Term 2 Week 10 - July 2nd, 2024
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From The Principals Desk
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Sharing the Gospel
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"You Can Do It!" Awards
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Public Speaking Finals
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Resilient Kids Program
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Stage 2 Camp
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Sports News
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Library News
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School Fees
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Student Report Information
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ICAS Assessment Information
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General News
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Lost Property
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Canteen News
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Compass Help for Parents
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Parish News
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Health and Wellbeing
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Community Sports News
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Community News
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Our Sponsors
From The Principals Desk
Dear Parents and Carers,
We have reached the final week of what has been a very successful semester of learning and growing together at St Joseph’s. I would like to commend all students for their engagement in learning throughout the semester. As I move around the school throughout the day each classroom and learning space is buzzing with on task collaboration and targeted learning discussions. Students are focussed and respectful of their learning, the learning of others and the learning environment. It is a pleasure to witness and proud to share when touring visitors to our school. We constantly receive feedback from visitors of how positive and engaged our students are and how warm and welcoming St Joseph’s feels. Congratulations to all who contribute so positively to our learning environment; students, staff and family members.
Semester 1 Student Progress Reports - live at 3pm Thursday in Compass
As it is the end of the semester, it is that time for Semester 1 Student Progress Reports. The teachers have been collecting, collating and responding to student data throughout the semester to deliver the information contained in each child’s report. As I read each student report, I feel a deep sense of pride in each individual student’s effort, achievement and personal growth. Please enjoy the opportunity to celebrate your child’s successes and learning growth when you spend time reading their report with them. Ensure you acknowledge the strengths, challenges and future goals. Reports will be live and available to families on Thursday afternoon at 3pm through Compass. As a follow up to the reporting process Parent Teacher Interviews will be taking place early in term 3.
Year 5 Leadership Day 1
It was great to see our Year 5 students having so much fun yesterday during their first Leadership Day with Mrs Quinn and Mrs Martin. The first of three days where the students will explore and develop the skills and attitudes of what it takes to be a positive, service driven leader. Leadership formation is taken seriously here at St Joseph’s, it is through programs such as these that we develop our positive student leadership expectations and practices.
Term 2 Rewards Day and Subway Picnic - Wednesday 3rd July
The current weather conditions are doing their best to dampen our chances of walking the Rail Trail in the morning! We will be making a call this afternoon as to whether or not we will be walking the trail or remaining at school for some fun wet weather activities. The Subway picnic lunch (11am) will still take place regardless and family members are still welcome to join us as we celebrate another great term.
A reminder that this Thursday is the final day of the term for students as Friday is a Staff Development Pupil Free Day. The staff will be off site on Friday. Term 3 will begin on Tuesday 23rd July.
I hope everyone has an enjoyable winter break from the rigours of school life over the holidays.
Peace and blessings,
Jason Clarke
Principal
Sharing the Gospel
Our Mini Vinnies team had the pleasure of presenting Mrs. Banner from the Mary MacKillop Conference with the funds we raised for the St. Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal at our Assembly last week. Mrs. Banner expressed her heartfelt thanks to all in our community for the continued support we give to St Vincent de Paul every year.
GOD MOMENTS
When Blake stepped in as house captain for Kobe at the Athletics Carnival.
When all those who participated in the public speaking competition cheered on their friends and the audience remained respectful.
"You Can Do It!" Awards
WEEK 8 - Term 2
Kinder
Dustin Casagrande for Getting Along and Being Socially Responsible.
Clara Higgins for Getting Along and Being Socially Responsible.
Year 1
Koa Segrave for Confidence and “I Can Do It” Thinking.
Archie Ahern for Resilience and Being Independent.
Year 2
Selene Owen for Resilience and Giving Effort.
Revie Cambridge for Resilience and Working Tough.
Year 3
Hamish Walsh for Confidence and “I Can Do It” Thinking.
Will Glasby for Getting Along and Being Socially Responsible.
Year 4
Allira Smith for Persistence, Giving Effort and for having a Growth Mindset.
Tahan Heterick for Persistence, Giving Effort and for having a Growth Mindset.
Year 5
Indigo Cleak for displaying Persistence and Giving Effort.
Jaxon Mann for displaying Persistence and “I Can Do It” Thinking.
Year 6
Ava Hunt for Getting Along, being Socially Responsible and Showing Tolerance of Others.
Kobi Buckroyd for Organisation, Planning My Time and Setting Goals.
Week 9 - Term 2
Kinder
Henry Glasby for Persistence and Giving Effort.
Aiden Bourke for Getting Along and Being Socially Responsible.
Year 1
Darcy Ahern for Persistence and Giving Effort.
Arlo Carter for Confidence, Taking a Risk and “I Can Do It” Thinking.
Year 2
Mila Kendall for Confidence and Being Independent
Ali for Persistence and Working Tough.
Year 3
Zander Gale for Confidence and “I Can Do It” Thinking.
Kobe Robinson for Persistence and Giving Effort with a Growth Mindset.
Year 4
Daisy Westwood for Persistence, Giving Effort and Working Tough.
Aria Dunning for Persistence and Giving Effort.
Year 5
Levi Campbell for Resilience and Being Independent.
Isla Alley for Persistence and Giving Effort.
Year 6
Archie Anderson for Organisation and Planning My Time.
Brock Sasse for Persistence, Working Tough and Giving Effort.
Public Speaking Finals
We commend all of the students who put themselves forward to compete in the public speaking competition this year! Once again we had very high interest in the competition with 73 competitors nominating. The results are listed below. Congratulations to all!
Early Stage 1
Dustin Casagrande - Kelpies - FIRST PLACE
James Polson - Platypus - SECOND PLACE
Halle Berry - My Puppy
Lexi Gale - Lollies
Aubrey Gallard - Sharks
Stage 1
Clara Polson - Snorkelling - FIRST PLACE
Harriet Stovold - How I Lost My Tooth - SECOND PLACE
Luca Campbell - Christmas Island Red Crabs
Olivia Skarpona - Turtles
Darcy Ahern - Mum’s Afraid of Spiders!Delilah Cleak - Annoying Big Sisters
Stage 2
Pippa Bourke - Table manners - FIRST PLACE
Will Polson - Space - SECOND PLACE
Tahan Heterick - Good to Stay up Late
Zander Gale - How Cadbury Came To Australia
Shelby Walsh - Sorry I'm Late
Ella Hunt - Why are Dads so annoying?
Stage 3
Bella Higgins - Chickens - FIRST PLACE
Max Bourke - Money - SECOND PLACE
Lyla McMahon - Horses
Indigo Cleak - Girl Power
Layla Walsh - If I were Principal for a day
Indi Asanuma - Fashion
Ava Bray - Family
Resilient Kids Program
On Friday, Stage 2 and Stage 3 participated in the Resilient Kids Program, embarking on a comprehensive journey to foster resilience. Students explored the seven key factors in their lives that make up the resilience doughnut. The 7 factors are the family, the parent, the skill, the education, the money, the community, and the peer factors. This enabled students to recognise their strengths and the three strong pillars that positively contribute to their resilience. There was a focus on physical, mental, and social wellbeing, as they learned about healthy living, stress management, building strong relationships, and strategies to cope with challenges. The program also highlighted the importance of filling our own cups and relying on support networks within our families, school, and community, emphasising that it’s okay to seek help when needed.
The program also focused on environmental awareness, teaching students about their impact on the future and the importance of sustainability. Preparedness for natural disasters was a key component, where students acquired practical skills like filtering water, building a tent, and understanding the importance of having a ready-to-go pack with necessities, empowering them to stay safe in emergencies.
Students also learned various strategies to deal with challenging situations and improve their overall wellbeing. These strategies are crucial in helping them navigate difficult times with confidence and resilience.
By learning these essential life skills, our students are not only equipped to handle tough times but are also growing into confident, self-reliant individuals ready to face any challenge. We are incredibly proud of their dedication and enthusiasm, knowing they are building a strong foundation for a resilient future.
Stage 2 Camp
Wow! Stage 2 is still buzzing with excitement from our incredible camp at Tyalgum Ridge Retreat on June 11th and 12th! This was, without a doubt, the best camp. The fun and memorable moments were endless!
Despite having to be at school by 6:30 AM, the early start was entirely worthwhile. We boarded the bus for the 45 minute journey to the retreat, eager for the adventures ahead. Upon arrival, we stowed our bags and jumped straight into group initiative games while waiting our turn to head on a hike to a stunning waterfall. The trail was delightfully muddy, making it an exciting challenge as we navigated the path. Some of the boys even pretended to be motorbikes, skidding through the mud! At the waterfall, we explored for crystals and painted with ochre, soaking in the natural beauty around us.
Lunchtime was a delightful break with sausage rolls and fresh fruit, fueling us for the rest of the activities. Orienteering and star chase followed, where we used compasses to uncover hidden letters and maps to find stars. Next, we embarked on a significant trek to the crate stack. After being harnessed up, we collaborated to construct the tallest tower, competing to build a higher structure than the other group. We relied on our team members to act as reliable "huskies" to support and stabilise us as we reached for greater heights.
Our day wrapped up with a cosy cabin setup and a delicious pasta dinner. We all had a great time settling in with our cabin mates. We ended the day with some fun games before drifting off to sleep.
Waking up on the second day was bittersweet because it meant packing up, but our cabins felt like a five-star resort! After a hearty breakfast of bacon, hash browns, and toast, we jumped straight into archery. Some of us even managed to hit a bullseye on the targets.
Following that, we moved on to the flying fox and high ropes, where students eagerly volunteered to demonstrate the ropes' safety. Ten metres above the ground, we conquered our fears and enjoyed the exhilarating experience of zooming down the flying fox with a thrilling sonic boost.
Lunch was a tasty mix of pizza rolls and fruit before we moved on to camp skills. Despite the wind challenging our fire-starting efforts, we enjoyed making (and slightly burning) our damper.
Constructing catapults provided a delightful conclusion to our day, fostering teamwork as we collaborated to build and launch them as far as possible. While initially challenging, we persisted and successfully launched balls to impressive distances before jumping back on the bus. Returning to school at 5:00 PM, we couldn’t help but think this was the best camp ever!
If you’re looking for an unforgettable camp experience with friendly staff, delicious food, great accommodation, and a wide range of fun activities, Tyalgum Ridge Retreat has it all!
Sports News
ZONE 1500M RACE TUESDAY AFTERNOON:
Wishing the following students, the best of luck as they prepare to compete Week 1 Term 3 - Thursday 25 July at 4pm in Banora Point – St James school oval!
Junior Boys: Sam Stovold & Kobe Robinson
Junior Girls: Esther Cambridge & Sierra Casagrande
11Yr Boys: Misha Reed & Jaxon Mann
11Yr Girls: Lyla McMahan & Imogen Rudman
Senior Boys: Max Bourke & Caleb Bourke
Senior Girls: Ava Hunt & Indi Asanuma
SCHOOL RECORD BREAKERS:
Nine students broke records in various athletic events this year! Congratulations to the following students for breaking a school record for their age division!!
Ali: 8Yr Boys 800m
Kobe Robinson 9Yrs 1500m
Sam Stovold 10Yrs 1500m
Max Bourke 12/13Yrs 1500m
Lyla McMahan 11Yrs 1500m
Ava Hunt 12/13Yrs 1500m
Will Polson: 9Yr 100m & 200m
Sierra Cassagrande: 9Yr 100m & Long Jump
Shelby Walsh: 10Yr Discus
ZONE COMPETITORS – COMPASS:
Students progressing onto the Zone Athletics Carnival, week 2 – Term 3 Friday 2 August at Cudgen will be sent the List of Events via Compass this week.
Please note; to progress onto Zone, the 8Yrs, 9Yrs & 10Yrs are combined and are classified as the “Junior Age Group”. The top two times progress onto Zone in the following categories: Junior, 11Yrs & Senior. The 100m event is the only event that takes the top three place getters in individual ages ie; 8Yrs, 9Yrs, 10Yrs, 11Yrs & 12Yrs. I will send out a list of events showing who is competing in what events for zone before the term breaks up.
** Students in the 11Yrs or 12Yrs who received a 1st or 2nd ribbon for their events are straight through to zone or received a 3rd for the 100m are also through to zone.
** Students who competed as a 8yr, 9yr or 10yr and received 1st, 2nd or 3rd for 100m are straight through to zone. I will need to identify the top two in the Junior events for all other events (800m, 200m, Long Jump & Shot Put).
Discus measurements will be entered into a shared document and the top three out of the 8 Catholic Schools will progress straight to Diocesan (not zone). Diocesan is in Coffs Harbour on Friday 16th August.
ELECTIVE SPORT – TERM 3:
Next Term for School Sport on Fridays, students in years 3 -6 will be asked to choose their top 4 sports from the list provided. “One” being their first choice, through to “four” being their last choice. I will do my best to allocate students their top preferences with Yr6 getting priority as this is their last year to participate in Elective Sport. All four sports are fantastic and students will enjoy their experience regardless of what sport they are assigned to. If your child is away, please call the office to give their preferences from 1 (their first choice through to 4 as their last choice) over the phone or email them in. I will be grouping students over the holidays ready to start the program in term 3.
1) The Murwillumbah Combat Club is excited to offer a full and varied program called All Styles Martial Arts. This exciting program will cover Wrestling, Kicking, Judo and Karate in a fun and dynamic striking art that builds fitness, strength, coordination, and flexibility. In conjunction with conditioning exercises, partner drills and fun kickboxing games, students will learn basic striking techniques, footwork, blocking and movement with a variety of training tools including punching bags, mitts, thai pads, shields and will get to train in a real boxing ring. This activity is offered at beginner level and is non-contact.
Cost: $8 per session – 6 sessions (total: $48 for 6 sessions)
2) Envision Gym: This fantastic Gym is located opposite KFC in town. After speaking to Guy (owner / operator) he assures me that there will be lots of exciting ideas planned for the students who select “Gym” for their Elective Sport! Activities will range from a Ninja Warrior style climbing frame, rowing machine, a digital interactive workout room, treadmill and much more!
Cost: $8 per session – 6 sessions (total: $48 for 6 sessions)
3) Hoopla Circus: Suzie’s Hoopla Circus is a fun, high energy circus session where you learn a mixture of gymnastics and circus skills! Her equipment ranges from the floor length trampoline (to help get the height you need for flips and tricks) to the volt, silks, stilts, juggling tools and the list goes on!
Cost: $8 per session – 6 sessions (total: $48 for 6 sessions)
4) Basketball: Students who select Basketball as their Elective Sport will walk to Knox Park and use the basketball courts there for games and other fun basketball activities such as Golden Child, Dribble Knock Out etc. This is the only Elective Sport option that is completely free!
Cost: $0
Library News
In preparation for this years Book Week, to be held in Week 8 next term, all classes are being read and discussing this years short-listed books. More on this exciting, fun filled event next term.
This years theme is...
READING IS MAGIC
Magic is happening in our library right now!
Now you see Flo - now you don't!
BUDDY READING
Our Buddy Reading is once again well under way this year, as it was very popular last year. The children are loving enjoying and discussing a good read together. Some students then want to jump on the "Hot Seat" to recommend their book to others!
BOOK COVERERS NEEDED!
We urgently need your help to cover our new home readers . If you can help out, please call into the office and pick up a box of books and contact.
Thank you
School Fees
Term 2 fees were due by the end of Week 9. If you have any outstanding fees, can you please finalise this week.
Thank you!
Student Report Information
Why are there changes to the K-6 Student Report?
The NSW Government is reforming the curriculum to streamline and strengthen what is taught in every classroom in NSW, so every student is prepared and ready for their future. The curriculum reform has been informed by consultation with teachers, parents and education experts, and is underpinned by extensive research. Curriculum reform involves changing teaching, learning, assessment and reporting to parents.
The release of the new syllabuses provides the opportunity to revise aspects of the Student Report to align with current research.
“Parents want to know what was taught and how well their child has learnt it, as well as where improvement is needed……. (NESA, 2023)”
Understanding the K-6 Student Report Information for Parents
How is English, Mathematics, Religious Education and Other Key Learning Areas reported on?
There is a separate template for English, Mathematics, Religious Education and the Other Key Learning Areas. This template includes:
- A statement that explains the aim of the Key Learning Area.
- An achievement grade for each Focus Area in English and Mathematics.
- An achievement grade for knowledge and understanding, and skills in Religious Education and the Other Key Learning Areas except for Creative Arts, which is reported on in Strands.
Sample Kindergarten English Achievement Grade
Sample Year 1 and 2 Mathematics Achievement Grade
Sample Other Key Learning Areas Achievement Grade
How are achievement grades determined?
Kindergarten
Achievement Grades in Kindergarten are identified on a three-point scale using the following descriptors:
- Working Towards
- Working At
- Working Beyond expected achievement.
Stage 1 (Year 1 and Year 2), Stage 2 (Year 3 and Year 4) and Stage 3 (Year 5 and Year 6)
Achievement Grades in Year 1 to Year 6 are identified on a 5 point scale using the descriptors from the Common Grade Scale: The Common Grade Scale describes the performance of students in Year 1 to Year 6 at each of the five grade levels A-E using the following descriptors:
- Extensive (A)
The student has an extensive knowledge and understanding of the content and can readily apply this knowledge. In addition, the student has achieved a very high level of competence in the processes and skills and can apply these skills to new situations. - Thorough (B)
The student has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the content and a high level of competence in the processes and skills. In addition, the student is able to apply this knowledge and these skills to most situations. - Sound (C)
The student has a sound knowledge and understanding of the main areas of content and has achieved an adequate level of competence in the processes and skills. - Basic (D)
The student has a basic knowledge and understanding of the content and has achieved a limited level of competence in the processes and skills. - Elementary (E)
The student has an elementary knowledge and understanding in few areas of the content and has achieved very limited competence in some of the processes and skills.
Teachers make professional judgements about student achievement based on a range of assessment information and teacher observations against syllabus outcomes and content. Teachers make decisions based on student achievement in relation to what students have been taught and how well they have achieved (up to the time of writing a Student Report). The teacher makes a judgement and selects the descriptor from the 3 point scale for Kindergarten or the Common Grade Scale for Year 1-6 that best describes student achievement at the time of writing the Student Report.
Can achievement grades vary from one report to another?
Yes. A variation in achievement grades may occur as a student’s achievement grade is based on what is taught up to the time of writing a Student Report. This means that student achievement can change depending on what a student has been learning and how well a student demonstrates their learning at various points in the year.
How are the Student Report Comments structured?
Student Report Comments reflect the Key Learning Areas on the Student Report. There will be multiple comments:
- English Comment
- Mathematics Comment
- Key Learning Area Comment and
- General Comment
The English and Mathematics Comments will reflect:
- Areas of Achievement and Growth
- Learning Goals within each Key Learning Area.
The Key Learning Areas Comment will reflect:
- Areas of Achievement and Growth
- Learning Goals across Creative Arts, Science and Technology, History, Geography and Personal Development, Health and Physical Education.
Note: If your child achieves Elementary for each of the Focus Areas within the KLA, the comment may reflect some syllabus content/indicators from the stage below. If your child receives Extensive for each of the Focus Areas within the KLA, the comment may reflect some syllabus content/indicators from the stage above.
The General Comment will reflect non-academic achievement and could include:
- extracurricular activities and/or
- additional comments to elaborate on the Learner Profile and/or
- demonstration of school values and/or
- a student’s social/emotional learning.
Sample English Comment
Sample Key Learning Area Comments
Sample General Comment
What is Engagement in Learning?
Engagement in Learning indicates the degree of dedication, attentiveness, interaction, responsiveness and curiosity your child shows when they are learning within a particular Key Learning Area.
The three standards used to report on student Engagement for Learning are:
Sample Engagement in Learning
What is the Learner Profile?
The purpose of the Learner Profile is to provide parents with a holistic picture of their child. This includes their learning behaviours and social skills at school. The Learner Profile is an opportunity for teachers to recognise the individual characteristics, strengths and areas for growth of a student. The Learner Profile has two parts:
- student strengths
- student’s area/s for growth
Below is a glossary of common terms used to report on the Learner Profile:
- Develop: often refers to the process of growth, advancement, or progress.
- Strengthen: means to make something stronger, more resilient, or more robust.
- Demonstrates: means to show, illustrate, or provide evidence for something through actions, examples, explanations, or visual representations
- Build: refers to the process of creating, assembling, or constructing something.
Sample Learner Profile
Will there be further changes to the Student Report?
Yes. In 2027, new syllabuses in the other KLAs i.e. Creative Arts; HSIE; PDHPE; and Science and Technology are to be fully implemented in all NSW primary schools. The Lismore Diocese is waiting for advice from the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) which will inform our diocesan approach to implementing the remaining syllabuses. As these new syllabuses are taught, changes will need to be made to the student report to align with current research and NESA requirements. Your child’s school will communicate any further changes.
What if I have questions about the changes?
- Parents are encouraged to contact the school to discuss any questions you have about the K-6 Student Report.
ICAS Assessment Information
General News
~ SCHOOL PHOTOS ~
Our School Photo Day will be on MONDAY, 29th JULY. (Week 2 Term 3)
Photos must be ordered by 4:30pm the day before photo day. That is by SUNDAY, 28th JULY.
See below for booking instructions.
Lost Property
We have a very homesick teddy who is looking for its owner.
Can you help us find his way home?
FOUND
We have had a pair of pink glasses handed in. They can be claimed from the office.
Canteen News
Canteen Roster Coordinator Needed
Please consider assisting with this important volunteer role:
- creating and sending out the canteen roster once per term (template and volunteer contact details supplied.)
- being a point of contact for volunteers re: roster queries.
- support is provided by the school office and our canteen coordinator, no experience necessary.
- minimum of 1 term commitment.
Please contact the office if you can help.
CANTEEN has now finished for the term.
- Wednesday, 3rd July - Subway Orders
- Friday 5 July - Canteen closed for pupil free day.
Compass Help for Parents
Parish News
Tuesday 2 July 5:30 pm - Mass
Wednesday 3 July 5:30 pm - Mass
Thursday 4 July 8:15 am - Mass
Friday 5 July 9:30 am - Legion of Mary | Parish Meeting Centre
11:00 am - Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
12 noon - Mass
Saturday 6 July 9:00 am - Rosary
4:30 PM - ROSARY
5:00 PM - VIGIL MASS - Please note: change of time
Sunday 7 July 8:30 am - Rosary
9:00 am - Mass
10:00 am - Parish Cuppa|Morning Tea
Health and Wellbeing
FAMILY CONNECT SERVICE
We are excited to announce that we have a new Family Connect worker, Jessie Moulynox, here to help parents and carers when they are experiencing challenges in a wide range of areas including:
- Accessing the NDIS
- Mental health and wellbeing support
- Housing supports
- Domestic violence services
- Parenting programs
- Culturally appropriate supports
Jessie is ready to connect with and help our families. She has been supporting Catholic school families in the Casino and Kyogle area prior to joining our Tweed region schools and is very experienced in listening to families’ needs and supporting them through a planned approach to accessing the right services.
Jessie is from the New England region of NSW and moved to the Northern Rivers in 2016.
She has studied Theology and Social Work and has worked in the community services sector for 16 years in rural and remote NSW communities. We welcome Jessie to our school community and encourage any families who would like support to access a range of services to contact Jessie on 0428 886 235 or at jessie.moulynox@socialfutures.org.au