Week 8, Term 4 2023

Dear Families,

How quickly has this term flown by! We have been getting into the Christmas Spirit at SJMS and the Carols last Friday night was a perfect example.

As we draw the year to a close, it is important to reflect on the new initiatives that have been introduced this year, that have made a positive impact within our community:

• Co-constructing the new school pillars (faith, learning and community) and values (kindess, care and love).
• New school lunches in collaboration with Louie’s Deli are provided for students on Monday and Friday.
• Establishing the new interschool sports competition between our school and St Raphael’s, Parkside to provide increased unique opportunities for students to represent the school and play sport from Year 1 to Year 6.
• Using the Performing Arts Studio for the first time to host two school musicals, written by the students, based on the life of St Mary of the Cross Mackillop. Both performances were sold out and demonstrated an extremely high level of talent from the students.
• A new Music and Sports assembly to recognise the efforts of parent volunteers and students to share their instrumental talents to the community.
• Introducing student traffic monitors for students to demonstrate their leadership responsibilities and capabilities.
• Introducing whole school assemblies to be held in the Performing Arts Studio with both Bridge and William Street classes hosting.
• Introduction of SEQTA assessment and reporting to be digitally emailed to parents.
• Introduction of Clarity learning practices for students to know learning intentions, success criteria and improve their work.
• Opening up more opportunities for students to complete the Children’s University, with more than double the students from 2023 receiving acknowledgement from the University of Adelaide at the graduation ceremony this year.
• Introducing the new opportunity for families to have a shared picnic celebration after the Christmas Carols at William St.
• New sporting clinics and opportunities including martial arts, gymnastics and SANFL sessions.
• New lunchtime clubs for drawing, chess, games and dance.
• New extension opportunities for students to participate in the G.A.T.EWays program.
• New social justice initiatives with students working with Catholic Mission for Socktober to raise over $1000 for East Timor.
• New ICT initiatives whereby the Year 1 and Year 5 students worked collaboratively to created 3D printed objects through Makers Empire.  
• New Parents & Friends events, including the school stall at the St Peter’s Fair.
• Introducing the Book Fair for students to purchase new reading materials, held in the Performing Arts Studio.
• New student-led break time competitions for soccer and netball.
• A staff retreat to reflect and evaluate on school Catholic Identity.
• Staff undertaking the Apple Teacher accreditation program.
• Staff commencing sessions on AITSL accreditation through moving from Provisional to Full registration status and upgrading to Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher Status.
• Introducing new parent information sessions for Mid-Year Reception and William Street transition.

REPORTS
Your child/ren’s reports will be emailed home, on Monday, December 11^th.  If you have any changes to your email addresses, please make sure you update these with the front office before this date. On Monday, we will also send out the teacher / class allocations for your child/ren.

STAFF APPOINTMENTS AND WELCOMES

I am happy to announce that Tania Montin has been appointed as the Preschool Coordinator commencing in 2024. Tania has led in a range of Catholic and Government Preschools (St Joseph’s Payneham, St Joseph’s Kingswood and St Thomas. Goodwood and we welcome her warmly to our community. I would also like to announce that Izabella Callisto has won a contract to teach in Year 3 in 2024.

As we are approaching the end of the 2023 school year, we have finalised staffing and classes for 2024:

STAFF FAREWELLS

Serena Razon
Serena has worked in the Preschool and as our school Chaplain. We wish Serena all the very best as she moves to St Joseph’s Kingswood as a Reception teacher.

Nicola Cuiffini
Nicola has worked at Bridge St in the Junior Primary classes. We wish Nicola well as she moves to St Mary’s Memorial.

Eloise DiSisto
Eloise has worked at William St in the Upper Primary classes.

On behalf of the school, I would like to sincerely thank Serena, Nicola and Eloise for their work in our community.

BRIDGE ST LIBRARY / OSHC BUILDING PROJECT UPDATE

Currently, we are finalising the timeline to commence with the architects from Design Inc and building company Horizons Construction. on refurbishing the OSHC / Library Space to commence work through the school holiday break and early into next year.

UNIFORM UPDATE

After receiving consensus from the community regarding the selection of the optional sports jacket, Belgravia apparel is organsing samples of the selected soft shell sports jackets for families to view from the start of next year. We are hoping to provide the opportunity for families to order the jackets from the start of next year.

As we wrap up a productive school year in 2023, I want to thank all of our incredible teachers and whole school staff for the amazing work they undertake each and every day to help the students in our school thrive in their faith, learning and wellbeing.

I would also like to thank our sensational 2023 P & F Committee leaders Pina Bria and Rebecca Humphrey for their exceptional leadership throughout the year. I know our community is deeply appreciative for all of your selfless work to help our school.

Just a reminder that in 2024 school resumes on Monday 29 January 2024.

Regards

Adam Slater

AN ANNIVERSARY TO CELEBRATE WITH MUCH JOY

“Christmas is almost here!” So what do we think of when we hear such news? Probably, the thoughts that come to mind are those associated with the necessary preparations that go to make the day an enjoyable occasion marked by lots of food, presents, lights and tinsel. But, we know of course that the meaning of Christmas will always be the birth of Jesus, God’s Son.

Christmas is an anniversary celebration of when God gave us the gift of Himself without splendour or opulence but in poverty and weakness, in the form of a tiny baby in an animal enclosure. Jesus, Son of God, emptied himself of power, privilege and possessions and was born into the human race in the humblest of manner. In the early years of the Church, Christianity grew and spread very quickly. This was because Christians were known for their unusual compassion for those around them – so different to the treatment metered out by the Romans. The first Christians knew that God, taking flesh in Jesus for the sake of the whole world, wasn’t an event of the past; it was the pattern for their own lives every day. People in any age of anxiety and oppression were attracted to a religion whose adherents dared not to follow the culture of the day but to transform it.

The way that our community has rallied around and supported the St Vincent Christmas Appeal is a wonderful example for us and a great reminder of the real meaning of Christmas; the hope, peace and goodwill as we celebrate the anniversary of our Saviour’s birth. If we choose to reach out to others in the midst of our own worrying, we too, can be liberated by the joy of knowing ourselves to be united to Christ. Also, seeing all the classes performing at the  Christmas Carol Night really does bring out the Christmas message to all in our community. 

This time of the year also brings sadness as we say farewell to friends and colleagues who are moving onto new pastures.  Some we have known for many years and others but a short time.  Our Year Six’s are possibly feeling a number of conflicting emotions; happiness at graduating from Year 6, anxiety about what it could be like at High School and sadness at moving away from friends. I hope they all take away fond memories of their time at St Joseph’s and that they will remember that God will always be there for them and to let the wonder of God’s love come through their lives and allow it to be available to other people.

Please join us next Tuesday at 9:30am for our End of Year Mass as we thank God for all of the blessings, we have received this year and we pray for our Year 6 Graduates as they leave this part of their journey to continue the next chapter of High School.

This Week’s Sunday Readings are:

First Reading: Isaiah 40:1-5,9-11

Second Reading: 2 Peter 3:8-14

Gospel Reading: Mark 1:1-8

Also, as a quick reminder that Mass times at St Ignatius Church, Norwood are:

Saturday: (Vigil) 6:00pm

Christmas Mass Times:

Christmas Eve - Sunday: 4:00pm (Family Mass), 6:00pm (Family Mass), 8:00pm

Christmas Day - Monday: 8:30am, 10:00am, 11:30am (Korean)

Finally, I would like to thank the students, staff and the whole school community for making me feel so warmly welcomed during my time here again. I see that this positive school community has exciting times ahead. I wish the St Joseph’s Memorial Community all the very best for Christmas and the coming New Year. Thank you very much and may our paths cross again in the future.

GOD’S BLESSINGS, PEACE AND BEST WISHES FOR A JOYOUS CHRISTMAS

“We are all a reflection of God’s love”

Franco Canil

Acting APRIM

FINAL P&F UPDATE FOR 2023

As the year comes to an end, we are proud to reflect on the achievements of the P&F for 2023.

Having experienced countless COVID-19 related interruptions over previous years, we are so grateful we have been able to re-introduce many of the events we had missed. Beginning with our Welcome Morning Tea and Drinks and concluding with our end of year Family Picnic as well as today’s celebration sausage sizzle, and the many events in between, we hope we have made a positive contribution to our school community.

The St Joseph’s Memorial School community has always been a strong one, despite our comparatively smaller size, or more likely, because of it. It is a community that is nurtured by the talented staff and welcoming families that are a part of it today and the many who have gone before, with our children at the heart of it all.

And whilst it is this community building that has been our focus this year in particular, through the support of each of you, we have been able to raise over $12,000!!!! A final tally will be provided at next year’s Annual General Meeting, early in Term 1.

As previously advised, this includes the $8,296.21 raised through our Quiz Night early in Term 3.

We are pleased to advise that these funds will contribute to the following:

• Two netball goals and padding for Bridge Street
• Two portable soccer goals for William Street
• Upgrade of IT equipment at Bridge Street, including IPads
• Contributing to the Performing Arts program including the purchase of musical instruments and contributions for future performances
• Purchase of STEM equipment for both campuses, including microscopes

P&F Chairs for 2024

We are so excited to announce Vikki Schiavone and Isabella Evangelou as our 2024 Co-Chairs.

Thank you both for nominating and for your commitment to our school. We know you will be amazing. Together with the continuing members of the P&F Executive, we know next year will be even bigger and better!

2024 P&F Executive

The feedback we have received through our survey is that families have enjoyed our events and welcome even more.  But events don’t just happen. Beginning with an idea, weeks, and sometimes months of planning are needed for an event to be a success. The role of the P&F Executive is to meet at least once a term and ensure those plans come to fruition.

We welcome anyone who is interested in joining our continuing members and becoming a member of the P&F Executive to email pandf@sjms.catholic.edu or approach Vikki or Isabella directly. Further reminders will be sent early in the term, with the Executive Committee formally appointed at the Annual General Meeting. 

If you do not wish to be a part of the Executive but still want to help where you can, we will also be asking parents to nominate any particular events they wish to be involved in early next year. Stay tuned for that.

Community Calendar

We will be issuing an indicative calendar for 2024 before the end of term to allow families to put some dates in their diaries, beginning with our Welcome Morning Tea for those parents who are new to the school or have children commencing in Reception or Preschool, noting confirmation of further dates will provided early next year.

THANK YOUS

Business Support

Thank you to the many businesses who have supported our fundraising lunch orders this year including Simply Fresh Fruiterers, Enjoy Bakery, Rapetti’s Pizzeria, Cherry Blossom and Slape & Sons. Thank you also to Foodland Norwood for supporting our Bunnings Sausage Sizzle.

Thank you once again to the many businesses who contributed to the success of our Quiz Night.

Class Reps

We wish to especially acknowledge our dedicated 2023 class reps from Preschool to Year 6 – Irene Russo, Huiling Zu, Reina Nashar, Jess Sladic, Gemma van den Akker, Helen Ma, Isabella Evangelou, Alessandra Scalzi, Brigette Connery, Wanda Musolino and Nadia Fantasia.

TO OUR 2022 P&F Executive Team!!

A huge thank you to Vikki Schiavone, Diana Thompson, Stephanie Semczuk, Janelle Harris and Wanda Musolino for all of your hard work this year. We all have busy lives as we try and juggle competing demands on our time. Your suggestions, commitment to our community and hard work have been greatly appreciated and been a huge part of this year’s success.

Thank you also to our Principal Adam Slater and APRIMs Grace Vassallo-Wakefield and Franco Canil for your leadership and guidance this year. Our success has been in no small part to your involvement and enthusiasm and your willingness to go above and beyond.

Special mention to Antoniette Salandra and Mary Fantasia for always being willing to help even when it made your already long list of tasks even longer. Thanks also to our wonderful teachers and support staff for your valuable contribution to this year’s success.

Finally, thank you to each member of our school parent community and most importantly, to your children.

We are both so grateful for this special community and the friendships our families have formed in the 15 years we have been a part of it. We look forward to hearing all about the P&F’s success next year and beyond and attending next year’s Quiz Night as excited participants!

On behalf of the P&F Executive team, we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a safe and peaceful new year.

Bec Humphrey and Pina Bria

2023 SJMS P&F Co-Chairs

On behalf of the school community, we would like to congratulate Ian in Year 5, who recieved an award for Outstanding Academic Achievement in Year 5 Spanish. The certificate was provided by the School of Languages and the ceremony was held at Elder Hall, University of Adelaide.

Due to the high volume of New students requiring full fittings we ask that All families book an appointment to come in store and this ensures that we have enough staff available to serve them. Even if they just want to buy a handful of items we still need a staff member to assist you.

Our last day for trading will be WEDNESDAY 20 December, and our last delivery to the school will be on Friday 15 December .

We will be closed: 21  December - 8 January and re-opening Tuesday 9 January.

We will be open for extended hours during December and January.

Our collection page for your school is regularly updated with opening times and any stock notifications. 

Best wishes for the festive season.

Michelle Flanigan, Store Manager

Belgravia Apparel Campbelltown | 10 Newton Rd Campbelltown 5074

P| 08 8336 2602

Due to the current ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, we are now operating by appointment only. 

Online Ordering also available  

Learn an instrument in 2024!

Students wishing to start learning an instrument next year are welcome to contact Learning Through Music to enquire about enrolling ready for Term 1!

If you would like to take instrumental music lessons please contact Learning Through Music online at www.ltmusic.com.au or email info@ltmusic.com.au if you would like further 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

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

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.