ST JOSEPH’S PRIMARY SCHOOL 28 SANDHAM STREET ELSTERNWICK 3185

NO. 33 25/10/2016

2016 TERM DATES

Term 1

Fri 29 January – Thur 24 March

Term 2

Mon 11 April – Fri 24 June

Term 3

Mon 11 July – Fri 16 September

Term 4

Mon 3 October – Fri 16 December

2016 – PUBLIC HOLIDAYS & OTHER NOTABLE DATES

31 October (Monday) SCHOOL CLOSURE

1 November (Tuesday) PUBLIC HOLIDAY – Melbourne Cup

11 November (Friday) Remembrance Day

12 November (Saturday) Dads & Kids Camping Weekend

13 November (Sunday) Dads & Kids Camping Weekend

26 November (Saturday) St Joseph’s Fete ‘RIO CARNIVAL’

2 December (Friday) SCHOOL CLOSURE

6 December (Wednesday) P&F Meeting & AGM @ 7:30pm

16 December (Friday) Last day of School for 2016

TERM 4

OCTOBER

WEEK 4

Mon 24 Junior School Swim Program with SwimRight (Years 1&2) (12:00-2:30)

Tue 25 Junior School Swim Program with SwimRight (Years 1&2) Information Night Prep 2017 @ 7:30pm

Wed 26 Junior School Swim Program with SwimRight (Years 1&2)

Thur 27 Junior School Swim Program with SwimRight (Years 1&2)

Fri 28 Assembly Cake Stall @ 3:15pm (Hosted by Year 2)

PHONE: 9528 1614 FAX: 9523 0221

Email: principal@sjelst.catholic.edu.au

Web Site: www.sjelst.catholic.edu.au After School Care: 0417 231 301 (Voicemail/SMS Bookings)

St Joseph’s Saturday 6:30pm

Sunday 9:00am & 10:30am

Holy Cross Sunday 10:00am

OSHC aftercare is available for school closure Monday 31 October

Time: 8:30am - 6:00pm or part thereof BYO: lunch and morning snack, and optional technology for two supervised sessions (x 30 mins each approx.)

Please advise YLV OSHC staff on 0417 231 301 of interest ASAP.

Thank you

Georgia (on behalf of Rita Strachan YLV)

FETE – RIO CARNIVAL

26th NOVEMBER 12pm - 6pm

Don’t forget your raffle tickets and the LARGE jars for the plant stall. Fete Board in the foyer - Helpers Required!

Assembly: Led by 3Br Principal’s Award: Being a positive role model Dear Families, Once again, we congratulate Claire and Hugh Tobin on their stunning wedding day on Saturday. Despite the less than favourable weather, the bride looked spectacular and her smile certainly didn’t reflect the blistery conditions outside. It was wonderful to see so many students and families attend the church, and no doubt this would have been one of the many highlights for Mrs Tobin on the day. Whilst we think the smile says it all, the precious connection between the teacher and the students spoke volumes.

PREP INFORMATION EVENING 25th October 7:30pm - 8pm

It’s hard to believe it’s that time of year again, as we look forward to formally welcoming our new and current families for the Prep Information Evening. Held in the staffroom, we will provide families with a snapshot of Prep life, expectations and the importance of parental participation in their child’s schooling. Fostering these positive relations between home and school continues to have the most significant benefit on a child’s education. Remarkably we have 26 siblings starting in 2017. Not surprising, numbers look as strong in subsequent years.

SMILING MIND

What a positive way to start our Friday and indeed end to our week, with the superb Smiling Mind assembly. The representatives from Smiling Mind were so impressed by our community’s response, they suggested we become an ambassador school in the future. Introducing Smiling Mind into our daily program was most apparent by the positive responses from the students to Liv’s questions. Well done teachers, let’s keep it up! Thanks Jo (Year 1), the SRC and Mrs Moore for actively promoting this smiling session. We’d love you to like, share and retweet the great work being done with Smiling Mind. Look at the Twitter and Facebook Smiling Mind feed.

CHICKEN LITTLE

Many thanks Miss Ryle and Mrs Martin for organising the chickens for our community. These welcome and endearing additions to our community have really captured the hearts of all and certainly have the children excited about the prospect of a chicken coop in 2017. Let the planning begin. Miss Ryle.

MARBLE RUN

Congratulations middle-school for providing a spark with your science unit. From a Batman Cave to a Ghost House, these creative marble contraptions have certainly captivated the imaginations of our children, and in some instances perhaps invited some parental participation and enthusiasm at home. The upside has been the interaction between child and parent, and this is welcomed on these occasions.

eLEARNING

Wow! A tremendous thank you to Miss Guy for her exceptional presentation last week to the parents on the use and benefits of devices in the classroom. The parental feedback was most positive and the questions asked on the evening were well received. We sincerely hope the presentation provided clarity regarding the direction of the school and the benefits and great work already being done in this area. The use of Chromebooks will be purposeful and will only be used to enhance good teaching and learning practice.

Next year, as we introduce a new Digital Curriculum, we take a big and positive step forward with 1:1 access in Years 3-6, so let’s educate now and share this journey. Early in 2017, we will welcome families to an information evening so we can simulate a Google classroom, therefore giving families the opportunity to see our Google platform in action i.e. a day in the classroom using technology.

YEAR 3 MASS

It was wonderful to see the staff and parents in Year 3 supporting the lovely family mass at Holy Cross on Sunday. Once again, this is a welcome addition to our calendar as we look to forge stronger relations with our shared parish. How special to see Fr. Burns who dropped in on Monday to spend some additional time with the Year 3s after the weekend.

STAFFING NEWS

We sincerely thank and wish Mary Burnie every success as she will be leaving our staffing community in 2017. Mary’s valuable contributions over the years supporting staff and students in her capacity as a teacher aide have been greatly appreciated.

In more staff news, in the absence of Anna Perruzza on Long Service Leave for much of the term, we have casually appointed Mrs Shaye Noble for Thursdays and Fridays. Shaye’s most impressive credentials will serve us well until the end of the year, carrying some of the load. Shaye currently works part-time as the Student Services leader, 3 days per week in another school.

STUDENT BEHAVIOUR AND EXPECTATIONS

Disappointedly, and more recently, we have noted a very small number of students using distasteful language and references in the playground. We have spoken to the children and will immediately notify parents should this surface again. The children are expected to own this behaviour, however, some have become increasingly adept at blaming home or school or other contributing factors for their poor choices. In doing so, they believe this somehow absolves them of any ownership or responsibility. We ask that families actively reinforce and support our zero tolerance to this behaviour.

FETE NEWS

Please don't forget to like and share the amazing news being shared on the St Joseph’s Fete Carnival Facebook page. My children’s fete on Sunday had an extraordinary outcome, so let's rally families and celebrate proudly as a community. We still require more hands, hearts, and heads to make this a great day and ultimately an amazing outcome for the children. So please contact your class reps and put your name down to help out on the day.

Look forward to another fun week at St Joseph’s,

Simon Collis Principal

Important afterthoughts… How grateful I am to see weekly contributions in the newsletter from our staff and students. These valued entries provide an authentic

layer not always possible from my perspective/office and travels. This week, Mr Barnhoorn, Miss Dullard and Miss Cauchi have shared some exciting happenings in their levels.

We’d also love you to share, follow or retweet us on Twitter @sjelst1. I'm still working on the # thing, so please be patient frustrated followers #learninghowtotweet

The CERES Education Outreach team has sent congratulations to St Joseph’s Primary School Elsternwick as we have been selected as a finalist in the 2016 ResourceSmart Schools Awards. As our Environmental and Sustainability Leader, Miss Claire Ryle and 3 other representatives will be attending the awards ceremony on Friday 11 November. We wish them Good Luck!

Buddy Time!

As part of our weekly buddy session with the Grade 5s, the Preps excitedly went upstairs to the grade 5 classrooms to complete some fun ICT activities! The Grade 5s had a list of English, Maths and story websites that involved different types of games and stories that the children played, read and listened to! The Preps were so engaged and interested and can’t wait for next Monday to complete another fun filled activity with their buddies! Our Buddy Program at St. Joseph’s is an integral part of Prep, and is designed to give the preps a school support person, and to allow the older children to experience the opportunity to take on added responsibility and leadership. Both the Preps and Grade 5s thoroughly enjoy this program and share many special memories together throughout the year!

Term 4 - Year 3/4 Update

Hidden upstairs, sometimes out of sight, out of mind, the Grade 3 & 4 students have embraced this

term’s topic on Physical Science. Inspired by our resident science guru Mrs Christine Wood and the

arrival of some cute and fluffy little creatures currently occupying the library, the students have been

learning about forces and the physical properties of eggs.

Their first homework task required the children to create a marble run or chain reaction and to

explain the forces involved to make it work. I’m sure you’ve seen some of the examples come

through the gate in the morning as they were very hard to miss and it’s fair to say the children have

embraced the task. We couldn’t have been more impressed with the level of detail and effort put

into their creations.

On a miserable Melbourne spring day, Miss O’Dowd (now Mrs Tobin) stole the show and lit up St.

Mary’s church, on what she said “was the best day of my life”. Once again, highlighting the strength

of the St. Joseph’s community and the wonderful relationships that develop between a teacher

and their students, it was amazing to see so many children in attendance. We wish Claire all the

very best on her honeymoon to the United States.

All lessons aim not only to teach but engage the children and help make their learning relevant.

There have been some wonderful examples of this going on upstairs in both Maths and English.

The Grade 3 students were asked to create their own theme park that included the key elements

of a map, such as an orientation, legend, scale and alpha numeric grid. Meanwhile, the Grade 4s

had to design a golf course that included acute, obtuse, right and reflex angles, as well as including

a variety of 2D shapes (representing obstacles on the course).

Perhaps a glimpse into the future for some, 4S was turned into a courtroom, with students acting as

lawyers to practice their persuasive language skills on a topic of their choice. Complete with

costumes, a jury and badges to represent their law firm, the children took full control with Mrs Sargent

acting only as a facilitator.

I’ve heard a whisper that the Grade 4s are going to be completing some maths related to chance,

later in the week. Perhaps the teachers are hoping for some assistance with their Spring Carnival

tipping...

Friday is the official ‘Day for Daniel’ and we eagerly await 3Br’s assembly to reiterate some very

important messages on child safety, that all students have been learning as part of the Daniel

Morcombe Safety Program.

We look forward to a wonderful remainder of the term in Grade 3 & 4, with both year levels heading

off to camp in early December.

A few comments from some students about their Science homework so far this term:

“It’s a mix between learning and having fun. I love that there are so many different ways you can

create your homework”. - Ella Burrows 4S

“It’s so much fun working with the whole family, trying to make something really cool and sharing

ideas”. - Evie Martin 3Ba

“It’s a great way to investigate different forces like push, pull and gravity”. - Graziella Dixon 4O

“I get to learn about different forces like push, pull, gravity and friction, as well as different energy

like heat, electrical and light”. - Billy Dimopoulos 3Br

Michael Barnhoorn

Middle School Leader

By Zach & Emanuel By Vega By Harry G & William

St Joseph’s Parish Education Advisory Board Board Membership Nomination Request

Dear parents, Your school Parish Education Advisory Board (Board) meets regularly to discuss ways to practically improve the school and to work on school strategies and projects.

The Board are now calling for Board Member nominations to fill current vacancies. We encourage all parents to consider nominating for one of these important posts. Please note Board Membership is purely voluntary and is for a two (2) year term.

ROLE OF THE BOARD

The Board exists to provide a representative structure and to actively contribute to the growth and development of the school via: 1. The identification of improvement initiatives 2. Discussion and debate around initiatives (to determine true commercial and impact viability) including, but not limited to,

school policy, strategy, planning and action 3. Identification of initiative funding options 4. Act as a sounding board to the Parish Priest, Simon Collis and his team and provide commercial and insightful feedback on

ideas and initiatives including parish related advice, support and services covering improvements and issue resolution 5. Reduce Simon and Michelle’s workload by assisting with commercial elements of the school’s administration (ie commercial

contract assessments, supplier identification, price comparison and recommendation provision) 6. Champion and execute selected initiatives.

MEETINGS

Approximately 9 per year

Monthly except for January, May and September

Held on a Tuesday evening from 7.30 pm – 9.00 pm at the School in Elsternwick or at Holy Cross Church Presbytery in South Caulfield

2017 PRIORITIES FOR THE BOARD

Ongoing building refinements Website

Carbon reduction Enhanced parish community interaction

WIFI & IT&T connectivity Skills bank

Road safety Sub committees

Maintenance & works Cyber safety

Landscaping Continuous improvement

Corporate fund raising Other business

Health & Safety Review supply contracts

Branding & marketing

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please send an e-Mail to Christopher Ouizeman on couizema@bigpond.net.au and Simon Collis on scollis@sjelst.catholic.edu.au stating your wish to nominate for a seat on the School Board and a brief outline of your background and areas of interest. Please remember to include contact details in your e-Mail. The Board will consider all applications during its November meeting and the successful candidates will be invited to attend the last Board meeting of the year on 6th December 2016.

APPLICATION CLOSING DATE

Monday 31st October 2016. The Board provides an excellent opportunity for you to contribute to the children’s educational outcomes and offers a forum enabling you to have your say on the direction of your school. We strongly encourage you to consider this wonderful opportunity to make a difference.

St Joseph’s 2016

Dads & Kids Camping Weekend Away

When: Sat 12th to Sun 13th November 2016

Where: Point Leo Foreshore Caravan Park approx. 1 hour from Melbourne

Address: Point Leo Road, POINT LEO 3916 head in Flinders direction

BALNARRING 3926 http://pointleo.com What to bring: your tents, sleeping bags and lilos, deck chairs, swimming gear, wetsuits, and cricket bats

and balls, brekkie items a bowl, a cup and a plate plus utensils, snack foods, torches, campfire stories and don’t forget your tooth brush.

Little brothers and sisters welcome

What time: 10 am Saturday Activities: in no particular order Beach cricket, soccer (dads versus kids), surfing, beach-walk and much, much more

Strictly no iPad or technology of any sort, No alcohol

BBQ Saturday night will be supplied

$15 per person includes accommodation

There will be delegated items to all comers as the more you put in, the more you get out.

RSVP By start of November to confirm numbers

Brendan 0437 225 703 / edmonds.home@bigpond.com Sponsored by My Local Builder Brendan Edmonds

CAKE STALL – Friday 28th October (This Friday)

The fourth and final cake stall (for 2016) will be held this Friday 28th October at 3:15pm. A range of cakes, slices, cupcakes & biscuits for sale. DON’T MISS OUT. Thanks to the grade 2 parents for organizing this event.

REMINDER: LADIES LUNCH – Saturday 12th November

As the dads are away, the mums will play! The biannual ladies lunch is on again. The new LWLTLL (ladies who like to lunch lunch) committee have secured Republica http://www.republica.net.au/ for our lunch this year. The cost is $55 which includes a glass of bubbles on arrival, shared entree, one main from a choice of five, chips and a tip! Lunch begins at 12noon – Mary D & Pip will take your cash and give you a nametag and the fun begins. Hope to see you there! Please RSVP to Pip Stocks (Ollie & Kristian Taalikka) on pip@brandhook.com ASAP

P&F NEWS

FETE NEWS

COMMUNITY NEWS

TENNIS VACANCIES AT ST JOSEPH’S WITH ALISON LEYDIN

Mon 8.15 am there are 4 vacancies for beginners suitable for Prep to Grade 2 in a new class Wed 8.15 am there is 1 vacancy for a child with some experience suitable for Grade 1 Please phone Alison Leydin on 0417 577 694 if you have a child who is interested in starting tennis at school.

TERM FOUR – 2016

Assembly: Year 3Br

Principal’s Award: Being a positive role model

WEEK 4 OCT

24 Mon Junior School Swim Program with SwimRight (Years 1&2)

25 Tue Junior School Swim Program with SwimRight (Years 1&2) Information Night Prep 2017 @ 7:30pm

26 Wed Junior School Swim Program with SwimRight (Years 1&2)

27 Thur Junior School Swim Program with SwimRight (Years 1&2)

28 Fri Cake Stall @ 3:15pm (Hosted by Year 2)

Assembly: Year Principal’s Award:

WEEK 5

OCT 31 Mon SCHOOL CLOSURE

NOV

1 Tue PUBLIC HOLIDAY – MELBOURNE CUP

2 Wed Year 6 Camp – Camp Forest Edge Prep Orientation #1 @ 9:30-10:30am

3 Thur Year 6 Camp – Camp Forest Edge

4 Fri Year 6 Camp – Camp Forest Edge

Assembly: Year Principal’s Award:

WEEK 6 NOV

7 Mon

8 Tue

9 Wed Prep Orientation #2 @ 9:30-11:00am P&F Meeting @ 7:30pm

10 Thur Cook Book Launch @ 6:00pm

11 Fri REMEMBRANCE DAY Whole School Mass @ 11:50 (Led by Year 4)

12 Sat Dads & Kids Camping Weekend @ Point Leo

Biannual Ladies Lunch

13 Sun Dads & Kids Camping Weekend @ Point Leo

Assembly: Year Principal’s Award:

WEEK 7 NOV

14 Mon

15 Tue

16 Wed Prep Orientation #3 @ 9:00-11:00am

17 Thur

18 Fri

19 Sat Working Bee @ 9:00-12:00 (Postponed)

TERM FOUR – 2016

Assembly: Year Principal’s Award:

WEEK 8 NOV

21 Mon Year 2 – ScienceWorks Excursion

22 Tue

23 Wed

24 Thur

25 Fri

26 Sat Rio Carnival – FETE @ 12:00-6:00pm

Assembly: Year Principal’s Award:

WEEK 9

NOV

28 Mon School Captain Speeches for 2017

29 Tue

30 Wed P&F AGM @ 7:00pm

DEC 1 Thur Student Move Up Program

2 Fri SCHOOL CLOSURE (Staff Planning & Handovers for 2017)

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

TERM FOUR – 2016

Assembly: Year Principal’s Award:

WEEK 10 DEC

5 Mon Year 4 Camp Year 3 Camp

6 Tue Board and P&F End of Year Soiree

7 Wed Parent Helpers’ Morning Tea P&F AGM

8 Thur Year 3 Camp

9 Fri END OF YEAR MASS @ 3:00PM & BBQ @ 4:00-7:00pm

Assembly: Year Principal’s Award:

WEEK 11 DEC

12 Mon YEAR 6 GRADUATION MASS @ 6:00PM

13 Tue

14 Wed Reports home

15 Thur

16 Fri END OF TERM 4 – 1:00PM DISMISSAL

END OF YEAR BREAK

2017 SCHOOL YEAR COMMENCES Wednesday 1 February 2017