A huge congratulations to our group of Year 5 and Year 6 students who represented St Joseph's at the Catholic Schools Music Festival in September! The students worked hard over three terms to learn and memorise nine songs and also some complicated choreography. Their dedication certainly shone on the night as their performance was outstanding! Many students have since commented on what a highlight of their year this experience has been, which is wonderful. As a school, we are certainly very proud of all they have achieved throughout this experience.

Congratulations go to  Amay, Anthony, Awein, Ba Giang, Crystal, Dara, Devon, Eliana, Gisela, Houda, Jason, Jennifer, Jordan, Karl, Kasey, Khang, Khanh, Khoi, Marden, Max, Nhicole, Oliver, Phuong, Raphael, Savanah, Scarlett, Serah, Sienna, Sierra, Timmy, Vinh-Nghi, Vyon and Xyrus.

It’s hard to believe that the 2023 school year is rapidly coming to an end.  It has certainly been another busy year.

To all our parents and carers, I would like to say thank you for your ongoing support as we work in partnership together in the best interest of all our children.

When I reflect on the year, I have fond memories of the following experiences our children have been involved in outside of their day-to day learning; excursions, incursions, Sports Day, sports carnivals, masses, liturgies, STEM Open Day, St Joseph’s Feast Day, Tri-skills Gymnastics, Book Week, Multicultural Day, Footsteps Dance Program, Family Fun Evening, Graduation, Assemblies, and Fund Raisers, just to name a few.

As we find ourselves in the Advent season, a time for preparation and waiting, there is an opportunity, regardless of our age, to step back and to evaluate the priorities which we live out in our daily choices. There is a chance to take stock and feel the gentle 'nudging' of the Spirit. So, as Christmas approaches, amidst the busyness of shopping and organisation, perhaps there will be an opportunity to be attentive to the inner voice, the voice which calls us to see at this time of the year the newborn child, a countercultural message to reorder our priorities, to put people, not things first and to give first call to love.

In the words of Pope Francis:

“The world tells us to seek success, power and money; God tells us to seek humility, service and love.”

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

What numbers can you make using the digits 3, 6 and 9?

A two-digit number contains exactly one 4. What might the number be?

Years 4-6

Represent 354 in as many different ways as you can?

Someone has written a number in words, but the words have been cut up. The words and symbols used are:

What might the original number be?

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.

Family Fun Night

This term we will hold our Family Fun Night in the school grounds on Friday December 8 commencing at 5:30pm. Members of our Parents and Friends have worked alongside APRIM Simon McCullough to plan for and prepare the evening. I hope to see you all on Friday evening.

Year 6 Graduation

On Wednesday December 13 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 courtyard 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 13 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 Master Plan Update

Our education and administration building works have reached the stage where the Ina Avenue entrance to the school will be closed from Monday November 27 until Monday January 22. This is to enable the construction of new ramp access to both the new building and our current hall building. During this time, the entry veranda to the hall will be replaced with a more contemporary entrance to match the new building. The façade of the hall building will also be upgrade to match with the new building.

The fencing to the building site has been moved to the road kerb resulting in the footpath outside of the current front office (hall) being unable to be used.

 As a result, entry to the school grounds and front office will only be via Rosewater Terrace (at the rear of the school) for the remainder of the school year.

Please note the entry to OSHC and Preschool will not be impacted and as a result Preschool children and OSHC children can enter and exist the Preschool/OSHC building using the usual entry point. Please enter from the northern end (preschool end) of the school site where there will be footpath access.

Farewell to Mrs Maria Coleman

We thank and farewell Mrs Maria Coleman who has been an Education Support Officer at our school for the past 22 years. During this time Maria has supported teaching and learning across preschool to Year 6. Maria has built many positive relationships with children, staff, and families during her time at the school. We wish Maria every blessing as she begins the retirement chapter of her life.

Whole School Transition in Preparation for 2024

On Tuesday December 12 between 1:00pm and 1:30pm all children will visit their 2024 class teacher and classroom in preparation for the 2024 school year. This provides an opportunity for children to familiarise themselves with the classroom environment, classroom teacher and children they will be spending the 2024 school year with.

Thank You Volunteers

Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers who have supported our children and school in so many ways throughout 2023. There is strong research that indicates that student learning outcomes improve when families are engaged and working closely with schools.  Without the support of our volunteers, we simply would not be able to offer the many different opportunities for our children. The ongoing efforts of our volunteers is greatly appreciated.

2024 Teaching Staff and Class Structures

I have completed the process of putting together class structures and teaching roles for the 2024 school year. Teachers have completed the process of placing children into classes in preparation for 2024. Children will find out the class they are in on Tuesday December 12 as part of our Whole School Transition in preparation for the 2024 school year.

Below is an outline of our 2024 teaching staff structure:

Shaun O’Leary: Principal, Leader of Teaching and Learning: Numeracy & STEM (1.0)

Simon McCullough: APRIM (0.6), Admin (0.2) & Specialist Music/Drama (0.2 Thursday)

Trish Pfeiffer: Leader of Teaching and Learning: Literacy & EALD Coordinator (0.8 Mon-Thurs)

Louise Moody: Inclusive Education Coordinator & Literacy Mentor for Early Career Teachers (0.4)

Preschool Teacher: Catherine Crosbie (0.6 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday)

R/1 Classroom Teacher: Danielle Librandi

R/1 Classroom Teacher: Anna Huynh

1/2 Classroom Teacher: Natalie Doyle

2/3 Classroom Teacher: Cindy Chong (Term 1), Cindy Chong (0.4) & Jennifer Craig (0.6) Terms 2,3,4

3/4 Classroom Teacher Ben Higgins

4/5 Classroom Teacher Matt Pick

5/6 Classroom Teacher Jane Smith

Janine Myer: Specialist French Teacher (0.2 Friday)

Daniel Nguyen: Specialist Physical Education Teacher (0.4 Monday & Friday).

School Fees

Our school fees in 2024 will remain unchanged.

*Families are encouraged to speak to Finance Officer Anne Turtle about concession fee eligibility.

2024 School Board Nominations

Nominations are now open to members of the school community who would like to serve on the school board in 2024. 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 2024, please complete the nomination form below and return it to the front office.

2024 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 2024. 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 2024, please complete the nomination form below and return it to the front office.

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 and not over driveways adjacent to the school crossings on Ina Avenue and Rosewater Terrace 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.   

School Newsletter Translation Button on our School Website

Our school website has been recently upgraded giving users the ability to read the school newsletter in their first language. To access this new feature, visit our school website and:

·         Click: news and events (towards the top of the homepage).

·         Click: newsletter.

·         Click: newsletter online.

·         Click: select language (bottom right-hand corner).

·         Scroll down to select your desired language.

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.

Important Dates

Term 4 concludes 3:00pm Thursday December 14.

Term 1 commences 8:45am Monday January 29.

I wish all our families an enjoyable end to the school year, a safe summer break and hope Christmas is a joyful celebration of Jesus’ birth and ongoing presence in our lives.

Working in partnership with you.

Shaun O’Leary.

Family Fun Night 8 December 2023

Family Fun Evening - ‘St Joseph’s on the Green’ - Friday 8 December

Families are invited to the school grounds for ‘Family Fun Evening’ from 5.30 pm to 8.00 pm. This evening is an opportunity for the St Joseph’s School community to celebrate the ‘2023 School Year’ together. Students will be demonstrating the dances they have learnt this term and the School Band, ‘Peace and Harmony’ will be playing.

Please bring your own dinner and drinks. 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. Please join us with your blanket to enjoy the Family Fun Evening presented by your children.

BBQ help needed

We are looking for help to cook the BBQ on Friday 8 December from about 4pm. If you’re free please let me know when you see me or through email smccullough@stjotto.catholic.edu.au or 84151100.

Vinnies Refugee and Asylum seeker service     

The Vinnies Refugee and Asylum seeker service at Kilburn are collecting hamper donations to give to their companions/clients to assist them over the Christmas break. 

Vinnies Asylum Seekers service at Kilburn have asked if we would be willing to collect some items from students and families which they can include in Christmas bags. 

These could be just a few extra items on a family’s shopping list dropped off at the school.

These would include non-perishable items such as:

• Tuna
• Long life milk
• Olive oil
• Rice
• Shampoo/conditioner
• Toiletries
• Biscuits
• Lentils

Vinnies will gather these donations together and distribute to their companions/clients to assist them while they are closed over the Christmas break. Many of these people are on bridging visas and do not have income, our assistance would be a great help.

Next Mass

You are very welcome to join us in the Church at 10am on Friday 8 December.

Volunteers always needed

Our parents and volunteers are an integral part of our school community.

There are a variety of ways in which parents, grandparents and carers can become involved in our school community.  Involvement strengthens links between home and school whilst developing a sense of community through:

• Classroom volunteering - please chat with our teachers and they will let you know about any needs or ways to become involved in children’s learning
• Supporting children and staff on school excursions
• Coaching a sporting team - we can help you to start a team
• Joining the Parents & Friends initiatives and/or the School Board
• Supporting school fundraising 

**Please see the Front Office prior to volunteering for assistance with the requirements listed below:

Volunteer Requirements at St Joseph’s School Ottoway

• St Joseph's 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;
3. have completed the volunteers application.

A Catholic Police Check for volunteers at St Joseph’s is free for our current parents and caregivers. Application forms are available at the school office.

We ask that you present your completed form with verification ID to the 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 into the 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 the school office as soon as possible.

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

Thanking you
Simon McCullough APRIM

smccullough@stjotto.catholic.edu.au  ph 84151100

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

School Card Applications

School Card Applications for 2023 have closed.

2024 School Card Applications will be available at the start of the new school year.

To be eligible for Low Income Remissions you must apply and be approved for School Card.

Application forms for 2024 will be available in the office next year or you can apply online when the new application process is opened in January:

https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/education-and-learning/financial-help-scholarships-and-grants/school-card-scheme

2023 School Fees

A reminder that school fees for 2023 need to be paid in full before 14^th December.

Should you be experiencing difficulties with meeting your fee obligations please make a time to see Mr O’Leary or myself so that we can tailor a plan to your particular circumstances.

St Joseph’s School aims to meet the needs of all families and to this end we encourage you to meet with our Principal, or Finance Officer, to assist you where we can.

Anne Turtle

08 8415 1102