News & Events

Every day at St Joseph's Memorial School is a blessing and it is wonderful to be a part of a vibrant and dynamic community, that offers engaging learning experiences, along with many opportunities and events.

Winter Co-Curricular

Every Monday, I am always delighted to hear the reports from the students who have participated in school sport over the weekend. Last Saturday, I watched the return of the school football team and it was great to observe the enjoyment of each student representing the school. Last week, the school Debating teams had their first competition and the students demonstrated a high-level of confidence to speak and share their arguments with great success. Once again, I would like to thank all the parent and school volunteers who coach and lead their teams.

Year 6 Netball Team

Year 5 Debating Team

Year 4/5 Soccer Team

Year 4/5/6 Football team

Sports Clinics

This year we have organised a range of sports clinics for students in football and lacrosse. Last week the Reception and Year 1 students enjoyed an AFL session held by the SANFL to develop their skills in football.

Assemblies

School assemblies are a highlight of each term and are an opportunity for the community to gather together to share in the learning taken place and to witness the amazing talents of the students. Assemblies are held in the Performing Arts Space and parents are always very welcome to attend. Last week our Year 5 student hosted the assembly and we had leaders from Mary Mackillop College share a dance for our students.

Update of Key Focus Areas

At the beginning of the year and at the Annual General Meeting, I shared key areas for whole school vision and mission for 2023 and beyond:

1. Relationships & Culture: Currently we are undertaking the process to co-construct three school pillars and values and have received 160+ School community survey responses from students, parents, staff and the wider community.  
2. Literacy and Numeracy: Our School Quality Performance Team, including our Leader of Learning Nick Ryan and Early Years Leader Aimee Caruso have been working on a whole school strategy to formalise our agreed Literacy and Numeracy practices. This term, the leaders met with Catholic Education consultants to begin the process of aligning our shared practices with the new CESA system Literacy and Numeracy strategy. Recently, the leaders undertook professional development at the Catholic Education Office to learn and work on the construction of the agreed practices to work with our school staff and students.
3. Wellbeing: We have created a draft of the school wellbeing policy of a whole school shared focus and practices. Our school leaders and teachers have continued to use the CESA Pulse Check In data to inform student support. The students will undertake the Pulse Check In again in week 5 and 6 of this term.
4. Community Partnership and events: We are currently in the process of creating a yearly event calendar to assist parents knowing in advance the upcoming events.
5. Infrastructure: We intend to upgrade and refurbish the the OSHC / Hall at Bridge St and front office spaces at both campuses.
6. Preschool and Ready for Reception Program: This program has created opportunities for our students to help their smooth transition to school. 
7. Communication: We are currently using SEQTA for teacher planning and reporting. As part of this process, in semester 1 of 2023, CESA is introducing a system-wide school report for all schools. 
8. Catholic Education South Australia Clarity Project: We have continued our work to make learning visible for all students and have created a ‘Clarity in Action’ document to provide evidence of the practice within all classes in our school. Next term we will be hosting the Eastern regional schools to share our work in this area. 
9. Graduate Leadership Program – We are currently working on creating a program to extend our students and provide opportunities for all students to enhance their learning and leadership capabilities. 

Child Safety Information and Guidelines

As you are aware, the safety and wellbeing of every student in our school is our priority. All staff, volunteers and allied health providers are required to complete a Working with Children Screening. Our induction procedures ensure that all persons coming onto the school grounds have the required Child Protection documentation. In addition, as part of our Health Curriculum, our students are taught the Keeping Safe – Child Protection Curriculum which aims to help children develop ways to protect themselves and keep themselves safe.

The links below provide further information for your perusal:

Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy (Archdiocese of Adelaide)

Keeping Safe: Child Protection Curriculum information for Parents and Carers

Uniform 

In relation to St Joseph's Memorial uniform, our aim is that students always take pride with their presentation. Our school is appreciative of parents supporting their child/children in the correct wearing of the school uniform. Please see our school website for more details if required.

I wish all students every achievement in the Term ahead and as always, please contact the the school wherever we may be able to assist you, your child, or your family. 

Adam Slater

Principal