Filter Content
- Message from the Principal
- Mission & Learning at Joey's
- Student Awards
- Sports News
- Dance Eisteddfod
- News from the Enviro Team
- Kempsey Eisteddfod - Vocal & Instrumental | Speech & Drama 2025
- 2025 NSW Premier's Reading Challenge
- Health & Wellbeing
- Canteen News
- St Joseph's OOSH & Vacation Care
- Keeping School Funding Fair - What you need to know
- School Fees
- How to Purchase your child's School Uniform
- Travelling to School by Bus
- Learn more about COMPASS - School Communication Platform APP
- Catholic School Parents - Resources
- Supporting Diverse Learning
- Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)
- Child Safety Handbook
- Billboard
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Learning Happens Here Everyday
On Wednesday evening, we saw many parents and caregivers come out to our Parent-Teacher Learning Conversations. At St Joseph’s, we believe it is essential that you have the opportunity to meet with your child’s teachers, along with the School Leadership Team, face to face. I thank all our Parents and Caregivers who attended the evening, and I hope you saw it as a valuable aspect of our St Joseph’s parent-school partnership.
Our second night will be held next Wednesday evening the 2nd April. Parents are asked to make only one appointment per child across both evenings.
Our First School Community Group
Last Monday, 17th March, St Joseph’s held its first School Community Group gathering. The group has been introduced to strengthen our Family, School & Parish Partnership. We welcome parents & carers to partner with the school, to strengthen student development and learning. The group will meet each term, focussing on authentic community engagement, including an educational component to build capacity amongst parents and carers.
Last week we also invited Mrs Janita Thomson from Mission Services, Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools, to talk a bit more on the School Community Group. Please refer to our school website for the School Community Group Guidelines.
I thank the parents and carers who attended the evening.
Showing Commitment -
reliable, loyal and trustworthy
At today’s assembly I spoke to all of our students about commitment, defining it as ‘giving a lot of time and energy to something because it’s important to you’, ‘to stick to something even if it isn’t easy, or is inconvenient’.
I then outlined the importance of commitment as a Christian value which; builds trust; is a sign of respect towards others; helps you achieve your goals; can push you past your comfort zone; gives you a sense of purpose; makes you more resilient and; is crucial to success.
I would love it if you could continue this conversation with your children, talking to them about being the kind of person who doesn’t give up, is reliable, loyal and someone people can trust.
As always, I thank you for your support in regards to your child’s ongoing learning and growth.
Guy Campbell
Driving Excellence in the Macleay
FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
The parable from Luke this weekend is probably one of the best-known teaching stories that Jesus gave us. The Prodigal Son, or more recently, The Forgiving Father is a complex story with many messages for us. The father in the story is the image of God. A father who is there for us, providing all we need in life. A father who gives each the freedom to choose how they will embrace their life and make decisions for themselves, whatever direction that decision may lead them in. And two sons who represent the human condition. The younger son is allowed to take what the father offers and leave him for a life focussed just on self, that leads down a path of self-destruction. The older son meanwhile lives a life conforming to the rules and expectations of his father, staying and working the family farm. We hear that the younger son wastes everything. He literally hits rock bottom and for a Jew, feeding pigs would have been about as low as you could go. He then realises his mistakes and bad decisions and decides to return home to seek forgiveness and security back with his father. But not as a son anymore, just a servant as he had lost the right to be family. But he is welcomed home with open arms by his father and his return is celebrated with a feast. He is given sandals, a sign that he was not a slave but a son. He has been found again. The elder son though is not as forgiving and resents the celebration, as he had never been offered one, even after his years of fidelity. He refuses to join the feast, and his father has to remind him that he has always been there with him and all he has in life, is his too. The story doesn’t tell us what decision the elder son made but we do know that his father would have been patient and waited to welcome him back in to the family when he was ready, as he had for his prodigal son. (Reflection in part by Greg Ryan)
“Be kind and merciful. Let no one ever come to you without coming away better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness.” Teresa of Kolkata
PRAYER
Lord, give us the courage to be honest with ourselves and change when needed, to turn back and be embraced by you. We ask this in your name.
Amen
Sourced from: https://cms.vinnies.org.au/media/esollqua/1124-spiritual-reflection-guide-jan-2025-web.pdf?folder=nsw__publications-nsw__spiritual-reflection-guides&path=esollqua%2F1124-spiritual-reflection-guide-jan-2025-web.pdf
CELEBRATING THE FEAST OF ST. JOSEPH & HARMONY DAY
Last week, we celebrated two important occasions that bring our school community closer together. First, we honoured the Feast of St. Joseph, the patron saint of workers, fathers, and families. His unwavering faith, humility, and dedication remind us of the power of service and love for others.
We also come together to celebrate Harmony Day, a day to reflect on the importance of inclusivity, respect, and cultural diversity. It’s a time to embrace the rich variety of backgrounds that make our school community so special.
As we celebrated these two meaningful occasions, let us be inspired by St. Joseph’s example of selflessness and commitment to family, and by the spirit of unity and respect that Harmony Day encourages.
To make these important celebrations extra special, our wonderful Canteen put on some special treats to help us celebrate. Thank you Mrs Hagger.
ST JOSEPH'S FAMILY COMMUNITY GROUP: Cyber Safety Visit with David Smith from Ysafe - Empowering Our Community with Digital Safety in the online world
KEY TAKEAWAYS ....
On Monday 17th March, we had the privilege of hosting David Smith from Ysafe, Australia’s Cyber Safety Education provider, who visited our school to educate students, parents, and staff on the ever-evolving world of digital safety.
David’s visit was packed with valuable insights, as he shared essential tips and tools for navigating the online world safely. We thank all the families who came and listened to his session, and we hope you got some practical things you can do to support your family.
Key Takeaways from the Cyber Safety Session
His session ran through practical, strategy-rich content that covered the important points all families need to know about online safety, including key information about social media and gaming, parental controls, and how to set up a cyber safe home for children of all ages.
Some top tips;
- Communication is key! Talk to your kids about what is happening online
- We want kids to go to their parents and carers when something bad happens online.
- A B C of a Cyber safe Home… A- Manage Access, B- Set Boundaries, C- Openly Communicate.
- Look into parental controls- ‘putting the guardrails in place’
- Modelling- look at your own phone use and how much time children see you on devices.
- Model good online behaviour and social media use- how do your children see you responding to online posts? How do you react?
- Types of less well known types of negative online behaviour; doxing, exclusion, captioning abuse, bystander behaviour. Check out the Parent Hub for more information on any of these.
- Exposure to inappropriate content- managing access. (Shared devices- parents/family, social media feeds and messaging, gaming platforms). Need to be aware of this and monitor/ respond accordingly
- Australia is leading the way with the esafety commissioner- new laws coming into place November 2025
- Students don’t want to tell us when they are having a negative experience online because; lack of understanding, fear of consequences, shame and embarrassment. To combat this parents need to; demonstrate open listening, problem solving, and positive modelling. Who are the trusted adults for your children?
KENSUKE'S KINGDOM: SHIP ARTWORK - YEAR 4
We are reading the novel Kensuke’s Kingdom. It is about a young boy named Micheal who sails around the world with his family. We made our own ships inspired by our novel. First we painted a light blue background with a paint wash, then we cut out our boat shape out of cardboard. We then started to decorate our boat with recycled and craft materials. Some materials we used were pipe cleaners, shells beads, bubble wrap, mini cups, string and wool, glitter (we all went home covered in this!), straws, pom poms, tape, netting stickers and fabric. One of our artworks even has an old cut up phone charger. (we hope his mum and dad knew he brought it in). We had so much fun making our ships in groups. Daisy and Mackenna, 4H
RIDDLE ME THIS?
Our Writing Enrichment Group have been creating their own brain benders, below is a selection for you to ponder:
1. I am big and I am small. I have three arms and a head the size of a ball. I spin round and round. I sit in the one spot. What am I?
Olivia Carroll, Y6
2. I am alive. I live underwater. I can be home for many animals. I have lots of wobbly sticks on me. I can fade but regrow. What am I?
Tex Duncan, Y3
3. I have to be broken before I'm used. I can be tall or short. I'm fluffy but not always. I have a tail and head. I also wear shoes. What am I?
Iylo Kirk, Y3
4. I can be big or I can be small. I can be short, or I can be tall. I could be empty, or I could be full. I can be moved if you push me or pull. What am I?
Abella Raffaele, Y5
5. I have a face, I have arms. I start and stop. I am battery powered. I am used as a tool. I come to work and school. What am I?
Abella Raffaele, Y5
6. I am red. I am pink. I get broken and back together. When I die I am gone, and I stop forever. What am I?
Alexa Smith, Y3
7. I'm comfy and warm. I'm wide not tall. I love making you at home. I'm fluffy and big. What am I?
Peyton Watts, Y3
8. I can be long or wide. I love to swim, but I cannot breathe underwater. I have no tail. I eat plants but I'm dangerous. What am I?
Nicholas Simpson, Y4
ANSWERS:
1. A fan 2. Coral 3. A horse 4. A wheelie bin 5. A watch 6. A heart 7. A bed 8. A hippo
PARENT/TEACHER LEARNING CONVERSATIONS
Semester One Parent Teaching Learning Conversations have now commenced.
There are still some spots available on:
Wednesday, 2nd April, 2025 - 3.30pm - 5.00pm
These are 10 minute pre-booked meetings, booked through the Compass App. Please refer to the attached instructions on how to book your interview.
We encourage all families to book a time to meet with your child’s teacher, as it is a great opportunity to discuss all matters concerning your child’s schooling.
We look forward to meeting with you to discuss your child’s learning.
STUDENT THOUGHTS ON ATTENDANCE
UNDERSTANDING BULLYING
Term 1 - Weeks 5 - 8
Awards will be presented on
Friday, 28th March at 1.05pm
Parents/Carers Welcome
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CLASS
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I CARE for self, others and my enviornment |
I GROW through positive actions witnessed within our school community |
I LEARN by demonstrating prositive learning behaviours |
TRUTH & HONOUR AWARD I am resilient, responsible and accept challenges |
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KHonour |
Eli Jones | Kovi Richards | Scarlett Scrivener | Aviarna Thurlow |
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KTruth |
Taj Kelly | Elijah Watts | Avalia Wyndham | Zemirah-Grace Akee |
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1Honour |
Shiloh Higgins | Oscar McGovern | Harper Dyet | Rhiannon Bush |
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1Spirit |
Christy Wood | Savannah Vinas | Archie Bull | Jensen Vidler |
|
1Truth |
Sylvie Meehan | Gabriel Anto | Arlo Bannerman | Olivia Hanna |
|
2Honour |
Brydie Churchin | Ensa Edison | Isabella Manuel | Anya Lunn |
|
2Truth |
Juana Jinu | Irin Eldho | Lucy Atkinson | Richard Thomas |
|
3Honour |
Xavier Giddy | Harry Holtmann | Lacey Kyle | Alisha Meeudnoon |
|
3Truth |
Alexander Pollock | Ivy Fraser | Sayler Sproule | Abigail Watson |
|
4Honour |
Lennox Edwards | Hughe Lyttle | Connor Swan | Eve Hegerty |
|
4Truth |
Tyler Quinn | Francesca Tamblyn | Charlotte Edwards | Ayva Battle |
| 5Truth | Safiah Gill | Scout Moorehead | Mia Greenslade | Henry Browning |
|
6Honour |
Hallie Edwards | Annet Mathew | Amber Simpson | Chelsea Mainey |
|
6Truth |
Glydel Clarke | Bryson Jones | William Pollock | Maddison Wright |
With Mr Owens
AIDEN TOLMAN RL 7s & TAG GALA DAY
DIO SOCCER & RUGBY LEAGUE UPDATE
- Unfortunately Dio Soccer in Grafton has been postponed until Friday 4th April.
- Rugby League Dio also postponed, date to be advised.
SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY
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Is your child wanting to join our 2025 School Dance Groups that will perform at the Kempsey Dance Eisteddfod on the 3rd July in Port Macquarie?
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PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS EVENT IS HELD IN PORT MACQUARIE
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10c RETURN AND EARN RECYCLING
We have recently updated our account details for our 10c Return and Earn Recycling
Program.
Families are asked to conveniently take their 10c drink containers straight to the High Speed Depot Drop Off at 47 South Street, South Kempsey whenever it suits you.
The School Office has small cards with our NEW Crunch Account details on it to keep in your car (or use this bar code).
All proceeds are used to assist with our St Joseph’s veggie garden and related learning activities.
Collection bags are still available in the Canteen Foyer. Children who recycle by visiting the High Speed Drop Off will still receive a prize from the Enviro Prize Box (see Mrs Hagger in the Canteen). Just be sure to bring in your docket to Mrs Tarrant.
SUSTAINABILITY HUB
old phones, batteries, used stamps, prescription glasses, toothpaste tubes/brushes and plastic writing implements.
Please feel free to drop these into the bins located in the canteen foyer.
If you have other items that you think the school may be able to use for art/craft etc please contact us.
25th - 30th May 2025
- Lots of classes nominating for class sections but have a look at the individual or duet items you could go in.
- Syllabus now out, please click the link to view the Programs and details on how to enter for Speech & Drama and Vocal & Instrumental.
- Entries now open and closing soon.
- Individual entries.
- See Mrs T for a copy of individual poems etc. or the website for more info.
CLICK HERE FOR THE PRC WEBSITE.
NATIONAL FAMILY READING MONTH
NUTRITION FOR MENTAL WELLNESS
The importance of the connection between the food we eat and our mental health is profound. Emerging research in the field of nutritional psychiatry highlights how diet significantly influences brain function, mood, and overall mental well-being.
The following are key nutrients that directly impact brain health and in turn our mental health:
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Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, omega-3s are anti-inflammatory and support brain cell function, reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
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B Vitamins: Vitamins like B6, B12, and folate (in leafy greens, eggs, and fortified cereals) are crucial for producing neurotransmitters and reducing homocysteine levels, linked to better mood stability.
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Magnesium: Present in nuts, seeds, and dark chocolate, magnesium helps manage stress and may alleviate anxiety.
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Zinc and Iron: Found in meats, legumes, and shellfish, these minerals are vital for cognitive function and emotional health.
These foods not only are beneficial for supporting our mental health as parents but are equally important for our kids. For some reason in modern society we have come to assume that our kids some how need to eat differently than ourselves. The reality is that they have the same nutritional requirements as we do and to ensure optimal mental health for them we must look to fuel them with the nutrients that their young brains and bodies need. (Damian Geleyns, Wellness Kids Summit)
HEALTHY LUNCH BOX WEBSITE
The Healthy Lunch Box website is your one-stop shop for recipe inspiration and information to help you add more fruit, veg and wholegrains into your child's diet to improve their health.
Lots of quick and easy recipes and snack ideas.
Informative blogs about healthy eating.
Healthy swaps.
Interactive lunch box builder that helps parents and kids plan and pack a healthy lunch box with foods they like.
Easy Blueberry Pikelets
Click here for an easy and delicious lunchbox snack idea!
FAMILY CONNECT IN SCHOOLS
The wellbeing of our students and their families is paramount here at St Joseph’s and we are lucky to have some extra support built into our school community through a Program Worker from Family Connect in Schools.
If you have any concerns about or need assistance/support with being linked into specialist services such as, external providers for healthcare, housing, domestic violence, Centrelink, disability/NDIS, counselling services, culturally appropriate supports etc, please contact the front office. More information is attached.
PRICE CHANGES
- All Frozen Treats are now $1.50 each (except for Quelch Sticks which are 50c).
Please ensure your child brings $1.50 to school if they wish to purchase a frozen treat over the counter.
REUSABLE CUTLERY SETS
IF YOUR CHILD DOESN'T HAVE A PACKED LUNCH
Families, should your child happen to forget their lunch, our Canteen can provide them a sandwich, piece of fruit and a drink. Unfortunately, no hot food can be made. Thank you.
2025 CANTEEN MENU
OFFSITE BAGGED LUNCH
This special lunch bag will be an option for any offsite events that are held locally (no hot lunches will be delivered offsite).
The Offsite Lunch Bag consists of chicken & salad wrap or sandwich, bottle of water, muesli bar, pkt plain chips and a piece of seasonal fruit for $15. Select "Offsite Bagged Lunch" from the Compass Canteen Menus.
STUDENT BIRTHDAY BUNDLES
Should you have any queries please contact our Canteen ladies, Mrs Hagger & Mrs Crowe.
We have two dedicated classrooms on the St Joseph's Catholic Primary School campus in Kemp Street, West Kempsey. The classrooms are filled with resources and games to suit children from Kinder to Year 6.
Students from all schools in the Macleay Valley and surrounds are welcome at Joey's OOSHC.
Joey's OOSHC has a proud history of providing high quality out of school hours care for than ten years. Joey's dedicated and experienced staff plan and manage programs that offer both fun and educational opportunities.
To find out more and to explore the enrolment process visit our website at https://www.joeyskempsey.org.au/
2025 FEE BILLING
The schedule of Tuition Fees for 2025 have been uploaded to our website.
The School Services Levy and Term Tuition Fees were billed during February, allowing families to view the full-year fees on their statements. These statements were forwarded via Compass.
The Diocese Fees team have written to all families asking them to nominate a payment frequency from the following options:
Available payment methods are Bpay, Compass Pay, Centrepay Deduction or cash/EFTPOS at the school office. Your Bpay details appears on your monthly statement emailed at the start of each new month.
We recognise the financial pressures that families may face and strive to offer
flexible payment options to accommodate different circumstances. For more
information and to contact our Diocesan Fees Team, please visit the Diocese of
Lismore Catholic Schools website.
Effective immediately, all students can only be dropped off at their registered school in the morning, we can no longer drop off in town for sports carnivals etc.
All buses are required to complete their school runs as per contracts.
BUS PASSES
- All students catching the bus in 2025 will need a school travel pass.
- Under the School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS), eligible students can apply for free or subsided travel between home and school.
- For more information about the School Student Transport Scheme and how to apply for a school travel pass, visit https://apps.transport.nsw.
gov.au/ssts/#/ from a desktop computer.
Students who need a School Bus Pass for 2025 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 a new shared parental arrangement (e.g. joint custody).
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, we will send them an expiry notification via email.
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 be given to the student as they board the bus for the first time in 2024 or be sent directly to them at home.
Important Note:-
Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply or update their details as soon as possible.
Students living in rural and regional areas will receive their travel pass from their nominated transport operator. It may be issued via their school or be sent directly to them at home.
To learn more about the COMPASS Platform please click here
About the Compass Platform
The Compass platform is a web-based system that is accessible on any modern web browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome & Safari) or by using the Compass School Manager iOS or Android App.
Parents have the ability to;
- Receive notifications about school events, news and information
- Enter an explanation for absences
- Communicate with your child’s teachers,
- Update your family contact details (mobile phone & email)
- View your child’s timetable and the school calendar
- Download and view your child’s academic reports
- Book parent-teacher conferences (parent/teacher interviews)
- Pay and provide digital consent for events (No more permission slips)
- Order lunches from the Canteen
- Pay school fees
STEPPING STONES - FREE WEBINARS
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER for three free webinars for parents of children with an intellectual disability. Learn more about positive parenting approaches, helping your child reach their full potential and changing problem behaviour into positive behaviour. Provided by The Sydney Children's Hospital Network and Triple P Positive Parenting.
Catholic School Parents Australia has 
developed free resources to strengthen the home-school partnership! The new video workshops help guide primary and secondary parents, principals, and school staff to take a holistic approach to their children’s well-being and educational
experience.
The resources also include guides for local facilitators to run through the video workshops in collaborative sessions with principals, staff and families. Insights from experts like Andrew Fuller, John Hattie and Donna Cross inform the workshop’s research-backed strategies.
The resources can be found on the Gearing Up for Parent Engagement website.
Please find below a download to the
"Supporting Diverse Learning in Catholic Schools" resource.
I AM A GIRL - COME 'N' TRY BASKETBALL!
Come and try basketball, in a fun, safe environment just for GIRLS!
You'll enjoy fun games while developing fundamental and basketball movements. Boost your confidence, spark your imagination, and enjoy being active. Don't miss out—bring a friend for double the fun!
Register now and receive a FREE TSHIRT!!
Please use the below link to register and select your applicable program:
The I AM A GIRL Program is supported by the NSW Government's Strategic Focus on women and girls in sport.
ADELAIDE SWIFT ART AWARDS
We are the proud hosts of the Adelaide Swift Art Awards. For further information click here.
Youth Award (Ages 9 – 13)
$250 – Best in Category - Maritime Museum & Visitor Information Centre.
$100 – Highly Commended – Eric & Michelle Mitchell.
$50 Commended – Happy Smiles Dental South West Rocks.
Youth Award (Ages 14 – 18)
$250 – Best in Category – Coastline Bank, South West Rocks.$100 – Highly Commended – Coastal View Blinds & Shutters.$50 Commended - Coastal View Blinds & Shutters.People’s Choice Award - $300
South West Rocks Estuary Charters People’s Choice Award.Key Dates
- Register by Tuesday 1st April 2025 at swrcag.com.au
- Friday 11th April is the deadline to enter artwork details onto the website. You will receive an email with a link.
- Deliver Artwork between 10am & 4pm on Sunday 13th April to ‘The Gallery Shed’ next door to the Community Art Gallery on the corner of Gregory and Livingstone Streets.
- Awards Ceremony, Saturday 19th April. It will start at 4pm in the School of Arts Hall on Gregory Street next to the Gallery. Drinks and nibbles will be available in the Gallery Garden after the Ceremony. Finish 6pm.
- End date of the exhibition is Sunday 4th May 2025.
- Pick up of artwork Sunday 4th May from 3pm to 6pm.
WHEN YOU HAVE A MEDICAL CONCERN - CONTACT NORTH COAST HEALTH CONNECT
North Coast Health Connect is a free (bulk billing) new service providing health support and advice from registered nurses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including public holidays. If you are a resident or visitor to the North Coast, you can speak or live chat with a nurse. The nurse will ask some questions to understand what’s troubling you and then provide advice on what your next step should be.
This may include self-care advice to help you to manage your health (or that of a loved one) from home, or the nurse may recommend a GP appointment or a consultation with a pharmacist. The nurses are able to book an appointment for you directly with a local general practice or pharmacy or if appropriate, can transfer you to a 24/7 GP telehealth service. If the nurse believes you need to attend an emergency department or see a different health service, they will let you know.
Visit https://northcoasthealthconnect.org.au/ for more info and save as a contact for when you need it
https://northcoasthealthconnect.org.au/communication-resources/ (1)
This incredible service will help families access ‘on the day’ healthcare which is bulkbilled and is a vital and important service in this area.
Currently we have 220 GP appointments each week, supported by 23 GP clinics, across the entire North Coast region to access.
Visit https://northcoasthealthconnect.org.au/ for more info and save as a contact for when you need it by visiting https://qrco.de/bdkiJm or by scanning the QR code below.