SAINT MARY OF THE CROSS MACKILLOP FEAST DAY

Last week we celebrated the feast day of Mary Mackillop with a Mass led by Father Chris at the Norwood Parish. Our students engaged in a range of learning experiences and activities to acknowledge and celebrate the incredible life of Mary Mackillop.

NAPLAN 2024

It is with enormous pride for the collective efficacy and work of the entire school staff, both past and present, to share the outstanding NAPLAN 2024 results for our school. It deeply reflects the strong foundation pathways provided from Preschool, Bridge St and William St over the years, which we continue to build on.

The results reflect a shared focus on teaching and learning across the school to ensure students have the optimal tools to demonstrate their knowledge and learning capabilities.

It is important to acknowledge the pivotal role of the parents and guardians, in their support of their children and our school, considering the positive achievements attained.

I am delighted to report that both our Year 3 and 5 students achieved collective results above the national average in all learning domains, which is an exceptional group accomplishment:

ICAS

This year we have reintroduced the extension learning opportunity for students to undertake the International Competitions and Assessments for Schools assessments, which are supported by the University of Sydney. This year, over 20 students from Years 2 to 6 have undertaken the competition assessments in a range of education areas including Digital Technologies, Writing, English, Science, Spelling and Mathematics. We are looking forward to receiving the results of the competitions and acknowledging the students who participated in a future assembly.

STUDENT IMMERSION STUDY TOUR

This term, our community has been bolstered and uplifted with a group of students from China who have undertaken a short study experience in our school. It truly speaks volumes about our community espousing our school values of kindness, love and care to welcome and support the group of new students to enhance their seamless transition through genuine enjoyment of their time learning in our school and developing positive friendships. We will miss the students and their families and are grateful for the connections made in their time within our school.

NEW BRIDGE STREET SOCCER SESSIONS

This term our Bridge St Reception & Year 1 students have been able to undertake Friday afterschool ‘Simply Sports’ Soccer sessions to improve their fitness and skills. A group of over 30 students has been enjoying every minute of this new opportunity. 

LIVE LEARN LEAD PARENT AND CAREGIVER SURVEY
As I mentioned in the last school newsletter, recently all families have received invitations via Audiri to complete a survey we are currently conducting about our school climate through the Catholic Education Living Learning Leading Survey. 

This is an important opportunity for you to let us know how things are going for you and your child/ren. Please be assured that your feedback will be anonymous and confidential. CESA and school staff will use the data to identify strengths and areas to work on and build upon as part of our continuous improvement.

You can complete the online survey at www.NSIPartnerships.com.au and enter the code SJMSPCNLLLP in the start questionnaire field. It only takes 3–5 minutes. The closing date for the survey is Friday, 23 August.

MASTER PLAN COMMUNITY CONSULTATION SURVEY

As we embark on constructing a new school Master Plan, our aim is to undertake a strategic process that involves assessing the current state of our school’s facilities, identifying future priorities and needs, and developing a long-term plan to achieve our shared objectives. Our intention is for the Master Plan to encompass various aspects, including infrastructure development, resource allocation, curriculum planning and community engagement. To undertake the initial step in constructing the Master Plan, we are collecting community input to identify and evaluate the shared feedback, as these insights are invaluable in shaping the Master Plan. Thank you for taking the time to complete the following survey:

https://artsadelaide.syd1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1HSc6miGZcZTSrI

As Principal, I would like to share my gratitude and appreciation for taking the time to complete these surveys to provide us with valuable information in our work to provide the best learning facilities and opportunities for our community.

WHEELINET PROGRAM

Our students participated in the Novita Wheelinet awareness program. The purpose of the activity was to learn about wheelchair sports and develop a greater awareness of the important messages within the program.

CROSS COUNTRY CARNIVAL
Last week, 43 students from Year 3 to 6 participated in the South Australian Catholic Schools Cross Country Carnival. Overall, our students represented the school very positively and enjoyed the opportunity to run. 

YEAR 5/6 SOCCER CUP

CONGRATULATIONS to the Year 5/6 Soccer team who won their quarter-final in the Jim Huffidine Cup 4-1.  The team will now play the cup semi-final next week at 5pm against Burnside Primary School at ServiceFM Stadium.  Well done coach Brett and Team!

YEAR 5/6 DEBATING

Congratulations to the students in our Debating teams who did an excellent job in their competitions last week. The Year 6 team won their debate as the affirmative team and delivered confident, detailed and well-researched arguments.

RECEPTION & YEAR 1 EXCURSION

Last week our Reception and Year 1 students attended an excursion to the South Australian Museum to undertake the Superluminal experience, which was a magical journey through light and time with Patch Theatre. The children enjoyed the engaging opportunity to ignite their curiosity using interactive lights of creatures, systems and beauty within natural environments.

RECEPTION BLUE ASSEMBLY

Last week our Reception Blue students hosted our whole school assembly in the Performing Arts Studio and shared their wonderful learning with the community. We also recognised the students who received Live Learn Lead certificates.

God bless,

Adam Slater

Principal

Over the past fortnight, we have celebrated 2 significant Feast Days.

Last week we came together to celebrate the Feast of St Mary ‘of the Cross’ MacKillop. St Mary MacKillop, was a person who was open to the action of the Spirit in her life. Mary rejoiced in her God, loved the poor deeply and believed God would provide.

She was a Spirit-filled person who was faithful to her God even when times were tough. She saw herself as God’s humble servant and was always ready to do God’s will. Mary shows us how to be people of Spirit.

On Thursday we celebrated Mary's Assumption into heaven. The assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven has long been held as an important Catholic belief.

The Gospel for this day highlights Mary's faith. Mary's faith enabled her to recognise the work of God in her people's history and in her own life. Her openness to God allowed God to work through her so that salvation might come to all. Mary is a model and symbol of the Church. May we be like Mary, open and cooperative in God's plan of salvation.

Both these women in their own way, show us that we need to have faith and trust in God.

This Sunday at Mass, we will hear Jesus teach us in the Gospel that whoever eats his flesh and drinks his blood will live forever. We know that when we gather to celebrate the Eucharist, Jesus himself is present to us. In the Eucharist, the bread and the wine become the Body and Blood of Christ. When we share in the Eucharist, Jesus makes himself one with us. This is what eternal life means, being with God and Jesus forever.

Social Work Students

This semester, we will have 4 Social Work students from UniSA joining our community for the remainder of this year. Please find below their introduction to the community.

Dear SJMS Community

We are Cammy, Kel, Naomi, and Shefali, four dedicated social work students from the University of South Australia. We’ve been at SJMS for the past three weeks and have already enjoyed getting to know many of you and your wonderful children. We’re looking forward to continuing our work here until December and contributing to the vibrant school community.

Primary school is a key time for students to build important skills for their future. Some of the key areas of focus are:

Academic Skills: Developing reading, writing, and math skills as well as engaging with the curriculum, completing assignments, and participating in class.
Social Skills: Learning to interact well with friends, work as a team, and solve conflicts and build strong relationships to succeed in school and beyond.
Emotional Development: Recognising and managing feelings, understanding themselves better, and showing empathy for personal growth.
Behavioural Expectations: Understanding and adhering to school rules, demonstrating respect for others, and managing behaviour to contribute to a positive learning environment.

When to see a Social Worker

Here are some good reasons to visit the school social worker:

• Solving problems
• Sharing good news
• Making new friends
• Feeling stressed or anxious
• Dealing with friendship issues
• Managing anger
• Changes in behaviour
• Welcoming new students
• Coping with loss
• Adjusting to family changes

How We Support Students We’re here to assist with a range of needs:

• Emotional Support: We offer counselling for students dealing with stress, anxiety, or other challenges, helping them build coping skills and resilience.
• Conflict Resolution: We help students work through conflicts with peers and navigate tricky social situations, fostering positive interactions and problem-solving.
• Family Support: Under the guidance of the school, we work with families to address any issues affecting a student’s well-being and connect them with helpful resources.

If you have any questions or concerns, or if you’d like to discuss how we can support your child, please feel free to reach out to us via our email address below.

We are here to work with you and enhance the educational experience for every student at St. Joseph’s Memorial School. Thank you for welcoming us into your community. We’re excited to continue our journey with you all!

Warm regards, Cammy, Kel, Naomi, and Shefali Social Work Students, University of South Australia.

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.

Term 4

• Week 1 - Monday 14 October 2024 R-6
• Week 9 -

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.

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

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