InitiaLit

As primary-school educators, one of our most important tasks is helping our students master the skill of reading. There is no greater gift you can give to a child than the ability to read. At St Joseph’s, we are committed to achieving our systems’ bold gold of every student being a competent reader. As a school, we are committed to providing teachers with the opportunities to ensure that your child is being taught with the best approach and methods available to teach reading in an evidence-based way

Late last year our Foundation, Year 1 and Year 2 teachers completed professional learning in InitiaLit, an evidence-based, whole-class literacy instruction program for teaching reading and writing. The InitiaLit Program is now up and running in our infants classrooms.

Yesterday we held an InitiaLit Parent Information Session which highlighted how the program is run and the process of a synthetic phonics approach to teaching reading. If you were unable to attend the information session and would like to learn more about the program please email me at amy.doszpot@cg.catholic.edu.au and I will forward you a recording of the session.  

Parent / Teacher Interviews

A reminder that next week, 1 – 5 March, we are holding Parent / Teacher interviews to allow a formal opportunity to meet with your child’s teacher and to discuss the year ahead. All parents are asked to use the link below to register a time to come into school and meet the teacher. Registrations will close this Friday 26 February at 1 pm.

PARENT / TEACHER INTERVIEW BOOKING LINK

2021 School Board Members

Last Wednesday, the School Board met for the first time this year. We officially welcomed three new members and elected positions for the coming year:

Pip McRae - President

Si Kayser - Treasurer 

Bec Jackon - Secretary

Rachel Whiteley-Black - P&F and ELC Representative

Kieran Fordham - Parent Represenative

Kimberly McDonald - Parent Representative

Tome Tokic - Parent Representative 

Zoe Cawdron - Staff Representative 

School Uniforms

A current focus for us as a school body is the correct manner in which school uniforms are worn. Wearing the correct school uniform promotes a sense of belonging for students and creates a positive identity for the school community. Follow this LINK for a comprehensive guide to the St Joseph’s School uniform requirements.

Social and Emotional Learning

Due to my role in the implementation of the InitiaLit Program, my time teaching Social and Emotional Learning in classrooms will unfortunately not begin until Term 2. However, all is not lost as this week I would like to share an activity you can use to instil mindfulness at home. Mindfulness can be defined as paying attention to the present moment with intent and purpose. This activity could be of benefit for your child if they are feeling anxious about an upcoming situation or focusing on a situation from the past. I even challenge you to give it a try. Too often we get caught up in the business of life and loose sight of what is happening in the present.

• On a piece of paper, from left to right, write the words PAST, NOW, FUTURE.
• Focus on the word PAST. With each out-breath, release any negative emotions associated with things that have already happened. Let go of any frustration, guilt, regrets or anger. With each breath out, cross out a letter of the word PAST.
• Focus on the word FUTURE. With each breath out, release any negative emotions about things that have not even occurred but are troubling you. Let go of any anxiety, worry, concern or fear. With each breath out, cross out a letter of the word FUTURE.
• Focus on the word NOW. What is it that you want to achieve now? With each breath out think about what it is you want to achieve now and how you can achieve it.

A Place for Everyone – by Miss Bonner

Last Sunday, many of our Bhutanese families celebrated the King’s Birthday. Dechen P in 4 Gold and Ugyean P in 6 Lime celebrated by dancing the Boedra Rigsar, a traditional Bhutanese dance, with members of their family and wider community. 

Namgay T in 3 Navy celebrated with his family by setting up an altar in his home. Here’s a photo of the beautiful altar Namgay’s family decorated over the weekend using candles, seasonal fruits and flowers.

I hope you have an enjoyable end to the week.

Amy Doszpot