St Joseph's Newsletter

Thank you to the 45 people who responded to the recent survey regarding the school swimming program. Your responses provide useful data to consider when making decisions regarding the programs of the school.  Whilst we received mixed responses, a higher proportion of families indicated they see value in continuing with the swimming program.  Varied explanations included -  

"I feel the money could be used in other areas of the school. I don't think the 4 days is enough for children that don't attend lessons outside of school to grasp the concept in a short period of time."

"It's an excellent programme and builds on confidence and skills in the water which is crucial for survival."

This feedback will be discussed by the School Board in early 2023.  

We are now seeking nominations of parents/caregivers in our community who wish to represent the interests of all stakeholders in the school as a member of the St Joseph’s School Board. Elected members serve a 2-year term and, along with staff and Parish representatives, they fulfil an advisory role in the decision making of the school. Once all nominations have been received, we provide the opportunity for all parents/caregivers to elect our new 2023 St Joseph’s School Board members. 

In accepting a position on the Board, members indicate they believe in its ethos, have a genuine interest in the school and wish to give something in return for the benefits they might have received as a student, parent or caregiver. Further information about the role of a School Board member can be found on the CESA website. 

Parents or Caregivers can self-nominate or can be nominated by another. If you are looking to nominate someone whom you think would contribute well to the Board, please have a conversation with them first. Click here to self-nominate, or to nominate another.  Next week, all parents and caregivers in our community will be given the opportunity to vote so as to appoint our 2023 School Board members.  

Work is continuing at a great pace as our new play space begins to take shape. Much of the initial work took place underground to ensure correct water management, however, significant work has now occurred to construct adventure play spaces with defined boundaries and some of our tree planting has now happened also. When the school term ends next week, the contractors will then extend the site, removing the remaining artificial grass and the current playground.  Work will continue over the term break, and we will have access to a brand new grassed oval upon our return in Term 1 2023. From there, only a few weeks remaining of work will need to occur before our yard space is transformed into a beautiful, practical and inviting play space incorporating adventure, nature and sensory play areas for all of our students.  

Karyn has served the St Joseph’s School community as Bursar since 2019 managing school finances, maintenance, staff appointments and a myriad of other tasks which keep our school running smoothly day after day. Karyn will take up the position of Finance Officer at Star of the Sea School, Henley Beach in 2023. We are currently working with the Catholic Education Office to ensure this extremely important work can continue smoothly as we engage in an appointment process to fill this role. 

Kathleen has worked as both a classroom teacher and, in several leadership, and supportive roles in her 27 years as a member of staff at St Joseph’s School. Kathleen’s understanding and knowledge of the community, willingness to lead and support her colleagues in school and special events and particular strengths in all things IT and Literacy will be deeply missed.  

Joseph has been a part of the teaching staff for the past 2 years and is leaving to take up a permanent teaching position at Whitefriars School. Joseph has worked as our Year 5/6 teacher this year and represented the staff on the School Board. His gentle, relational, but firm approach to teaching our older students has been appreciated by many.  

Tasso joined the St Joseph’s School community as Music Teacher in 2021. He has since provided specialist classroom music lessons to all students in our school, including our Pre-Schoolers. Tasso has facilitated the Catholic Schools Music Festival Choir, the Year 3 /4 Choir and the School Band.  He has also coordinated our music tutors. Tasso and his guitar have been a welcome part of whole school gatherings and his beautiful singing voice lead many enjoyable and reflective moments.  

Tori has provided wonderful leadership and support for our Pre-Schoolers over her time with us in 2021 and 2022. She engages respectfully with our youngest learners, always treating them as the capable and competent young citizens that they are. Tori has indicated that she will be taking other opportunities in 2023. 

Natalie has been a part of the St Joseph’s School community this year as Year 3 /4 teacher.  Natalie’s calm and relational approach to middle primary learners has been appreciated. Natalie is leaving our school to await the birth of her fourth child. 

Two teachers who are currently on leave have also indicated they will not be returning to St Joseph’s School next year.  Kay Carmody has been a member of staff for many years, teaching various students across Year 1-6 over that time.  Rebecca Keller who was our PE teacher and Sports Coordinator, has now resigned after being on parenting leave for several years after the birth of her children.  

Cate Halbert, our Pre-School lead teacher will be taking Long Service Leave in Term 1 2023. 

More information regarding class and specialist teachers for the 2023 school year will be published next week in a special End of Year Bulletin.  

Today, our school will gather in the Hall where each class will lead us in singing some Christmas Carols – helping us prepare for the Christmas season.  

On Thursday afternoon (tomorrow) we will gather in the Hall to recognise students who have participated on Out of School Hours Sport this year. We thank the many parents/ family members who have volunteered their time as coaches and managers to ensure that so many students have had the wonderful opportunities provided by school community sports.  

We look forward to gathering as a whole school community on the evening of Monday 12 December at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 252 Port Road Hindmarsh at 6:30pm to give thanks to God for the 2022 school year. Students are expected to attend with their families, however, will be sitting in class groups for the Mass. At this time, we will have the opportunity to also give thanks for our staff who are leaving the school and to farewell our graduating Year 6 students. Whilst we love the opportunity to bring our community together, please be mindful of space in our Church and keep extended family guests to a minimum.  

Our Year 6 students and their families will gather on the evening of Wednesday 14 December at to celebrate together with a meal to mark their graduation from St Joseph’s School.  

Marianne Farrugia
Principal

The second week of Advent occurred last Sunday. The candle of peace is lit this week. This candle reminds us that the angels declared “Peace on Earth” at the birth of Jesus. Jesus offers us inner peace and peace with others. We can know and experience peace today only through the life of Jesus Christ.

Next week will be the third week of Advent. This week of Advent is the candle of joy. Also known as the “shepherds’ candle” where we rejoice for the coming King. The shepherds experienced joy at the good news of the birth of the Messiah.

The fourth week of Advent is the candle of love. This week we reflect on the ultimate gift of love – Jesus Christ. Jesus is our true example of love, and it is He that came to teach us to love God and love others.

A reminder that our End of Year Thanksgiving Mass is on Monday, 12th December at 6:30pm at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 252 Port Road, Hindmarsh. It would be great to see all our families together as a community giving thanks to God for each other, our school and staff, and the wonderful the school year we have had.

Our Vinnie’s Christmas Appeal will finish on Friday, 9th December, with our volunteers coming to pick up the donations the following week. We ask that any last donations please be sent to school by this Friday. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the appeal – your generosity is truly appreciated. There will be many people and families that will be grateful for your donations and helping them to have a joyful Christmas.

Katie Downie
APRIM

Our Sacred Heart Parish warmly welcomes St Joseph’s School Families to our Carols Night in the Church grounds on Port Road at Hindmarsh on Sunday December 11th. Food and soft drinks will be available, together with a coffee van.

For further information, speak to Mary Hemmings, School Chaplain.   

Bookings for Vac Care open until Friday.

Return your printed booking and consent form to secure your place. You will not be able to place a booking online for Vacation Care.

✅ Vacation Care Open:

• Friday 16th December to Wednesday 21st December
• Monday 9th January to Friday 27th January
  
  

🚫 Vacation Care Closed:

• Thursday 22nd December to Friday 6th January
• Thursday 26th January  

Advent is the special time when we prepare and wait to celebrate the birthday of Jesus on Christmas day. We have introduced our advent table and the Angel Gabriel as one of the key characters in the Infancy Nativity narrative. The children have been listening to the story, learning a song, creating angels, and retelling the story with works of art.

The children have continued to extend their butterfly explorations by drawing the life cycle and viewing books and videos about the process of metamorphosis

Each year we encourage and invite our senior students to demonstrate a personal commitment to service and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to their school community to which they belong. 

In doing so, the Year 5/6 students have the opportunity, to be recognised for their efforts and acts of service as they work to lead and direct others in such a way as to bring credit and ‘positive change’ to self and St Joseph’s School.

During Term 1, we reintroduced a leadership initiative program through the ‘School Community Service Award.’

How does it work?
Commencing from Term 1 this year, students who wish to participate in this initiative, will be required to complete 3 ‘community service acts’ within the school community.

They will also be required to complete each ‘service act’ on 3 different occasions throughout the term.  As evidence, class teachers and/or school staff will be required to date and authorise confirmation and completion of their service. 

In addition to completing 3 different ‘acts of service,’ the Year 5/6 students will also be expected to consistently maintain and uphold a high standard of leadership qualities, skills and behaviour.

The food at El Shaddai was better than we expected, and we really enjoyed it. On the first night for dinner, we had lasagna with garlic bread the lasagna was hot and really nice and the garlic bread was also very hot and that was what made it good. On the second day for breakfast, we had a choice of different types of cereal or break with a choice of your spread or you could have both.  Morning tea with had hot and soft cheese puffs that everyone loved. At lunch we had nachos which everyone absolutely loved so much, and it was our favorite meal. At dinner we had some chicken and gravy which was good, but the lasagna was still better. On the last day we had the same ordinary breakfast cereal and toast with choice of spreading which we didn’t mind because breakfast was our favorite. For morning tea we had hot, delicious chocolate and banana muffins that were actually unbelievable. At lunch we had burgers which we wouldn’t say was our favorite. 

One of our first activity after we ate was archery, some people got it in the yellow zone, and some got in the red or blue. Afterwards we had laser tag. There was a blue team and a red team, it was super fun. Some other people wanted to have a game against Mr. Colella and some of the group sat out, and Mr. Colella lost! We went back to our dorms to get change for our next activity. After that we headed to the dining hall where Mark served some delicious nachos for lunch. 

El Shaddai Christain Youth camp has lots of fun activities, but have you heard of their giant swing? This amazing swing stands at a whopping 32 feet in the air. Well before we start swinging, we need to tell you some rules, here we go. 

 Once you arrive at the giant swing, you must first wear a safety harness. Later the instructor will provide you with a helmet and safety glasses. Once it is your turn, your harness will be clipped onto the giant swing. After you climb a ladder, the instructor will ask you if you are comfortable. Now he will take the ladder off and you are ready to go, but how exactly does it work?  

After floating midair for a while on the swing, the instructor will ask the rest of your group to grab a rope and start pulling it. The best thing about this epic swing is that you can stop at the height you are comfortable at. As you get to the point where you are comfortable, the instructor asks the group to brace. Then he asks you to pull this green grip ball in front of you when you are ready. Now, let's tell you a little about how it feels. 

 Once you pull that rope, one of the clips detaches from the other compartments and starts swinging. On that first swing you feel as if you are going to fall but because of the ropes, you start swinging. After a couple of swings, you feel more confident. Later, the instructor will ask you to pass  him red Fred (a red rope) so he can stop your momentum, then he will put the ladder below you, unclip you and get you down. 

So, what do you think about the giant swing?  

It’s safe, you know how it works, and you know what it feels like. Trust me, once you get on this swing, you will want to go on it again and again.  

So what are you waiting for? Grab those keys and drive straight to El Shaddai at Wellington, where the almighty giant swing is waiting your arrival. 

On the 24th on November 37 students attended the SACPSSA athletics carnival at Bridgestone Stadium in Salisbury. It was a very warm day but that did not stop our students from competing at the highest level. Our year 5 and year 6 girls won their year level pennant which also resulted in our school being awarded with the female shield on the day. This means our girls won the entire day! What an amazing effort. Our boys did a fantastic job and everyone who attending finished with a top 4 place and were awarded a ribbon. Special mentions go to Orlando Policce who was awarded the year 3 boys top athlete and Chelsea Petersen who was awarded the year 5 girls top athlete.

 Languages courses for students in Years R-6 are available in Afrikaans, Arabic, Auslan, Chinese, French, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Nepali, Spanish, Thai and Vietnamese.

These courses are based on the Australian Curriculum and are aimed at second language learners. 

Reception students who turn five on or before 30 April are eligible to enrol.

Year levels may be separate or combined depending on enrolment numbers.

If you are interested in enrolling your child, please complete the enrolment form in the R-6 Enrolment form/Information 2023 section (located to the right) and email it to dl.1802.admin@schools.sa.edu.au

Should you have any questions please contact the school on 8301 4800 during office hours.

Once enrolments are approved by an enrolment officer, students will receive a Confirmation of Enrolment email and a welcome package. 

Visit their website for more information: https://schooloflanguages.sa.edu.au/