books must be either paid for or replaced with same/similar book. Book Club (online ordering only) BOOK CLUB ISSUE #4 MAY 2016 DUE: Monday 13th June Book Club catalogues have been issued to all students (if you need another please see me). There is now no need to send order forms or cash to the school, as everything is done online. To order, go to: www.scholastic.com.au/LOOP Scholastic Book Club LOOP system (Linked Online Ordering & Payment system) You can also download the app (Apple App Store OR Google play), and order/pay through app. PLEASE DO NOT SEND IN BOOK CLUB ORDERS WITH CASH. OUR SCHOOL OPERATES ONLINE ORDERING ONLY. Book Covering If you are able to assist with book covering in Term 3 please contact the office on 4957 3355, or drop in and see me in the Library. I will be doing up ‘take home’ bags for those parents who find it easier to cover at home. Have a great weekend, Sheree Morrison Library Co-ordinator.

1:1 Learning at St. Joseph’s

On Tuesday afternoon the teachers at St.Joseph’s participated in an iPad Professional Development Session with ‘Teaching Digitally’ consultant Paul Shaw. He provided staff with the opportunity to explore new apps, equipping us with the skills to enhance learning in the classroom using the iPad class sets. Paul also helped us further understand the workflow to create published work on the iPads with the use of the apps Explain Everything, Keynote and Showbie. Explain Everything is an easy-to-use design, screencasting, and interactive whiteboard tool with real -time collaboration that lets you animate, record, annotate, collaborate, and explore ideas, knowledge and understanding. It provides teachers and students an opportunity to share thinking, reflect upon knowledge building, and assess both products and processes of learning. Keynote is an app that makes it easy for teachers and students to create and deliver presentations using the iPad. We particularly liked the ‘presenter notes’ feature in this app. Showbie is a free educational app which is the easiest and most effective way for creating assignments, collecting classwork and providing rich feedback between teachers and students in 1:1 iPad classrooms. Our PD session finished off with Miss Bugeja sharing her knowledge about Ozobots with the staff. St. Joseph’s have now purchased 12 Ozobots that make up a class set that can be hi red out and used across the school to incorporate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) in the classroom. All staff had the opportunity to program their own robot and learn the skills needed to take back to their classrooms and use Ozobots with their own classes.

Year 3 Poetry Competition

There once was a group of Year Threes,

Who loved to write great poetry!

They put on display,

Their best work of the day,

And said “Oh will please vote for me?”

The Year Threes are holding a poetry competition. All members of our school community are invited to

vote for their favourite poem. The poems are showcased in five categories and they will be on display in

the hall from Monday next week. Winners for each category will be announced in the last week of school.

Please note that you will need a QR Code Reader on your smartphone to vote. You can download one for

free from the app store. We also ask that you only vote once in each category to make it fair for the

students involved.

We look forward to showcasing all of the hard work that the year threes have put into their poems.

YEAR OF MERCY – ROCKHAMPTON DIOCESE A JOURNEY HOME – A JOURNEY TO THE HEART INDIGENOUS PILGRIMAGE Sunday 12th June Year of Mercy Pilgrims with Bishop Michael McCarthy and our Diocesan Family Itinerary: 11.00am – Mass in Springsure (for those who are able) 12.15pm – Lunch at Springsure – Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church 1.00pm – Depart for Glenrock Ancient Art Site Guided tour and sharing of local Indigenous Culture Talk on local history from the Kairi perspective. 2.30pm – Glenrock Site – Reflection 3.00pm – Return Journey – Reflection 4.15pm – ‘Keeping Place’ – Springsure Cemetery Ancient sacred burial and artefacts Cultural Celebration at Springsure Keeping Place 4.45pm – Ceremony with local Indigenous Elders 5.00pm – Light Meal – at Virgin Rock Picnic Park (side of road as you enter Springsure) 5.30pm – Depart Keeping Place – Springsure Cemetery A bus is to be organised from Rockhampton to leave in the morning and return in the evening and could pickup/drop off along the highway. Bookings essential by 3-6-16 For details of bookings and cost please ring the St Patrick’s Parish Office, Emerald: 4982 1066 (9am-3pm)