NEWSLETTER

We have had a very busy term celebrating all of the amazing learning from over the year. We have been celebrating all of our growth and progress in Literacy with the UFLI program. Students have enjoyed sharing their learning with others and with their families via Seesaw. In maths we have been revising our knowledge on shapes and fractions and have started looking at Chance and Data for the remaining few weeks. We have continued on with our Community 'Parable' Inquiry from last term, continuing to look after our school community everyday by cleaning the school. We have enjoyed practising for Family Fun Night and can't wait to perform our 90's song.

It’s hard to believe that the 2024 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, Sporting Schools Gymnastics, Book Week, Multicultural Day, 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 2, 4 and 8?

A two-digit number contains exactly one 7. What might the number be?

Years 4-6

Represent 298 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.

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.

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.

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 bandperformed at the Semaphore Street Fair on Sunday 24 November on the Jagoe Street stage. Our band did a wonderful job showcasing their talent and representing our school. It was great to see so many members of our school community in attendance supporting the band on the day. 

Farewell to Ms Danielle Librandi

We thank and farewell Ms Danielle Librandi who has been a part of the St Joseph’s School community for the past 4 years as a Reception and Year One classroom teacher. During her time with us, Danielle has formed strong working relationships with all staff, particularly Jennifer Craig and Anna Huynh, working tirelessly in partnership to ensure our children receive the best early years of schooling possible. We wish Danielle every blessing as she moves onto her next endeavour as an educator.

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 were visiting on Tuesday November 19, parents were invited to attend a Parent Information Session that provided 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.

Whole School Transition in Preparation for 2025

On Monday December 9 between 1:00pm and 1:30pm all children will visit their 2025 class teacher and classroom in preparation for the 2025 school year. This provides an opportunity for children to familiarise themselves with the classroom environment, classroom teacher and children they will be spending the 2025 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 2024. 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.

2025 Teaching Staff and Class Structures

I have completed the process of putting together class structures and teaching roles for the 2025 school year. Teachers have completed the process of placing children into classes in preparation for 2025. Children will find out the class they are in on Monday December 9 as part of our Whole School Transition in preparation for the 2025 school year.

Below is an outline of our 2025 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: April McInerney (0.6 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday)

R/1 Classroom Teacher: Izabella Callisto

R/1 Classroom Teacher: Anna Huynh

1/2 Classroom Teacher: Natalie Doyle

2/3 Classroom Teacher: Jennifer Craig (0.4 Mon, Tues) & Cindy Chong (0.6 Wed, Thurs, Fri)

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 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.

*Families are encouraged to speak to Finance officer Kali Brown about concession fee eligibility.

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.

Important Dates

Term 4 concludes 3:00pm Thursday December 12.

Term 1 commences 8:45am Tuesday January 28.

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.

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 __________________________________________

Next Mass

You are always invited to join with us at the Parish Mass. The next Mass will be Monday 9^th December at 10am in the Church.

2025 Sacrament Program

Every second year at St Joseph’s School, students are invited to be a part of the Sacramental preparation program.

We are preparing to begin our 2025 Sacrament Program group. Catholic children from Year 3 to Year 6 can nominate to be prepared for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation. Baptism is a prerequisite.

Can you please indicate on the form below your choices and return it to the office or email me at smccullough@stjotto.catholic.edu.au

We have no dates available for these celebrations, but families will be advised of these as they come to hand from the parish. If you are interested or would like to find out more about the Sacramental program, please fill in the slip below and return to the front office.

Kind regards,

Simon McCullough

APRIM

 I would like for my child to join in the 2025 Sacramental program.

My child is already baptised: Yes       No  

I would like to enrol them in Reconciliation      

I would like to enrol them in Confirmation        

Child’s Name.........................................      Class:...........................

Parent’s Name........................................    Signature:........................

Coffee Van

We have asked a coffee van to attend our end of year celebration on Friday 6/12. Coffee and hot drinks will be available.

4^th - SRC School Disco

6^th - St Joseph's Family Fun Night and 70th Birthday Celebration

11^th - Year 6 Graduation and Dinner

12^th - Term 4 Concludes 3:00pm