8th Edition 2021

Dear Parents and Caregivers

At mass on Sunday, we celebrated the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity. During mass a reflection on Making the Sign of the Cross was shared with us and I would like to share this with you. It comes from the website “Learn Religions.”

Making the Sign of the Cross is not simply an action but a prayer in itself. Like all prayers, the Sign of the Cross should be said with reverence; we shouldn't rush through it on the way to the next prayer.

In the Sign of the Cross, we profess the deepest mysteries of the Christian Faith: the Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - and the saving work of Christ on the Cross on Good Friday. The combination of the words and the action are a creed - a statement of belief. We mark ourselves as Christians through the Sign of the Cross.

200 Years of Catholic School Celebrations

A mass to celebrate 200 years of Catholic Schooling was held at St Francis Xavier Cathedral at 10am on Monday, May 24 with Archbishop Patrick O’Regan presiding. Our Student Leaders, Felix Szarvas and Mary Bryant represented SJMS at this event.

Indigenous Garden Path at Bridge Street

As part of the redevelopment of the grounds at Bridge Street, I have met with Jack Buckskin to advise us of how to help develop an Indigenous Garden along the pathways which will also include nature play areas for students to interact with.

Jack recommended a garden theme of pairing which picks up on both the local surrounds (the two beautiful karra trees), and the symbolism of two communities walking together in reconciliation. This will also connect to our 150 year celebration on the site in 2022.

Performing Arts Studio update

It is with pleasure that I announce the Council approval has been received regarding the proposed Performing Arts Studio.

Over the next few weeks, we will be going to the Tender stage of the process. Further information will follow as we move through the building process.

Transition Visits

Over the next few weeks, students who will be joining us in Preschool and Reception in Term 3 will participate in Transition Visits. We look forward to inviting these students into our school community.

Dear Parents and Caregivers

Following Pentecost, we enter into the liturgical season of Ordinary Time. During this Season we celebrate many significant Feast Days. Over the coming fortnight the Church celebrates the feasts of The Holy Trinity, Corpus Christi, The Sacred Heart of Jesus and The Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Holy Trinity

The Feast of The Holy Trinity on Sunday 30 May, invited us to reflect on the many ways that Father, Son and Spirit have been present within our own lives. This central mystery of faith and expression of God’s love, Jesus’ Love and the Love of the Holy Spirit is intended to be lived out, and in the process, extended to others.

Corpus Christi

Every Mass is a celebration of the Eucharist and the Feast of Corpus Christi on Sunday 6 June, reminds Christians of what they are called to do at Mass. The Eucharist is a mystery at the heart of the Catholic faith. When we receive the Body and Blood of Christ, we are reminded to celebrate what we believe, to live what we believe and to do our best to become what we believe - Christlike.

Buddy Gathering

On Monday 24 May, we gathered for a whole school Mass to celebrate Our Lady Help of Christians and 200 Years of Catholic Education. Fr Paul and Deacon Anthony presided for this significant celebration and the children actively participated throughout all four parts of the Mass. Following the celebration, Fr Paul and Deacon Anthony were invited as guests to join us for morning tea. Buddy activities were also a hit, with students engaging in a variety of arts and crafts throughout the remainder of the morning. A special thank you once again to all our registered Catholic volunteers who supported our Preschool to Year 1 students for their walk to Bridge Street.

Confirmation

On Tuesday 25 May, we celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation with Bishop Gregory O’Kelly SJ, Fr Paul, Fr Eka, Fr Stan and Fr Paul. Eleven Year 4 students and two Year 5 students confirmed their Baptismal vowels with the full support of their sponsors, families, friends, parish and our school. In his homily, Bishop O’Kelly spoke about the significance of the confirmation names that they had chosen, as both an example and an inspiration that they could draw on throughout their own lives. We congratulate all who were Confirmed on the evening and we especially thank Bishop O’Kelly and Norwood Parish for such a memorable and child centred celebration.

Sacrament of Reconciliation

The next sacramental program will be the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The first meeting will be held in the first week of Term 3 on Tuesday 20 July at 7pm in the Parish Hall. A second meeting and combined rehearsal will be held on Tuesday 24 August in Week 6 at 7pm. The Liturgy of the Word for The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be held later that week on Thursday 26 August in St Ignatius Church at 7pm.

Term 2 Bridge Street Liturgies

On Friday 28 May our two Reception classes were joined by Fr Paul in the Bridge Street Library for a Liturgy of the Word. The students read beautifully and sung each song with joyful voices and actions. The theme of the Liturgy was "Families and Jesus’ Mother Mary." Fr Paul engaged the students in a conversation about their mothers and why our ‘mums,’ are so special to us. The two remaining Liturgies for Term 2, will be the Preschool Liturgy on Friday 11 June at 9:15am and the Year 1 Liturgy on Friday 18 June at 9:15am. Parents are welcome to attend both of these upcoming celebrations of the Word.

Thank you to all who have attended and helped out with P&F run events so far this year. It has been so nice for the P&F to be involved with the school community again after a COVID-induced break.

The Welcome Drinks in March had a great turn out and it was fantastic to see some new faces at the William St campus. We know March is a busy month in Adelaide so it was great to see people making the time to get to know others from the school community.

Thank you so much to Kristin Butler who took on the organisation of the Hot Cross Bun drive at Easter. Our family thoroughly enjoyed their selection and the hot cross bun drive is sure to be a regular feature on the SJMS calendar.

The Mother’s Day festivities went well with many mums celebrating at our morning tea. The Mother’s Day Stalls were a delight. The children really were so excited selecting gifts for their mums and others, it was beautiful to see.

We are hoping our Year Level Reps use the next few months to organise events with their year level. I know I always look forward to these events to get to know other families at the school. The reps for each year level are:

Preschool and Mid-Year Reception - Jess Januszke

Reception - Flora Liu and Sandra Scalzi

Year 1 - Kristin Butler

Year 2 - Vikki Schiavone

Year 3 - Alannah Prestwich and Sarah Mackay

Year 4 - Janelle Harris

Year 5/6 - Wanda Musolino           

Please clear your diaries for our SJMS major event on Saturday 18 September at 6:30pm, to be held at the Payneham Bowls Club. Details on this event will follow soon.

The SJMS disco has been planned for Friday October 22 – please also add this date to the diary.

Thank you again to all those who have volunteered to help with the P&F this year. We are a small committee so any extra help is always appreciated!

If anyone has any questions or comments regarding P&F matters, please feel free to contact us via sjmspf@sjms.catholic.edu.au.

Charlotte Hutchesson

St Joseph's Memorial School provides a safe environment for all while valuing the partnership between school and home.

As a Catholic community, we welcome and value volunteers. To be able to volunteer, and/or attend at other times throughout the school year, we ask that you hold the following:

1. A current Catholic Police Check (parents/caregivers attending excursions, reading in class, helping in class, attending community events);
2. A current Responding to Abuse and Neglect in Education and Care for Volunteers certificate (please click here to view how to complete this requirement);
3. Completed the volunteers application.

A Catholic Police Check for volunteers at SJMS are free for our current parents and caregivers. Application Forms are available to download here or at either school office.

We ask that you present your completed form with verification ID to the front office, and we will submit the application on your behalf. You will then receive an email link to complete the process online. Once all cleared you will receive a Catholic Police Check ID card in the post, please bring this in to the front office and we will take a copy of your clearance.

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 as soon as possible.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at either office.

Thanking you
The SJMS Admin Team
info@sjms.catholic.edu.au

For more information on how Catholic Education SA provides a safe environment for all, please click here.

Summary of what is needed to volunteer at SJMS:
Valid Catholic Police Check
Responding to Abuse and Neglect Education and Care Volunteer Certificate
Completed application form

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.