School Newsletter

We have had three staff members who have been offered and accepted positions at new schools from 2024.

Firstly, our APRIM, Katie Downie, has won the APRIM position at St Monica’s School, Walkerville. Katie has worked with us for just over 12 months and in this time has lead staff, families and students in developing our Catholic Identity as a school. Of particular note has been Katie’s development of the On Sacred Ground project where she has developed and implemented whole school curriculum based upon Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si, engaging students in learning about the importance of caring for our common home.

Our EALD (English as an Additional Language or Dialect) teacher, Sarah Kostiw has won a permanent, full-time position at Immanuel College Primary as Literacy Coach. Sarah has been working with us two days per week supporting teachers with ensuring students with other language backgrounds can access the curriculum and progress their language learning.

Lastly, Rachael Saint has won a teaching position at Christian Brothers College beginning 2024. Rachael has worked as a part of the Year 1/2 teaching team for the past few years and has been a valuable member of our staff, contributing to many committees and school and social events.

Due to these movements, our staffing for 2024 is not yet finalised and families will be updated when all 2024 staffing is in place.

Finishing off one school year and anticipating the next can be a worrying time for students and their families. As you know, teachers are hard at work collaborating with each other to organise class placements for next year.  All students have been asked to identify some students that they are friends with and know they can learn well with, and each will have at least one person from this list in their 2024 class.  Class placements will be finalised and shared with you along with your child’s report on Monday of the last week of school.  Students will get an opportunity to meet with their new teacher and classmates on this day also.

Change is an inevitable part of life and often it is through change that we further develop important life skills such as resilience and social adeptness.  Change can help us expand our horizons with new experiences to help us stretch and grow. Madhavi Nawana Parker from Positive Minds Australia has some very helpful advice about navigating the uncertainty of class placements.  You can read it here.

As we move into the final part of the 2023 school year, I am mindful that we are also moving towards Advent, an important part of the Catholic liturgical year. Officially beginning on December 1, Advent is a holy time where we are invited to prepare our hearts and minds for the joy of the Christmas story. In our secular and commercial world, this time is promoted as a time to get ready for Christmas by spending money on items to make the day special; be it presents, decorations or special food or drinks.  As we approach the lead up to Christmas, I invite you to also take the time for reflection and prayer, for quiet time to contemplate the coming of Jesus and the impact that God’s love can, and does, have on our everyday life and encounters with each other.

With the spirit of Advent in mind, we have now launched our 2023 Vinnie’s Christmas Appeal. We know there are many families in our local community and beyond who struggle to make Christmas a special time of celebration. One way that we can share God’s love is through the giving of our time, care and, where possible, material help to those in need.  Last year, the generosity of the St Joseph’s School community was astounding. 

The Advent Wreath is used to symbolically commemorate newness, eternal life, and the death and resurrection of the promised Messiah.

Lighting of candles is a prominent feature of each week’s commemorative celebration. Advent begins on Sunday four weeks before Christmas, with one candle being lit each of the Sundays. candles and the light they produce reflect the light that came into the world with the arrival of Jesus Christ.

in most traditions, the lighting of the four candles is meant to be done as a family as well as at Mass on the weekend and will often reflect on the hope, faith, joy, peace, light, and purity that came into the world with the gift of the Messiah.  Advent candles have meaning and symbolism for the Advent season.

The first, second and fourth Advent candles are coloured purple, whilst the third is rose coloured. As a Christian tradition, the wreath holds the four Advent candles.

Candle name: The Prophecy Candle

The First Week of Advent Represents: Hope

Candle Colour: Purple

Purple is the primary colour associated with Advent. within the Catholic Church it symbolises penance, preparation, sacrifice During The first week of Advent we remember the Old Testament prophets who foretold of Jesus’ coming with hope and anticipation.

Scripture Reflection: ‘The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.’ Isaiah 9:2

Advent Wreath Prayer: Dear Jesus, you are the hope in our messy world. This Advent, help us slow down, listen to your voice, and focus on what is really important. We place our hope in you as we prepare out hearts to celebrate your birth on Christmas. Amen

Candle Name: The Bethlehem Candle

The Second week of Advent Represents: Peace and Preparation

Candle Colour: Purple

During the second week of Advent, we reflect on our lives and work on becoming better versions of ourselves in preparation for Jesus’ coming. We remember the journey Joseph and Mary took from Nazareth to Bethlehem.

Scripture Reflection: ‘And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. And she gave birth to her first born son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.’ Luke 2: 4-7

Advent Wreath Prayer: Dear Jesus, you entered our world on Christmas as the Prince of Peace. This Advent we strive to become the best versions of ourselves, fill us with a deep and abiding peace. help us share that peace with everyone we encounter, especially those who need it most. Amen

Last week, our year 1/2 students took centre stage at their class STEM Expo, showcasing their ingenuity. Tasked with addressing the global issue of light pollution, they meticulously designed and constructed a streetlight prototype. What sets their project apart? The use of recycled materials from our loose parts collection, demonstrating both creativity and sustainability.

In Week 2 of this term, the Year 5/6 unit attended an excursion to Parliament House and Government House. This educational journey provided our students with a unique opportunity to delve into the workings of our state government, gaining valuable insights into the roles and responsibilities of our elected representatives. 

The day began at Parliament House, the very heart of our state's democratic process. Nestled in the heart of the city, this iconic building welcomed our eager students for a day of exploration and discovery. The students had the privilege of touring the various chambers, including the House of Assembly and the Legislative Council, where important parliamentary sittings take place. 

Guided by knowledgeable educators and experienced guides, our students gained a comprehensive understanding of the legislative process. 5/6TDP were lucky enough to have local MP Olivia Savvas as their tour guide. The tour allowed students to appreciate the significance of the democratic system and the vital role each elected representative plays in representing the interests of the people. 

Following the insightful visit to Parliament House, our students ventured to Government House, the official residence of the state's Governor. This historic building, surrounded by lush gardens, provided a stark contrast to the bustling parliamentary chambers. Here, our students learned about the ceremonial and symbolic aspects of governance, gaining an appreciation for the traditions that have shaped our political landscape. 

The students were treated to a guided tour of Government House, exploring its grand halls and impressive architecture. They discovered the role of the Governor in our constitutional monarchy and learned about the various ceremonial functions hosted at this prestigious venue. The visit to Government House offered a unique blend of history, tradition, and contemporary governance, enriching our students' understanding of the multifaceted nature of state leadership. 

Since this excursion, students have had the opportunity to participate in a mock parliamentary session, where they assumed the roles of elected officials. This has not only fostered a deeper understanding of parliamentary procedures but also ignited a sense of responsibility and civic duty among the students. The students are now drafting 4 different bills regarding our school community where they want to make change. They have engaged in lively debates which has allowed them to experience the complexities of the decision-making process within a democratic framework. The students will consolidate their knowledge of ‘The Passage of a Bill’ process with these relevant school issues over the coming weeks as they exercise their rights as citizens living in a democracy. 

From this excursion and classroom learning, the students are demonstrating a newfound appreciation for the democratic process, a deeper understanding of the roles and responsibilities of our state government, and a sense of civic pride.

We are thrilled to share some fantastic news! Our STEM Mad teams nailed it with national certificates for their top-notch tech integration and embodying Catholic ethos, outshining 65 contenders! But wait, it gets better! Grok Academy fell in love with the 'Saving Water' prototype and gifted us a Micro:bit class pack and other rad educational goodies! Congratulations again to our teams and a major shoutout to Deborah from Catholic Education South Australia for supporting our kids throughout the project.

Celebrating our brilliant students who aced the ICAS assessment! 🌟 ICAS, a global academic challenge in English, Maths, and Science, has been pushing boundaries for over 40 years across 41 countries.

Hats off to our stars: Amelia, Lotye, Alessio, Chaamin, and a special shout-out to Tishaa for hitting the top 2 percent nationwide in English for year 6! 🎉 Way to go, team! 🚀