Term 1 - 2022 - Week 9

Principal's Prayer

"Peace is a precious gift which must be promoted and protected… Never has the use of violence brought peace in its wake.  War begets war; violence begets violence." - Pope Francis.

Dear parents, carers, teachers and students, 

Sports Day in any school is one of those special days whereby the students and staff experience the joys of physical activity and the outdoors.  There was plenty of colour, dress-ups, chanting, cheering, and competing last Friday. 

In commencing the day, I took a moment to acknowledge our appreciation for the opportunities provided to us by the school staff, especially our sports coordinator, Mr Josh Law.  I also thanked the students for their enthusiasm and leadership in preparation for the day. 

Sports Day was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our school's athletic abilities and family spirit.  I enjoyed meeting and talking to parents.  I commend everyone for their perseverance and am grateful that we remain working together in such a supportive community during these unpredictable times.  

IMPORTANT - Staff Preparation/Pupil Free days

Please refer to the letter attached for updated information received yesterday afternoon from Catholic Education SA regarding additional pupil free days.  

In brief, pupil-free days for Semester 1.

Monday, April 4 - Week 10 (announced in a previous newsletter and Camp Australia OSCH services available)

Thursday, April 14 - Last day of Term 1 (refer to the letter, school student supervision available)

Monday, May 2 - First day of Term 2 (refer to the letter, school student supervision available)

Staff Announcement

Mrs Leeanne McAloney is supporting Catholic Education SA by taking up an urgent vacancy in a teaching position at Saint Raphael's School, Parkside and will not be returning to her teaching position as the Year 3 classroom teacher for the remainder of 2022.  I'm pleased to announce that Mr Nathaniel Brooke will remain with the class until the end of the year.  We wish Leeanne well and congratulate Mr Brooke.  

SCHOOL BOARD AGM

This week the School Board met for the first time and welcomed the new President, Fr. Philip Marshall and Principal, Ros Oates.  Next term, we will be holding the AGM on May 17 at 7:00 pm in the new Middle Years Building and all parents are invited to attend (COVID restrictions permitting).  The AGM is where voting for new members will occur.  The School Board is an advisory body that shares in the genuine leadership of the school community.  Two meetings take place each school term, and members are elected for a period of two years.

The School Board works in partnership with the Principal to shape and monitor the school's key objectives, priorities and general policy to enhance the education provided by the school.  Our Board members share a variety of perspectives and expertise and bring the views and context of the wider school community to the school.  The Board also has a role in promoting the school within and across the community.  There are vacancies for the School Board, and nomination forms are available in the Administration office or downloading the attached PDF.

McHenry Street and Florence Street

Recent discussions with the local council have resulted in the Florence Street' Kiss and Drop' zone remaining CLOSED indefinitely.    

Florence Street will be a parking only zone, reducing the risk of accidents with cars pulling in and out of a second 'Kiss and Drop' area for St Joseph's School.  This decision was not made lightly.  The local council and school leadership have agreed that the past problems and dangers associated with cars banking up on the cross-road of McHenry Street and Florence Street and the Mannum road entrances have reduced since Florence Street Kiss and Drop' has been closed.  

Council inspectors are currently visiting and monitoring the McHenry Street drop-off and pick-up section of the road, where our students and families now enter and get picked up from the school.  Together, both the local council and the School Board will continue to meet regularly and discuss improving the quick drop off and pick up zone on McHenry Street. 

There are also plans for new signage and relining the longer-term and disabled parking on Florence Street.  I also remind everyone that the 'Kiss and Drop' on McHenry Street is not to have cars double parking or waiting before the zone begins.  Cars must continue around the block at 25 km per hour until the NO PARKING Kiss and Drop cars steadily move from approximately 8.20 am and 3.20 pm daily. 

I ask that you share this information with anyone in your family or friendship circle who pick up and drop children at school. 

I understand this change from past routines of school pick up and drop off will cause concern for some.  If you wish to communicate with me about this, please do so in a manner where we understand that we are all different in how we may perceive this situation and use this understanding to positively guide our thoughts toward others.

Updates will be provided to the community through the school newsletter.   

Florence Street Entry

As COVID restrictions ease, it won't be long now for the Florence Street entry gates and school frontage to be opened.  Our road monitors will resume at the Florence Street crossing to ensure all students safely cross the road and walk to and from bus drop-off points.

School Fees

A reminder to existing and new families that fees are sent out every term and are payable within 14 days unless you have a payment plan.  They merely serve as a statement for your records.  Upon receipt, please review your invoice/statement and contact Finance Officer Carol Rowland if you have any queries or any time should you wish to set up a payment plan.  Please check if you haven't received your statement.  It is the responsibility of all parents to pay school fees when attending Catholic schools.  Your contribution through school fees is essential to the continued operation of your Catholic school.  Any shortfall in assessed fees for the year has to be met from the general school account, which could mean less in our budget to meet our commitments.  If you are having difficulty paying school fees, please make an appointment to discuss this with the Principal.    

Pedal Prix

Over the years, I have been fortunate to have a child compete in the Murray Bridge Pedal Prix from Loxton High School.  It is a great event series.  I’ve also seen St Joseph’s teams compete, and I want to continue this involvement in the upcoming events this year.  Unfortunately, those involved in past years organising the St Joseph’s team are no longer available.  We will need parent helpers for our senior and junior girls and boys to participate.   

For the school to enter teams during the year, we will need at least five senior organising adults to maintain the vehicle/s, fundraise and build a real sense of community and teamwork for our students. 

Pedal Prix is important for our students who wish to be involved in learning a range of skills, including:

• teamwork, as they support each other at training and competitions
• persistence
• fitness
• understanding mechanics of the vehicles in terms of gearing and steering

Our two pedal prix cars cater to different abilities, fitness levels, and speeds, but they all give our students a great chance to have fun!

Please contact the administration office if you would like to volunteer your time and get involved.  There are no qualifications needed.  Training and support will be provided by staff in the school.  If we cannot gain parental support, I will have to re-consider being involved.

In all things kindness,

PRINCIPAL

Mrs Ros Oates

AGM Tuesday May 17th - 7PM

The year 2022 will be a year that will not soon be forgotten.  We began the year with Covid numbers increasing, which in turn made the return to school challenging and then the devastating floods in NSW and Queensland and now the uncertainty with the situation in Ukraine and Russia.  We are currently living in a time of constant change to the way we live our lives.  It is a time that can cause fear and anxiety in the community but it is also a time for us to consider others and support those who are vulnerable in our community.

Fear and anxiety were responses Jesus mother, Mary would have often felt through her life.  On March 25^th we celebrated the feast of the Annunciation of the Lord, when the angel Gabriel said to Mary, “Rejoice, so highly favoured! The Lord is with you”.  In Luke’s gospel we hear that Mary was deeply disturbed by those words, wondering what the greeting could mean.  Even though she was initially disturbed by Gabriel’s greeting, she knew that God loved her, that God wanted what was best for her, and that God could be trusted.

One of the ways we can support ourselves and each other at this difficult time is through prayer.  Prayer is our way of connecting with our God.  We know that God is always there for us and like Mary we can put our trust in God, knowing that we will get through these tough times with God’s love and care.  Prayer only needs to take a few minutes to pray for:

• An end to the pandemic
• Healing for people suffering from the illness
• Our political and community leaders as they try to provide wise leadership
• Our health workers as they are at the front line
• Support for those who have lost everything in the floods
• Peace in Ukraine

Almighty and All loving God,

Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

We pray to you through Christ the Healer

For those who suffer from Covid-19

In Murray Bridge and across the world

We pray too for all who reach out to those who mourn the loss

Of each and every person who has died as a result of contracting the disease, floods and wars.

Give wisdom to policymakers,

Skill to healthcare professionals and researchers,

Comfort to everyone in distress

And a sense of calm to us all in these days of uncertainty and distress.

This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord

Who showed compassion to the outcast,

Acceptance to the rejected and love to those whom so much love was shown.

Amen

(Adapted from Archbishop Michael Jackson Dublin & Glenalough)

Easter concludes the fundraising for Project Compassion so family Project Compassion boxes can be returned to school now until the end of the term.  If you require a receipt, please fill in the flap and put into the box so that we can issue a receipt.  Remember next Friday, April 8^th will be our Casual day to raise money for Project Compassion.  For a gold coin donation, the students can wear casual clothes for the day.  Caritas have said this year they will also be using some of the Project Compassion money to support the people of Ukraine as they leave their homes for safer places.  Thank you for your support of this very important work.

Please pray for the following children who are preparing to become fully initiated into the Catholic Church through the celebration of the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion in May and June.

Isaac, Guadelupe, Isaac, Leo, Elena, Jake, Same, Fritz and Patreece.

Thank you for your patience, understanding and support as we continue to be challenged by unavoidable interruptions to the manufacturing, supply and distribution of the new school uniforms. We will continue to ensure our school community is updated while working closely with both Vinnies and both uniform suppliers. Unfortunately, the ongoing delays are out of anyone’s direct control, but I have been informed late last week that the Year 7 and 8 formal uniform items have begun to arrive at Vinnies in Murray Bridge.

It was fantastic to see Ella and Enqi proudly wearing some of their new items this week, don’t they look very smart! Both students commented that the uniform was awesome and very comfortable.

Please call Vinnies on 8532 6699, Monday to Friday, 9:30am – 5:00pm for all your uniform requirements and remember to ask to speak to the new store manager Rochelle.

Science is all about predictions, questions, experiments, discoveries and discussions! The Year 2’s

have spent this term knee deep in all of these during their science investigations.

What do you notice when you mix flour and water?

I wonder what will happen to water when you add oil or food colouring?

What are the best materials to use to make a sun hat and why are those materials used?

Why aren’t rain boots made of paper?

Test and see what happens when different types of paper are mixed with water. Why do different types of paper have different results?

What happens when you mix salt and water? Has the salt gone? Is it still there? Can you see it? Where is it?

Why is a door made of wood?

What materials protect you from feeling the heat?

The list of vocabulary the children have been exposed to has also been quite extensive. Dissolve, predict, disappear, disintegrate, waterproof, fragile, bendy, rough, transparent, insulate and absorbent just to name a few.

We have also investigated some Aboriginal tools and the materials used. The children tried their hand at some weaving using fabric while also learning how the Aboriginal people used reeds and grasses to weave baskets. There were some interesting discussions about natural materials eg wood, bone, animal skins and materials made by people eg glass, plastic and metal. 

It was such an honour on Wednesday 23 March, to support ten of our students and see them proudly represent St Joseph’s School in the South Australian Catholic Primary Schools Swimming Carnival. The team swam incredibly well throughout the carnival, with our Year 3 students competing for the very first time, with lots of cheering and encouragement on the day from students and families. I would like to extend a very special thank you to our parents for supporting the students and our amazing volunteers David Millan, Bec Schutz and Katie Ireland for your help with officiating during the carnival.

We achieved a total of 19 ribbons with multiple 1^sts to 4^th placings and some close 5^th finishers too, with an overall 5^th position for the team. It was great to see Charlie Ireland and Chloe Millan make up the Year 6 relay team.

Congratulations to the following students and thank you for being the best you can be!

• Year 3 - Sierra, Chloe and Amelia
• Year 4 - Kate, Leo, Lulu, and Chloe
• Year 5 – Charlie
• Year 6 - Matilda & Guilio

Our Year 3-6 students warmly welcomed Trent Hodkinson a former NRL and State of Origin rugby league player, and Casey Goudie to our school on Tuesday 29 March. They spoke to students about the importance of values in sport with Teamwork, Belonging, and Diversity three values that are a big part of playing rugby league. It was wonderful to see our students highly engaged and modelling our school values of Respect, Kindness, Inclusion, Community, Compassion and Co-operation during the presentation, mini-game and when responding to Trent and Casey’s questions after viewing their videos. A huge thank you to Mr Law for organising the NRL League Stars visit, it certainly was fantastic to once again welcome visitors into our school.

In planning for Middle Years at St Joseph’s School we made the decision to create vertical Pastoral Care groups and Elective groups. The reason for this was to build relationships between the Year 7 and Year 8 students. Last Friday, it was evident we have succeeded as our Middle Years students participated in Sports Day as one big group, supporting each other and cheering each other on to do their very best. Our relief teacher from Catholic Education SA, Mel O’Leary said she was blown away by the student’s cooperation, care for each other and willingness to try at every event. Many students achieved best times, throws, jumps or scores on the beep test.

Well done Middle Years students, you are living our core values and we are so very proud of you!

Thank you for the wonderful donations for our annual Easter Egg raffle and for the purchase of tickets.  Today is the closing date for donations and we will put together the prizes ready for the draw on Friday, April 8^th at our assembly at 2:45.  If you have any outstanding tickets you would like to purchase, please send them into school as soon as possible. 

Hello friends and families,

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Come along to a FREE information session on Friday 22^nd April, 10am at The White Park Community Club Rooms, Mulgundawah Rd & Gladstone St,, Murray Bridge.

You will learn about:

• how diabetes can affect your eyes
• what you can do to reduce your risk
• your eye health care team who are there to support you.

At St Joseph's School, we are fortunate to have our experienced and employed Canteen manager, Wilma O'Sullivan.  Now that our restrictions have eased, we are asking for parent volunteers to ensure the successful daily distribution of orders in the canteen.  Volunteers supporting Wilma, allow us to provide a quality service at very reasonable prices.

Being a Canteen volunteer is not at all hard work, but a great way to meet other parents in the school. 
 

All volunteers at St Joseph's School Canteen need to have completed the following:

▪ Working with Children Check (Free through the school)

▪ Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect – Education and Care (2 hrs online - Free)
https://www.plink.sa.edu.au/pages/externaldashboard.jsf?menuId=1104&locale=enGB&showbundlekeys=false#/?dashboardId=6
▪ Watch Food Handling Clip (Bug Busters) https://youtu.be/6WJXSy4o1tc

▪ Sign and return the Canteen 2022 Volunteer Form previously sent to families.

We are only a couple of weeks away from opening up the drop-off and pick-up zone on Florence Street.  A reminder to all drivers that you are not to double park before entering the drop-off and pick-up zone on Mc Henry Street and no U-turns on this street.