eNews Term 3, Week 9, 2023

GOOD MANNERS
Are Respect in Action

“A survey of 1000 Australian parents found that the basics of good old-fashioned courtesy were rarely used by children.  Words such as ‘please’, ‘thank you’, ‘may I?’ and ‘excuse me’ were replaced by grunts and demands.  The survey commissioned by the Disney Entertainment Group, indicated that three out of four parents thought that children were less well-manned than in previous generations.” (Heather Zubek 12:01:11)

There is no doubt that our earliest relationships provide a model for all our future relationships, and learning to trust other people as feeling, thoughtful human beings, will form the basis for having happy, satisfying relationships.  For this to happen we will need good manners and basic courtesy.

Good manners need to be taught for they are important skills that our children should develop when they are young, so they can enjoy the benefit of them for the rest of their lives.  It is in the family home that the “manners seed” needs to be planted and nurtured, along with core values and ethics.  It is in the family home that children learn to be considerate, tolerant and respectful; this learning comes through parental guidance and example.

Actions really do speak louder than words, when children are polite, kind, honest and cooperative, they develop character and exhibit social skills that help others feel comfortable.  These relationship building skills, also help children -and adults- to get on with friends and neighbours and, if the occasion arises, to resolve differences of opinion in a courteous and healthy way.

It has been said that “Rudeness is the weak person’s imitation of strength”. (Author unknown) It is also an expression of ignorance of courteous behaviour and children who do not have social skills, can have a difficult time making lasting friendships with their peers and being accepted generally.  They have missed out on learning the “Golden Rule”.  Treat others as you yourself would like to be treated.

Manners are respect in action and should be learnt and taught through the experiences of daily living. “Mind your manners” often used to come from the lips of parents and indicated that their children knew what it was that needed to be “minded”. In a society that rarely offers example or support for parents, teaching manners to our children can be lonely and tedious.  However, to see our children grow in respect and consideration for themselves and others will be a rich reward for effort.

Dear parents, carers, teachers, and students,
This issue is the final newsletter of Term 3. As we approach the well-deserved two-week October holiday break, it is important to take a minute to reflect upon the remarkable achievements and vibrant school community events that have defined this term. Mary MacKillop Day, Grandparents/Friends Day, and Book Week quickly come to mind. As a school community, I’m thankful for the times we have embraced the opportunities to work together to provide the students with a vast range of activities and learning opportunities in a caring environment. Across the school, we have had the support of parents and carers in attending events, camps, and excursions, for which we are most grateful.

I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to our dedicated staff members, whose unwavering commitment, dedication, and care have been instrumental in shaping the vast learning experiences of St. Joseph’s School. Their genuine concern for the well-being of our students has not gone unnoticed. Our students have been able to flourish academically, socially, and spiritually through their guidance and expertise.

Looking ahead to Term 4, we anticipate once again a busy nine weeks, with planning underway for an exciting array of educational opportunities and community-building events, including swimming lessons, more camps, excursions, end-of-year farewells, and especially our events to mark the occasions of concluding Primary School and our first Year 9 Graduation for the students. I encourage our community to stay connected through our various communication channels, including Seesaw, Facebook, and up-and-coming newsletters, to actively participate in these events.

Staffing Updates
This week, we welcomed our newest staff member to St. Joseph’s School, Ms. Amy Rogerson. Amy, our new Aboriginal Education Support Officer (AESO), is very excited about joining our support team. Currently, she is getting to know all the students, especially our Aboriginal students. Amy will provide educational support to students and assist the school in developing Aboriginal perspectives across the curriculum. Her role will also include working with teachers, parents, and community members. I know that she will be made to feel very welcome by everyone in the community.

We have some exciting news within our school community. We have not one but three members of our dedicated staff who are expecting their first child! Congratulations to Mrs. Kate Thurston, Mrs. Amy Aunger, and Miss Kimberley Elliott on this beautiful journey towards parenthood. This joyful announcement brings a sense of anticipation and celebration to our school as we eagerly await the arrival of these precious little ones in the New Year.

At the end of this term, Mrs. Kath O’Neil will take long service leave for all of Term 4. The Year 4 class will be covered by Mrs. Mia Yudkin and supported by Mrs. Margherita Pardoe and Mrs. Oates in the classroom. We wish Kath O’Neil a relaxing and well-deserved break.

We also congratulate Miss Amy Thulborn, who has now received special authority to teach. She will continue her role in supporting and teaching with Mrs. Margherita Pardoe in Year 3. Amy will have more contact hours with the Year 3 class in Term 4, while Mrs. Margherita Pardoe will support in Year 4.

In light of all this news, I would like to assure you that appropriate arrangements have been made to ensure the continuity of education and support for our students. Our dedicated team of educators and support staff will work collaboratively to maintain a seamless learning environment, ensuring that our students continue to receive the highest quality education and care.

Let us come together as a school community to celebrate the happy news for all these people, especially our expectant mothers. May we surround them with love, support, and prayers as they all embark on these new adventures.

Last Day of Term School Closure Days for 2023
The school will conclude Term 3 on Friday, September 29, at 2:05 p.m. in line with public bus transport and resume Term 4 on Monday, October 16, at 8:30 a.m.
Friday is a free casual day.  Please ensure covered shoes and appropriate school clothing.

The final school closure days for 2023 are:

• Thursday 14th December and Friday 15th December – Term 4 (Last two school days of the year) – Curriculum, Data and Handover Day

Murray Bridge Show
The school will have two displays in the upcoming 2023 Murray Bridge Show. You can admire the artwork created by our students in the Exhibition Hall, or come and find us as part of the ‘Bunyip Trail’ in the Trade Hall on Friday 22^nd – Saturday 23^rd September. We would love to see you there!

Have a wonderful weekend.

Mrs Ros Oates
Principal

We have been having a great time in maths measuring objects by weight, height, length and capacity. By using scales, tape measures, rulers and measuring jugs we can measure using grams and kilograms, millimetres, centimetres and metres, and millilitres and litres. Did you know that you could measure a mug lots of ways?

In Science, we have been observing a bean plant grow, using scientific labelled diagrams.

In HASS we have been learning about how our community changes over time. We really enjoyed our walk to the Round House and participated in lots of activities from the 1800’s. We washed clothes using a scrubbing board and soap. We played croquet, made bird noises and looked over the Bridge with binoculars. We wrote on blackboards using chalk and had a tour of the Round House. 

In English, we wrote a historical narrative about a day at school in the 1800’s and an information report on the history of St Joseph’s school. Visiting the Round House gave us great background knowledge for both of these pieces of writing. 

Middle years Showcase Night
Last week we held an information night for parents interested in our Middle Years program. Teachers and students from the Middle Years put on displays of work, celebrating all they have achieved this year. The Year 9 students provided supper with apple and cinnamon muffins, zebra cookies and mini quiches. It was a great night, and we thank all the staff and students involved.

If you want to find out about our Middle Year program, please collect a flyer from the front office and ring to arrange a tour. We would love to see you .

Year 9 Retreat
On the second day of the Year 9 Outdoor Education camp Ms Lamont held the Year 9 Retreat. The day was centred around two main themes- community and care for the land. We read and discussed relevant Bible verses and then looked at what our Indigenous brothers and sisters can teach us about how to care for those in our community and the land we live on. We then developed our own symbols to represent us, our community, our school, and the land we live on. These symbols were in the style of Aboriginal art drawings. Once the symbols were developed, we then painted them onto black t-shirts. The day finished with a shared liturgy, once again featuring prayers  from Indigenous leaders, and based on the themes of Community and care for our land.

“Sow a thought, reap an action; sow an action, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character, reap a destiny.” Stephen Covey

Since the start of Term 3, Middle Year students have engaged with a weekly pastoral care programme which is based on the Habits of Mind. These habits, of which there are many, provide our students with a focus to help give them knowledge and develop strategies to improve themselves as both learners and young people. Each Monday, we meet as a whole cohort, and they are taught about the focus of the week. This gives them opportunities to discuss with and learn from others. Each House group then splits into their pastoral care classes where they participate in activities that compliment the theme of the week.

It has been wonderful to watch students engage and flourish in this area. They have learned a lot and enjoy having a focus which is integrated into their lessons and day to day life at our school. As educators, we weave what they have learned into our teaching and restorative conversations. Lessons are tailored to the needs of our Middle school cohort in terms of their well being and developmental age. Navigating life as a teenager can both be rewarding and challenging. Providing them with information on topics such as Positive Mindset, The Teenage Brain, Communication and Empathy, can help them to look inwards, develop and dive into the future as grounded and focused young adults. Working alongside their peers and staff helps them to feel supported, guided, and future ready to embrace any challenges.

Monica Doherty
Assistant Principal of Wellbeing

“Dear young people, do not bury your talents, the gifts that God has given you! Do not be afraid to dream of great things!” Pope Francis

At St Joseph’s school, students from Years 2-9 have been given an opportunity to apply for student leadership positions which will enable them to have student agency, and student voice and to lead passionately for the greater good of the St Joseph’s school community. This new way of having student representation and a voice will be replacing the SVC – Student Voice Council of the past.

There are five categories of leadership which students can apply for. The categories of leadership are: Religious Leader; Environmental Leader; Inclusive Leader; Cultural and Diversity Leader and Indigenous Leader. Once elected, leaders in these areas will be called upon to represent the school, participate in and lead activities and drive awareness so that our school will flourish, and the voices of our students will be heard.

All application forms, expressing interest are to be submitted by Thursday of Week 9. Students will be interviewed and selected by a panel in Week 10. This is not a whole school student vote as in the past with SVC. All successful candidates will be announced and will commence their leadership in Term 4 2023 until Term 4 2024. This is an exciting opportunity for our students to utilise their talents and to develop their leadership skills at St Joseph’s School. We look forward to receiving the applications and listening to the ways in which our students can help our whole school community to grow in love and awareness of self and others.

Mrs Monica Doherty
Assistant Principal of Wellbeing

Mrs Nicki Clifford
Primary Wellbeing coordinator

CAMP AUSTRALIA 'ROCKETEERS'
CAMP AUSTRALIA - Vacation Care is available this October school holidays on the St Joseph's School site. Bookings are now open for families for the upcoming holiday vacation care 'ROCKETEERS'. If families head to the Camp Australia page, you will see the program - https://campaustralia.com.au/schools/18CA.

Please support and promote this service. It will determine future holiday programs.

Come join in the fun of Table Tennis. Starts Tuesday Oct 31, Murray Bridge Showgrounds. 7-8pm

Register now by phoning David 0413233548

Students and Adults welcome. Free coaching available.

Here are links to the latest The Southern Cross newsletter and the online edition of The Southern Cross September 2023.

Vinnies Uniform Shops are all located within Vinnies Charity Stores and are serviced by appointment only, by making a booking ensures we have an appropriately trained uniform staff member onsite to assist with uniform fittings, selections, and purchases.

Parents can make a booking with Rochelle and the Murray Bridge Vinnies Uniform Shop Team by scanning the QR code or visiting Vinnies - Uniform Shop (simplybook.me)

We encourage parents to contact us by email (schooluniforms@svdpsa.org.au) for consideration of appointments outside available booking times.

For parents who prefer to personally make a selection, or complete fittings themselves, we welcome you at any time during normal Vinnies Shop trading hours (refer to vinnies.org.au for trading hours) – no bookings required. Vinnies Shop volunteers will only able to assist with finalising the purchase of school uniforms, it is recommended parents make a booking if assistance and advice in uniform fittings and selection is required.

This year St Joseph’s is supporting St Vincent de Paul for their annual winter appeal. This year the focus is on the homelessness crisis devastating older women. Any donations to the Winter Appeal are directly supporting those most in need in our local community. Together we can provide basic essentials to resolve dignity in times of need. Your donation can help remove a major stress for families. Your support also helps dedicated volunteers to work with people living in poverty, and provide assistance when life is tough.

A big thank you for your support of our Pyjama Day last term for the Vinnies Winter Appeal.  We are pleased to announce that through your generous donations we were able to raise $650.00.  This money will go to support those in need in our community as we know there are many who are finding it very hard this winter.  This term we will continue to collect any good warm clothing, blankets, sleeping bags etc that you are no longer using. These can be placed in the bins in the office area.