News & Events

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