School Newsletter

Students will have the opportunity to meet their 2023 class group and teachers on Monday 11 December. This is an important time to help children transition from one year level and class to the next.  No doubt, some children (and their families) may be anxious about change that will occur as they move from known classrooms, friends and teachers into possibly unknown ones.  We can all support this process by reassuring children that change is a normal part of life and that it can bring great opportunity for developing new skills and engaging in new experiences.

Whilst staffing is not yet completely finalised for 2024, I can inform you that Jemma O’Neil will be joining the St Joseph’s School staff next year.  Jemma comes to us from Catherine McCauley School at Craigmore, where she has been teaching middle and upper primary students for several years as well as having previous teaching experience in other Catholic Schools and in the United Kingdom. We are delighted to have Jemma join our teaching team.

Last Friday a strong group of current Year 5 School Captain nominees presented their speeches to the primary school classes identifying their reasons why they should be selected as the 2024 St Joseph’s School Captain.  I was pleased to announce the success of Savva Venizelou and Ava Polkinghorne at our assembly on Monday morning and I look forward to working with both Ava and Savva in this leadership role next year.

Each term our students have been asked to complete the CESA Classroom Pulse Survey and this is an opportunity for students in Reception to Year 6 to voice how they are feeling at school in relation to their learning and wellbeing.  Over the year, we have been listening carefully to the students via their responses.  Teachers have been meeting with those who express concern and identifying next steps in relation to addressing these concerns. Now that the data is in from the Term 4 Check In, I would like to share the overall results with our school community.

These results show we have a good deal to celebrate as a whole community.  Whilst there has been a small increase in the ‘red’ section this term (where students have identified negative feelings) the good news story is that the ‘sometimes’ responses have declined significantly, and our positive responses have increased steadily across the year – with an 8% increase overall across the year.

We are now seeking nominations of parents/caregivers in our community who wish to represent the interests of all stakeholders in the school as a member of the St Joseph’s School Board. Elected members serve a 2-year term and, along with staff and Parish representatives, they fulfil an advisory role in the decision making of the school. Once all nominations have been received, we provide the opportunity for all parents/caregivers to elect our new 2024 St Joseph’s School Board members.

In accepting a position on the board, members indicate they believe in its ethos, have a genuine interest in the school and wish to give something in return for the benefits they might have received as a student, parent, or caregiver. Further information about the role of a School Board member can be found on the CESA website.

Parents or Caregivers can self-nominate or can be nominated by another. If you are looking to nominate someone whom you think would contribute well to the Board, please have a conversation with them first. Click here to self-nominate, or to nominate another.  Nominations are due by this Friday.

This afternoon we gathered in the Hall to recognise students who have participated on Out of School Hours Sport this year. We thank the many parents/ family members who have volunteered their time as coaches and managers to ensure that so many students have had the wonderful opportunity to represent St Joseph’s School in school community sports.

We look forward to gathering as a whole school community tomorrow evening at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 252 Port Road Hindmarsh at 6:30pm to give thanks to God for the 2023 school year. Students are expected to attend with their families, however, will be sitting in class groups for the Mass. At this time, we will have the opportunity to also give thanks for our staff who are leaving the school and to farewell our graduating Year 6 students. Whilst we love the opportunity to bring our community together, please be mindful of limited space in our Church and keep extended family guests to a minimum.

Our Year 6 students and their families will gather on the evening of Monday 11 December to celebrate together with a meal to mark their graduation from St Joseph’s School. I take this opportunity to farewell our graduating students and wish them all the best for their schooling future.  I also express my thanks to the families of our graduating students for their support and partnership in their child’s primary school education.

Thank you to everyone for your donations for the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. We were thrilled to have your very generous donations collected by Sandra, our local Vinnie’s representative, this morning. Sandra has assured us that our donations will be able to help many people in our local community.

As a whole school we continue to come together to celebrate each week of the Advent season. As the School term doesn’t align with the Advent weeks, we have just celebrated the third week of Advent, focusing on the Shepherd’s candle. This gives our students an opportunity to experience the whole four weeks of Advent and prepare themselves for the birth of Jesus.

Candle name: The Shepherd’s Candle

The First Week of Advent Represents: Joy

Candle Colour: Pink

The third candle is pink and symbolising rejoicing. During the third week of Advent we are filled with joy for the near arrival of Jesus on Christmas day. This Sunday is often called ‘Gaudete Sunday’ as we reflect on the joy the shepherd’s felt at the birth of Jesus.

Scripture Reflection: ‘And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.’ Luke 2:20

Advent Wreath Prayer: Dear Jesus, help us focus on you during this busy season. May we stay aware of the joy you bring into our lives. We want to find you in the everyday moments and come with hearts of gratitude to your manger on Christmas. Amen.

Candle Name: The Angel’s Candle

The Second week of Advent Represents: Love

Candle Colour: Purple

During this final week of Advent we rejoice in the endless love that God has for us, which is made apparent in the birth of his Son. We reflect on the good news of God’s love bought to us from the angel Gabriel.

Scripture Reflection: ‘‘And the angel said to them, ‘Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord’ .’’ Luke 2: 10 - 11

Advent Wreath Prayer: Dear Jesus, may the light of your love always shine in our hearts. As Christmas draws closer, we marvel at your great love for us. Let your love transform every aspect of our lives and touch everyone we encounter. Our hearts are open to you, Jesus. Amen

As I finish writing my last newsletter items for the St Joseph’s School Community, I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you. Although my time here has been short, the St Joseph’s School Community has had a huge impact on me, and I have learnt a good deal in this time. Thank you for being such a welcoming community and to the students for making my time here fun, interesting and a place I have enjoyed coming to every day. I wish you all a wonderful Christmas filled with peace and love and opportunity to take time and just be with each other.

This term in the garden club our Students were learning how to take cuttings from the strawberry plants and replant them as new plants. There was a surprise visitor from the Blue Banded Bee our most beautiful South Australian native bee. This bee pollinates our tomato flowers. Thank you to all the student's contribution this year. See you next year. Rose. 

The children who graduated from Children's University this year were gifted some Smiggle Stationery from the team at CU for their efforts this year.

Applications will open next year for children who would like to participate in the program in 2024.