St Joseph's, Tara - Term 4 Week 9 2024 Newsletter!

Our Vision & Mission Statements

From the Principal

Welcome to the Term 4 Week 9 Newsletter!

It is certainly hard to believe that this will be the final newsletter for 2024. I sincerely thank all the St Joseph’s, Tara community for a wonderful school year. There have been so many highlights across the year, too many to name.  

I sincerely wish every one of you a happy and Holy Christmas. May the holidays be filled with quality time spent with family and friends. We have a very big 2025 planned and we look forward to sharing that with you all.  

Farewells 

The end of the year is always an interesting time, as we feel the excitement of the long holiday break, the relief that we have all made it through yet another year and the sadness that we have saying goodbye to students and their families who have been a part of our school family.

This year we farewell: - 

Charlotte and Cooper Davis (Matthew and Katie Davis) who are venturing north to begin new jobs. 

Havoc McLuckie (Graeme and Nherla McLuckie) and Amanii Saunders (Alica Saunders) who are venturing off to the big world of high school. 

We wish all these students and their families well and we hope that they always remember their time at St Joseph’s, Tara as special and keep a little part of our school family in their thoughts and hearts. We all certainly will!  

Celebration of Learning Evening 

It is always exciting coming to the end of a school year and attending all the final celebrations. As our final week is now only a week away, I thought it would be appropriate to share the details of the final week’s celebration activities.  

On Tuesday 3 December we will hold our Celebration of Learning Evening (previously called Awards Night). The change of name was a school decision to align this night of celebration with the work we have been doing in the school’s well-being area (Berry St Model and Qualities of a Lifelong Learner).  

The term “award” denotes a prize given to someone based on the opinion of others. It also means that students who miss out on an “award” are perceived to be not good enough in terms of this opinion. “Recognition”, however, means that the student has successfully achieved a set of criteria. These students have been self-motivated and put in the time and effort for themselves and are to be recognised for this effort.  

In 2024, students will be recognised in the following areas:- 

Recognition of Achievement

Living Christian Values

One student from each class and one overall student is recognised by fellow peers and staff as being selfless and always showing concern for others. They are recognised by peers for displaying the school’s 2024 Religious Life of the School motto “Under God’s rainbow we must always love and care for each other”, along with the Josephite and Gospel values of St Joseph’s in all they do and say. The recipient of the perpetual trophy has also achieved well above standard or above standard in Religious Education for both Semester 1 and 2. 

Academic Achievement

One student from each class is recognised for successfully achieving the highest academic level in English, Maths, Religious Education and the majority of other Key Learning Areas for both Semester 1 and Semester 2.  

Academic Effort

One student from each year level is recognised for the effort they have put into their learning across the year. They have consistently demonstrated effort across all Key Learning Areas and the Qualities of a Lifelong Learner throughout the year. 

Growth in Learning

One student from each year level is recognised for demonstrating the most growth in their learning for Literacy across the year. They have consistently displayed the Qualities of a Lifelong Learner to help them achieve this success.  

Sporting Achievement

One student from each class is recognised for the effort, participation and academic achievement in the areas of sport and PE. They have consistently shown positive participation and effort in PE lessons and have achieved academic excellence in this Key Learning Area. The student has participated in all school, small schools and regional competitions (if age applicable). They have demonstrated exemplary sportsmanship at all carnivals and have represented their house, school and district with pride.  

Recognition of Attendance

Students are recognised for their overall attendance being 95% or above for the whole school year. 

Citizenship in the Community

One student is recognised by staff for their contribution to representing St Joseph’s School at community and parish events. While at these events, they have worn their school uniform correctly and with pride and consistently display the Qualities of a Lifelong Learner at all events.  

The Joey's Way

One student is recognised for their efforts and positive regard in achieving the Golden Time criteria for the greatest number of weeks. 

The Celebration of Learning will not be a time for us to say farewell to our Year 6 students. It is a time for exactly what the name suggests, “a celebration of the learning achievements for 2024”.  

We will have a special farewell for our Year 6 students and celebrate their graduation and time at St Joseph’s with a whole school liturgy on Wednesday 4 December at 11.30am in the church. This will be followed by morning tea and the traditional cutting of their graduation cake. This “change” was decided so that the Year 6 students can have the “limelight” of their special occasion. A day and time just for them! 

Invitations have already been sent out and parents of those students being recognised for their achievements have been notified. The staff and students are looking forward to our end of year celebrations and hope to see as many parents as possible to support their children.  

Volunteer Morning Tea

We cannot run a school solely on the efforts of the staff. We rely very heavily on parent volunteers to help with many different jobs around the school. From attending PEN forums, volunteering in the tuckshop, providing homebake on tuckshop days, supporting the Murder Mystery Fundraiser, covering books in the library, we sincerely thank the following parents for their contribution to St Joseph’s throughout 2024. 

As a thank you from the school, these people will join our staff on Monday 2 December for morning tea. Again, a sincere thank you to them all for the part they have played this year to support the school. We look forward to having many more names on our list for next year. 

Online Platforms

As the holidays approach and students are able to access their electronic devices a little more frequently than during the school term, it is timely to provide a reminder about the use of online platforms.  

Many online platforms have age restrictions due to their content. Many platforms also do not have the safety measures in place to ensure the users know exactly who they are talking to online.  

Below is some information regarding age limits on popular online platforms that you may or may not already be aware of. Online safety for our students is important so please take the time to discuss with your child the importance of being safe when online.  

Report Cards 

Report cards will be distributed through the Parent Portal on Monday 2 December. Please let us know as soon as possible if you cannot access this document so we can support you in rectifying the issue and you have access to this document.  

God bless,

Kylie Williams

"Always remember to help and be of service to others." ~ Mary MacKillop.

"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." John 15:12

Learning at St Joeys

Specialist Lessons

The Arts (Music)

Prep/1 

In Term Four, students learnt different nursery rhymes. They sang a variety each fortnight and were able to correctly sequence pictures for each nursery rhyme. Students matched the picture with the correct nursery rhyme. They practiced and performed a variety of Christmas carols and will create a Christmas craft. 

 Year 2/3 

In Term Four. students learnt how to play the glockenspiels and what each key meant. They played their songs to their whole class. Students listened to their peers play their selected nursery rhyme and Jingle Bells. They practiced and performed Christmas carols in the lead up to Christmas. 

 Year 4-6 

In Term Four, students practiced and performed a nativity play. They experienced and learnt how to play more complex nursery rhymes and Jingle Bells on the glockenspiels. Students will perform their Christmas carol in front of their peers and participate in Christmas craft in Week 9.   

PE

Prep/1 

Students developed the object-control skills of rolling, catching, bouncing and throwing through active participation in activities, games and movement challenges. They used personal and social skills to follow rules and co-operate with others. 

Year 2/3  

Students focused on building their ball skills through participation in basic basketball drills and games. They worked on developing and applying rules while collaborating with others.  

Years 4-6 

Students participated in games which are very different to the normal 'Olympic' type games.  They developed their sportsmanship (to play in the spirit of the game) and the ability to follow the rules of the game which is unfamiliar. 

Online Parenting Course

Good afternoon all,

While I am not an affiliate with the program, we have heard of many great experiences from families across the diocese with Triple P programs which are all completely government funded (FREE!) for parents and caregivers.

The Triple P – Positive Parenting Program is an evidence-based initiative designed to help parents and caregivers develop effective parenting strategies. It aims to enhance the knowledge, skills, and confidence of parents to manage their children’s behavior and prevent problems from developing.

Each Triple P program has been developed through ongoing studies and knowledge about child development and psychology. This evidence-based, university-developed program, created here in Australia, is now supported by more than 35 years of ongoing research:

·      MoMore than 740 Australian and international trials, studies and published papers, including

·      MoMore than 380 evaluation studies, which includes

·      MMMore than 180 randomised controlled trials

Here are some key aspects of the program:

Levels of Support: Triple P offers different levels of support, from brief seminars and discussion groups to more intensive one-on-one sessions, depending on the family’s needs.

Specialist Programs: There are tailored programs for parents of children with disabilities, parents of babies, those dealing with divorce and transitions, and other specific situations.

Global Reach: The program is used in over 30 countries and has been shown to be effective across various cultures and family structures.

Focus Areas: It covers a wide range of parenting concerns, including managing behavior, establishing routines, and promoting children’s emotional well-being.

• Build skills they’ll need for life, like getting along with others, managing emotions, and becoming more independent.
• Learn simple, proven strategies to improve behaviour and feel calmer.
• Confidently create the best environment for your child’s development.
• Grow closer, build a stronger bond and help them grow up happy, capable and resilient.

If the Triple P parenting program does sound of interest, please follow this link to learn more:

Happier, healthier, less stressed kids & families | Triple P

Triple P also offer a course tailored for parents of anxious children which can be found at:

Online parenting course - help kids overcome anxiety | Triple P

Kind regards,

Jesse Kupper

School Guidance Counsellor

From the PEN

From the Parish

St Mary Of The Angels - Tara

Mass Times

Tara: Sunday: 9am

on the 1st & 3rd Sunday of the month

Meandarra: Sunday: 11am

on the 3rd Sunday of the month

St Joseph's Student Recognition

Gold Awards

Eleanore Aylott, Cooper Davis, Ivy-Grace Andersen, Charlotte Davis

Silver Awards

Meliaceae Hockley-Black, Isa Hawkins, Joseph Cole

Bronze Awards

Jolin Kerr, Raymond Stinson, Penny Stinson

Certificates of Recognition

Week 7 - Brett Allen, Eleanore Aylott, Milo Kelly, Arnika Frid, Meliaceae Hockley-Black and Jason French

Week 8 - Charlotte Davis, Flynn Burgess, Isabella French, Ivy-Grace Andersen, Cooper Davis, Damon Grose and Lea-Kella Norford. 

Week 9 - Jaycob de Boeck, Loretta Kerr, Evelyn Allen, Nate Callaghan and Nateesha Laird.

From the Administration Officers

Thank you to all for being persistent with your accounts.

Fee reminder letters will be sent out via email.

If you need any financial assistance, be sure to come in and see myself or Kylie to see how we can help. It is completely confidential!

HOW TO PAY YOUR SCHOOL FEES:

*Cash / Cheque, at the office.

*BPoint, in person at the office or over the phone.

*Direct Deposit:
Bank: ADF
Name: St Joseph’s School
BSB: 064-786
ACC: 100-025-583
Reference: Your Name/Customer Code eg. TRA1234             

*Centrelink Centrepay Deduction Payments can be made fortnightly or monthly.

The School’s CRN: 555075545A 

*Direct Debit: Forms are available in the office. Please see me or call the office.

Not Sure how it’s done?  Ask at the office for assistance.

Term Dates

2024

Term 1 2024 – Tue 23 Jan (Public Hol 26 Jan) - Thur 28 Mar

(Good Friday 29 Mar)

Term 2 2024 –(Student Free Day 15 Apr) Wed 16 Apr - Fri 21 Jun 

Term 3 2023 – (Student Free Day 08 Jul) Tue 09 Jul - Fri 13 Sep

Term 4 2023 –(Kings B'day 07 OCT) Mon 30 Sep - Wed 04 Dec

(Travel Day's Thur 5 Dec & Fri 6 Dec)

2025

Term 1 2025 – Wed 29 Jan (Public Hol 26 Jan) - Fri 04 April

Term 2 2025 – (Easter Monday, 21 Apr) Wed 23 Apr - Fri 27 Jun

Term 3 2025 - Tue 15 Jul - Fri 19 Sep

Term 4 2025 - Tue 07 Oct (Kings B'day 06 OCT) - Fri 05 Dec

Professional Development and Planning Days (previously called Pupil Free Days)

• Wednesday, 22 January - Friday, 24 January 2025 - Professional Development
• Tuesday, 28 January 2025 - Planning Day
• Tuesday, 22 April 2025 - Planning Day
• Monday, 14 July 2025 - Planning Day
  
• Wednesday, 30 July 2025 - Bishops Inservice Day (BID)
  
• Friday, 5 September 2025 - Consistency of Teacher Judgement (CTJ)

Public holidays

• Australia Day public holiday – Monday, 27 January 2025
• Easter – Friday, 18 April – Monday, 21 April 2025
• Anzac Day – Friday, 25 April 2025
• Labour Day – Monday, 5 May 2025
• King’s Birthday – Monday, 6 October 2025

Wellbeing Matters

Student Safety

EVERY CHILD HAS THE RIGHT TO FEEL SAFE

It is a legislative requirement that all non-state schools have at least two nominated staff members to whom a student can report the behaviour of another staff member that the student considers inappropriate.  We call these specially trained staff members School Student Protection Contacts, or SSPCs.  Each SSPC has been nominated by the principal in recognition of their integrity, approachability and knowledge in the area of student protection.  Whilst students are encouraged to speak up to any trusted adult in the school community, it is important that they know they can access these specific staff members at any time should they have worries, queries or concerns. You will have noticed posters throughout the school depicting our current SSPCs.  The SSPCs are also published on our school website along with information about our student protection processes.  In everything we do at St Joseph's Tara student safety is our highest priority, therefore the SSPCs at our school are key personnel in our overall safeguarding processes.  Please see the poster below depicting our current SSPC team.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT