Week 10, Term 2 2025

Dear Families,

As we reach the end of Term 2 and the semester, I want to take a moment to reflect on the wonderful achievements and developments across our school community.

Student Reports

This week, your child’s Semester 1 report became available via SEQTA. These reports reflect the cumulative learning journey so far and provide valuable insight into your child’s progress. The Semester 1 grade contributes to the overall achievement for the year and helps guide continued learning in Semester 2.

It has been a joy to read through the reports and see the learning, effort, and growth that has taken place. We are incredibly proud of all our students and commend their commitment and progress. Should you wish to discuss your child’s report or academic progress further, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher.

Staff News

As we prepare to welcome Term 3, we are excited to introduce our Mid-Year Reception students to the St Joseph’s community. Under the guidance of Mrs Gower and Miss Steven, we are confident the new Receptions will begin a rich and nurturing learning journey.

We also welcomed Adele Foale as our new OSHC Director. Adele brings with her a wealth of experience from her time at St Peter’s Girls Early Learning Centre and Rosemount House Montessori. We are thrilled to have her join our team.

Additionally, Michelle Carswell has joined the front office team at William Street, filling in for Mary Fantasia while she is on long service leave for Semester 2. Michelle’s background in early education and administration is a valuable addition to our school community.

At the end of term 2, we farewell Veronica Issa in her role as Performing Arts Teacher in our school with Jessica Williams returning to teach at both sites from the start of term 3. On behalf of the community I would like to thank Veronica for her work to lead students in our school in the area of music, dance and drama - especially for leading the whole school Nativity musical last.

Preschool Graduation

On Monday, we celebrated our Preschool Graduation—recognising the achievements of students completing their time in the Preschool and Ready for Reception programs. It was a joyful occasion marking an important milestone in our youngest learners’ journeys. We look forward to seeing them flourish as they begin Reception.

Co-Curricular Highlights

As the term draws to a close, many of our sporting teams wrapped up their seasons. Across the board, we have seen tremendous improvement and positive school spirit. A heartfelt thank you to all our coaches, staff, and families who supported our teams throughout the term.

Assembly Highlights

Our recent assembly hosted by Reception Blue showcased the creativity and learning happening in classrooms. We were also very lucky to have a rail safety session from the Australian Rail Track Corporation. The assembly was a fantastic celebration of student voice and achievement.

Wonderful learning highlights

It has been brilliant to see the deep learning that has been displayed this term.

Recently, the Reception students have been working on their writing during Playberry Literacy sessions. I have been impressed with the collective fluency and neatness demonstrated by all students.

The Year 2 students have completed some impressive Winter Cinquain poetry.

The Year 1 and 2 students have also undertaken wonderful learning in Mathematics on the topics of Number and Geometry.

As we head into the holiday break, I’d like to thank all our students, staff, and families for your partnership and support throughout the semester. I wish you all a restful and safe break, and I look forward to welcoming everyone back for another exciting term of learning and growth.

Prayer, Liturgy and Sacraments are integral to the faith formation of our students and the enhancement of community life at SJMS. These celebrations provide opportunities for us to participate through words, actions and gestures. It is also a time to listen to and respond to God’s word.

At SJMS we are fortunate that Fr Chris Jenkins is available to our community when we celebrate during our School / Class Masses and Liturgy of the Word.

This term, we have had wonderful celebrations that have brought us together as a faith community. Thank you to all the parents and caregivers who have helped us to celebrate these significant events.

This term, the Year 4, 5 and 6 classes also came together with the staff of Mary MacKillop College to celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart. It was a wonderful celebration that united our 2 communities together.

Next term we have 3 significant Liturgies / Masses which we will celebrate: 

• Grandparents Day on Wednesday 30 July
• St Mary MacKillop’s Feast Day on Thursday 7 August
• Father’s Day on Thursday 4 September

Sacramental Program

Last week, students from SJMS were Confirmed and received First Eucharist for the first time completing the Sacraments of Initiation. Congratulations to all these students.

In Term 3, we the Family Faith Formation program will begin for all students who are in Year 3 – 6 who would like to celebrate Reconciliation (2025) and Confirmation / First Eucharist (2026). Enrolment Forms were sent out earlier this term via Audiri.

Position Available

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.

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.

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.