Dear Parents, Carers, Teachers, and Students,
Welcome back to the start of a new school year! I hope all families enjoyed a wonderful Christmas break valued time together. Week 1 was a great success, with both new and returning students settling smoothly into school routines.
This year is particularly special as we celebrate our school's Centennial year! To mark this incredible milestone, we are hosting school tours this Friday, followed by our GALA Night on Saturday evening—a night of celebration, community, and reflection on our rich history. This event is a wonderful opportunity for our school family to come together, honour our past, and look forward to an exciting future. We look forward to sharing the highlights of these events in next week’s newsletter.
A reminder that St Joseph’s School newsletters are distributed on Fridays of every odd-numbered week (Weeks 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9). As Week 1 was a short week, we are sending out today’s special Beginning-of-the-Year Edition to keep you informed.
We look forward to a fantastic year ahead!
Dates for your diaries:
Tuesday, 4th February – 10.30 am Road Crossing Training Year 5&6 and interested Middle Years students.
Wednesday, 5th February – 6.00 pm Middle Years Meet and Greet BBQ night
Friday, 7th February – Early finish 1.45 - 2 pm (refer to notice sent home)
Saturday 8th February – 6 pm 100 Years Gala Night – Murray Bridge Racecourse
SCHOOL UNIFORM (see the information attached further in the newsletter)
As a school, we have been reviewing the uniform policy, particularly in relation to tracksuit pants, t-shirts, and shorts/skorts. Since the beginning of last year, some accommodations have been made during this review process.
In the coming weeks, additional uniform items approved by the committee last year and will be available for purchase at St Vincent de Paul. These items are more affordable than those listed in the 2022 uniform policy. Further details will be communicated in the school newsletter as we need to get back some consistency of students wearing the correct uniform.
I asked that all students prioritise wearing the uniform items available at St Vincent de Paul or, alternatively, ensure their clothing aligns with the school’s designated dark navy-blue colour. Please note that black is not part of the approved school uniform colours.
If your child is having difficulty wearing the current school approved items of clothing, please arrange for a meeting with the principal to discuss. Any personal changes will be recorded on a child’s personal plan for learning.
Mrs Ros Oates
Principal
School Canteen
Welcome to our new canteen convenor, Mrs. Bronwyn Van Dalen! Bronwyn has been assisting in the canteen since last year and is now stepping into the role following Wilma Sullivan’s retirement at the end of 2024. She brings a fresh new approach to the canteen and warmly welcomes any parent or guardian volunteers who are available to assist. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Louise O’Neil or Luke Woods in administration for more information on the process.
In a June 2024, newsletter addition, I reminded our families that St Joseph’s School Canteen operates as a cashless service as much as possible.
All orders for the canteen products must be made through the school Qkr! App.
This week we changed the cut-off time for orders to be 8 am every morning due to yard play changes and having to get food distributor orders in on time.
We kindly ask that students do not bring cash to school. Cash on site poses a security risk, and we have recently observed instances where children bring cash notes to purchase items for friends, often without parental/guardian knowledge.
We prefer not to but occasionally accept coins less than five dollars. We cannot accept cash notes in the canteen. Any purchases attempted with cash notes will be declined. Parents and guardians will be notified if a student brings cash notes to school.
Please ensure that all purchases are for your child/ren only. At times, we also have children ordering more than five of the same items (ice-creams/blocks) and then giving these away to their friends.
REMINDER - Late Arrivals/Early Departures
School commences with the first bell at 8.45am for students to enter their classroom and prepare for learning. Learning commences with daily review at 9.00am and late arrivals do miss important learning opportunities. Please ensure students are at school prior to the first bell. It does also alleviate anxiety for some who do not like coming into school late. Your assistance is appreciated by classroom teachers.
All parents/caregivers who are dropping off late or collecting students early please report to the school office.
It is a legal requirement that all schools keep up to date records of students throughout the school day.
Please also remind your student to see the front office if arriving late.
First Aid - Medication for Students: Policy Update
Due to policy updates we will no longer be able to store or administer medications such as Panadol, Nurofen, pharmacy only medications (including zyrtec & claratyne) or other non-prescribed medications at school.
The First Aid and Infection Control Policy states: Non-Prescribed: School staff are not permitted to store or administer any non-prescribed medications including analgesics (paracetamol and aspirin).
This is because analgesics and other non-prescribed medications can mask signs and symptoms of a serious illness or injury.
As a result of this policy; medications will only be allowed on school property with a document signed by your doctor. This could include an action plan, letter or treatment plan.
This means that from the beginning of 2025 we will no longer accept medications for your child without doctor's instructions.
We thank you in advance for your support keeping all of our children safe.
Concussion - Important information
If your child has experienced concussion, it is important that you follow recommended medical advice. Returning to school can be a graduated approach with the aim of increasing tolerance to a full day, the same situation could occur with sport. It is always important to check with your doctor and seek medical treatment after a child sustains a concussion.
It is important to inform the school if your child has sustained a concussion outside of the school setting so we can monitor for ongoing symptoms and adapt activities if required.
This factsheet link below from the Royal Children's Hospital is valuable to read and understand. https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Head_injury_return_to_school_and_sport/
There is also a great evidence-based app from the Murdoch Children's Research Institute that walks you through what to do in the result of a concussion.
Staying Connected with Teachers
Our staff is excited for a fantastic term ahead, focusing on both learning and your child's well-being. We value open and respectful communication and are dedicated to partnering with families.
Communication Tools:
- Seesaw App: Use this app for regular updates on classroom activities and events.
- During teaching hours or supervision duties, teachers cannot engage in in-depth conversations or check emails and Seesaw messages.
- For urgent matters, please get in touch with the office so they can relay messages promptly. Alternatively, you can schedule an appointment for face-to-face discussions.
- Newsletters (fortnightly Fridays of the odd weeks of term)
Response Time:
- Staff will respond to emails/seesaw app and messages within 48 hours during business hours. Please note that responses will not be made after hours or on weekends.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
St Joseph’s School is Allergy Aware
At St Joseph’s School Murray Bridge, we are committed to the safety and well-being of all students, including those with severe allergies. We have students at risk of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction, particularly to nuts and eggs. While these students learn to manage their allergies, we ask for your support in reinforcing good habits:
- No food sharing
- Hand washing after eating
- Alerting an adult if a friend shows signs of an allergic reaction
Our staff are trained in severe allergy management, and while we cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment, we take precautions to reduce risks. Nut and egg products are permitted, but we encourage awareness and responsible practices.
For more information, visit www.allergyfacts.org.au or www.allergy.org.au.
We kindly request that parents and guardians who wish to bring in food items for birthday celebrations consider minimising the use of nuts and eggs. To ensure the safety of all students, please notify the classroom teacher in advance before bringing any food to share, so that families of children with allergies can be informed.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe environment for all students.
Social