Term 4 - Week 5, 2023

Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Carers,

It’s wonderful to see the green pastures and the school field bounce back after some rain. Let’s hope we get a bit more before the heat of summer.

Congratulations to Clay Burnes for qualifying for the National Campdraft Titles next week to be held at North Star. It’s the best of the best so it will be hot competition from all over the country. Well done and good luck Clay. 

This week at the Parent Gathering we discussed changes to policy, parent events and whole school goals for 2024. The good news was also shared that we have the go-ahead for a new small basketball slab and ring, using money from the Colour Explosion Fun Run earlier in the year. I realise it’s been a while coming but approval has just come through from my superiors. 

The changes to the Student Behaviour Policy were outlined. The guiding principle is to make the school a happy and safe place to work and play and whilst we don’t have serious issues with behaviour at MSJ, it is good to revisit how we operate. In a nutshell, we are tightening up on procedures and have added clear consequences for poor choices. These include a graded system where if our code of behaviour is repetitively breached warnings will be given then consequences applied. This will build from time off the playground to missing out on sport, excursions or other events, and if necessary, suspension and expulsion. Serious breaches jump steps. Legally, the school is also obliged to follow up on any events outside the school as well, including buses and social media breaches. If you need further clarification, contact me at the school. 

Planning is well underway for 2024, with staffing almost finalised and goals set. Our focus next year will be multi-pronged:

• Celebrating 100 years of the school operating (what an achievement!);
• Improving English and Maths achievement for all children; 
• Embedding the new Student Behaviour Policy;
• Deepening our knowledge of our Catholic Identity.

Also discussed at the meeting were potential family and parent events for next year, with suggestions ranging from a Trivia/Games night, Outdoor Movie Night, and Curriculum information sessions. 

Finally, a quick reminder of the need for students to wear school uniform every day. If school shoes are worn out and you are waiting until the holidays to purchase a new pair, please send a note of explanation. Correct shirts, jumpers and shorts/skorts are required at all times.

Have a great weekend.

Peter Watts,

Principal

Weekly Awards

GEM (Gratitude, Empathy, Mindfulness) awards went to:

Ruby F - For great citizenship and helping to clean up after her group.

Term 4 School Fees

Term 4 school fees have been billed to each family. These fees are payable by Friday 1st December, unless you are paying by regular direct debit amounts.
 
1 student - $290
2 students - $507.50
3 or more students - $652.50
 
Payment options are:  

1. using the Compass app - You can check your school fee balance and pay fees through the Compass app. Select more - school fees - next - and enter your credit card details. You have the option to pay in full or pay a portion of your fees. 
2. cash or cheque at school 
3. direct deposit to the school's bank account (see instructions below)

When using internet banking, please use your child’s surname as a reference.
Banancoast Community Credit Union   
BSB no. 533-000
Account no. 3282 0430                 
Name: Mt St John’s Primary School
 
Remember, if you feel you will be unable to finalise your Term 4 school fees by this date, some financial assistance may be available from St Vincent de Paul - to make an appointment with them, call 0472 718862. You will need to take your school fee statement with you to your appointment.

RFW's Child and Family Unit

Royal Far West's Child and Family Unit currently has vacancies and is seeking expressions of interest for our NDIS services. There are positions available for eligible children to attend an immersive therapy week on-site in Manly and a small number of telecare spots.

For more information, see link to the brochure below.

Child Safeguarding Website

The Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Limited (DLCSL) has launched a Child Safeguarding website as part of our commitment to implementing the Child Safe Standards. It contains information on Child Safe Standards, our Commitment Statement, a contact form for concerns or inquiries, and other useful links and resources.

The website can also be accessed through the "Parent Information" tab on our school website. We encourage you to visit the website to understand our commitment to building a school where every child feels valued, heard, and protected.

Canteen on THURSDAYS for the Remainder of Term 4

We have decided to change our canteen day to THURSDAY each week until the end of Term 4, as it will clash less with some school events that are coming up. This will mean canteen orders will need to be in by Wednesday mornings at 9am (no late orders can be accepted in future). A reminder will be sent via the Compass app each Tuesday afternoon. If you need to cancel your order, please do so before 9am on Thursday.

Term 4 Swimming Lessons each Thursday

Our Term 1 swimming program has commenced for all students from Kindergarten to Year 6. Swimming is a compulsory part of the PDHPE curriculum. 

Students will need to bring swimmers, a towel, goggles, caps (the school can provide swimming caps for those students who don't own one, but if you do own one you are encouraged to bring it), and sun shirts to school each Thursday for their lesson. There is no extra cost for swimming lessons, as the school covers the pool entry fees and payments to the swim teachers. 

Students will walk to and from the pool. Please note, K - 1 students are to be collected from the pool at the end of the day each Thursday as their lesson will finish at 3:05pm. Kinder & Year 1 students catching buses will do so from Dorrigo Public School, supervised by our staff. 

Swimming lessons will take place each Thursday in Term 4 (weather permitting) at the following times:
Years 4/5/6 at 1pm
Years 2/3 at 1.40pm
K/1 at 2.20pm

Project Compassion

We are continuing to collect toiletries such as soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, brushes, combs, sanitary items, shampoo, deodorant, washing powder and warm items like socks and beanies, all of which will be donated to Pete's Place in Coffs Harbour to help homeless people in our local area.

St Vincent de Paul are also looking for any 2nd-hand drink bottles such as kids' drink bottles (not plastic PET water bottles). 

Please help if you can - there is a basket at the front office in which to place your donations.

Thank you!

Louise Sprowles - LOSEC

How to Cancel a Canteen Order

If you need to, you can cancel canteen orders before 9am on Friday mornings. If you know your child is going to be away you can go into Compass Canteen and select "cancel order".

The refunded money goes back into your Compass "wallet" so you can use it next time you order - when you get to the Confirm & pay screen, click on the down arrow and select Compass Credit. 

School Facebook Page

Check out our school Facebook page! It is wonderful to be able to share the good news of our school with our families and community. 

Library Day - Wednesday

Library day for all students is Wednesday - please make sure your child brings in his or her cloth library bag on this day. Each student may borrow four books per week. 

School Bus Travel

2024 school travel applications are now open                                                                                  

Students who need a School Opal card or travel pass for 2024 can apply here. A new application will need to be submitted if they are applying for the first time, or if they are requesting additional travel entitlement because of new shared parental arrangement (e.g. joint custody).

Students who change address, school, campus location, have repeated a year or received an expiry notification from Transport for NSW for their school travel entitlement should renew or update their details before the end of Term 4. This will ensure that schools can endorse applications, and entitlements remain valid for the start of the 2024 school year. School Opal card holders will have the changes applied to their existing card.

If a student’s distance eligibility has changed based on their grade (i.e. grade two to grade three), the system will automatically update their entitlement if they meet the new criteria. If they do not meet the new eligibility criteria, an expiry notification will be sent via email.

Students who have an entitlement approved under a medical condition that is due to expire will receive a notification advising them to re-apply.

Term Bus Pass holders will receive a notification to re-apply.

Students living in rural and regional (R&R) areas should receive their travel pass at the start of the new school year from their nominated transport operator. It may come via the school or be sent directly to them at home. Note: some R&R operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.

School Drive Subsidy

The School Drive Subsidy is available for eligible school students where there is no public transport available for all or part of the journey. If you have to drive your child more than 1.6km to a school bus stop, you may be eligible for this subsidy – go to the link below to apply. 

GLUE & Messy Church

GLUE God Loves Us Eternally KidsClub is held each Wednesday during school term time from 3-5pm at the Anglican Hall. Afternoon tea, games, fun worship and craft. All primary kids in Years 1-6 are welcome, as are newcomers. For more info, ring Gwenneth on 6657 2135.

The final Messy Church for 2023 will be held on Sunday 26th November 2023 - the theme is "Messy Forgiveness".

Messy church is a free community event for families and children on a Christian theme with free dinner provided. 

Dorrigo Cricket Club Registration

Dorrigo Cricket Club is looking for players for the 2023/24 season. We will be entering an U16s,U12s and a Blast program for children aged 6 to 10.

Under 16s play on Friday nights, Under 12s on Saturday morning. The Blast program for children aged 6-10 will be held down at the Dorrigo Stadium on a weekday yet to be decided. There will also be a senior team playing on Saturday afternoons.

If you are interested in playing, please register at https://www.playhq.com, then search Dorrigo Cricket Club, then go to register.

If you have any questions, please call Justin on 0447 575308.

Student Art Dorrigo Show

Service NSW in Dorrigo

The Service NSW Mobile Service Centre is returning to Dorrigo. They will be set up at 51 Hickory Street on Tuesday, 21 November 2023 from 10am - 3pm.

Healthy Lunchbox Website

Cancer Council’s Healthy Lunch Box website is your one-stop shop for everything you need to know about packing a healthy lunch box.  For recipes, information and health tips please visit the website below.