During Multicultural Day, we joyfully embraced our diverse backgrounds by performing traditional dances, wearing cultural costumes, and sharing delicious dishes. The Year 2/3C class had a wonderful time and took pride in sharing their unique cultures. It was a day filled with unity, where we openly discussed our cultural traditions and enriched our
understanding by learning from one another's backgrounds.

This week brings to an end Term 3. We are certainly moving through what has been another busy year. During this term break I encourage you to take some time to relax and spend time with your children. I hope you can also find some time for yourself also. I know our teachers will both appreciate and benefit from things moving a little slower over the next two weeks. School holidays provide both children and teachers the opportunity to refresh and recharge in preparation for the following school term.

Curriculum News

I have included two mathematical tasks which you might like to have a go at with your child/children.

This week’s Mathematical tasks:

Reception to Year 3

How many things can you find that are longer than 2 of your foot lengths but shorter than 4 of your foot lengths?

What is there in your home that is 5 of your foot lengths long?

Years 4-6

What might the perimeter of a garden fence be if the area of the garden is 56 square metres?

You have 44 metres of fence for a garden. What might your garden look like?

Happy inquiry.

Reading is another core learning area here at St Joseph’s School. Children develop their reading skills, knowledge and understanding by reading regularly. At St Joseph’s School regular reading at home forms a major part of homework set each evening. Why not create regular timeslots throughout the week whereby all electronic devices in the home are turned off and members of the family spend 15 minutes reading together. 

Happy reading.

School Master Plan Update

The arrival of the prefabricated steel frame for our new Education and Administration Centre is due in coming days. I’m expecting the frame to have been erected by the time we return to school to commence Term 4. This will be followed by the installation of roofing early next term.

Multicultural Day

On Wednesday September 20 we held our annual multicultural day. The day provided the school with an opportunity to celebrate our Multiculturalism. Children had the opportunity to come to school dressed in their traditional cultural dress as part of the celebration. Several activities planned for the day were led by a group of our senior students and supported by APRIM Simon McCullough. It was great to see a number of our Parents and Carers join our celebration.

Catholic Schools Music Festival Choir

33 of our children have been preparing since Term One for the upcoming Catholic Schools Music Festival Choir which was held at the Festival Theatre on Wednesday September 27. Choir coordinator Janine Meyer has spent many hours working with the choir throughout the year in preparation for the event. The Catholic Schools Music Festival Choir is held during the last week of Term Three each year. It is a wonderful advertisement for Catholic Education in South Australia. A big thank you to Janine Meyer for all her efforts in preparing our children for this year’s event.

Safety Around Ina Avenue Pick Up/Drop Off Points

A friendly reminder to ensure that for safety reasons, you park outside of the yellow lines adjacent to the school crossing on Ina Avenue when picking up/dropping off children. Drivers are also reminded that the disabled parking spaces at the front of the school are reserved for those with a disability. Alternative parking before and after school (along with school access) is available along Rosewater Terrace. The local council has informed the school that they will be conducting random inspections to enforce parking regulations around our school. As a school community we are seeking your support in following the parking regulations in place outside of the school.   

Skool Bag name change to Audiri

To keep up to date with what is happening within our school along with upcoming school events why not download the Audiri (formerly Skool Bag) App from the App Store on your mobile phone. Once downloaded simply search St Joseph’s School, Ottoway and add to your Audiri page. Many of our families currently use the Audiri App to keep up to date with what is happening across our school.

Diary Dates

Term 3 Concludes - 3:00pm Thursday September 28.

Friday September 29 is a school directed non-teaching day. OSHC is available for children requiring care. See Mieke to make a booking.

Term 4 Commences - 8:45am Monday October 16.

I wish you and your family a safe and happy school holiday period.

Working in partnership with you.

Shaun O’Leary

Sacrament Group

Confirmation was celebrated in the Parish Church on Saturday 23^rd September at 10am. Our Sacrament group have worked hard throughout the year in preparation, and we are very proud of them. Congratulations to the children and their families.

May Mary, the Mother of Jesus and the Mother of us all, bless all Mothers.

A Healing Weekend will be held on Saturday 30th September

11am - 4:30pm and Sunday 1st October 9:30am - 4pm

At Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church 420 Seaview Road Henley Beach.

Speaker: Fr Manu Kumbidiyamackal MSFS.

Topics include:

What is healing?

Inner healing

Healing of the family tree

The healing power of forgiveness

The healing power of listening

The healing power of the Sacraments

General prayer for Inner healing.

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Reconciliation, Sunday Mass.

please bring your own lunch tea/coffee provided.

Enquiries and bookings phone Pauline 0403002240 by 28th September cost by donation.

All welcome