St Joseph's Newsletter

On Tuesday the AGM was held via Teams and the School Board met for the first time, where the office bearer positions were decided. 

President:  Fr Lancy D'Silva

Chairperson: Craig Costello

Deputy Chairperson: Rebekah Walton

Executive Officer:  Maria D’Aloia

Deputy Executive Officer:  Helen Clark

Staff Representative:  Joe Colella

Chairperson of the Finance Committee: Laura Morris

Deputy Chairperson of the Finance Committee: Leath Margrie

Secretary: Jasmine Zawitkowski

Members: Francis Ben, Liam Parker

The School Board members are committed to working in partnership in an advisory capacity to be your voice.  In practice, this means that in a spirit of partnership, the School Board acts to:

• develop policies that nurture the religious dimension and guide the direction of the school;
• develop the relationship between the school and the local Church;
• promote educational excellence within the school;
• support the administration of the school;
• foster harmonious and positive collaboration within the school community;
• protect children;
• monitor buildings and grounds development and maintenance;
• exercise financial stewardship of the school; and
• ensure compliance with legal obligations.

Thank you to the members of the School Board for taking on such an important role in our school.

Another important and positive way of getting involved in our school is the Parents and Friends Committee.  The role of the P & F is to build community (FUNraise) and support the school in improving resources and facilities, (FUNDraise).  As we will be unable to meet face to face yet, an invitation via Teams will be sent out to all families on Tuesday 8th March and we can meet remotely.  P & F meetings are usually held at 6 pm alternating each month on Monday and Wednesday.   I have scheduled the first meeting on Wednesday 9 March at 6 pm.

This link Catholic School Parents SA CSPSA Introduction will take you to some correspondence from Trish Jarvis, Executive Officer of the newly formed Catholic School Parents SA, which may be of interest. 

I am delighted to inform you that OSHC vacant positions have now been finalised.

Congratulations and Welcome to:

• Maria Cronin – OSHC Director
• Graziella Panazzolo – OSHC Deputy Director
• Michael Lindsay and Ly Vy – educators

I am very grateful, as always, to former OSHC Director, Mirca Bray for helping us during this transitional period and for always being available at short notice when required.  THANK YOU!

It is with great joy to announce Mrs Siobhan Frost is expecting her third child later this year.  Please join me in extending our best wishes and blessings to Siobhan and Ben.

Our school hall will be used as a polling booth on Saturday 19 March. 

Personal hygiene and the hygiene standards in our school is critical to reducing the risk of infection.

All children and staff will need to continue to:

• wash their hands regularly, particularly after using the toilet and before eating
• avoid spreading infections to others by staying home if they are unwell
• cover a cough or sneeze with a tissue
• year 3-6 students to wear masks in classrooms

SA Health encourages parents to provide children with their own personal, labelled and named drink water bottles. These can then be refilled at the drink fountains or water taps, rather than children drinking directly from the taps.

Parents will need to maintain social distancing when in the school yard.

Let’s care for each other and be kind!

Information and registration forms regarding the 2022 Hindmarsh-Findon Parish Sacramental Program have been distributed via SeeSaw and Skoolbag. If you would like a hard copy, please let Helen Clark know.

Children who are baptised in the Catholic faith and are in Year 3 or above are invited to register and be involved in this program.

The sacrament of Reconciliation preparation will be undertaken in Term 1, with children receiving this Sacrament after a School Mass this term.

Please contact Helen Clark (hclark@sjsh.catholic.edu.au) or the Parish Office shparish@shphf.com.au if you have any queries regarding the 2022 Sacramental Program.

Shrove Tuesday, in the Christian calendar, is the day before Ash Wednesday.

“Shrove” comes from the Roman Catholic practice of confessing one’s sins and being absolved of them, or “shriven”.

Shrovetide feasts were designed to use up the food that could not be eaten during the Lenten fast.

Shrove Tuesday is also known as 'Mardi Gras' (French for 'Fat Tuesday'). Many countries around the world hold carnivals on this day. This year, Shrove Tuesday falls on Tuesday the 1st March.

During Lent the St Joseph’s community, led by our Mini Vinnies group raise funds for Caritas Project Compassion. Caritas support communities around the world, including in Australia, to upskill people to create solidarity and dignity of the human person.

On Shrove Tuesday (1st March), we will hold our first fundraiser.
Pancakes will be available for a gold coin donation to all students.
Thank you to our 3 parent volunteers who have offered to cook our pancakes. We are still seeking donations of pancake mix, including gluten and dairy free, as well as pancake toppers (jam, lemon juice, sugar, maple syrup, golden syrup). If donating, we ask that you only donate 1 item.

 To help reduce waste, we ask that students bring a named reusable plate. That they will be able to wash after.

https://www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion/

Ash Wednesday will be commemorated on Wednesday the 2nd of March.

On Ash Wednesday, ashes from the burnt leaves from the year before are placed on people’s foreheads in the sign of the cross (due to Covid, this year they will be lightly sprinkled on students heads). This shows that we are sorry for our sins and reminds us to live the way Jesus wants.

When we are marked on the forehead, Father or the leader says,

‘Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel’ or,

‘Repent and follow the Gospel’

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Church season of Lent.  Lent is a 40 day period of fasting and reflection in preparation for Easter. During this time we focus on the promises made at baptism. All of this prepares us for celebrating Christ’s death and resurrection.

The colours of linens and vestments are purple as a sign of penance. On the fourth Sunday of Lent (Laetare) the colour is pink.

Lent is a special time when we stop and think about how we can play our part in God’s hope for a world that is fair, just and peaceful. We think about our relationship with God, and how through serving others we can grow closer to him.

We also think about the changes we can make in our lives, to be God’s hands, God’s love and God’s mercy in our world, ensuring justice ‘for all future generations.’ 

Think your child has what it takes to represent our school in the Western District? 📝 Register your interest today.

To register, follow this link.

Registrations open to students in years 4-6:

• 🏃Athletics
• 🏁 Cross Country
• 🏊 Swimming
  
  

Registrations open to students in years 5-6 only:

• 🏉 Australian Football
• 🏏 Cricket 
• 🏑 Hockey
• 🏐 Netball
• ⚽️ Soccer
• ⚾️ Softball
• 🎾 Tennis
  
  

What is a State Sport Carnival?
School Sport SA (also known as Sapsasa) is responsible for administering primary and secondary school sports programs throughout the state. 

There are 40 districts (22 country/outer metro and 18 metropolitan) and 13 zones (8 country and 5 metropolitan). There are also 6 regions (all country) which are a combination of districts and zones. A district, zone or region convenor provides sports programs for their schools.

What experience is needed? 
Children will need to be playing the sports or have a good deal or experience in them in order to be considered for trial.

How does my child make the team?
To make any of these teams, students will need to attend the trial and be selected.

Will I need to take my child to the trial and event?
These trials are conducted off site and students will need to find their own transportation to and from the venue.

How many events can my child register for?
Students can register for a maximum of 2 carnivals each.

🔗 For more information about the State Carnivals follow this link.