Dear Parents and Caregivers
This Sunday, is the 2nd Sunday of Lent. During Lent many of us practise giving up something or fasting during this season. For me, rather than fasting or giving up things, my focus is on how I can be a better person during this season. I focus on the words Pope Francis used in his Ash Wednesday homily from 2019 when he asked us the following question and then shared his thoughts:
Do you want to fast this Lent?
Fast from hurting words and say kind words.
Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.
Fast from anger and be filled with patience.
Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.
Fast from worries and trust in God.
Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity.
Fast from pressures and be prayerful.
Fast from bitterness and fill your heart with joy.
Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others.
Fast from grudges and be reconciled.
Fast from words and be silent so you can listen.
Building Progress
I would like to express my thanks to our parents and caregivers during the building of our Performing Arts Studio. Your patience, especially as we have navigated reduced parking and footpath closures has been appreciated.
This week, the courts area opened up for our students which was well received by both staff and students. In Week 8, from Wednesday 23 March to Friday 25 March the Transportable Classrooms will be removed and shortly after that our Nature Play area will be worked on. Hopefully the transformation of this area will be complete early Term 2.
Pupil Free Day
This Friday the Staff will be involved in our continuing Professional Development with the Berry Street Education Model. We will be focussing on Domain 3 on Stamina and Domain 4 on Engagement.
Stamina focusses on creating a culture of academic persistence by nurturing resilience, emotional intelligence and a growth mindset.
Engagement is about motivating students with strategies that increase their willingness to learn.
In our next Newsletter, I will delve deeper into what we looked at during these sessions.
SkoolBag Alerts
This week we have had numerous communications go out on our SkoolBag app including a reminder of our Pupil Free Day on Friday. I urge all parents and caregivers to check the app regularly for updates. The following communications have gone out this week:
Farewell Linda Brine
Early this term, Linda Brine our Bursar / Finance Officer announced her retirement. Linda has been an integral part of the SJMS community for the past 6 years and a valued colleague. Linda has also spent many years working on the Finance Team at CESA. On behalf of the SJMS community I would like to thank Linda for her dedication to her role. The knowledge and expertise she has shared with the Finance Committee has been invaluable. She will be missed.
As Linda transitions out of her role, I would like to welcome Nicki Cambourn as our new Bursar / Finance Officer. Nicki has been a part of the Finance Team at St Columba's College, Andrews Farm. She will work alongside Linda over the next few weeks as she moves into the role.
School Board Annual General Meeting
Usually, early in Term 1 we hold our AGM for the School Board and P&F for 2021. Due to COVID, this has been postponed to Wednesday 30 March at 6:30pm. At this stage, we hope that we will be able to meet face-to-face in the Piazza but are awaiting clarification regarding this. An invitation will go out to all families next week.
If you would like to nominate for a position on the School Board or P&F, please click here and submit your nomination.
There is an opportunity to submit ‘Questions with Notice’ prior to the Annual General Meeting. If you would like to submit a question, please click here to submit no later than Wednesday 23 March 2022.
Yours sincerely
Grace Vassallo-Wakefield
Dear Parents and Caregivers
It has been pleasing to see all our students back on site over the past fortnight. I thank you all as well for supporting the measures we have put in place regarding access to our school. I know, especially for parents and caregivers of our new students this has been very difficult as they begin their schooling journey. We hope the restrictions in place will ease but ask you to adhere to the practises we have put in place to protect our staff, students and families. Please refer to my correspondence earlier this week which referred to some of the current restrictions in place for the next 4 weeks.
Lent 2022
Next Wednesday we celebrate Ash Wednesday. This day signifies, for many Christians around the world, the beginning of the Season of Lent. A time when we prepare ourselves for Easter by reflecting on how we can be a better person by reflecting on life's choices and possible life directions.
Usually on Ash Wednesday people who seek forgiveness for their wrongdoings are marked with the sign of the cross, from blessed ashes, on their forehead. This symbolic occasion reminds us of: our sorrow for sins, as well as the will for change and the hope of forgiveness. It is traditionally a time of fasting and prayer. This year, due to COVID, we will be sprinkled with the blessed ashes during class liturgies.
I ask that you take the time to read what Pope Francis has to say to us about our sowing seeds of goodness, during the coming Lenten Season at the link below:
Performing Arts Studio (PAS) Progress
As you will have all noticed, our PAS is coming along quickly. We are almost at the stage where it is only the internal fixtures that will need to be complete. As well, our builders are working hard on re-laying the asphalt surface in the coming days and the removal of the transportable buildings will soon follow. I know that our students and staff are looking forward to the availability of more play space in the coming weeks.
The installation of our Nature Play area will commence once all building work has been completed and the Netball / Basketball court is reconfigured. It will be wonderful when all works are complete and we can truly enjoy our transformed play space at our William Street site.
AGM - School Board / Parents and Friends
The AGM of our School Board and P&F Association is traditionally held early Term 1. Due to the current COVID restrictions, this has been moved to later in the term to Wednesday 30 March at 6:30pm in the hope that we can meet as a group. Further details will follow regarding this important school event.
Yours sincerely
Grace Vassallo-Wakefield
Dear Parents and Caregivers
Ash Wednesday
Next Wednesday our whole school will celebrate a special Liturgy for the first time this year. This Liturgy is a Liturgy celebrating Ash Wednesday which begins the church season of Lent. On this day we receive some ashes to remind us that as believers of the Good News we are going to try to live out Jesus message of love and forgiveness. The ashes come from the palms used at last year’s Palm Sunday celebrations.
Lent goes for 40 days, from Ash Wednesday to Holy Week, the beginning of the Easter celebrations. Lent is a time for us to Fast, Pray and Give Alms (Serve Others).
The number 40 is very significant in the Bible:
The rain lasted for 40 days in the mighty flood – Noah (Genesis 6)
Moses stayed on Mount Sinai for 40 days (Ex 24:18)
Jonah gave the people of Ninevah 40 days to repent (Jon 3:4)
Jesus, before beginning his ministry, spent 40 days in the desert in prayer and fasting (Matt 4:2)
I remember Lent as a child as a time of fasting and going without. We fasted as a way of helping us understand some of the suffering Jesus went through when he fasted in the desert and as a way of focusing the mind on holy thoughts. In some ways it was quite exciting because it was one of the few times we had ‘takeaway’, as on Fridays we were only allowed to have fish and no meat. The local fish and chip shop always did a roaring trade on Fridays.
Fasting is common among many religions. The Jews have Yom Kippur, a solemn time to show a need for forgiveness of sins through fasting and praying. The Muslims have Ramadan, a month when they fast from before sunrise to sunset. The Hindus fast at festivals and at other times to show devotion to the Hindu deities.
Let us reflect on the words that Pope Francis wants us to FAST from during Lent – and beyond.
Project Compassion
This week the season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, which also marks the beginning of the annual Caritas Australia Project Compassion Appeal. Donations to Project Compassion allows Caritas Australia, the Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development, to work with local communities around the world to alleviate poverty, hunger, oppression and injustice.
The theme this year is: For all Future Generations. We encourage you to put your compassion into action this Lent through your prayer, fasting and almsgiving by supporting Project Compassion. Your generous support can help to change the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable people. Join us this Lent to raise much-needed funds for people living in poverty. Together, we can make a difference now, and For All Future Generations.
Each family will receive a Project Compassion box for their donations or you can donate online via the Caritas Australia website at: lent.caritas.org.au
Sacramental Program
The preparation and celebration of Sacraments occurs through the Family Faith Formation Program (FFFP) run through the Norwood Parish. This week, families received information regarding the Reconciliation, Confirmation and Holy Communion Programs for 2022. Parents are asked to complete the Enrolment Form attached and return it to the Parish Office or myself, along with a copy of your child’s Baptism Certificate.
If you have any questions about the program or eligibility or; if you are considering starting your children’s Religious Journey with the Sacrament of Baptism, please contact Franco Canil at the Office.
This Week’s Sunday Readings are:
First Reading: Ecclesiasticus 27:5-8
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:54-58
Gospel Reading: Luke 6:39-45
Also, as a quick reminder that Mass times at St Ignatius Church, Norwood are:
Saturday: (Vigil) 6:00pm
Sunday: 8:30am, 10:00am, 5:00pm
“We are all a reflection of God’s love”
Franco Canil
Acting APRIM
Correspondence from the Parish re. Lent.
Dear Parents and Caregivers
A very happy New Year and welcome back to the ‘old’ families and to all of the new families to our very interesting start to the school year. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas that enabled you to spend time with your loved ones as you celebrated the birthday of Jesus, our Lord and Saviour.
I thank all the parents that I have met at the Bridge St site for their warm welcomes to this wonderful community. I am looking forward to meeting the families at the William St site soon too. Just a little bit about myself: I have been in Catholic Education since 1990 in many different and varied roles. From ESO, teacher of Rec-Yr 7, to many different POR leadership positions. I have undertaken a number of Acting APRIM roles in the past 4 years – which have provided me with wonderful and rich experiences. I have been privileged to get to know so many different school communities and the Parishes they are in; and I am sure this is going to be the same here at St Joseph’s Memorial.
As we move into the second month of 2022 we know the year will have its rewards and its challenges for us. As we know it is through challenges and the way we work through them that help us truly grow and develop our full potential. The start of a new year also gives our students the opportunity to set new goals for their learning both in the classroom and the school yard.
One of our challenges as teachers is to help each of our students develop their relationship with God our creator. It is in our relationships with others and the world around us that we come to understand our God. We remind them that they are unique, made in the image of God. They all have gifts and talents and that God wants them to use these to help others.
Sometimes it is hard for us to see the gift/s we have been given or how best to use them. You can help your child by telling them about their gifts you have noticed and encouraging them to use these special gifts or talents eg. They play nicely with brothers/sisters/friends, they draw/colour in well or they are good at building things/reading/singing.
I have also been in contact with the Parish with regards to the Sacramental Program. More information will be given out later in the Term concerning the students who are preparing for the Confirmation and Holy Communion program. Students involved in Reconciliation during 2021 and any other students in Years 4 or above who have been Baptised and have undertaken Reconciliation can be involved.
If you have any questions about the program or eligibility or; if you are considering starting your children’s Religious Journey with the Sacrament of Baptism, please contact Franco Canil in the Office.
This Week’s Sunday Readings are: First Reading: Jeremiah 17:5-8
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:12,16-20
Gospel Reading: Luke 6:17,20-26
Also, as a quick reminder that Mass times at St Iganatius Church, Norwood are:
Saturday: (Vigil) 6:00pm
Sunday: 8:30am, 10:00am, 5:00pm
“We are all a reflection of God’s love”
Franco Canil
Acting APRIM
Photo: The 2022 Leadership Team (Acting Principal Mrs Grace Vassallo-Wakefield, Acting APRIM Mr Franco Canil, Leader of Learning Mr Nick Ryan, ICT Key Teacher Ms Amy Parker and Inclusive Education Co-ordinator Mrs Toni Benci, who is taking some well-earned Long Service Leave during Term 1.)
Dear Parents and Caregivers
As I write the first newsletter of the year, I acknowledge that it probably isn’t the way we anticipated how the beginning of the 2022 School Year would begin. I would like to thank you all for your support in these first 2 weeks of school, with face-to-face learning for our Preschool, Reception and Year 1 students and online learning for our Year 2 – 6 students. Next Monday, I look forward to seeing the fresh smiles of our students on our William Street campus as they too return back to the classrooms. I am sure that many parents and caregivers are also grateful for this.
Just a reminder as we return to school that we follow the current COVID restrictions. Until further notice, parents are reminded not to access the school site. For students who are new to the community, parents may come onsite to accompany their child to their classroom on their first day. Parents are reminded to QR code and wear facemasks when onsite at any time. At the end of the day, we ask parents to utilise the Kiss and Drop zone rather than wait for their child at the gate to ensure we are socially distancing and keeping safe. If you require a Yellow car sign, could you please contact either Jess Nelson or Mary Fantasia to organise one for you.
WELCOME
I extend a warm welcome to all our new students and their families as you join our community. Although we aren’t able to meet in the traditional ways of the past, we hope that in the near future we might be able to host a welcome morning tea for parents and caregivers.
NEW STAFF 2022
This year we welcome the following new staff members to our community:
Mr Franco Canil - APRIM
Mrs Zoe Gower - Rec/1 R Teacher
Ms Cristabel MacLeod - Year 5/6 R Teacher
Ms Eloise Di Sisto - Year 5/6 G Teacher
Mrs Kate Didyk - Year 5/6 G and PE Teacher
Mrs Megan Pollard - Performing Arts Teacher
SPORTS TRAINING
At the beginning of Week 4, sports training may commence on school sites. Only the coach and the team members are allowed to be onsite during this time. For morning training sessions, students are to wait with their parents at the front gate at William Street for their Coach to collect them and escort them to their training session in the morning. If sports training is in the afternoon, the coach will escort the students to the front gate and wait for the students to be collected by their parents. We thank you all for your support as we navigate this time.
BUILDING PROGRESS
The building of our Performing Arts Studio is quickly taking shape. We have had a slight hold up to the end date but hope that by the end of March, the transportable classrooms will be removed and access to the Performing Arts studio will be available to staff and students. This does mean that for the next few weeks there will still be limited play space. Also, students who walk to school will no longer need to use the oval gate to access the yard.
Once this work is complete, work on our Nature Play area will commence. We hope that by the beginning of Term 2 we will have a transformed outdoor area for our students to use. I thank all staff, students and parents for their patience as we move towards this time. At this stage, a date and time for the Official Opening and Blessing of this space has not been set. We will advise you all as soon as a date has been set.
CAR PARKING
A reminder to all parents and caregivers to obey the parking signs near our school. Please do not park across driveways etc. as this causes our neighbors great stress and anxiety trying to access their homes.
Prayer for the New School Year
Blessed are you, Lord God,
Creator of body and mind and heart;
you have sent the Spirit of wisdom and knowledge
to guide your people in all their ways.
At the beginning of this new school year
we implore your mercy:
bless the students, teachers, and staff of St Joseph’s Memorial School,
that together we may grow in faith, hope, and love
as we learn from you and each other
how to follow your Son Jesus.
Expand the horizons of our minds,
that we may grow in wisdom,
understanding, and knowledge;
deepen our commitment to seek the truth of your ways;
and enliven our faith to reach out to those in need.
Amen
Yours sincerely
Grace Vassallo-Wakefield
Please check the SJMS Calendar for up to date Pupil Free Days.
2023
Term 2 Monday 1 May to Friday 7 July
Term 3 Monday 24 July to Friday 29 September
Term 4 Monday 16 October to Friday 15 December
2024
Term 1 Monday 29 January to Friday 12 April
Term 2 Monday 29 April to Friday 5 July
Term 3 Monday 22 July to Friday 27 September
Term 4 Monday 14 October to Friday 13 December
2025
Term 1 Tuesday 28 January to Friday 11 April
Term 2 Monday 28 April to Friday 4 July
Term 3 Monday 21 July to Friday 26 September
Term 4 Monday 13 October to Friday 12 December
Please remember to check the SJMS calendar regularly for important dates and events.
Dear Parents and Caregivers
On Sunday at Mass we lit the first candle on our Advent Wreath. The main characteristics of Advent, are waiting, hope and renewal. There are two types of waiting, passive and active. Passive waiting is a little like being at a bus stop; there’s nothing much you can do except look up every now and again to see if the bus is coming or watch the passing traffic or read a book etc. Active waiting is a like preparing for a guest to come and visit us in our home. Our eyes are on the clock as we tidy the house, prepare food and other refreshments, put some flowers into a vase and consider what would please the person coming to visit.
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
This week we commenced the Season of Advent and a new year in the life of the Church, Year C. Advent usually begins around the last Sunday of November, and is celebrated across four Sundays – each building on the other, inviting us to prepare actively for the feast of Christmas,
Congratulations to Joseph, winners of the 2021 SJMS Sports Day Shield!!
Congratulations to MacKillop, winners of the 2021 SJMS Sports Day Spirit Cup!!
Congratulations to our students, your positive attitude and sportsmanship shone today in a sea of colour and smiles!!
Thank you to the SJMS community for helping make this year’s Sports Day such a success!
Dear Parents and Caregivers
It was wonderful to see some of our students become fully initiated members of the church when they celebrated the Sacrament of the Eucharist on Sunday afternoon. This is a very important moment in the lives of these students as they become full and active members of the Eucharistic community.
On Monday students came together to celebrate All Saints Day with mass for our Years 2 – 6 students and a Liturgy of the Word for our Preschool – Year 1 students.
All Saints Day, has its origins in the Roman Catholic Church of the Middle Ages. Reflecting on the lives and examples of the saints had been a widespread practice for Christians since the earliest days of the church. By the early Middle Ages, the liturgical calendar was filled with the commemorations of hundreds of saints and martyrs. Many of these lesser observances were combined into a joint celebration called All Saints Day.
This was a very special day for our students at William Street as it was the first mass Fr Chris Jenkins celebrated. We welcome Fr Chris to our community and look forward to him joining us at many of our school celebrations.
Parish Assembly / Picnic
An invitation to all families to join the Parish for their Parish Assembly and Picnic after the 10am mass on Sunday.
Building Update
Work on our Performing Arts Studio is certainly coming along. Over the holidays, the electrical work leading to the building was mostly completed while the students were off site. The frame is almost completely up and I look forward to seeing the walls going up soon. It certainly is an exciting time.
School Concert
This term on Thursday 25 November, our students from Preschool to Year 6 will showcase what they have been working on with Mrs Williams. We all look forward to coming together as a community to celebrate their hard work. Details regarding the purchase of tickets has been sent out via the Skoolbag app.
Reports
Semester 2 reports will be sent home on Friday 3 December with your child. If your child is not at school on the day, it will be available for you to collect from the School Office until Wednesday 8 December. Any uncollected reports will be mailed home after this date.
Yours sincerely
Grace Vassallo-Wakefield
Acting Principal
