1st Edition 2021
Dear Parents and Caregivers
Welcome back. I hope the summer break was a chance to replenish and spend quality time with family and friends after what was the most extraordinary year in 2020.
I would like to extend a warm welcome to those families who have joined our St Joseph’s Memorial community this year from other schools and children who have just begun their educational journey in either Preschool or Reception. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly each child’s nerves and anxiety dissipate at the start of a new year. I am pleased to say that we witnessed no tears at Bridge Street last week, which speaks volumes for how those in our community; students, staff and parents create a welcoming environment. Thank you all for making our motto “in omnibus caritas” live in our school community.
This year we welcome back Mr Matthew Harrison, who worked in Acting APRIM roles at Tension Woods, Richmond and St Anthony’s, Edwardstown over the past 3 years. We also welcome back Mrs Jessica Hoare, who married in December and will be now know as Mrs Williams. We also welcome back Deacon Anthony Hill who will be our school chaplain in 2021.
Last week was full of excitement for students in the anticipation of catching up with friends. However, I am very impressed with how all students have settled into the routine of school life and their learning.
Staff Learning
During the week before students returned to school, staff were preparing their classrooms in anticipation for the first day. In addition, they also did some learning of their own, engaging in quality professional development including Circle Time with Bill Hansberry and Assessment for Educators Course by Hassan Mekawy. This year we will continue to work in collaboration with the other Catholic schools in the Eastern suburbs, particularly St Joseph’s Hectorville, St Joseph’s Payneham, St Joseph’s Tranmere, St Francis of Assisi, Loreto College, Rostrevor College, Mary MacKillop College and St Ignatius College. We will have pupil free days on: Tuesday 27 April, Friday 24 September and Monday 11 October. These days will be spent collaborating with other schools in the Eastern Star group.
Bridge St Play Area
Unfortunately, the Bridge St Campus wasn’t complete for the first day, however I think the new space looks fantastic. It is certainly bright and makes a big positive impact on the childrens’ learning space.
Parents and Friends
We are excited to commence our Parents and Friends Committee meeting again. Our first meeting will be held next Wednesday morning at 9am specific dates are in the school calendar. Each term there will be a 9am meeting and a 6:30pm meeting. If you would like to join the parents and friends please make contact with Mrs Vassallo-Wakefield via grace@sjms.catholic.edu.au or myself bstallard@sjms.catholic.edu.au.
Parent Learning Conversations
This week we have held our ‘Individual Learning Conversations’. These meetings are designed to be a conversation about your child, a two-way process that enhances our crucial partnership; a process that allows us to share our hopes and expectations; a process that allows us to celebrate success and identify goals for the year; a process that is in the spirit of open, frank and continuous dialogue. As a school we have put these meetings at the centre of our partnership, 100% attendance will ensure that it stays firmly at the centre.
Punctuality & Attendance
Research and my experience show that if children are to maximise the benefits of school they need to be in school and on time. Our school gates open from 8:30am (Bridge Street) and 8:20am (William Street) and our school day begins at 8:45am (William Street) and 8:55am (Bridge Street). Therefore, punctuality needs to continue to be a priority. This simple principle is more than a legal compliance on your behalf; it is providing your child with a work ethic that they will carry into their adult life. I am very proud of our attendance and punctuality rates but there is always room for improvement. Naturally, there are of course times when absence or lateness are unavoidable and we accept this however, as a school we also have a legal obligation to report cases of repeated or extended absences. In line with our colleagues in the government and independent sectors we have adopted a common template called an ED-175. This simple to complete form, available online or from the office, needs to be submitted and signed by the Principal to evidence that the non-attendance is legitimate and that we comply fully with our Child Protection Practices. This form is only applicable for absences of more than one week. Current guidelines recommend that any student whose non-attendance is greater than 10 days in any term be referred to the local Attendance and Welfare Officer for further monitoring.
Fruit Fly
The department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) has updated its information about fruit fly restrictions in South Australia. This might change the types of fruit or vegetables your child can bring to school or preschool.
New colour coded maps for metropolitan Adelaide residents show the red outbreak areas, yellow suspension areas, and green areas not affected by fruit fly.
Our school, Preschool and OSHC services are located in a red outbreak area.
If you live in the red outbreak area: Your child must not bring any fresh fruit and vegetables on this list to school, Preschool or OSHC. This applies even if it has been cut up. Instead, PIRSA has provided a list of alternative fresh fruit and vegetable options suitable for lunch and breaks.
If you live in the yellow suspension area OR green not impacted area your child can bring any type of fresh fruit or vegetable to school, Preschool or OSHC.
All fresh fruit or vegetables on this list must be eaten and disposed of at our school, Preschool or OSHC. These items cannot return home at the end of the day and will be disposed of safely at our school/Preschool/OSHC grounds.
Grated, dried, frozen, cooked or pureed fruit and vegetables of any kind are acceptable in any area.
We appreciate your cooperation as we help protect South Australia from fruit fly.
Nuts
Now I am saying “no nuts”. You’re probably thinking at this point, what can we eat at SJMS. But seriously, we have a number of children in our school that are allergic to nuts. The severity of the allergy varies and in some cases it is quite severe; therefore we operate a ‘Nut Free’ policy at our school. You are asked to support this by being ‘Nut Aware’ and not sending nuts or nut products to school. This includes products such as peanut butter and Nutella/hazelnut spread, sesame seed, whole soy as well as the ‘hidden’ nut traces in products such as muesli bars, fruit bars, honey crackles made with crunchy nut cornflakes, sesame nut bars and muffins. Contact with, or ingestion of these products can have serious consequences for some of our students. I want to assure you that all procedures to assist these children at school are in place. Please do not hesitate to talk with class teachers or myself if you have any questions. Thank you for your support and cooperation.
Uniform
I was pleased with how our students returned last week wearing their uniform with great pride – and on the most part in full! If you haven’t got on top of your please assist the school in maintaining the highest standard for the wearing of the correct school uniform. Should your child inform you that something contrary to the policy is permitted, please check with us! This will avoid ‘incorrect uniform’ notifications being sent home.
A copy of the St Joseph’s Memorial Uniform Policy is available here to assist parents in ensuring that their children are dressed correctly. I especially draw your attention to footwear, jewellery and hair styling, which at times in some cases appear to be open to interpretation.
Communication (to students during a school day)
We are aware that arrangements for collection of children can change during the day. School Office staff are happy to pass on these messages; I would ask though that you contact the school by telephone to speak directly with a staff member to make these arrangements. Personal contact with the School Office is encouraged to ensure a prompt response to any enquiries.
Parking
I ask that we continue to drive safely around St Joseph’s Memorial and obey the road and parking rules for everyone’s safety. Please remember that you are unable to leave cars unattended in the Kiss and Drop zones on both Bridge and William Street. Always refer to the parking signs along Bridge and William Street.
God bless.
Brady Stallard
Dear Parents and Caregivers
Welcome back to a new school year.
In the week before school started, the staff focussed on the theme of Hospitality and what this means for the SJMS community.
Hospitality is a central biblical theme; in scripture we learn about Israel's and the Church's essential call to welcome the stranger, to make a place for the passer by and passers-by.
The history of God's people, and the New Testament stories of Jesus demonstrate how God's presence often is literally embodied in the stranger, in the other-than-us. At the same time, that visitor often experiences God's grace in our welcoming hospitality.
In his address on Jan 22, 2020 Pope Francis said,
“Showing hospitality makes a person a better human being and a better Christian and is an important part of promoting Christian unity.
Working together to live with ecumenical hospitality, particularly toward those whose lives are most vulnerable, will make us — all Christians, Protestants, Orthodox, Catholics, all Christians — better human beings, better disciples and a more united Christian people,"
Our hope is that as we begin this new school year, we embody this idea of hospitality. Where we engage in dialogue and extend the hand of friendship to those families who are new to our community. Where we embody the words of our School Motto:
‘In Omnibus Caritas’
‘In All Things Love’
Walk for Life Rally
A peaceful rally opposing late term abortions is being held this Saturday 6 February at 10am. The rally will commence at Pennington Gardens and end at Parliament House. If you would like to know more, please click here for more details.
Give us eyes to see the deepest needs of people.
Give us hearts full of love for our neighbours
as well as for the strangers we meet.
Help us understand what it means to love others
as we love ourselves.
Teach us to care in a way that strengthens those who are sick.
Fill us with generosity so we feed the hungry,
clothe the naked and give drink to the thirsty.
Let us be a healing balm to those who are weak, lonely and weary
by offering our kindness to them.
May we remember to listen, to smile, to offer a helping hand
each time the opportunity presents itself.
Give us hearts of courage that we will be
brave enough to risk loving our enemy.
Inspire us to go out of our way to include those on the margins.
Help us to be welcoming and inclusive to all who come to our door.
Let us be God’s hospitality in the world.
Amen.
Grace Vassallo-Wakefield
Assistant Principal, Religious Identity & Mission
Join us Friday mornings, 9am until 11am for Playgroup with Marta.
It's free and lots of fun.
We hope to see you there!
Important Dates
Beginning of Year Mass (closed event due to COVID restrictions in church)
Parents and Friends Committee Meeting - everyone welcome (9am held at William St)
Ash Wednesday (Liturgy and Mass)
SJMS Annual General Meeting 6:30pm at William St
Year 2/3 Liturgy
Year 5/6 Mass
Adelaide Cup Public Holiday
Year 3 classes leave for Camp
Year 3 classes return from Camp
Year 1 Liturgy
School Board Meeting
St Joseph's Feast Day
Year 4 Mass
Reception Liturgy
Year 4/5 classes leave for camp
Parents and Friends Committee Meeting - everyone welcome (6:30pm held at William St)
Year 4/5 classes return from camp
Good Friday
Easter Saturday
Easter Sunday
Easter Monday
Easter Liturgy
Last day of Term 1 2021 (3pm finish)
Pupil Free Day Reception to Year 6
Pupil Free Day Reception to Year 6
Pupil Free Day Reception to Year 6
Message from Dr Neil McGoran Director, Catholic Education SA
A message from Dr Neil McGoran Director, Catholic Education SA
Sibling Enrolments
Limited places available in Preschool and the Mid Year Reception class - contact us today for more information.
Uniform News
You can now book your uniform shop appointment online!
Why do I need an appointment?
Due to social distancing requirements there can only be 2 families in store at a time. If you do not have an appointment you will have to wait outside until we can serve you.
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.
Find out more here.
Finance News
Welcome back to 2021
Thank you to all parents who have already returned their Payment Plans.
Today the School Fee Statements have been posted out.
The Statement is accompanied by the Fee Information Sheet and a Payment Plan, please ignore if you have already actioned from the website.
Police Checks for Volunteers
Catholic Police Check Application Forms are available to download here or at either school office.
Please note - there are many times throughout the school year where visitors are required to have a current Catholic Police Check (parents/caregivers attending excursions, reading in class, helping in class, attending community events).
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.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at either office.
Thanking you
The SJMS Admin Team
Safe Environments for All
Catholic Education SA Website Child Safe EnvironmentsDates and Events
SJMS CalendarCommunication at SJMS
Communication Pathways at SJMSContact Information for Staff
SJMS Staff TeamSkoolbag App
How to download the Skoolbag appQKR App
How to download and use the QKR app for paymentsPathways beyond Year 6
Click here to view the local pathways beyond Year 6.
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