Week 6, Term 1 2025

As we approach the middle of Term 1 for 2025, it is incredible to already reflect on the amazing learning opportunities and events happening in our school community.

Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday

This week our students from both campuses participated in Shrove Tuesday historical learning and making pancakes. The Preschool hosted a parent and family breakfast to enjoy a healthy start to the day. Students at each site also held Ash Wednesday liturgies to mark the commencement of Lent. It was wonderful to see many parents and families in attendance at the liturgies.

Year 6 School Leader Speeches

It was brilliant to hear 14 of our Year 6 students apply for school captain and leadership roles within our school. The students all shared well-written and confidently delivered speeches to outline how they would make a positive impact in our school if elected.

Preparing for NAPLAN 2025
As we begin the new school year, our students in Years 3 and 5 are preparing for the upcoming NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) assessments. These assessments, scheduled for March, provide valuable insights into students’ literacy and numeracy skills, helping to inform our teaching and learning practices at a whole-school and individual level.

NAPLAN results support teachers in identifying strengths and areas for improvement, allowing us to tailor instruction to meet the diverse learning needs of our students. Alongside other school-based assessment data, NAPLAN contributes to a well-rounded understanding of student progress and helps guide future curriculum planning.

We acknowledge that NAPLAN is just one measure of student achievement, and we encourage all students to approach the assessments with a positive mindset. Our focus is on growth and learning, and we support students in building their confidence and skills leading up to the tests.

Exemptions and Withdrawals

While participation in NAPLAN is encouraged, parents and caregivers who wish to apply for an exemption or withdraw their child from the assessments are welcome to contact the school leadership team. This process must be completed before the testing period, and we are happy to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.

The National Assessment Program (NAP) site has demonstration assessments available for students to become more aware of the assessment conditions prior to the administration period, https://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/public-demonstration-site

If you would like further information regarding NAPLAN or the exemption and withdrawal process, please do not hesitate to reach out to the school office.

Supporting Student Learning Through a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS)

At our school, we are committed to providing all students with the support they need to succeed in their learning journey. We implement a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) to ensure that every child receives the appropriate level of instruction and intervention based on their individual needs.

Tier 1: High-Quality Classroom Instruction

Our foundation for student learning begins with high-quality Tier 1 classroom teaching. In literacy, we use Playberry Laser and Heggarty, which are explicit instruction approaches that ensures all students engage with structured, systematic, and evidence-based literacy learning. This method supports the development of strong foundational skills in reading and writing for all students.

Tier 2 and Tier 3: Targeted Support and Intervention

For students who require additional support, we provide Tier 2 MiniLIT and MACQLIT and Tier 3 one to one intervention groups. These small-group sessions focus on tailored and explicit learning points designed to help students develop confidence and experience success. By providing structured and intensive support, we ensure that every child has the opportunity to progress at their own pace and reach their full potential.

All parents whose children participate in the intervention programs are consulted regarding their child’s inclusion. Students do not remain in these groups permanently as these are formed on whole-school data sets and monitored closely for students to return to Tier 1 classroom instruction when adequately prepared.

eSafety Student and Parent Sessions

Recently, we invited SAPOL to host sessions for our Year 3 to 6 students on the topic of cyber safety to help students as they navigate online spaces using devices and technology. In addition, we worked with the Australian Federal Police to host a parent session to address working with their children on ensuring they are safe online.

Carnevale celebrations at Bridge Street

The students at Bridge Street have been learning about the Italian celebrational Carnevale festival and studying the design of masks. The students made their own personalised masks and held a parade to showcase their creations.

Principal

Adam Slater

This week, we came together for our Ash Wednesday Liturgies. This day signifies, for Christians around the world, the beginning of the Season of Lent.  A time when we prepare ourselves for Easter by reflecting on how we can be a better person by reflecting on life's choices and possible life directions.   

On Ash Wednesday people who seek forgiveness for their wrongdoings or want to change their ways are marked with the sign of the cross, from blessed ashes, on their foreheads. This symbolic occasion reminds us of our sorrow for sins, as well as the will for change and the hope of forgiveness.  It is traditionally a time of fasting and prayer.   

POPE FRANCIS’ WORDS  

Do you want to fast this Lent?  

Fast from hurting words and say kind words.  

Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.  

Fast from anger and be filled with patience.  

Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.  

Fast from worries and trust in God.  

Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity.  

Fast from pressures and be prayerful.  

Fast from bitterness and fill your heart with joy.  

Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others.  

Fast from grudges and be reconciled.  

Fast from words and be silent so you can listen.  

Project Compassion
This Lent, we are called to Unite Against Poverty through Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion. This week your child took home a Project Compassion donation box. By donating, you’ll be answering the Gospels’ call to care for our global family and walk alongside the most vulnerable.

Your generous support this Lenten Season will enable Caritas Australia to provide life-changing support to communities facing poverty, food insecurity, lack of education, and water shortages, while building resilience against future challenges. Together, through faith and action, we can bring hope and opportunity to those most in need.
 

Project Compassion boxes can be returned to the Front Offices at both Bridge and William Street at any time before the end of this term. Thank you for standing with us, as we Unite Against Poverty this Lent.

School and Class Masses / Liturgies of the Word  

Volunteering at SJMS

At SJMS we value the time and commitment our parents and caregivers provide to our community when volunteering to coach sports teams, go on excursions, support teachers and students in the classroom or be a representative on our School Board or P&F Team.

A reminder that all parents and caregivers must have a Catholic School Police Clearance to volunteer at SJMS.

To support their role in the school, all volunteers are also required to:

• Complete the CESA Volunteer Application Package
• Participate in the Responding to Risks, of Harm, Abuse and Neglect Education and Care training: Information for School Volunteers (Please click on the link to access the relevant information): https://www.education.sa.gov.au/working-us/rrhan-ec/fundamentals-course-responding-risks-harm-abuse-and-neglect-education-and-care

Once complete, copies of this information must provided to Mary Fantasia at our William Street Office who will enter this information onto our Register.

We thank you in advance for your support.

We would like to inform you of the dates for Pupil Free Days (PFD) for this year. Please note that OSHC will be available for families that require this service on these days.

All Assemblies will be held in the Performing Arts Studio at William St on Friday afternoons at 2pm.

Students from Bridge Street will walk across to William Street to participate in Assemblies, face to face.

St Joseph's Memorial School provides a safe environment for all while valuing the partnership between school and home.

As a Catholic community, we welcome and value volunteers. To be able to volunteer, and/or attend at other times throughout the school year, we ask that you hold the following:

1. A current Catholic Police Check (parents/caregivers attending excursions, reading in class, helping in class, attending community events);
2. A current Responding to Abuse and Neglect in Education and Care for Volunteers certificate (please click here to view how to complete this requirement);
3. Completed the volunteers application.

A Catholic Police Check for volunteers at SJMS are free for our current parents and caregivers. Application Forms are available to download here or at either school office.

We ask that you present your completed form with verification ID to the front office, and we will submit the application on your behalf. You will then receive an email link to complete the process online. Once all cleared you will receive a Catholic Police Check ID card in the post, please bring this in to the front office and we will take a copy of your clearance.

This process ensures we maintain a child safe environment. To avoid disappointment, we encourage you to apply for a Catholic Police Check through either school office as soon as possible.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at either office.

Thanking you
The SJMS Admin Team
info@sjms.catholic.edu.au

For more information on how Catholic Education SA provides a safe environment for all, please click here.

Summary of what is needed to volunteer at SJMS:
Valid Catholic Police Check
Responding to Abuse and Neglect Education and Care Volunteer Certificate
Completed application form

Come see our Preschool in action, contact us for a tour or enrolment information.