Newsletter No 36 14 November 2018

“And what happens when someone dies?”

Coming from a child, that is a question parents and teachers dread. Death is a mystery that we all struggle

with and when a child asks it, we struggle even more. How can we answer honestly something for which

there are no easy answers or pat evasions? Added to that, we are often ambushed by this question when

we are dealing with the death of someone that we love.

For a Christian, the mystery of death is closely entwined with that other great mystery of life: God. Death

and God! No wonder we get tongue-tied when a child blurts out the above question. And to make it even

tougher, ultimately the answer to this question can only be answered in very personal terms…so I’ll share

my answer with you.

Created in God’s own image, we are made for the fullness of love but while we are alive, here in this

world, we experience limitations in our loving: time, space, our physical bodies, weakness in personality,

our sinfulness. When we die we are released from these and given the opportunity to choose God, love

and life in its fullness. Those we leave behind on earth suffer the loss of us…for a time. But the ones who

have died are actually free to love us more than they could while on earth. Because of that, I often turn

and pray to the people who loved me on earth: my parents, grandparents, and friends. Whatever might

have limited their love on earth is now cut away and they love me with God’s own love.

In the Catholic Church, November is a time when we remember the dead. We remember them in prayer,

knowing that they continue to love and care for us, with us all waiting for the day when we will be

reunited in God’s glory.

Loving God, we grieve over those we love who have died. Hold us all together in your love that we may

look forward to the day we will be reunited in the fullness of life. We ask this in Jesus’ name confident

that you will hear us.

From the Principal

Revised Mission and Vision Statements for SJW – Recently, our school staff have worked alongside our school board to reflect upon and review our school’s Mission Statement. After much consultation, collaboration, discussion and discernment, we decided that our current Mission Statement was more of a ‘Vision’ and that we needed to adjust our Mission Statement to give clearer direction and focus. I am pleased to share with you the updated Mission and Vision Statements for our school. These will be displayed around the school and in school documentation in the 2019 year and of course, worked through with our students. Vision Statement St Joseph’s Wandal strives through loving and serving, to be a Christ centred community committed to the developed and dignity of each person. Mission Statement

The community of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Wandal,

serves God seeks justice, accepts responsibility and strives for excellence.

Year 6 Graduation Mass - All SJW families are invited to the Year 6 class’s Graduation Mass, which will be held at St Joseph’s Cathedral on Wednesday 28 November, commencing at 5.00pm. It would be lovely to see other members of the school community at this special Eucharistic celebration. A dinner will follow for the Year 6 students and their parents. I would urge any Year 6 parents who have not rsvp’d and made payment for the dinner to do so as soon as possible so that we can finalise our numbers for this event. End of Year Christmas Concert *reminder*- Plans are underway with regards to our end-of-year Christmas function which will be held on Friday, 30 November. Our P and F organises the food and bar on this night and it is always a lovely, informal way to finish off the school year as a community. Each class prepares a small item to perform on the night and we count on the majority of our students and families attending. Please inform your child’s teachers if they will be absent on the night as this may interfere with plans for ‘performances.’ Class items will commence at 6pm sharp. Please be advised that food will not be served until after the children’s performances. Children are to wear ‘Christmassy’ type clothes. Towards the end of the night, we often have a special, very jolly guest pop in to say hello to the children! Pre-ordering and payment for the BBQ will be via Flexischools and this service is available now. As always, we will be reliant on parent assistance on this night, please consider giving half an hour of your time to assist in some way. Christmas Cards and Candy Canes – As children begin to write their Christmas cards we ask that you refrain from sending along candy canes. Please encourage your children to write thoughtful messages as they spread some Christmas cheer through card giving. Supporting projects in our school and community such as the St Vinnie’s Christmas Hamper Appeal is an alternative way to give, with quite a different message for children. A plea from the Principal! *reminder* I am writing to you now, with a request. As parents of students enrolled at St Joseph’s Wandal, you are automatically part of our Parents and Friends Association. At the conclusion of this school year, a number of positions on our P and F Executive Committee, including Treasurer and Secretary, will be vacated. I am somewhat concerned that due to the very minimal numbers of attendees at recent meetings, that these positions may prove difficult to fill.

I am extending an invitation to you, to become more involved in your children’s school experience by attending our P and F meetings, or by putting your hand up to take on an Executive role in 2019. Our P and F plan and organise fundraisers and events which this year included our High Tea and Trivia Night as well as determine how funds raised are spent in the school. When we have a substantial group, the workload is greatly reduced and the creative ideas are enhanced! I would love to see some of our ‘newer’ parents at these meetings and taking on a role in this capacity. I will also be extending this invitation to our 2019 Prep parents. If you feel this is something you may be interested in, please feel free to contact me at school, or just turn up to a meeting! Our Annual General Meeting will be held on Thursday 22 November 5pm – 6pm in the staffroom. During

this meeting, as well as filling roles for 2019, we will also be discussing organisational aspects of the

upcoming Christmas concert and breakup, which may be an opportunity for you to ‘test the waters’ and

offer assistance.

School Board – Our Board preservice will be held in the staffroom at 5.30pm, on Thursday 15 November.

Coffee, Cake and Chat - Please join me for

what will be the final Principal’s Coffee, Cake

& Chat for 2018, to be held in the library at

9am on Friday 16 November. This is an

informal chance for us to catch up over a

coffee, whereby you can ask questions, make

suggestions and listen to some of the

upcoming plans for the school. Little brothers

and sisters are very welcome.

Important Message Regarding School Fees - Unfortunately there are a significant amount of outstanding fees at this point in time. If these outstanding amounts are not reduced, this has the potential to have a significant impact on our 2019 budget. This in turn may cause budget cutbacks with regards to school and classroom resourcing. I do wish to thank those families who consistently pay within the required time frame and those of you who will address this matter in the next couple of days. As always, please make an appointment to see me if you are having difficulty meeting the due date for your account. Assessment and Reporting –Report cards will be distributed via Parent Lounge in the last week of term. Please ensure you have access to Parent Lounge and know how to access these documents ahead of time. A reminder too, that it is the responsibility of parents to provide copies of these reports and any other requested information (for example Naplan data), not the school’s, when filling out applications and enrolment forms for secondary schools. Confirmation of Enrolment for 2019 - Decisions regarding class groupings and staffing of classes cannot

be finalised until this data is received (via the e-from on our app). If we do not receive confirmation that

your family is returning in 2019, we will assume you no longer require a place at our school and will offer

this to families on our wait lists.

Building Update – The new buildings are now being painted (internally and externally). Joinery is due to

be installed next week and flooring the week after. At this stage, admin staff will be moving in the last

week of school, to enable the builders to commence ‘gutting’ the existing admin building. The project is

a couple of weeks behind, and we have contingency plans in place in case not all of our classrooms are

ready for the commencement of the 2019 school year. I thank you for your continued patience and

flexibility as we work through this building project…..the end is in sight!

APRE News

Jesus asks us not to make a show of doing good for

others. How can we do good things without making a fuss? What things are more difficult to do for others. How can we be like the widow who gave her last two

coins? © Creative Ministry Resources Pty Ltd What’s Happening in Religion in Year 4? This term Year Four has been exploring scripture in which Jesus reached out and helped the poor, needy or outcast. This week students have been looking at ways they can reach out to those need in today’s society.

Enjoy the remainder of the week,

Kellie

Combined Youth Mass If your child has expressed an interest to join the choir for our combined Youth Mass, please arrive at St Joseph’s Cathedral at 9am. Morning tea will be held after Mass. Please bring a plate of food to share.

Mini Vinnies -Breakfast Club A reminder that each Thursday from 8.15am to 8.30am our Mini Vinnies students will have toast and juice available for a gold coin donation in an effort to assist with fundraising for Catholic Mission.

Prayer Assembly - Please join Year Five, Miss McLennan and Mrs Jones as they lead prayer, focusing on leadership and service on Friday 16 November.

Prayer Assembly - Please join Prep A and Mrs McKenzie as they lead prayer on Friday 23 November. Prep will lead the school in praying a decade of the Rosary.

St Vincent De Paul The St Vincent De Paul Society have launched their Christmas Appeal and the community of St Joseph’s Wandal are once again called to live out our school motto, “To love is to Serve”. We are collecting donations of non perishable items, which include tinned vegetables, cereals, long life milk, soft drinks, juice, and snacks such as chips, nuts, biscuits and lollies. Christmas themed items for donation may include christmas pudding, christmas cake, mince pies, bon bons and long life custard. The hampers will be kept in classrooms. Thank you in advance, for your generosity to this worthy cause.

Liturgy of the Word

A reminder that Children’s Liturgy of the Word is held most Sundays at St Joseph’s Cathedral 9.30am during the school term. It is wonderful to see our students attend. All students (particularly those preparing for sacraments) are encouraged to attend. Thank you to our dedicated teachers who assist with this important ministry.

With humility, charity and truth on our part, all will in the end be well. 15.11.1832 Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop

Have a fabulous week!

Rheanna

Curriculum Update Week 6 Term Four 2018

Thank You!

Volunteers' Morning Tea Volunteers this is for you! As a way of saying thank you for all of the wonderful things you do, the Year

Five Class is hosting a Morning Tea for all of you. Come and join us on Friday, 23 November at 9:30 a.m.

in the Library.

Year Five parents, could you please bring a plate to share on this day.

Library Returns Please ensure all books are returned to the library as

soon as possible. Overdue notices are being distributed

to students. Please check bags and under the bed.

Year Five Showcase Parents and friends of Year Five are invited to join us

to share in our learning showcase next Thursday.

Details will be sent via the app in the coming days.

Have a great week

Janette

Awards “To Love is to Serve” Award (for a student who has consistently displayed leadership qualities) Sadie W – for setting a great example with your work ethic. You are always working your hardest and responding meaningfully in discussions. Well done! Blaine J – for the consistently responsible approach you show towards your learning. Well done for setting such a great example everyday! Maddyson F – for your commitment and generosity to serve others at Breakfast Club. Thank you for your kindness and leadership. “Striving for Excellence” Award (for a student who has exhibited academic improvements and / or has been applying themselves to the very best of their ability) Ewen L – for the detailed responses to your ‘wonderings’ after reading ‘Blind Bartimeaus’ “MacKillop Award” (for a student who exhibited Gospel values in their words and actions) Isobelle B – for the happy way in which you offer assistance to others. Thank you for your consideration of others. Luke G – for always greeting teachers and students cheerfully everyday. Your manners and welcoming attitude brightens the day. CeiJay H – for the kind, helpful and patient manner in which you go about your day quietly helping and encouraging others. Well done. Tuckshop News – Our Friday Meal Deal is Nachos. Ingredients List – mince, onion, taco seasoning, cheese, small packet of Doritos Corn Chips. Served with or without sour cream and cheese. Assistance is required in the Tuckshop this Friday. Please call Gail in the tuckshop on PH 49948230 on Wednesday or Friday.

PREVENT PRE-CHRISTMAS BURNOUT! At this time of year, many in our school community are feeling overwhelmed by work, family and caring for ageing parents. A recent Australian survey found one in three women don’t have enough time for themselves. (And dads are also stressed!) This makes calm and consistent parenting more difficult. It may seem like there’s no time to do the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, but it can help daily routines run smoothly, help you enjoy parenting more, and even help you find “me-time”. (Taking care of yourself as well is one of Triple P’s Five Key Steps To Positive Parenting.) A range of Triple P programs are free to all parents and carers in Queensland. Go to www.triplep-parenting.net for more information. With thanks, The Triple P – Positive Parenting Program team