Dear Parents and Caregivers
Last Wednesday evening saw our AGM take place. Thank you to all those who attended in support of the school. A special thanks to the 2020 School Board; Megan Nehmy, Nick Watson, Nick McCabe, Roman Kluba, Brett Thompson, Grace Vassallo-Wakefield, Paula Wesley and our President Fr Paul Mullins for the time they sacrificed to support and enhance the school last year.
This year we say thank you to Megan Nehmy who has stepped down as Chairperson after completing her tenure of two years. Megan will kindly continue for a further 2 years as a Board Member to ensure she sees the completion of the Performing Arts Studio. Thank you to Megan for her work as Chairperson. A new chairperson will be nominated at our next general meeting.
We also say thank you to Paula Wesley who has been the Staff Representative on the School Board for the past two years - her insights and broad experiences have been valuable in our conversations over her tenure. We welcome Andrew Merrigan as the new Staff Representative on the School Board commencing at our next general meeting. I want to thank Paula for her contribution to our meetings over the past two years.
I also wish to say thank you to the Performing Arts Studio: Design Review Committee comprising of Mrs Vassallo-Wakefield, Megan Nehmy and the expertise of Poulami Ray who overcame the many hurdles on the journey from concept design through to council submission. While this sounds simple, the journey has been anything but!
COVID-19 Vaccination Update
COVID-19 vaccines are free and voluntary for everyone living in Australia.
Some previous government advice indicated there were some visa categories excluded from the free COVID‑19 vaccine eligibility. The updated advice from the Commonwealth Government indicates that there are no visas excluded.
The Australian Government will provide COVID-19 vaccinations free to everyone living in Australia, including refugees, asylum seekers, temporary protection visa holders, and those on bridging visas. People currently residing in detention facilities will also be eligible, including those whose visas have been cancelled.
More translated information about COVID-19 vaccines is available on the Commonwealth Government Department of Health website. It includes:
SBS has also developed a video in more than 60 languages, including AUSLAN. The video explains the different phases of the Australian Government’s COVID-19 Vaccine National Rollout Plan, specifically in what order different workers and age groups will receive the vaccine. It also highlights where it will be available, who will receive it free of charge and points to additional resources for further information.
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 10 to May 21, which is Week 3 and 4 of next term. 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 with the two-week window.
If there are parents who have questions regarding their child sitting the test, please contact Mrs Benci or myself by Friday 19 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.
St Joseph’s Feast Day
On Friday 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 followed by Buddy Activities and an afternoon of swimming 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.
Year 3 Camp
We wish all of the Year 3 students all the best as they take off on their first camp next Tuesday 9 March for one night. May Mrs Brewer, Mrs Williams, Mr Harrison and the students have safe travels and that their first camp experience be a positive one.
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.
Last Tuesday our Year 6 students delivered their prepared speeches, presenting their interest and intent if 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.
Leaders will be announced at our St Joseph’s Day Mass on Friday 19th.
Swimming Carnival
On Thursday 18 March, Mr Siinmaa and the St Joseph’s Swimming Squad head to the SA Aquatic Centre Oaklands Park 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
This year it has been great to see so many students riding their bikes to school at both William St and Bridge St. On Friday 19 March 2021 (St Joseph’s Day) it is National Ride2School Day. I will ride to school on Friday along with Mr Siinmaa and Mr Merrigan, who are currently polishing their bikes for the yearly event as we join hundreds of schools across Australia celebrating riding, walking, scooting and skating to school!
Debating
This year we will again be entering teams of Year 5 and Year 6 students in the Debating SA Competition. Parents of students who expressed their interest in the competition are asked to complete the online form sent via email on 2 March 2021.
God Bless
Brady Stallard