Dear Families and Caregivers,
As we approach the middle of the school year, I am filled with gratitude and pride for the many ways our students continue to grow—spiritually, academically, and socially. I would like to share some highlights and important updates from the past few weeks at St Joseph’s Memorial School.
✝️ Confirmation & Holy Communion Sacrament Celebrations
We recently celebrated the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion with several of our students, in partnership with the Norwood Catholic Parish. These sacred occasions are milestones in our children’s faith journey, and it was deeply moving to witness their reverence and commitment. Thank you to Fr. Chris, the Church Sacramental Team, our APRIM Mrs Vassallo-Wakefield and our families for preparing the students so beautifully. May the gifts of the Holy Spirit continue to guide them as they grow in their relationship with Christ.
🏃♂️ Sports Day at Mary MacKillop College
What a fantastic Sports Day we had at Mary MacKillop College! Our students displayed outstanding sportsmanship, teamwork, and school spirit throughout the day. It was wonderful to see everyone actively participating and cheering each other on. Well done to Mackillop House who won the Spirit Cup and Woods who were the overall team winners on the day. Special thanks to our PE Co-ordinator Mr Dacombe-Bird, staff, student house captains and the leaders at Mary MacKillop College for their support in making the day a success.
🧒 Mid-Year Reception Transition Visits
We’ve had the pleasure of welcoming our Mid-Year Reception students during their transition visits. These sessions are designed to help our youngest learners feel comfortable and excited about starting school. We’ve enjoyed getting to know them through play-based activities and classroom routines. We look forward to seeing their smiling faces in Term 3!
🎓 Children’s University
Congratulations to our Children’s University participants who have been working diligently to complete learning activities beyond the classroom. This initiative encourages students to pursue their interests, engage in lifelong learning, and explore their potential. We’re proud of their commitment and look forward to celebrating their achievements at the upcoming graduation ceremony later this year.
🤒 Gentle Reminder About Unwell Children
As we move into the winter months, a gentle reminder to please keep your child at home if they are feeling unwell. This helps to ensure the health and wellbeing of all students and staff. If your child shows symptoms such as fever, coughing, or fatigue, please allow them time to rest and recover before returning to school. We thank you for your continued cooperation in keeping our school community safe and healthy.
🌍 Presenting at the International Positive Psychology World Congress
I am honoured to share that I have been accepted to present at the International Positive Psychology World Congress at the beginning of July. This experience will be an opportunity to connect with global educators and researchers on the importance of wellbeing in schools. At St Joseph’s Memorial, we remain committed to embedding positive wellbeing practices that support our students’ emotional resilience and growth mindset.
Thank you for your continued partnership in making St Joseph’s Memorial School a place of faith, learning, and belonging. As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions or suggestions.
Adam Slater
Principal
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:
- A current Catholic Police Check (parents/caregivers attending excursions, reading in class, helping in class, attending community events);
- A current Responding to Abuse and Neglect in Education and Care for Volunteers certificate (please click here to view how to complete this requirement);
- 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
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.
SJMS Calendar
For dates, information on events and more, please visit the SJMS Calendar.
Join the P&F Facebook Group
If you want to stay up to date with the Parents and Friends Committee, connect with other Parents or buy/sell second hand uniform, remember to join our P&F Facebook Group!
SJMS Uniform Shop News
You can now book your uniform shop appointment online!
How do I book?
The easiest way to book is to go online. You can book a quick 15 minute fitting (best for current students) or a full 30 minute fitting (best for new students or full uniform updates). You can also follow the link to the online shop through your school website!
What if I know exactly what I need?
If you know what you need you can place an online order and collect in store or have it sent to the school for no additional charge.
Finance Team
Go to our Fee Information page to see school fee structure.
For any finance enquiries, email Nicki at accounts@sjms.catholic.edu.au
Nicki Cambourn
Bursar
Communication Between School and Home
Emails
Click here to view the current staff email addresses.
If you are not receiving emails from us, please email info@sjms.catholic.edu.au to ensure your email is correct on our system. Thank you.
School Phone Number
The phone number for the school is (08) 8130 7777. The phone will be answered by either office and your call directed to the appropriate area/staff member.
Audiri app
Download the Audiri app and add 'St Joseph's Memorial School' as your school. This app is used to communicate letters and information between the school and home.
Social Media
Communication platforms (Facebook and Instagram) used to showcase the learning and events occurring at SJMS, as well as a marketing tool for our school.
Parents and Friends Facebook Page
A Facebook Group where parents and caregivers can join to see P&F news, events and sell/buy second-hand uniform.
Qkr! app
An app families can use to pay school fees, OSHC fees, lunch orders and much more.
Qkr! app instructions.
Submitting a student absentee
Parents and caregivers can use the form in the Audiri app or via this website to advise when your child is absent. Please submit before 9am on the day of the absence. Thank you.
Submit an absentee.
Outside School Hours Care Software
iParent portal - the software used for the OSHC services at SJMS. Parents (once registered) can log into the portal and manage their child/ren's bookings online and check their OSHC account balance. Please note OSHC bookings are essential to ensure a child safe environment, maintain appropriate staffing ratios and ensure we do not exceed our licence.
OSHC email.
iParent portal link (for after you have registered).
OSHC registration form.
OSHC information page.
SJMS Sport
Mr Will Dacombe-Bird is the SJMS PE Teacher and outside school sport coordinator. You can contact Mr Dacombe-Bird via email wdacombe@sjms.catholic.edu.au.
Instrumental Program
Learning Through Music provides instrumental lessons at SJMS. You can contact them via email info@ltmusic.com.au.
Follow us on Social Media
Stay up to date with all that is happening across SJMS via our Facebook Page and Instagram Account
Pathways Beyond Year 6
Click here to view the local Catholic pathways beyond Year 6.
Southern Cross News
Click here to read the latest news from the Southern Cross News.
PAS SPACE AVAILABLE TO HIRE
Please contact Nicki Cambourn, Bursar accounts@sjms.catholic.edu.au
Terms & Conditions applicable.
Media
Sibling enrolments
Are there younger siblings in your family that you would like to enrol at SJMS?
We are currently finalising enrolments for 2024 - don't miss out!
Submit an enrolment form as soon as possible, or contact us for a private tour of the school.
SJMS, a Preschool to Year 6 educational pathway where every child shines!
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