Week 4, Term 2 2025

Dear Families and Friends,

What a vibrant and heartwarming fortnight it has been at our school, filled with learning, laughter, community spirit, and opportunities for growth across all year levels. I’m pleased to share a snapshot of the wonderful things happening in our community.

BRIDGETECH STEM Program Launch

Last week, we launched our exciting new BRIDGETECH after-school STEM program for junior school students at the Bridge Street Campus. Led by Mrs Gower and Mrs Haddad, this program will see 30 students throughout the year delve into the fields of technology, robotics, and engineering through hands-on, real-world learning. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our Parents & Friends group, whose generous donation funded the purchase of the robotics kits that make this program possible.

National Simultaneous Storytime

Today, our Year 2–6 students joined together at Bridge Street for the National Simultaneous Storytime event, reading Truck Cat by Deborah Frankel. The excitement was palpable as students participated in engaging buddy activities, sharing their love of books and building connections across year levels.

Pyjama Day

Last week, our students came to school in their cosiest pyjamas or track pants in support of raising funds and awareness for the St Vincent De Paul Winter Appeal. Thank you to all who contributed—it was a fun and meaningful way to give back to our community.

SACPSSA Lacrosse Carnival

This week, our Year 3–6 students took part in the annual SACPSSA Lacrosse Carnival at Don Klaebe Reserve. It was a fantastic day of sport, with students proudly demonstrating the lacrosse skills they’ve been developing during Physical Education lessons. A big thank you to Mr DB, our teaching staff, and the parent volunteers who supported the event and helped make the day such a success.

Year 5 & 6 Excursion – Space & the Arts

Our Year 5 & 6 students recently visited the Australian Space Agency and the Art Gallery of South Australia. This excursion offered a rich exploration of science, the arts, and space, and sparked some wonderful classroom discussions on innovation, creativity, and discovery.

Catholic Education Week 2025

We were delighted to celebrate Catholic Education South Australia Week 2025 last week! Our students reflected on what they love most about being part of our school community. From friendships and caring teachers to exciting learning opportunities, their thoughts were a powerful reminder of why we’re here—to Shine with Open Hearts.

Reception Liturgy – Friendship & Love

Yesterday, our Reception classes led a beautiful liturgy on the theme of friendship and loving one another. Guided by Father Chris, students shared what it means to be a good friend, offering joy and wisdom to all who attended. Thank you to our Reception teachers and families who helped make this such a special moment. In conjunction, the Reception students have been learning about 'friendship' and created a 'friend-o-meter'

New Indigenous artefacts and toys in the Preschool

Our Preschool students have been enjoying using the new Indigenous artefacts, puzzles and activities that were purchased with donated funds provided by the Parents and Friends committee.

Important Safety Reminder – Bridge Street Access

The Council has requested that families please refrain from using the closed public street path on 69 High Street, next to our Bridge Street Campus. We appreciate your co-operation in following the signage and not using the path to ensure the safety and wellbeing for all.

2025 Term 3 Reception Enrolments 
Places are available. If you have or if you know of anyone who has a child
turning 5 before October 31, 2025, please complete and lodge an enrolment
form online or at the Front Office.

2026 Reception Enrolments 
Places are available. If you have or if you know of anyone who has a child
turning 5 before May 1, 2026, please complete and lodge an enrolment form
online or at the Front Office.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support and involvement in the life of our school. Together, we are building something truly special to provide the best opportunities and experiences for our students.

Warmest regards,

The Easter season is a significant time in our Church and for ourselves. Although we celebrated Easter 5 weeks ago, we are still in the Easter season for at least another week. During Easter, we celebrate the resurrection. How do we recognise this and what signs are there in our life?  The signs of resurrection are present in the hope, love, kindness and goodness that surrounds us.

How do we show others we are Easter people?

Through our Baptism, we are called to be the face of Christ to others.  We are challenged to do this by transmitting our faith; through prayer, acts of service and penance, studying the scripture and by asking ourselves how we can be Christ's hands, feet and eyes on earth? In this way, we live out the Easter message of resurrection. 

THANK YOU, LORD 

Project Compassion update

As part of our Lenten Faith in Action activities the total amount raised was $1767.75. Classes across the school organized a variety of activities which included:

We are extremely grateful for the generous support of our families in helping us to raise money for such a worthy cause.

Laudato Si’ Week

10 years ago, Pope Francis wrote an encyclical (another word for a letter) called Laudato Si'. Although written 10 years ago, this letter is still relevant to us today. It discusses the damage being inflicted on the Earth by humans and calls on 'every person living on this planet' to make urgent changes to our lifestyles and how we consume energy in order to protect the planet.

The link below is a Prayer for our Earth from Pope Francis. This short reflection on Laudato Si’ is a great way to stimulate conversations about this very important topic with your children.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVQybGwS9lw

Sacramental Program

This term, students in Years 4 – 6 will be Confirmed and receive Eucharist for the first time. The reception of these 2 sacraments will complete the Sacraments of Initiation which commenced when their Parents presented them for Baptism when they were young. This is a very important part of their faith journey.

We ask that you keep these students in your prayers as they prepare to receive these Sacraments.

A BIG THANK YOU for a recent anonymous donation of $500 that was specifically received to purchase books for our school library. Julie has purchased a collection of children's books which will no doubt enrich our students' imagination and learning experience.

We would like to inform you of the dates for Pupil Free Days (PFD) for this year. Please note that OSHC will be available for families that require this service on these days.

All Assemblies will be held in the Performing Arts Studio at William St on Friday afternoons at 2pm.

Students from Bridge Street will walk across to William Street to participate in Assemblies, face to face.

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

Come see our Preschool in action, contact us for a tour or enrolment information.