Dear Parents and Community Members,

As I reflect on Term 3 I am heartened to see the community continue to adapt to the current restrictions in place and making every effort to maintain connections with each other, as evidenced in the way we have celebrated Grandparents Day, Liturgies, Assemblies, the Sacramental celebrations and other school events this term.  The P & F committee are steadfast in their endeavours to nurture and strengthen the community by continuing to FUNraise and FUNDraise in creative ways!  Thank you for your persistence, creativity and resilience!!

In the media recently it was announced that School Fees would be reduced.  Our School Board at  St Joseph’s School, Hindmarsh has met to discuss this and will be reducing fees for 2021.  

At St Joseph’s we are committed to providing greater accessibility and affordability for all families in our community without impacting the quality of education.   

The 2021 Fee Structure that will represent a reduction in fees will be distributed during Term 4.

Embracing every opportunity for each child to — IMAGINE— DISCOVER— CREATE— ACHIEVE

Preparations are underway for 2021. Thank you to all of you who have completed the 'Return to School' Survey. This information will be used to determine class structures. As soon as class structures are finalised we will begin organising students into classes, which is a very complex task that requires much planning and thought.

Class teachers have a good knowledge of each student's academic development and social and emotional needs. Teachers will take all this knowledge into consideration, together with parent teacher discussions conducted throughout the year when determining class placements.

If there are educational or social emotional issues that you feel need to be considered, please inform me in writing, before Monday 19th October 2020.

This does NOT include teacher requests. Class teachers will have the responsibility of arranging students into respective classes; however, I will meet regularly with teachers throughout the whole process.

Please note: Any late requests or teacher requests will not be considered.

Students and families are reminded to be wary of approaches from strangers, especially when they are unaccompanied or travelling to and from school. If they are approached students should not respond and should not accept offers of rides or gifts.

Students should seek the assistance of other nearby adults if they feel unsafe and should report the event to a trusted adult (parent or school staff member) as soon as possible.

SAPOL advises that taking out a mobile phone and calling police can deter the offender and they recommend the student making a formal report to their closest police station.

Students of St Joseph’s, Hindmarsh are covered under the school’s ambulance cover for accident or injury if emergency ambulance transportation is required while participating in school events.

Students are not covered for pre existing illnesses or conditions e.g. asthma, anaphylaxis, etc.  In these instances families are required to ensure that they have their own private ambulance cover or they will receive an account from the SA Ambulance Services that will be the responsibility  of the family to pay should ambulance attendance be necessary for pre existing conditions whilst the child is participating in school events.

It is important to understand that the School will call an ambulance in situations that we see necessary under our responsibility to the students regardless of whether it is covered by our cover and this may mean that it is not always possible to contact the parents prior to contacting the SA Ambulance Service.

Congratulations to children who received awards at Assembly recently.

Classroom teachers select students who demonstrate our School Values: Respect, Compassion, Hope, Forgiveness and Service.

First Communion Parent Meeting: 20th October @ 6:30pm in St Joseph’s School Hall

First Communion: 22nd November @ Sacred Heart Church, Hindmarsh

Year 3-6 students will attend Mass this Wednesday in the St Joseph’s Hall, based on a theme of service, with a particular focus on St Vincent de Paul.

Lord Jesus, in service You washed the feet of Your disciples,
offering us a model of humility, love, and respect. Open our
hearts to Your presence in those we assist. That we may offer
them the same spirit of dedicated service, compassion and
love You showed. May we, through our actions of service
and generosity, lighten their burdens by providing for their
immediate necessities and offering them hope, peace and
justice.

God Bless
Helen Clark
APRIM

OSHC is now taking bookings for Vacation Care. Please make sure all forms are returned to OSHC by Monday 21st September. 

Forms are available from OSHC or you can view it on our website.

Bookings will only be accepted when a deposit of $20 per day for each child has been paid.

If you have any queries please contact Catherine, our OSHC Director.

ST. JOSEPH'S OLD SCHOLARS SPRING LUNCHEON  -  Wednesday October 7th 2020.

Lockleys Hotel - 493 Henley Beach Road, Lockleys. 11.45a.m. for 12 noon start.

SENIORS MENU - $17.90 (includes complimentary drink). BOOKINGS with Josie (8295 3667) or Joyleen (8337 9500) by FRIDAY 2ND OCTOBER. Seating will not be allocated. Invitation for ALL students/teachers/staff (male and female) who have ever had a connection with a Josephite School/College and/or St. Mary MacKillop.