Dear Parents and Caregivers
Pupil Free Day
A reminder next Tuesday, March 10, is a Pupil Free Day for our Preschool and school, making this an extra-long weekend. All staff from our school will join with all staff from St Joseph’s Tranmere, St Joseph’s Payneham, St Joseph’s Hectorville and St Francis of Assisi where we will explore future education with Louka Parry, a Learning Strategist and Education Futurist.
NAPLAN (National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy)
This week I have begun receiving details for this year's NAPLAN. The National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) for Year 3 and Year 5 students at St Joseph’s Memorial will take place from May 12 to May 14, which is Week 3 of next term. This year schools have a window from May 12 to May 22 to complete the tests. Our students will participate in the online version of the test, with the exception of our Year 3 students handwriting the ‘Writing’ component of NAPLAN tests. There are four components: Language Conventions, Writing, Reading and Numeracy.
If your child is absent during this period, there is the possibility of completing the assessments upon their return to school up until Friday May 22.
If there are parents who have questions regarding their child sitting the test, please contact Mrs Benci or myself by Friday 13 March to discuss this. This includes parents wishing to withdraw their child from the test. If you would like more information please visit the NAPLAN website at www.nap.edu.au/naplan/parent-carer-support
St Joseph’s Feast Day
On Thursday 19 March we celebrate the feast day of our patron, St Joseph, who is dear to our community. To mark this occasion, we will participate in various activities. We will celebrate the life of St Joseph with a whole school Mass at 9:15am in the William St Piazza, followed by a day at the Norwood Pool. Mrs Vassallo-Wakefield is still looking for volunteers for the day. If you have a valid Catholic Police Clearance and are able to help on the day, please make contact with Mrs Vassallo-Wakefield.
Student Leadership
At St Joseph’s Memorial the opportunities to develop leadership skills are valued and varied. Leadership is a quality that all students are encouraged and supported to develop. Students from Reception to Year 6 take on the role of leaders of their own learning. Through the curriculum and extra curricula activities, all students are encouraged to develop the skills necessary to be a leader. This ensures that all students perceive themselves as leaders and have the opportunity and confidence to take on leadership roles.
Student leadership roles challenge individuals to develop a sense of vision and purpose as they take on responsibilities. They develop interpersonal and intrapersonal skills including communication, negotiation, teamwork and reflection.
Through their actions, St Joseph Memorial School Student Leaders reflect and demonstrate the characteristics of St Joseph and our school’s values: trust, respect, honesty and integrity.
Each role will allow students to become actively involved in making decisions and problem solving in the community.
This Friday our Year 6 students will deliver their prepared speeches, presenting to students their interest and intent if they were to be selected for their chosen leadership position.
However, having said this, each of our students have a leadership role in our school whether they are in Year 6 or any other year level. There are many ways that each child can set an example for those around them, little things like; showing love in all actions, being a pillar of compassion and strength, to the more simple things like wearing their uniform with pride, putting their rubbish in the bin, moving to class on time after the bell, listening patiently to those around them, being kind to others; all are small but very important examples where students provided leadership to ensure our school continues to be a loving place.
Swimming
Next Wednesday Mr Siinmaa and the St Joseph’s Swimming Squad head to Magill Swimming Pool to compete in the South Australian Catholic Primary School Sports Association Swimming Carnival.
I congratulate all students who tried out for the team and wish the final Swimming Squad well for the day.
Ride Your Bike to School Day
Next Friday is National Ride2School Day (13 March 2020). I will ride to school on Friday along with Mr Siinmaa and Mr Merrigan as we join hundreds of schools across Australia celebrating riding, walking, scooting and skating to school!
Debating
In 2020 we will be entering teams of Year 5 and Year 6 students in the Debating SA Competition. Students who expressed their interest in the competition have taken a letter home with them this evening.
Children’s University
We have 16 students across our Year 4 classes who have joined the Children’s University Program this year. This Friday at the William St Assembly, our Children’s University students will be presented with their Passport to Learning by Gemma Stanger from Adelaide University.
God Bless
Brady Stallard
Photo: Year 5/6 Lent Word Art