Dear Parents and Caregivers
Welcome back to Term 4. I hope that you all had a lovely mid-semester break.
This term is the shortest term of the School Year but sometimes I feel it is the one that is the busiest. There are many exciting things to look forward to like our Parish Picnic, Christmas Concert, End of Year Mass and Graduation Ceremonies for Year 6 and Preschool students as well.
A reflection on this Sunday’s Gospel
This Sunday, we hear at mass the story of the beggar Bartimaeus who is living in the darkness of his blindness. In a moment of desperation and inspiration, he cries out to Jesus who is passing by, undeterred by those in the crowd who call on him to be silent. Jesus restores his sight and tells him that he has been saved by his faith.
We note that Bartimaeus throws aside his cloak, one of his most prized possessions, as he approaches Jesus. The gesture indicates his decision to change his life and throw in his lot with Jesus.
Bartimaeus was a person of faith, not a person who prayed only in a crisis to get what he wanted from God. He had a deep relationship with God and that faith, that deep relationship with God, firstly answered his deepest need, his need for salvation, a far greater need than the restoration of his sight. Bartimaeus sought the kingdom of God first - God’s mercy - and the other thing, restoration of sight, was given to him as well.
Sports Day
This Friday, our community will come together to celebrate Sports Day. A reminder that all children should be at school by 8:30am so that we can leave by 8:45am to travel to Santos Stadium. Thank you to Tom Siinmaa and all the staff who have worked to make this a successful event.
A reminder to all parents and caregivers that you must adhere to all COVID regulations on the day. If you are taking your child home at the end of the event, your child/children must be signed out with their class teacher before leaving the stadium. This is for the safety of all children in our care.
Parish Assembly / Picnic
On Sunday 7 November, St Ignatius Parish will hold their Parish Assembly and Picnic. Following the 10am Mass from 11:30am - 1:30pm there will be the opportunity for members of the parish to share their thoughts / visions for the Parish. As well, this is the week that Fr Chris Jenkins joins the St Ignatius community as Parish Priest.
As part of the day, there will be games for children to participate on the oval which will be hosted by SJMS staff. Please come along, even if for ½ hour after mass not only to join in with the fun and festivities but to have your voice heard through your participation in the Parish Assembly.
Further details about this day will follow.
Sun Safe Policy
A reminder that from 1 August to 30 April, all children should be wearing their hats during Recess and Lunch, as well as when at PE lessons with Mr Siinmaa. Children who do not have their hats with them, will be asked to sit out under the verandah at both sites. In the interest of health and safety, children should not be sharing hats. As well, sunscreen is available to all students in the classrooms to be applied when needed. I urge parents to ensure their child has the correct school hat and that it is clearly labelled with their child’s name. Thank you for your support.
Kaurna Language Sessions
Thank you to Labhaoise Upton who is providing Kaurna language experiences for classes at William Street. Labhaoise who is also a parent of students at SJMS will share who knowledge during weeks 1 - 4 this term.
Yours sincerely
Grace Vassallo-Wakefield
Acting Principal
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