Week 4, Term 4 2023

Dear Families

It seems this term is flying by quickly and we still have a range of upcoming events and activities before the end of year.

World Teachers’ Day

Recently we celebrated World Teachers’ Day by recognising all our amazing teachers at SJMS. Here’s a wonderful link to our Facebook and Instagram pages of the video messages from our students sharing why their teachers are amazing.

https://fb.watch/ode-ZvBZxQ

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy5HkaKNsKj/?img_index=1

Athletics Carnival

This week, 38 students represented our school in the South Australian Catholic Primary Schools Sports Association Athletics Carnival. Well done to all the students that represented our school. Thank you to Mr Dacombe-Bird, the teachers and the parent volunteers for ensuring the day was a great success.

Year 3 and 4 Camp

From all reports, the Year 3 and 4 students enjoyed their time at Narnu Farm on camp. They had the opportunity to visit the Goolwa lock, fed a range of farm animals, participated in butter making, constructed go-karts and learnt about steelworks.

G.A.T.E Ways Program

Last week, our school had four students participate in the G.A.T.E.WAYS Program. This program was an opportunity offered by Catholic Education South Australia (CESA) to provide extension and enrichment opportunities for students. Our Year 3 and Year 5 students engaged in learning experiences about the French Revolution through an activity incorporating maths and logical thinking skills. This task also required them to work within teams, develop creative advertisement campaigns through their artistic skills and persuasive writing skills, and also engage in critical thinking skills through the use of Indi Robots to further understand the concept of coding. All students said they had an amazing time and was a fun experience. This is an opportunity SJMS will be aiming to offer for more students to be involved in next year.

Mayor’s Christmas Card competition

Every year our students participate in the Mayor’s Christmas card competition held by the Norwood, Payneham and St Peter’s Council. Last week three of our students were awarded for their entries by Mayor Robert Bria. Well done to Pearl (2nd) and Annie (3rd) for their achievements in the Year 6 competition and Mia (3rd) in the Year 2 competition.

P & F Bunnings Fundraiser

Last Sunday our incredible Parents & Friends held a sausage sizzle fundraiser at Bunnings in Kent Town. It was amazing to see so many members of our community offering their time to help out. Thank you to our P & F executive team and all the wonderful volunteers for helping out on the day.

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FCanil@sjms.catholic.edu.au

Once again SJMS Preschool and School will be involved in the Norwood Christmas Pageant to be held on Saturday 18 November 2023.  All families are welcome to come along and walk together to represent our wonderful school community. Our order number is 17 and will meet on the northern side of  The Parade near the Sydenham Rd intersection. Please aim to be there between 9.10am and 9.30am wearing your fun Christmas clothes with a decorated umbrella. If you have any queries please contact Maree at maree@sjms.catholic.edu.au  

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

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.

• 13 December 2023 Last Day of Term R-6
• 14 December 2023 Last day for Preschool Children 
• 15 December 2023 Whole School Pupil Free Day 

We are trialling a new Assembly format for the year.

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 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.

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