Week 10 Term 1 2025

Dear Families,

It has been a fantastic fortnight at our school, filled with achievements, community spirit, and exciting opportunities for our students. From sporting success to musical performances and fundraising efforts, our students continue to shine in so many ways. Here’s a snapshot of some of the highlights from the past two weeks.

Catholic Schools Swimming Carnival

A huge congratulations to our Year 2–6 students who represented our school at the South Australian Catholic Schools Swimming Carnival at Marion Swimming Centre. We are incredibly proud to have placed 2nd overall, with our Year 3 and Year 5 teams winning their age group championships. A special mention goes to a Year 3 student who won the individual age champion title, which was an outstanding achievement! Thank you to Mr. DB for leading this talented group.

Bake Sale for Project Compassion

Both campuses came together for a bake sale to raise funds for Project Compassion, with families and students generously providing an array of delicious treats. Thanks to their efforts, we raised over $1,000—an incredible achievement that reflects the generosity of our community.

St Joseph’s Community Family Picnic

Last weekend, our school community gathered for the St Joseph’s Memorial School Picnic, enjoying a beautiful day outdoors. Families spent time together, children played on the playground, and the atmosphere was one of joy and connection—a wonderful way to strengthen our school community.

Year 5 Violin Performance

At the Year 5 assembly, we were privileged to hear an extraordinary violin performance of Verbunk & Friss by one of our talented students who is a member of the Australian Youth Orchestra. It was a breathtaking performance that showcased the dedication and skill of the student.

Year 5/6 Camp Legends

At the recent Year 5/6 assembly, six students were recognised as our 2025 Camp Legends! These students went above and beyond in supporting their peers, demonstrating leadership, and helping with clean-up efforts. Their positive attitudes and willingness to contribute made them stand out.

Bridge Street Science Incursion

Students at our Bridge Street campus have been exploring insect life cycles in Science. A recent incursion brought the topic to life as students learned about biodiversity and the important role of invertebrates in nature. It was a fascinating and hands-on experience for all involved.

Gather Round Opportunity

We are thrilled that our Year 5/6 football team has been invited to play in a pre-game match before the GWS Giants vs. St Kilda game at Norwood Oval during Gather Round. Our Middle and Upper Primary students have worked hard in after-school games this term, and this is a fantastic opportunity to showcase their skills.

Traffic Safety Reminder

A reminder to all families that U-turns near the school crossing have been increasing, raising safety concerns for our students and community members. We kindly ask that all drivers use the roundabout on William Street instead. Thank you for prioritising the safety of our students.

Thank you for your continued support in making our school such a vibrant and caring community.

Kindest regards,

Adam Slater

Principal

On Sunday at Mass, we heard the parable of the Prodigal Son. This parable only appears in Luke’s Gospel. It is a favourite parable to use in the classroom when we are teaching our children about forgiveness and unconditional love.

In the story, the younger son turns his back on his father and runs away.  After squandering his father’s gifts, he decides it is in his best interests to return home.  On his return, the son is not confronted with a closed door but rather with a father waiting on the front porch, for his son’s return.

When the son meets his father, the father is not interested in his son’s excuses but instead embraces him and takes him in immediately.  He is home, nothing else matters.  This example of the Father is the one Jesus talks to us about.  The father, who offers his love and acceptance, to the people around him unconditionally.

In our story the older brother is there to remind us that even if we get our relationship with God wrong, that God’s love is free and forgiving.  The older son believes that he has earned his father’s love but a reminder for all of us that love is not earned it is spontaneous and forgiving.

Henri Nouwen in his book ‘Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming says:

“For most of my life I have struggled to find God, to know God, to love God. I have tried hard to follow the guidelines of the spiritual life—pray always, work for others, read the Scriptures—and to avoid the many temptations to dissipate myself. I have failed many times but always tried again, even when I was close to despair.

Now I wonder whether I have sufficiently realized that during all this time God has been trying to find me, to know me, and to love me. The question is not “How am I to find God?” but “How am I to let myself be found by him?” The question is not “How am I to know God?” but “How am I to let myself be known by God?” And, finally, the question is not “How am I to love God?” but “How am I to let myself be loved by God?” God is looking into the distance for me, trying to find me, and longing to bring me home.” 

Over the next week, go back and read this parable and then consider and reflect on the questions raised. As the father said in the parable: ‘let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’

Holy Week Liturgy

On Friday 11 April, we will gather in the PAS at 9:30am to reflect on the events of Holy Week. The reflection will be led by Fr Chris and some of our Year 6 leaders. It is a way for us to start our preparations as we end term 1 to go on holidays and prepare for one of the most holy weeks in our liturgical calendar.

Term 2 Calendar

Diary dates for Term 2 are now available. Please refer to the calendar which is printed in the Newsletter.

School Chaplain

Last week we introduced Marzie Galikowski our School Chaplain, to our community. Marzie will be onsite every Monday to support the school community. Her role will focus on:

• pastoral care services; and
• strategies that support the wellbeing of the broader school community which may include:
  • 1:1 support / counselling for students
  • Support for parents / caregivers (via appointment)
  • In class support sessions on resilience / wellbeing of students
  • Small group work with students

To access support parents and caregivers are encouraged to contact Marzie via email: MGalikowski@sjms.catholic.edu.au

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.