Dear St Joseph’s Memorial Families,
As Week 6 of Term 3 draws to a close we can already stop and reflect on the myriad of events and experiences that have taken place so far this term.
Book Week Parade
Last week we celebrated the Book Week, the theme this year was "Read, Grow, Inspire". As a whole school we celebrated with a Book Week Parade at the Performing Arts Studio.
Not only did families and staff enjoy a wonderful morning together, we also got to see the children from Preschool through to Year 6 join the parade.
A very special thank you to all students who participated and to all families for assisting children in organising their costumes.
Book Week also reminds us about the joy of learning through reading and the important role of reading in developing vocabulary and comprehension.
Quiz Night
Last Saturday night we held a community Quiz Night with close to 100 people who attended the event. Thank you to everyone that came along and all the wonderful sponsors for their kind donations. An enormous thank you to our incredible Parents & Friends team for all their work to ensure the event was a huge success to fundraise to benefit our school community.
Father’s Day Stall and Breakfast
This week we celebrated Fathers and Grandfathers with the Parents & Friends committee hosting the Father’s Day Stall and Breakfast. It was great to see many people out to celebrate the important Father figures in the lives of our community. Thank you again to the Parent’s & Friends team for all of their organisation to ensure all events ran smoothly.
SJMS Extra Curricular
Well done to all our extra-curricular teams and their volunteer coaches who wrapped up an extremely successful season and year of school sports.
Well done to our Year 5 & 6 debating teams for ending their season with great success. Our Year 6 and 5 team finished with a win and congratulations to Lucy for being awarded speaker of the night. Our Year 6 team impressively went undefeated all season! We are very proud of all the students who participated and represented the school so well this year. A huge thank you must go to Mrs Vassallo-Wakefield who coached the teams throughout the year and Ms DiSisto for helping out on the debate nights.
On Thursday, I had the privilege as the Chair of the Catholic School Music Festival to see our choir undertake the whole group combined rehearsal. I was amazed of the exceptional standard of singing by all of the school choir members and we are all looking forward to the event at the Adelaide Festival Centre on Thursday of week 9 at the end of this term.
Clarity Project at St Joseph's Memorial School
We are delighted to announce that as a result of the school's work this year to implement the Clarity project, we have been selected as a Catholic school to host the project founder, Dr Lyn Sharratt in week 9. Our school has been selected for the visit due to the extensive work of all teachers and classes to implement the Clarity parameters and practices including using learning intentions, success criteria, bump it up walls, learning walks and talks, data walls and case management approaches.
In the past few weeks, I have been undertaking learning walks and talks in classes to ask students questions about what they are learning, how they are going, how they know they are going well, how they can improve and where can they go for help. The students have provided wonderfully insightful feedback about their learning in this process.
QUIZ NIGHT
Our 2023 Quiz night is fast approaching on Saturday 26th of August and we would like to acknowledge and extend our deep appreciation for the 2023 sponsors:
Platinum – Surreal Hair
Gold – Taarnby, Linden Park Pharmacy & Numberworksnwords
Silver – Sportitude, Astora Handmade & Big Egg Media
Bronze – Adelaide Oval, Switched on Kids & Gin Long Canteen
I would also like to share my appreciation to our hard working Parents and Friends Committee who have been instrumental in the organisation and preparation of the Quiz Night event.
RECESS AND LUNCH TIME ACTIVITIES
In the past few weeks, we have introduced new activities for the students to undertake during their break times. As a part of National Science Week, Ms DeSisto organised an experiment with slime and making bubbly toothpaste for the students during a break time.
Our new Social Work students from UniSA have introduced drawing and games activities for the students too.
Mr Ryan has also organised lunctime actvities including a paper plane club.
CHILDREN'S UNIVERSITY
Congratulations to Sienna and Iris for receiving a gold star to recognise their commitment and work towards the Children's University program. Both students have undertaken the most hours and activities so far this year.
CROSS COUNTRY
Well done to 56 students from years 3 to 6 who attended the SACPSSA Cross Country Carnival. The students had a great experience running against their peers from all different Catholic schools. Congratulations Paris who finished in first place overall in the Division A Boys competition. Well done to all the students for their strong running performances throughout the day. Thanks to all the teachers, and parents who volunteered their time to help, and it was great seeing so many parents spectating on the day.
HAVE YOUR SAY ABOUT OUR SCHOOL – SURVEY CLOSES 18 AUGUST 2023
Each year we run a survey to get parent feedback about our school. This survey helps us keep track of what we have been doing and helps us plan for what we should do in the future. This is your chance to share your thoughts.
Parents go to…
and enter the code SJMPLLLP
SCHOOL PERFORMANCE & COMPLIANCE REPORT
The St Joseph’s Memorial Performance Report, for the 2022 school year, can be accessed via the following link: https://www.sjms.catholic.edu.au/__files/f/23272/2022_School_Compliance_Report.pdf
The report has a focus on various aspects on our school’s performance.
Wishing you well!
Adam Slater
Dear Families,
I hope everyone had a wonderful break and have enjoyed the return of school for semester two.
OUR COLLECTIVE SCHOOL PILLARS AND VALUES
After receiving close to 200 community responses from staff, students and parents we have finalised our three school pillars and values that will guide our school moving forward into the future.
Our three pillars that will set the direction for our mission are:
FAITH – LEARNING – COMMUNITY
Our values centred on the example of Jesus Christ that will support our daily actions and interactions are:
KINDNESS – LOVE – CARE
Thank you to everyone for your input and support throughout the process of constructing our shared pillars and values.
2023 NAPLAN RESULTS
EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE AGAIN with the 2023 NAPLAN RESULTS
Once again, we have managed to produce outstanding results!
ALL RESULTS IN YEAR 3 ABOVE THE NATIONAL AND STATE AVERAGES
Congratulations to all our Year 3 & 5 students who sat the test. A special thank you to our leaders and teachers who have looked closely at our testing data over the last three years and adjusted teaching practices to achieve such excellent results:
Student results have been sent home to families.
NEW RECEPTION CHILDREN
Our mid-year intake consists of 23 children who have enjoyed their first two weeks at school. They are a delightful group of children taking their next step into the wider world under the incredible leadership of their teacher Mrs Haddad.
OSHC & VACATION CARE
SHAYLA COOPER – NEW OSHC DIRECTOR
We welcome Shayla who will be our new OSHC Director. Shayla has worked in various OSHC services as a leader and most recently at St Francis of Assisi in Newton. We look forward to the positive impact she will have on our community.
During Vacation Care, one of the highlights was the excursion to the Hahndorf Farm Barn. The children enjoyed feeding the animals. Thank you to the staff for ensuring the excursion was a huge success.
YEAR 1 & 5 SHARED MAKERS EMPIRE SHOWCASE
This week our Year 1 and Year 5 students shared their collaborative buddy project for the ‘Learning by Design’ Showcase event at Stone & Chalk. The two year levels worked together to solve a problem of soccer balls passing through the goal nets at Bridge Street and used Makers Empire technology and 3D printing to resolve. Thank you to both teachers for leading this impactful initiative to enhance student engagement and purposeful learning.
SCHOOL HOLIDAY UPGRADES
Over the school holidays we organised for maintenance and upgrades works to be undertaken. One specific holiday makeover occurred in the Preschool with the floorboards being replenished.
Every day at St Joseph's Memorial School is a blessing and it is wonderful to be a part of a vibrant and dynamic community, that offers engaging learning experiences, along with many opportunities and events.
Winter Co-Curricular
Every Monday, I am always delighted to hear the reports from the students who have participated in school sport over the weekend. Last Saturday, I watched the return of the school football team and it was great to observe the enjoyment of each student representing the school. Last week, the school Debating teams had their first competition and the students demonstrated a high-level of confidence to speak and share their arguments with great success. Once again, I would like to thank all the parent and school volunteers who coach and lead their teams.
Year 6 Netball Team
Year 5 Debating Team
Year 4/5 Soccer Team
Year 4/5/6 Football team
Sports Clinics
This year we have organised a range of sports clinics for students in football and lacrosse. Last week the Reception and Year 1 students enjoyed an AFL session held by the SANFL to develop their skills in football.
Assemblies
School assemblies are a highlight of each term and are an opportunity for the community to gather together to share in the learning taken place and to witness the amazing talents of the students. Assemblies are held in the Performing Arts Space and parents are always very welcome to attend. Last week our Year 5 student hosted the assembly and we had leaders from Mary Mackillop College share a dance for our students.
Update of Key Focus Areas
At the beginning of the year and at the Annual General Meeting, I shared key areas for whole school vision and mission for 2023 and beyond:
Child Safety Information and Guidelines
As you are aware, the safety and wellbeing of every student in our school is our priority. All staff, volunteers and allied health providers are required to complete a Working with Children Screening. Our induction procedures ensure that all persons coming onto the school grounds have the required Child Protection documentation. In addition, as part of our Health Curriculum, our students are taught the Keeping Safe – Child Protection Curriculum which aims to help children develop ways to protect themselves and keep themselves safe.
The links below provide further information for your perusal:
Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy (Archdiocese of Adelaide)
Keeping Safe: Child Protection Curriculum information for Parents and Carers
Uniform
In relation to St Joseph's Memorial uniform, our aim is that students always take pride with their presentation. Our school is appreciative of parents supporting their child/children in the correct wearing of the school uniform. Please see our school website for more details if required.
I wish all students every achievement in the Term ahead and as always, please contact the the school wherever we may be able to assist you, your child, or your family.
Adam Slater
Principal
Dear Families
As we approach the end of the Lenten season and celebrate the pinnacle of the Church’s year, Easter, this week our classes have led presentations to bring to life the significant events of Holy Week. I would like to thank the Ebel family for assisting us in our Holy Week presentations by constructing and providing signs to assist the class performances.
Dear Parents and Caregivers
As we journey through the Lenten Season, we are asked to focus on prayer. Have you ever thought of praying the Stations of the Cross as a family during Lent? There are many sites you can go to but here is a link that you might like to use with your family with simple text:
https://wau.org/resources/article/re_stations_cross_kids/
You might like to search for some images on the stations of the cross to reflect on as well or you might like to reflect on the words and ask your children to draw images for each station. You can even visit the Church, when it isn’t being used and pray as you view the images on the wall.
HOLY WEEK
During Holy Week, the school will be coming together to pray and reflect on some significant events for Jesus during this week. Parents and Caregivers are welcome to attend.
|
Year Level |
Presentation |
Date |
Time |
Place |
|
Reception |
Palm Sunday |
Monday 3 April
|
11:30am |
Bridge Street |
|
Year 1 |
Jesus in the Temple |
Tuesday 4 April |
11:30am |
Bridge Street |
|
Year 2/3 |
Holy Thursday |
Wednesday 5 April |
11:40am |
William Street |
|
Year 5 & 6 |
Stations of the Cross |
Thursday 6 April |
11:30am |
St Ignatius Church |
|
Year 4 |
Easter |
Wednesday 12 April |
11:40am |
William Street |
ST JOSEPH’S DAY MASS
St Joseph was the husband of Mary and the father of Jesus. God called Joseph, a simple carpenter, to care for and protect Mary and Jesus. With great faith and trust, he accepted God’s call. You are all warmly welcomed to join us at our School Mass to honour St Joseph on Tuesday 21 March in St Ignatius Church at 9:15am.
TERM 1 LITURGIES AND MASSES
There has been some confusion regarding Class Liturgies and Masses for this term. Please find below the dates of masses and liturgies for Term 1.
|
Thursday 16 March |
9am Year 4 Mass (PAS) |
|
Tuesday 21 March |
9:15am Whole School Mass St Joseph’s Day |
|
Thursday 30 March |
9am Year 5 Mass (PAS) |
|
|
Holy Week Reflections TBA |
|
Thursday 13 April |
9am Year 2/3 Mass (PAS) |
Dates can also be found at the link below:
https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/embed?src=jess@sjms.catholic.edu.au&ctz=Australia/Adelaide
Prayer to St Joseph the Father
St. Joseph, guardian of Jesus and husband of Mary,
you passed your life in loving fulfillment of duty.
You supported the holy family of Nazareth with the work of your hands.
Kindly protect those who trustingly come to you.
You know their aspirations, their hardships, their hopes.
They look to you because they know you will understand and protect them.
You too knew trial, labour, and weariness.
But amid the worries of material life your soul
was full of deep peace and sang out in true joy.
Assure those you protect that they do not labour alone.
Teach them to find Jesus near them and
to watch over him faithfully as you have done. Amen
Pope John XXIII
Dear Families,
It has been so wonderful to see many families in our school and connecting with our staff and each other. We look forward to a year of reconnection and celebrating our beautiful school and
community.
2023 Vision
At the Annual General Meeting in Week 3, I shared the areas for vision for St Joseph’s Memorial School for 2023 and beyond.
The key areas of focus are:
Relationships & Culture: Co-constructing three school pillars and values.
Literacy and Numeracy School strategy and shared practices to create a shared school curriculum handbook.
Wellbeing Creating a school wellbeing policy of whole school shared practices.
Community Partnership and events.
Infrastructure: Site developments at Bridge St and William St.
Preschool and Ready for Reception Program development.
Communication: SETQA school planning, reports & parent engagement.
Catholic Education South Australia Clarity Project – Making learning visible for all students.
Graduate Leadership Program – Providing opportunities for all students to enhance their leadership capabilities.
Creating shared school values and pillars
This year we will be constructing three school pillars to guide our future direction for growth and three shared school community values that will guide our actions in everything we do. We would like all community members including staff, students, parents and the community to have the opportunity to share in the creation of the three school pillars and three school values, so we have devised a short two question survey to gain your integral input to help us in this process. The survey will ask to you to name the three pillars and three values that you feel best represent the school moving forward with the opportunity for elaboration and discussion. We sincerely appreciate your insights into this process and look forward to sharing the collectively co-constructed school pillars and values with you.
Please feel free complete the short survey by clicking the link below:
Catholic Education South Australia Clarity Project in action at St Joseph’s Memorial
As mentioned above, one of our areas of focus this year is to undertake the Clarity Project to create shared teaching and learning practices that help make learning more visible to students. We have commenced this project with teachers creating and sharing learning intentions for tasks that focus on what students would have learnt by the end of the lesson or activity, such as what is the learning they should retain and take away with them. Then next practice we have introduced involves teachers creating and sharing success criteria for tasks. Success criteria help students to know what's expected of them to know exactly what they need to know or do to be successful with their learning.
Below we have an example of Literacy learning intentions and success criteria used in our classrooms:
Another Clarity practice we have introduced is a ‘Bump It Up Wall’, which consist of linear visual rubrics presented in the classroom that clearly show students how they can progress in their learning for a specific task. The walls can be used for any subject and students use them to gain specific information to help them enhance their learning and work.
Below we have two examples of Literacy ‘Bump It Walls’ used in our classrooms that focus on narrative writing and persuasive writing progression:
I am looking forward to seeing the positive impact that introducing the Clarity practices will have to enhance student learning and achievement outcomes.
Chess Club
In recent weeks our Year 4 students initiated a Chess Club at recess and lunchtime. It has been great seeing students from various year levels play against each other whilst learning more about the game.
School Board
Our School Board has an advisory role in supporting the Principal in planning and implementing the overriding direction of the school. We formulate and approve policies and hear updates from staff. Alongside the School Board sits the School Finance Committee. Some members of the Board also sit on this committee and we discuss the specific financial situation of the school, monitor income and expenditure and plan the annual budget for each year. The Chair of the Finance Committee then presents to the whole School Board. At our Annual General Meeting the group voted in three new parent representatives to the school board. In addition, we have a new staff representative in Mr David Holmes. In future newsletters, we will be sharing information about the members of our school board for you as a community to know them.
School Sports Program
The school sports program is well underway this term with the Cricket, Basketball and Netball. We are appreciative of work the parent volunteers as coaches have been doing to help the afterschool and weekend sports program run smoothly. It brings me great joy to see the positive buzz of energy on mornings that practices are held at the school.
Southern Cross Article
Recently, I was interviewed by the Southern Cross Newspaper and was featured in the March edition. In the article I shared my passion for education, building positive relationships, and faith. Here is a link to the article if you would like to read it:
https://thesoutherncross.org.au/schools/2023/02/28/strong-faith-guides-young-principal/
Dear Families
We’ve had a positive start to the year, with so many exciting elements to highlight this start.
Learning has been in full swing at St Joseph’s Memorial, and it has been wonderful to go into the classes to see teachers lead purposeful learning and to hear the students confidently share what they are learning about with great excitement.
Last week we held a whole school Mass in the Norwood Parish Church, led by Father Chris Jenkins and it was wonderful to see the whole community together. In addition, we held our first combined Preschool to Year 6 assembly in the new Performing Arts Centre. It was a great opportunity to celebrate the students who received the Live Learn Lead award certificates and to announce our new Year 6 school leaders. The whole school is looking forward to all of the student leaders having a positive impact in their roles.
Additional highlights of the past few weeks have been the community school events that have been held. Last Wednesday night, our Preschool staff hosted a ‘Welcome night’ and last Saturday night, our Parents and Friends group held a ‘Welcome drinks’ in the Performing Arts Centre. Both events were a wonderful opportunity for our community to connect and catch up. It was wonderful to see families that are new to our school community attend.
Our popular playgroup has commenced and it is again held on Friday mornings starting at 9:15am in the Bridge St campus OSHC / Library room. The group is run by Marta and is for children, parents, grandparents and care givers. There is no need to book in to attend and it is free for all community members.
The ‘Skoolbag’ application is our major link to families delivering school alerts, information as well as our electronic version of the school newsletter instantly and directly to your smartphone and/or tablet. This year we are continuing our Facebook site and Instagram page to celebrate the many fantastic things happening in our school. Please feel free to follow these sites to keep posted.
Finally, in reference to staffing news, I would like to congratulate Jess Nelson on winning a position as Marketing and Communications Coordinator at Mary MacKillop College. Jess has been an integral member of our school community as a parent for over 15 years and staff member for over 13 years. In that time Jess has led OSHC, P&F, enrolments, school marketing, communications and administration. It is evident that she goes above and beyond for the school and families to which we have been extremely appreciative of. It is with no doubt that Jess will be sorely missed by the staff, families, students and the community. We will have an interim replacement for Jess in the office and will advertise the position.
Yours sincerely
Adam Slater
Principal
Dear Parents and Caregivers
This week we came together for Ash Wednesday as we begin the season of Lent.
Lent invites us to connect more deeply with our faith. We are asked to focus on Jesus and his life especially the 40 days that Jesus spent in the desert being tempted. It is a beautiful way to remember Jesus’ sacrifice for us and prepare us for the Easter season.
During Lent we are encouraged to open our eyes and ears with a deeper focus on praying, fasting and almsgiving.
Parish Lenten Groups and Talks
St Ignatius Parish is hosting Lenten Reflection groups and Lenten Talks for anyone who would like to prepare more deeply for Easter.
If you are interested in participating in the Parish Lenten Reflection groups which are weekly sessions, please refer to the information below.
Wednesdays, beginning 1 March from 11-11.45am
Location: Hall
Facilitator: Sophie Marta
Wednesdays, beginning 1 March from 2-2.45pm
Location: Spirituality Centre
Facilitator: Louise Howell
Tuesdays, beginning 7 March from 7- 7:45pm
Location: Spirituality Centre
Facilitator: Fr Stan Lim SJ
The Parish Lenten Talks will be held on 3 Thursday evenings in March. Each talk will have a special focus. Please see details below.
Thursday 2 March at 7pm in the Parish Hall
Sr. Sue Pollard RSJ: ‘Healing, Hope and Spirituality from a Therapeutic Perspective.’
Thursday 9 March at 7pm in the Parish Hall
Fr Frank Brennan SJ: ‘Finding Hope in The Voice Debate’
Thursday 16 March at 7pm in the Parish Hall
Ms. Leanne Haddad: ‘Centacare: Vehicle of Hope’
A prayer for Lent
God of goodness and mercy,
Hear my prayer as I begin this Lenten journey with you.
Let me be honest with myself as I look into my heart and soul,
noticing the times, I turn away from you.
Guide me as I humbly seek to repent and return to your love.
May humility guide my efforts to be reconciled with you
and live forever in your abundant grace.
Transform me this Lent, heavenly Father.
Give me the strength to commit myself to grow closer to you each day.
Amen.
Yours sincerely
Grace Vassallo-Wakefield
Dear Families
Welcome to the 2023 School Year!
I wanted to start by thanking the students, staff and families of St Joseph’s Memorial School for welcoming me so warmly to the community. It is evident that the school is a nurturing place where all people are welcomed, valued, and respected. I deeply appreciate that our school has a strong culture of cooperation, fun, friendship and rich learning. My aim as Principal is to help engage children in learning that is relevant, purposeful and connected to their lives. It is evident the school fosters a strong sense of belonging and supports each child to achieve their goals and seek their best.
Across the whole school, we commenced the year with ‘Wellbeing Week.’ The purpose of the week was to provide the students with the opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills and tools to understand and enhance their own wellbeing, as well as, build positive relationships with classmates and teachers. In conjunction with ‘Wellbeing Week’, the teachers participated in a workshop run by Kaine Volkov from Berry Street Education that focused on effective wellbeing practices and strategies aimed to positively benefit students in the classroom.
In the past two weeks, our Preschool and new ‘Ready for Reception’ groups have been buzzing with joyful learning experiences. The educators have set up learning opportunities in the spaces that enable the students to explore, investigate and problem-solve based on their interests and curiosities. The students have been making new friends and have enjoyed being creative through drawing, building and writing.
I have the strong belief that every student is a leader and as a school, our role is to provide opportunities for all students to develop and demonstrate leadership capabilities. The Year 6 students have already shown leadership by creating an ‘Uno’ club at break times for students to join in and play together. In addition to this, another initiative introduced by the Year 6 students this 
year has been the new ‘Buddy Bench,’ being a seated space provided during school break times for students to develop new friendships and talk with other peers. It has been wonderful to see the students leading and enjoying these wonderful initiatives.
I am looking forward to fostering a positive school climate by promoting a safe and supportive environment that builds effective home and school partnerships. This week we held parent-teacher learning conversations to provide an opportunity to meet and share information about goals for the year ahead.
The afterschool sport program has commenced for the year and I have been able to attend some of the netball and basketball games. It has been wonderful seeing the students represent the school so positively. I would like to acknowledge and share my appreciation for the efforts of the parents who give up their time each week to volunteer as coaches.
Yours sincerely
Adam Slater
Principal
