Week 10, Term 2 2023

It is hard to believe we are at the end of Semester One. It has been a rich and memorable term full of wonderful experiences and opportunities. As I reflect on the term, it is wonderful to look back on the learning, relationship building, working and fun that has occurred within our school community.

SPORTS DAY 2023

We were extremely fortunate that the weather was great and the day was a huge success. I would like to thank Mr Dacombe-Bird for his leadership and organisation of the event. Thank you also to the Mary Mackillop College students who volunteered to help out on the day. I would like to also share my appreciation to all the staff, parents and helpers who ensured the day ran smoothly. Well done to team Joseph, who won the Spirit cup and to team Tappeiner, who were the overall winners on the day.

PRESCHOOL GRADUATION

The Preschool graduation was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the children and their achievements throughout their time in the Preschool. It was incredible to hear the children share their many highlights. Thank you to the Preschool leader Maree and all of the outstanding Preschool staff for organising the event and for all the wonderful work you do to lead the children to flourish. It was lovely to see so many family members in attendance.

YEAR LEVEL ASSEMBLIES
I am always so impressed with how comfortable our students are at public speaking. Such an important lifelong skill to foster – as it takes a lot of bravery to speak in front of audiences. The learning that has been showcased to parents and families has been most impressive and I thank all the teachers and students for their work in preparing these gatherings. The turnout from the community demonstrates how valued these events are.

EXCELLENCE IN STUDENT VOICE

Giving the students a say and enabling them to have advocacy is something we strive to provide and is important to us at St Joseph’s Memorial School. It is wonderful to report that our school was awarded for ‘Excellence in Student Voice.’ This is recognition for the work undertaken last year with our students who provided feedback through the initiative of the Commissioner for Children and Young People to help amplify the voices of primary school-aged children in years 2-6 throughout South Australia.

AFTERSCHOOL & WEEKEND SPORT & ACTIVITIES

As the term comes to a close, some of our school sporting teams have been continuing their games. Having the opportunity to speak to the incredible parents who coach the school teams, the common theme has been feedback of the amazing progression and improvement of all the players and teams. Having seen a lot of the teams in action this semester, it has been extremely impressive to see the teamwork and support of the students in their teams.

PUPIL FREE DAYS

This is a reminder for families that Friday 7 July (Week 10) THE SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED and Monday 24 July (Week 1) will be pupil free days for R-6 students due to Staff Formation Days.  Preschool students ONLY will commence Monday 24 July (Week 1) Term 3.  OSHC bookings are available. 

THANKYOU

As we reach the halfway point for the year, I wanted to share my sincere gratitude to entire St Joseph’s Memorial community for your trust, care and support in my work as Principal so far this year. I am looking forward to continuing the work to provide the best opportunities for each child to thrive and be proud of their school. I hope you all have a wonderful break over the next two weeks.

Dear Parents and Caregivers

This week, we celebrate National NAIDOC Week which runs from Sunday 2 July to Sunday 9 July. During NAIDOC Week we recognise the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It provides an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories.

The theme for National NAIDOC week this year is, ‘For our Elders.’ Across every generation, Elders are important and hold a prominent place in their communities and families. They are knowledge holders, trailblazers, nurturers, advocates, teachers, survivors, leaders and loved ones. They help to guide the new generation and pave the way forward for those who follow on from them.

Family Faith Formation Program (Sacrament of Reconciliation)

The 2023/2024 Family Faith Formation Program for children in Years 3 to 6, who wish to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation will commence next term.

The following dates below indicate face to face meetings which are to be attended by both the candidate and their parents/caregivers.

1st Meeting: Tuesday 25th July 7pm St Ignatius Church Hall. 

2nd Meeting/Rehearsal: Tuesday 5th September 7pm St Ignatius Church Hall. 

Sacrament of Reconciliation: Thursday 7th September 7pm St Ignatius Church.

Class Masses and Liturgies – Term 3

Please note the updated dates and times for Masses and Liturgies for Term 3

Tuesday 8 August:                   Whole School Mass for St Mary MacKillop Feast Day

                                                9:15am in St. Ignatius Church

                                                Led by the Year 6 students

Tuesday 15 August:                 Year 2/3 Mass

                                                9:15am in the PAS

Thursday 31 August:               Father’s Day Mass

                                                9:15am in St. Ignatius Church

                                                Led by the Year 4 students

Friday 8 September:                Reception and Mid-Year Reception Liturgy of the Word

                                                9:15am in the Library @ Bridge Street

Thursday 14 September:         Year 2/3 Mass

                                                9:15am in the PAS

Friday 22 September:              Year 1 Liturgy of the Word

                                                9:15am in the Library @ Bridge Street

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.

• Friday 7 July 2023
• Monday 24 July 2023
• Monday 16 October 2023
• Thursday 14 December 2023
• Friday 15 December 2023

We are trialing a new Assembly format for the year.

In Term 1 to Term 3 we will have 3 Assemblies per term and in Term 4, 2 Assemblies. 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.

Term 2

19 May - Year 5G Assembly
9 June - Year 1B Assembly
30 June - Year 4B Assembly

Term 3
11 August - Preschool Assembly
1 September - Reception Assembly
22 September - Year 2/3B Assembly

Term 4
10 November - Year 2/3G Assembly
1 December - Mid-Year Reception Assembly

We will ask for help from our wonderful parents and caregivers to help walk the Bridge Street students across on these dates. Please look out for the form on Skoolbag, next week.

Please remember to check the school calendar regularly for any updates.

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

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