St Joseph's School, Tara eNewsletter

Our Vision & Mission Statements

From the Acting Principal

Welcome to the Week 9 Newsletter!

Year 3-6 Outback Experience Camp

What a wonderful time we all had in Charleville last week. The students were a credit to themselves, ensuring that the way they presented themselves to both staff attending camp with them and the community members we met along the way was respectful and responsible. The highlights were the Bilbies, Cosmos Centre, Date Farm, the WWII Museum, St Mary's Catholic Primary School and the gratitude liturgy.

Thank you to the Parents & Friends, Futures Group, Qld Government Outback Experience Grant for making this experience possible for our students.

New Fee Schedule and Payment Options

St Joseph's School is part of the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Diocese. Our Catholic Schools receive minimal Government funding, so we are required to devise a school fee system that ensures we provide both the services and the resources necessary for the best possible education for your children.

The fees are spent in the following ways:

Resources: Classroom and Curriculum resources including and not exclusive to sporting equipment, library books, musical instruments, interactive whiteboards, laptops and iPads.
Wages for various staff.
Purchasing, replacement and repairs of all school equipment ‑ Information Technology, Furniture.
Photocopying and printing - coloured paper, maintenance and copy costs, school stationery.
Electricity, insurance, postage, phone, rates, water and general cleaning and maintenance expenses.
Maintenance of buildings, ground improvements and Capital Development.

For 2024, St Joseph's School Fee Schedule has been revised and updated. An increase in fees was mentioned in previous newsletters this term. A copy of the new fee schedule can be found below.

THE SCHOOL IS LOOKING AT INTRODUCING EFTPOS FOR EASE OF PAYMENT FOR SOME FAMILIES. STAY TUNED!!!!!!

Please ensure you contact the office if you have any questions or concerns regarding this new fee schedule.

Staffing arrangements for 2024

Please be advised of the following staffing arrangements for 2024. We are very excited to have such great people working at St Joseph's.

Principal/Assistant Principal: Religious Education/Middle Leader - Mrs Kylie Williams

Administration/Finance - Miss Monica Moran

Prep/Year 1 teacher - Miss Heather Shepphard

Year 2/Year 3 teacher - Mrs Tammy Ash

Year 4/Year 5/Year 6 teacher - Miss Tara Fisher

Teacher Librarian - Mrs Margaret Bowman

School Office (Library) - Mrs Krissy Aylott

School Officer (Assisted Student Learning) - Mrs Krissy Aylott, Ms Anne Furniss, Mrs Dorene Warwick

School Officer (Indigenous Learning) - Mrs Dorene Warwick

Groundsperson/WHS - Mr Ben Aylott

Cleaner - Ms Annie Stapleton

Congratulations Awards Recipients

Congratulations to last night awards recipients who have achieved some amazing growth and learning during the 2023 school year.

CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP AWARDS

Prep - Eleanore Aylott, Year 1/2 - Jaxson de Boeck, Year 3-6 - Nulla Laird, Perpetual Trophy - Ivy-Grace Andersen

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Prep - Charlotte Davis, Year 1 - Malia Adhikary, Year 2 - Eliza Adhikary, Year 3 - Alexia de Boeck, Year 4 - Decklin Bramich, Year 5 - Havoc McLuckie, Year 6 - Rubie Warwick

LEARNING SUPPORT AWARD

Charlotte Partridge

SPORTS AWARD

P-2 - Isabella French, Year 3-6 - Aldrich Imperial

CITIZENSHIP AWARD

Violet Ash

COMMUNITY VALUES AWARD

Bentley Tucker

ATTENDANCE AWARD

Malia Adhikary (98%)

GOLD AWARDS

Rubie Warwick, Eliza Adhikary, Isabella French, Malia Adhikary

Thank you and Merry Christmas

A huge thank you to all our families this year for your support and warm welcome as I ventured into my first year in Tara. I feel very priveldged to be given the opportunity to work alongside you all in educating your children.

I wish to thank all my staff for their dedication, commitment, love and compassion they show our students. It is truly humbling to be working with such wonderful people.

I wish everyone a happy and holy Christmas and a wonderful holiday break. We will see you all in the New Year.

2024 Enrolments - all year levels

As we are now at the end of 2023 and preparations for the 2024 school year have well and truly begun, can I please ask that families communicate to the school via an email your intentions. This will certainly help us be prepared for the needs of students in each class.

We are still taking enrolments for 2024 in all year levels and we would certainly appreciate your support in spreading the word to the community of the wonderful school we are. If you know of anyone who is interested in enroling their child at St Joseph's for 2024 and would like more information please tell them to make contact with the school office or find our enrolment information and forms on the school website. The flyer below has been placed on the school's Facebook page. Please feel free to share to your friends and the wider community and tell them how great St Joseph's is.

God bless,

Kylie Williams

"A little patience will in the end be rewarded." ~ Mary MacKillop.

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

From the APRE

FARWELLS!

Mrs Ann Smith

Term 1 of 2024 will see Mrs Ann Smith take a period of Long Service Leave. We wish her all the best during this time and know that she will enjoy her well-deserved break.

Mrs Leeanne Carden-Smith

Leeann is retiring from her position as Library School Officer after 8 years. We thank her for her tireless dedication to St Joseph’s and in particular the goings-on in the library. The volunteering of her time over the years she has been a part of this school community has not gone unnoticed. The education of the students, both past and present, has been made all the more rewarding thanks to Leeanne. The friendships she has formed with staff, past and present, will never be forgotten.

Mrs Katie Davis

Katie recently resigned from her position as Learning Support Teacher and Specialist teacher to take on a full-time role at the State College. We thank Katie for her time here at St Joseph’s and wish her well in her new position.

Mrs Mary Porter

As has already been announced, Mary is retiring after over 40 years of service to not only St Joseph’s Primary School, Tara but to Toowoomba Catholic Schools. I really have no words except to say on behalf of the school community, thank you! Thank you for your dedication, commitment, living every day by the values of Mary MacKillop herself and making each and every student, parent and staff member feel valued, appreciated and loved. Personally, I wish to thank you for trusting me to take over the helm. I will try my best to keep this beautiful little school thriving with love, compassion and kindness and most importantly to ensure that every child has a quality education and feels successful.

And finally,

The Year 6 Cohort

I have only known them for a short amount of time, but I have loved getting to know each and every one of them and most importantly seeing your growth in your learning. They have made me laugh with the witty comments, cry tears of joy and frustration and be speechless when I witness the small, kind and caring everyday things they do to support the younger students. I thank them for all that they have contributed to the St Joseph’s school community for whatever time they have been with us. We pray and send them well wishes on their next adventure – the big world of high school. Teachers always love visits from former students to make sure they are still learning, growing and being the best version of themselves they can possibly be. So, please do not be a stranger.

Learning at St Joeys

From PE, The Arts, LOTE, Technology and Year 3-6 HaSS..............

Digital Technology

During Digi Tech this term, students in P-2 have been investigating a variety of digital systems that are used in their home and school environments. They have also identified the specific features of these digital systems and outline how they are used in our everyday life. Students have become more familiar with using digital software to create and present their ideas and information.

Students in 3-6 have been learning that data is the vital ingredient to creating information and digital solutions. They have collected different types of data, such as text, numeric to answer a meaningful question and then use different software to organise and present data, such as spreadsheets. Students learnt how to input data into a spreadsheet to organise and present the data. They explored a range of different formats for presenting their data and information to others.

Indigi Hour

During our Indigenous Hour, students have been emersed and are learning language, art and the cultural stories of importance to the local Barrungam community.  They have enjoyed participating in language games such as Barrungam bingo using words we have learnt in lessons prior and creating artwork reflecting the Burrungam culture. Students have also been using the language learnt to have simple conversations with peers and adults. They have shown an eagerness in our sessions and continue to develop their knowledge in the Burrungam culture each week.

Both classes have done an amazing job at engaging and sharing their knowledge and skills during our sessions! I am looking forward to continuing students learning journeys with them in 2024.

Auslan

In P-2, students have continued to develop their skills in Auslan with many being able to integrate signs that link directly to their classroom and to daily learning activities. They have continued to extend their Auslan vocabulary and used these skills to share information and respond to questions of familiar topics in Auslan.

In 3-6, students have continued to develop their skills in Auslan with many being able to integrate signs that link directly to their classroom and real life circumstances. They have continued to extend their Auslan vocabulary been able to initiate and sustain conversations with each other on familiar topics.

Drama

This term, P-2 students have learnt the elements of drama and used these to explore various types of dramatic performances. They have responded to performances from other cultures by identifying the similarities and differences to their own and the ways the elements of drama have impacted the message. Students have focused on the use of characterization and setting in dramatic performances. They have used their bodies and voices to show how they create role.

In Year 3-6, students have focused on several of the dramatic elements to bring to life their own interpretation of a familiar fairytale or story. They have explored meaning and interpretation, forms and elements including voice, movement, situation, time and place, and tension as they make and respond to drama performances of their peers, other countries and cultures.

Health and Physical Education

The P-2 students have focused on fundamental movements and the appropriate use of equipment during Physical Education. They have used their yoga lessons to develop their balance and coordination. During swimming lessons, students had a focus on water safety and familiarity. In Health this term, P-2 students have been learning about self esteem and personal achievements. They have been required to reflect on their own achievements. Students have been required to create their superhero image with a description of what their own personal achievements have been for 2023.

In Year 3-6, students have taken part in a yoga and meditation program. They explored and investigated the movement challenges of Yoga. They designed an appropriate yoga sequence for a friend that incorporated various levels of difficulty. During swimming lessons, the year 3-6 students had a focus on stroke development and life saving skills. In Health lessons, the class investigated the similarities and differences between cultures in terms of health and wellbeing. They have played and analyzed a number of simple games to identify cultural connections. Students have spent time investigating their own culture and heritage to share with each other to help us understand the power of heritage and culture on our decisions and feelings.

HaSS (year 3-6)

In Term 4, we took advantage of the referendum as a catalyst for our learning about Local Government and community groups. Students researched the role of local government and shared viewpoints of various communities groups, rules and laws. They were required to use this knowledge to create their own fictional community, complete with government, laws, rules, and facilities.

Photo Time

2024 Preppies

Graduation

What a great year it has been! A big thank you to the P&F executive team, Katie Davis (VP), Anne Furniss (Tresurer) and Katie Meyer (Secutary). Also a thank you to volunteers Krissy Aylott, Tammy Ash, Matt Davis, Emily Boyle and our Volunteer of the Year winner Lesley Truebody. Without everyones help we would not have been able to have the events that we had this year. This year, we found ourselves hosting our first trivia night and this would not have been possible without the help of our parent volunteers and Origin Energy. A big thank you! Having such a great event has opened our endevours in hosting more community events in the future.

Thank you to the Futures Group for always thinking of us when they organise events and asking us to provide the catering. We always have such a wonderful time and look forward to working with them again in the future.

With the support from our local businesses, the P&F this year have had some sucess with raffles and with the donation of decodable reader, initiating healthy eating every week, P-2 camp activites and 3-6 Outback Experience camp. We look forward to continuing the support to the students of St Josephs with their learning and growth.

As mentioned at the Awards night, I am sadly unable to continue my role as President due to a conflict of interest with my role within the school (Admin and Finance). I have loved the role and will be happy to support the new President in their new role and the future of the P&F

From the Parish

**Parish Priest**: Fr Jack MacGinley **Presbytery**: 4665 3401 (Tara)

St Mary Of The Angels - Tara
Mass Times

Tara: Friday: 9am
Saturday: 6pm

Moonie: Sunday: 9:30am
on the 1st, 2nd & 3rd Sunday of the Month

Meandarra: Sunday: 7:30am
on the 2nd & 4th Sunday of the Month

Glenmorgan: Sunday: 9am
on the 4th Sunday of the Month

St Joseph's Awards

Gold Award

Malia Adhikary, Isabella French, Eliza Adhikary and Rubie Warwick

Silver Award

Hannah Meyer, Renee Warwick, Bentley Tucker, Havoc McLuckie, Jorjah Furniss, Aldrich Imperial and Violet Ash

Students Of The Week

Week 7 - Xander Welldon-Taylor, Adrian Vines, Kaileigh McChrystal, Nateesha Lair and Rubie Warwick

Week 8 - Frankie Nystrom, Deakin Cole, Angel Ferguson-Knight and Torben Andersen

From the Administration Officers

The Office will be open next week Monday 4 December to Friday,8 December 9am - 3pm and again in the New Year from Monday 15 January - Friday 19 January. Times for the 2024 dates will be published in the New Year via Facebook and the Parent Portal. Book packs will be available for pick up in the New Year. Thank you all for a great year and I am looking forward to seeing all the smiling faces again soon!!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

SCHOOL FEES

We say a big thank you to those who have been making regular payments either via direct deposit or Centrepay and to those who have finalised their accounts for the end of year. We really appreciate it! If your student is at the end of their time at St Joseph's please have your account finalised by the EOY, please call during opening hours if you are needing assistance.

Please see below the new fee procedure and guidelines. The new fee list for 2024 has been attached above and also emailed out previously this term. Please contact the office if you have any queries or concerns please dont hesitate to contact myself or Kylie.

If you do need any financial assistance, 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.

*Direct Deposit:
Bank: ADF
Name: St Joseph’s School
BSB: 064-786
ACC: 100-025-583
Reference: Your Name

*Centrelink Centrepay Deduction Payments can be made fortnightly or monthly. The School’s CRN: 555075545A

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) Tue 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)

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.