NEWSLETTER

We are fast approaching the halfway point of Term 4 in what is shaping as another busy term. Children and teachers are busy working hard to ensure all areas of the curriculum are covered in preparation for end of year assessments and report writing. Our children have done a fantastic job this year focusing on their learning while enjoying each other’s company.

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

I drew a shape with 3 sides. What might my shape look like?

I drew a picture using only circles and squares. What might my picture have looked like?

Years 4-6

The Year 6 students said they were going to mark out a basketball court. Write down the instructions they need to follow.

A shape has at least two sides 5cm long and at least two sides 7cm long. One angle is 90 degrees, one angle is less, but the rest are more. What might the shape look like?

Happy inquiry.

Children develop their reading skills, knowledge and understanding by reading regularly. Below are some strategies you might like to try at home to support your children’s learning:

• Encourage and model reading in the home
• Listen to your child read their reading material and ask specific questions related to what they have read
• Read with your child
• Share what you are reading with your child
• Read your child a bedtime story
• Talk to your child about the different situations you find yourself in whereby you are required to read texts.

Happy reading.

Specialist French Lessons with Mrs Meyer

The Paris Olympics have taken place, and the students took note with great interest. Last term all classes across the school focused on Paris and the Olympic Games.

Students in R/1 and 1/2 learned about Olympic symbols and the French landmarks that were the focus of the 2024 Olympic games. They used their knowledge of colour vocabulary to describe national flags, the Olympic rings and the Olympic mascots. Students also designed and described their own Olympic jerseys.

Students in 2/3, 3/4, 4/5 and 5/6 became familiar with Olympic vocabulary and used this vocabulary accurately in French sentences. Students used this vocabulary to write sentences that described national flags, sporting results and the Olympic mascots. Students also designed and described Olympic uniforms. The focus and effort shown by students in French lessons has been very pleasing. Très bien tout le monde (well done everybody)!

Children’s University

Early this week 6 of our children who participated in this year’s Children’s University program attended their graduation ceremony which was held at Bonython Hall on the grounds of the University of Adelaide. Our 6 children were each dressed in graduation gowns and presented with their graduation certificate by Professor Laura Parry from the University of Adelaide.

A big thankyou to Alissa Kaselow who works in our front office for coordinating our children’s involvement in the program in 2024. It is hoped that even more of our children will become involved in the program in 2025.

Family Fun Night Friday December 6

This year the St Joseph’s School Family Fun Night will incorporate the celebration of the school’s 70^th anniversary. The event will take place on Friday December 6, 5:30pm-8pm in the school grounds.

This evening is an opportunity for the St Joseph’s School and Ottoway Parish community to celebrate both the ‘2024 School Year’ and the school’s 70^th anniversary. The evening will begin with a liturgy giving thanks to God for our school and everyone who has been involved with the school since its beginning. Each class will put on a short performance which they will develop this term. The School Band, ‘Peace and Harmony’ will also be playing.

Old scholars are particularly welcome to join our celebration.

Please bring your own dinner, drinks, picnic rug and deck chairs. There will be a free BBQ sausage available until we run out. The canteen will be closed on the night, but we hope to have a tea and coffee van available.

All children must be accompanied by an adult for this event.

School Master Plan Update

Last week I met with our architect Detail Studio to dissect costing estimates and final drawings for  Stage 3 of our school masterplan which involves the refurbishment of our downstairs classrooms and breakout spaces, development of a new toilet block and new canteen. Building works is scheduled to take place from April 2025.

School fees for 2025

We are pleased to inform our school families that there will be no increase in school fees for the 2025 school year. It is at the heart of Catholic education that our school and all Catholic schools are affordable and accessible to all.

In addition to the fee-freeze, further fee remissions are available to any family who is struggling to pay school fees due to financial difficulties. Families should contact finance officer Kali Brown or myself for more information.

Transition Program for Preschool and Reception children in Preparation for 2025

This year our Transition Program for children entering Preschool and Reception in 2025 will be run over three consecutive Tuesday mornings; November 19, 26 and December 3.

While children are visiting on Tuesday November 19, parents have been invited to attend a Parent Information Session that will provide important information to assist with a smooth transition to St Joseph’s School.

The aim of our transition visits is to ensure all children entering Preschool and Reception in 2025 feel comfortable, happy and familiar with their surroundings leading up to the start of the 2025 school year. The transition visits also provide staff with the opportunity to get to know each child and begin putting in place support programs in preparation for the 2025 school year.

Year 6 Graduation

On Wednesday December 11 our Year 6 children will celebrate the completion of their primary years schooling with our Year 6 Graduation Liturgy which will take place in the school hall at 6:00pm. Following the Graduation Liturgy, the children will travel by bus to and from the Watermark Hotel, Glenelg to celebrate their Year 6 Graduation Dinner together. Further details surrounding the evening will be provided to families closer to the time.

Wednesday December 11 will be the last day of the school year for our Year 6 children. All children across the school will receive their end of year school report on this day.

School Band

Our school bandwill perform at the Semaphore Street Fair on Sunday 24 November at 12:00pm on the Jagoe Street stage. It would be great to see members of our school community come along on the day to support the band. 

Positive Mindset and a Sense of Meaning in our Lives

Meaning and purpose in life refers to how we construct and live our lives and greatly influences our choice of activities and goals, and how fulfilled we feel. Identification and commitment to goals in line with a person’s values provides fulfilment and helps people to grow. Understanding what gives us purpose has physical and psychological benefits. Helping others is beneficial because it fulfils the basic human needs of autonomy, competence and relatedness. People who identify a source of meaning and purpose in their lives report:

•          greater overall happiness and life satisfaction
•          higher levels of physical and emotional health
•          higher levels of resilience
•          a greater sense of control over their lives.

Being a part of a Catholic school community here at St Joseph’s provides us with a real sense of meaning in our lives as we are called by Jesus to share our gifts and talents as we work towards creating a better world for all people to live.

To learn more about how you can support the Social and Emotional Learning and Wellbeing of your child visit Be You (formerly Beyond Blue) https://beyou.edu.au/ 

2025 School Board Nominations

Nominations are now open to members of the school community who would like to serve on the school board in 2025. The school board plays a valuable role in school governance. The board also allows parents to have a voice in the strategic direction of the school. Being a part of the school board can be a very fulfilling and rewarding experience. The school board meets twice a term on Mondays at 5:30pm.

If you are interested in serving on the school board in 2025, please complete the nomination form below and return it to the front office.

2025 School Finance Committee Nominations

Nominations are now open to members of the school community who would like to serve on the school finance committee in 2025. The school finance committee reports directly to the school board and plays a valuable role in school governance and transparency.  The school finance committee meets the week before school board meetings (twice per term).

If you are interested in serving on the school finance committee in 2025, please complete the nomination form below and return it to the front office.

Kiss and Drop Zone Speed Limit 10km per Hour.

A reminder that the school Kiss and Drop Zone along Rosewater Terrace has a speed limit of 10km per hour. Please ensure you observe the speed limit when using the Kiss and Drop Zone as this is an area where children are entering and exiting the school in large numbers.

A reminder also that the school Kiss and Drop Zone is not a place to park your car if you need to enter the school grounds as this holds up all incoming and outgoing traffic. It also leads to children exiting their cars on Rosewater Terrace and having to manoeuvre between traffic, raising further safety concerns. If you need to come into the school grounds, parking is available along Rosewater Terrace and on Ina Avenue.

Thank you in anticipation of your support with these important safety matter.

Audiri App

To keep up to date with what is happening within our school along with upcoming school events why not download the AudiriApp 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.

I hope you have a positive end to the working week and an enjoyable weekend.

Working in partnership with you.

Shaun O’Leary.

2025 School Board Nomination

Please return to Shaun O’Leary

I wish to nominate_______________________________________________ to serve on the St Joseph’s School Board in 2025.

Nominee’s Signature __________________________________________

I wish to nominate myself _____________________________ to serve on the St Joseph’s School Board in 2025.

 Signature __________________________________________

2025 School Finance Committee Nomination

Please return to Shaun O’Leary

I wish to nominate myself _____________________________ to serve on the St Joseph’s School Finance Committee in 2025.

 Signature __________________________________________

Some of our students were invited to the Thriving People Event for Reception to Year 6 First Nations Students in Catholic Schools which was held on Wednesday 23^rd October at the Living Kaurna Cultural Centre Sturt Road, Bedford Park. A great day was had by all.

** School Card applications for 2024 close Thursday 28^th of November. If you intend on applying, please do so before the due date.**

We are pleased to inform our school families that there will not be an increase in school fees for the 2025 school year.

It is at the heart of Catholic education that our schools are affordable and accessible to all.

If any family has financial concerns, we ask them to contact Kali Brown to confidentially discuss additional support through fee remissions.

If you are yet to settle your account for 2024 Finance will be in contact shortly. 

NEW UNIFORM SHOP OPENING TIMES

Thursday and Friday mornings 8:30am to 9:30am.

Australian Girls Choir Open Day

Look no further than the Australian Girls Choir (AGC) because we encourage, challenge and inspire girls as they learn to sing, dance and perform. School aged girls are invited to come along to our November Open Day to try our fun and inclusive classes and learn more about being part of the AGC! Please visit our website to register to attend our free Open Day: ausgirlschoir.com.au/joinagc

1st - All Saints Mass

6^th - Athletics Carnival