St Joseph's Primary School Communication Platform
SNOWFEST Sunday 28th July
https://www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/springvale-snow-fest
Returning in 2024 for its 12th year and with even more excitement, this acclaimed event promises a day of thrills and delights for all ages.
Join in on the seasonal festivities as Springvale transforms into a magical winter wonderland for the highly anticipated annual Springvale Snow Fest on Sunday 28 July.
Dive into the snowy fun with snow play areas brimming with real snow, freshly delivered from the slopes of Mt Buller. Explore an exciting new sport in the Make Your Move Sports Zone or partake in a range of family rides ($6-$8), tantalizing food trucks, and captivating market stalls.
New for 2024, Optus will be on-site and making moments that matter with the local community. Have a shot at a huge soccer dart for your chance to win some amazing giveaways, have a play in the snow but never miss a moment of the main stage action courtesy of the Optus Truck Screen and if that's not enough, check out the Optus face painting tent for free festive face painting.
As dusk falls, prepare for a dazzling finale fireworks display brought to you by Optus, illuminates the night sky in spectacular fashion. The Optus fireworks display will commence at 6.50pm and will be synchronised to some winter classics, marking the perfect conclusion to a day filled with winter enchantment.
Live entertainment will fill the air at the main stage at Queens Avenue and on special performance platform in multicultural place.
CYBER SAFETY WEBINARS FOR PARENTS
Use the link below to find out about cyber safety support for parents and register for free webinars
Setting up portal for reports
scan_sharon.mccarter_2024-06-21-09-01-48.pdfThe Year 3/4 Gardening Program
The Year 3/4 students have successfully concluded their garden program for the year working and learning with Jess from Cultivating Community. Throughout the first semester, Jess taught fortnightly lessons where the students looked at gardening techniques, learned about sustainable practices such as irrigation and organic fertilizers, and gained hands-on experience caring for chickens in the school coop.
To mark the completion of their gardening journey, the students had the opportunity to construct their own pizzas, which were then baked in a special pizza oven. This activity provided a fitting conclusion to their good work and learning throughout the program.
The students thoroughly enjoyed their time in the garden and appreciated the rewarding experience of making and enjoying pizza together.
Looking ahead, the garden program will continue in the next semester with Year 1/2 students. I am sure they will enjoy the chance to participate in this enriching hands-on learning experience.
Young Planners make a Difference
The Young Planners group, comprised of Year 3/4 students from St Joseph’s Springvale, Springvale Rise, and Minaret College, recently met at the Springvale Community Hub on Tuesday, June 18th. Together, they engaged in discussions focusing on the important features of their local community.
One of the topics on the agenda was planning for the upcoming Children’s Festival named the Little Day Out. During this session, the students brainstormed and proposed various activities, stalls, and food options that they believe would improve the festival experience. Their ideas were the presented to the Event Planners representing the City of Greater Dandenong. They will incorporate these suggestions into the event planning process scheduled for later this year.
The meeting was particularly enriching for the students, as they appreciated the opportunity to collaborate with peers from different schools. This involvement not only encouraged teamwork but also allowed these young students to actively contribute to shaping community events.
Student Representative Council (SRC) Friday 7th June
The recent SRC Meeting on June 7th was full of energy and creativity!
The SRC has a student representative from each classroom from Years 1-6.
The Year 6 Student Voice Leaders plan and deliver the SRC sessions with the Deputy Principal.
It was great to see Year 6 students taking the lead as Student Voice Leaders and actively involving the younger students in the decision-making process.
The use of interesting handshakes to introduce themselves was a fun way to break the ice and build a sense of belonging within the group. The students found the Lumberjack and Caterpillar handshakes most interesting.
The digital presentation about playground features created by the senior students was informative. It enabled the younger students to think about important aspects like tunnels, sensory and musical equipment, ropes for swinging and climbing, and cubby houses when designing their ideal playground.
Investigating how the playground can be improved allows students to have a say about the things that are important in their everyday school lives. With all the fantastic ideas we will gather from the students across the school, we are sure the SRC will come up with some innovative solutions. Keep up the great work, SRC!
NEWS FROM THE ART ROOM
As Term Two draws to a close, students from all Year levels are busily completing artworks in readiness for our Gala Art Show which will be held in Week 2 of Term Three on Thursday July 25th
PREP students have created spectacular and colourful Cubist-style animal faces inspired by Pablo Picasso. Zebras, Lions, Giraffes and Elephants have been made using a variety of hand-coloured shapes .
YEAR ONE & TWO students Have been busily creating magnificent Hawaiian Tiki Masks which will be displayed as Totem poles at the Art Show. Having designed each mask in their Visual Art diaries, students used coloured paper and cardboard to crate each authentic mask in the Hawaiian Tiki style.
YEAR THREE & FOUR students have completed their detailed printed Still Life representation inspired by Australian Printmaker Margaret Preston. These artworks involved students in designing and making Foam printing plates for each vase, flower and leaf represented in the artwork. The collaged artwork also features a variety of table clothes created from Vietnamese Rice Papers. Year Three & Four students have also used air-dried clay to create 3D Leaf plates.
YEAR FIVE & SIX students have been studying The Scream by Edvard Munch and created their own authentic artwork inspired by his painting style and featuring One Point Perspective.
Playgroup Starting Tuesday 16th July
Children’s Advisory Group Meeting
By : Mary and Aidan
On this day the 5th of June, 2024 Mr.Brew took the two school captains Mary and Aidan to the Children’s Advisory Group meeting located at the Dandenong Civic Centre.
When we arrived, we started off with a game in which we had to handshake different students with different styles.
Then, we thought about how our neighborhood can make an impact in our lives and what a good neighborhood would look like to us. Mary shared her ideas by saying that a good neighborhood is a community who is inclusive and celebrates others' differences. As we were finishing off our first activity, a group of event planners came into the room and announced the theme for the Noble Park festival called The Little Day Out. After they announced it, we were going to plan what activities and movies we should have for the Little Day Out event.
At the very end, everyone got up into groups and decided on 3 categories that the council should focus on in the next 4 years. There were a lot of different categories for us to choose from but almost all of the groups decided to vote for :
easier food accessibility.
helping people with their mental health problems/drug addiction.
making sure that children are feeling safe walking alone by themselves (which was Mary’s idea from the last meeting) .
Overall, we have had lots of fun. We are really happy to be representing our school and being a voice for students. We love sharing our ideas with the Greater Dandenong Council.
Year 3/4 Young Planners
On Tuesday 21st May eight of our Year 3/4 students meet with students from neighbouring schools to discuss the important features of a city.
Together, they explored features such as parks, playgrounds, housing, shops, and places of worship, among others.
They examined their own residences and immediate surroundings before discussing the broader aspects of the City of Greater Dandenong.
Using drawings, discussions, and interactive activities, our urban planners developed their understanding of urban dynamics.
These Young Planners will continue to meet regularly throughout the year with staff from the City of Greater Dandenong. Through this partnership, they aim to share their ideas and contribute to shaping the future of town planning in their community.
Children's Advisory Council City of Greater Dandenong
This report is written by our two student representatives on the Dandenong Council Advisory Group. Congratulations to Mary Tran who was elected as the Deputy Mayor by students at the last meeting in March.
Children’s Advisory Group Meeting.pdfStudent Voice Leaders and Student Representative Council (SRC)
The Year 6 student Voice Leaders are working with the Year 1-5 SRC members so that our students can have their say about many issues including the playground and student health initiatives.
The Student Voice Leaders organised a range of team building activities with the aim of developing belonging, cooperation and confidence.
One of the most interesting activities was working as a group to carry a pole. Each person had to have one finger on the pole at all times.
The Year 6 Leaders look forward to working with the SRC throughout 2024.
ACTIVE KIDS ARE HEALTHY KIDS!
As St Joseph’s Primary School is in a suburb that has busy streets and a number of homeless people we would ask that parents walk with their children to and from school, especially those from Prep to Year 4. Why not park the car further away from school so that your child can enjoy a walk with you from or to the car.
National Walk Safely to School Day
Now in its 25th year, National Walk Safely to School Day (WSTSD) is an annual campaign and event which encourages all primary school children, their parents and carers, to walk safely and regularly to school.
It is important for children and young people to be active every day. Physical activity has many social, emotional, physical and mental health benefits. Walking to school is a great way to incorporate physical activity into a daily routine to support healthy development. Regular physical activity, especially walking, can improve self-esteem and confidence, help concentration and improve overall fitness.
Encouraging kids to be active each day establishes good habits that can stay with them throughout their lives.
WALK TO SCHOOL COMMUNITY EVENT - Wednesday 8th May -
Walk to School from the Springvale Library. We will leave the library at 8.15am to walk to school. Your are welcome to meet staff from the school at that time. We will walk as a group to promote walking and enjoy a fruit snack in the Parish Hall at 8,30am.
NATIONAL WALK SAFELY TO SCHOOL DAY and MOTHER'S DAY ACTIVITY - Friday 10th May
Park your car a distance from school and walk with your child to celebrate the National Walk to School Day.
At 8.45am go to your child's classroom and enjoy a short activity with your child to celebrate Mother's Day.
Following this you are invited to the staffroom for a simple morning tea.
Children Advisory Group Junior Mayor
Wednesday 20th March
On the 20th of March, Mr Seeber took the two representatives, Mary and Aidan of St Joseph’s to the children's advisory group at the Dandenong Council Chambers.
While we were there we first started answering questions about what we would do and change if we were junior mayor. The Mayor arrived earlier than expected so we missed out on doing an activity, but we met the mayor of Greater Dandenong. She talked to us about her experience in becoming mayor and what she does in her role. She also explained how Greater Dandenong is a child-friendly council because it is a safe environment for children, there are lots of parks and they listen to children's ideas.
The purpose of the meeting was to vote for our junior mayor. There were 20 candidates for the role and each had to make a two-minute speech explaining why people should vote for them. Mary nominated herself and gave a great and honest speech that included the importance of junior mayor and why she would do well in the role.
Aidan volunteered to be an electoral assistant for the voting. He helped with organising the candidates and handing out ballot papers to the nominees.
Overall the experience was fun. We enjoyed communicating with children from other schools and sharing our ideas. We are looking forward to our next meeting and working out what more we can do for our community.
By Aidan and Mary
Walk to School Friday
Our school community enjoyed walking from the Springvale Library on Friday 15th March. Our participation helps the community focus on the importance of being outdoors, appreciating our surroundings and valuing the company of others. We thank Woolworths for the watermelon, bananas and apples supplied for those who completed the walk on Friday.
Chelsea Beach Day Friday March 8th
Our School Community had a wonderful day at Chelsea Beach. Year 1 to 4 students learnt about the role of the lifeguards and how to keep safe on the beach. The Prep students enjoyed playing in the sand and digging for treasure. The Year 6 students learnt how to be safe in the surf and loved their 'in the water experience'. Thank you to all our parent helpers and members of our school community who attended this event.
The 2024 Sustainability Festival
The annual Sustainability Festival returned to Dandenong Market on Sunday 25 February 2024, celebrating all the ways we can get involved to protect our planet.
Take a look at photos from the event by clicking on the link below and stay updated on future environmental events in Greater Dandenong by subscribing to Our Bright Green Future below.
https://www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/sustainability-festival
GET ACTIVE! GET MOVING 2024!
All families and students at St. Joseph’s School are invited to our Dandenong City Council initiative to Get Active! Get Moving, during the month of March.
We would like everyone in our school community to participate in this great wellbeing initiative.
Friday 15th March Let's Walk to School
Parents park your car at the Springvale Library and walk with us to school. Some of the school staff members will walk as well. Make sure you arrive by 8:20am. Parents must walk with their children.
Let’s all be active together!
During this month of March try some of the following activities:
Take you children to a park or for a walk - Explore Braeside Park
https://walkingmaps.com.au/walk/478
Explore some of the local playgrounds in the area
Burden Park
Noble Park Ross Reserve Playground
Tatterson Big Bug Park - Keysborough
Fly a kite
Provide time and space for your children to use their bike, scooters, or skateboards
Play with your children outdoors: kick a ball, play an outdoor game.
Park your car a little further from school so that you can have a better walk with your children before or after school.
Plan an exciting outdoor activity on the weekend.
LET'S ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS WHILE THE WEATHER IS GOOD IN MARCH!
Student Voice- Student Advisory Group
The Children's Advisory Group brings together students from the local primary schools within Greater Dandenong as representatives of their wider school community, to talk about the local community, facilities, and activities in Greater Dandenong, and to support Council in its commitment to be a child friendly city.
Congratulations to our St Joseph's School Representatives Mary and Aidan who worked with students from local skills schools last week. We look forward to the contributions they will make as members of the Dandenong Student Council for 2024.
Sustainability Festival 2024
PXL_20240225_003804064.mp4
On Sunday 25th February some of our Year 5/6 worked in our Sustainability Stall at the Dandenong Market and showed members of the public how to make mini wicking beds. Everyone enjoyed using recycled bottles to plant spinach or basil. These containers bring water up from underneath the plant which uses water in a more beneficial way for both the environment and the seedlings.
Dandenong Market Sustainability Festival Sunday 25th February 2024
Come and visit the St Joseph's Primary School Stall between 10am and 3pm at Dandenong Market this Sunday. We will be talking to the public about our hens and our gardening program. We will help you to make a simple wicking bed and plant some seeds.
There are lots of other things to see and do, including free face painting at 11am. You can also shop for fresh fruit and vegetables, buy a coffee or having something nice to eat.
We hope to see you there. Why not stop by for a short visit.
Find out more at https://www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/greater-dandenong-council/events/sustainability-festival-2024
FAMILY TWLIGHT PICNIC
8TH FEBRUARY 2024
Family Twilight Picnic, Swell Week 2024 (1).pdfRemember to be SunSmart
Did you know we can see and feel the sun’s light and heat, but we can’t see or feel the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation? This means UV can even damage our skin on cool or cloudy days.
The SunSmart app can help!
The free SunSmart Global UV app tells you when sun protection is recommended for your location – this is when the UV level is 3 or higher.
Please make sure your child has his or her sunhat at school everyday in Term 4.
Breakfast Resource Kit Promo (1).mp4OUR YEAR 5/6 BREAKFAST PROGRAMME
Belinda Nowakowski is our school Healthy Kids Advisor working for the Greater City of Dandenong.
Belinda helps us to develop our understanding of nutrition and access to healthy food and drinks.
Vic Kids Eat Well believes all children and young people deserve access to healthy and delicious food.
In 2022 we established both a Year 4 and a Year 5/6 Breakfast Club. We have been able to support the City of Greatger Dandenong to promote breakfast clubs in other schools.
St Joseph's
Digital Magazine 2022
Take a look at the range of exciting special events and activities that took place in our clasrooms and school grounds. Find out about our excursions and incursions.
We hope you enjoy this.
2022 ST JOSEPH'S YEAR BOOK.mp4Healthy Lunchbox Week
Healthy Lunchbox Week is almost here! Held at the start of the school term (5-11th Feb), Healthy Lunchbox Week is a Nutrition Australia initiative that helps families access credible lunchbox nutrition information. Monash Health is supporting Healthy Lunchbox Week by helping children get set for the year ahead with well fuelled minds and bodies.
For loads of lunchbox inspiration, visit Nutrition Australia’s Healthy Lunchbox Week website: www.healthylunchboxweek.org.au.
Need inspiration and guidance on what makes a healthy lunchbox?? The team at Monash Health will be hosting a
FREE Webinar – Kids' Healthy Lunchboxes
When: Tuesday 28th February, 6-6.30pm
Topics
Build a balanced lunchbox
Lunchbox ideas
Save money and time
Be a waste warrior
NUDE FOOD
Nude Food is a popular term in schools and preschools, but what exactly does this mean? Simply put, it's food without excess packaging. Usually, this means food that is not processed, often making it a healthier and more environmentally friendly option. Nude Food reduces the amount of 'stuff' that needs to go in bins to be sent to landfill. Durable, reusable containers are a great way to bring food, as they may last from pre-school through to high school and beyond, providing long term cost savings and environmental benefits.
https://www.wow.sa.gov.au/activities/nude-food
GREATER DANDENONG COUNCIL NEWS
St Joseph's recently hosted the launch of the Council's School Breakfast Resource Kit. Read more on Page 11 Ferbruary Council News.
We will also have a school stall at the Sustainability Festival on Sunday 26th February. We invite famlies to attend this Festival at the Dandenong Market between 10am and 3pm.
https://www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/greater-dandenong-council-news-february-2023
WEB version - FINAL - CGD_CouncilNews_Feb23 (A9407929) (1).pdfFamily Twilight Picnic - 8th and 9th February
If you have children that are in both the junior and senior school just choose one night to attend for the whole family. The problem solving activitiy can be done by all age groups so it won't matter when session your family attends.
Enter ther school grounds through the gates on Buckingham Avenue behind the School Hall.
CDFpay Existing Parent Guide 2022.pdfCDFpay New Parent Guide 2022.pdfSt Joseph's is a Child Safe School
Child Safe Policy 2022.pdfChild Safety Policy.mp4------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UNIFORM SHOP
The uniform shop is open on Monday and Thursday morning from 9.00am-10.30am. Please enter the school through the school office on St John's Avenue. You can enter the school grounds from 8.50am onwards to access the uniform shop.
Click above to find out about St Joseph's School.
Diana Nguyen is a drama teacher, comedian and actress. She is also an ex-pupil of St Joseph's school. During this period of remote learning we asked Diana to work with us to produce a series of weekly NEWS videos. Watch and enjoy with your family.
Outside School Hours Care and Vacation Care
(Youth Leadership Victoria)
(20/09/2020)
Please enter using the school hall entrance.
You can register at www.ylv.com.au
Or ring to book on 0402106679
