DOES GOD PLAY FAVOURITES?
As a parent and a teacher, I try very hard never to play favourites which isn’t always easy to do. We are all human with many feelings and emotions and sometimes it is easier to like some more than others.
In an article I read recently from GPBS “Weekly Parables for Catholic Schools” I was reminded that God sees things differently. In the Gospels we are told that God does indeed have favourites. God’s favourites are: ‘the people who are poor, who mourn, and who face persecution for doing the right thing’. Yes, God loves us all equally, but we are shown over and over again that God’s actions favour the powerless and people who suffer. We know this because God sent people like Moses and Jesus to help them.
Jesus tells his disciples that God is working to construct a world that favours the powerless and will change things so that the people on the bottom will have what they need. These are the people that Jesus ate with and spent time with often challenging customs that caused them to suffer and also to show people who abuse power, horde power or hurt others that it’s time to change.
The examples Jesus gave us reminds us not to be complacent and to pay attention to what is really important in life. How do we treat the lonely and vulnerable in our communities? Do we work for justice and a fair go for all? Are there people in your life who inspire you by how they favour the poor, the lonely and the vulnerable?
Dear parents, carers, teachers, and students,
As we approach the end of the year, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the incredible experiences our students have had over the past few weeks. It is hard to believe that only two newsletters are left for the year!
This term, every class from Reception to Year 9 had the opportunity to participate in a planned camp, sleepover, and day trip. These experiences were highly successful, with our students creating lifelong memories and learning valuable skills outside the classroom. We are proud of their achievements and grateful for the support of our dedicated staff and parents. Our new Camps and Excursions Policy reflects these changes, and we will continue offering all our students various experiences at each year level, which are heavily subsidised financially to support attendance and families.
I would also like to express my gratitude and acknowledge the parents and guardians who took the time to complete the Preparation for 2024 class survey. This is now closed. Your feedback is invaluable, and our leadership team is thoroughly collating the responses to inform our decisions in the coming weeks. Our unwavering commitment to small class sizes, additional classroom support staff, and specialist small-group support for speech and occupational therapy reflects our dedication to supporting all students and their teachers. Additionally, our vibrant teachers will be allocated to classes where they can best utilise their expertise and skills.
What’s New in 2024
I am thrilled to announce the implementation of MultiLit Programs, which are best practices in literacy instruction and intervention. With additional funding from Catholic Education SA, we have already begun training teachers and support staff in preparation for the rollout of the InitiaLit literacy program next year. InitiaLit is a three-year program (Reception to Year 2) that will provide all students with the essential core knowledge and strong foundations to become successful readers and writers. Additionally, we will expand our well-established intervention program, which includes MiniLit for younger students and MacqLit for small groups of older low-progress readers. These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to providing all of our students with the best possible reading and writing instruction into the future. Mathematics instruction is also an area of focus, with our teachers having access to a numeracy expert yet again in 2024 to develop further and implement our focus of consolidating the ‘Big Ideas in Number’.
As your leader, I am dedicated to listening to the needs of our community, addressing areas for improvement, and always striving to provide the best for our students. I understand that this time of year can be uncertain and anxiety-inducing for many, but I want to assure you that everyone at St. Joseph's works tirelessly to educate and support our children. It is a privilege to be entrusted with the care and education of your children, and all our staff take this responsibility seriously.
In the remaining weeks of school, we have planned exciting class presentations for our community to enjoy. These events are a fantastic opportunity to come together, celebrate the year, and appreciate the achievements of our students. We encourage you to get involved and bring along your friends. There is something for everyone, so we hope to see you there!
Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. I’m optimistic that we can continue to provide a nurturing and enriching environment for our students here at St Joseph’s.
Important Events
Note - Our School Community is welcome at Events marked with *
Week 5
Saturday, November 18th
*Murray Bridge Christmas Pageant (note sent to Year 2 and 3 families)
Week 6
Wednesday, November 22nd
*Year 5 Mass at 9:30 am
Week 7
Mon-Tues, November 27th & 28th Year 8 Camp Adelaide
Wednesday, November 29th
*Year 4 Mass at 9:30 am
*Matthew Ahrens Piano Concert at 11:30 am
Thursday, November 30th
*Year 2 Fairy Tale Performance at 2:15 pm & 2.35 pm
Friday, December 1st
*Year 3 Prayer Service 9.30 am, Year 3 Sleepover Day/Night
*Matthew Ahrens Piano Concert at 11:30 am
*JOEY's Graduation and Mid-term Student Prayer Service at 1:45 pm
Week 8
Monday-Friday, December 4th-8th: Swimming for all Reception to Year 4 classes
Tuesday, December 5th
Year 7 Transition Day St Joseph’s
*Year 5 Christmas Showcase at 5:30 pm
Wednesday, December 6th
*Middle Years Mass at 9:30 am
*Year 9 Graduation Mass and Celebration at 6:00 pm
Friday, December 8th
*Year 1 Advent Prayer Service at 9:30 am
Student reports go home
Week 9
Monday, December 11th
*Year 2 Prayer Service 9.30 am
*Year 3 Christmas Musicals at 9.30 am & 12:15 pm
*Reception Nativity Play and Community Christmas Picnic at 5:00 pm
Tuesday, December 12th
*Year 4 Nativity Play 9.30 am & 10.30 am
Wednesday, December 13th
*End of Year Mass led by Year 6 students at 9:30 am
Normal school dismissal at 3:05 pm
Please note that events may be subject to change if there is inclement weather. We will keep you updated on any changes via Seesaw.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Mrs Ros Oates
Principal
Reminders
Swimming: During Week 8, Monday, December 4 to Friday, December 8, the Reception to Year 4 classes will participate in the annual Swimming program at the Murray Bridge Swimming Centre. These swimming lessons are important for developing water safety skills for our students, and we are grateful to the School Board for fully funding this opportunity.
Hot Weather: As the weather heats up in Term 4, students must wear their School hats when playing outside as part of our commitment to being a SunSmart school.
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
Memorable experiences for Year 6 Students at Murraylands Aquatics Centre
Year 6 students recently experienced a three-day, two-night camp at the Murraylands Aquatics Centre. Students participated in activities on the river including skiing, knee-boarding, kayaking and small boat handling.
Students participated in activities enthusiastically, embracing all experiences regardless of their experience with the water activities. Students were exposed to various opportunities that increased their water knowledge and safety abilities. Year 6 students worked together within the groups to ensure the activities were successful and they absolutely made the most of their experiences!
The year 6 camp was an unforgettable student. Friendships were strengthened, water knowledge increased, and individual skills developed. This adventure packed experience demonstrated students’ ability to embrace new experiences and get to know their peers outside of the classroom.
“Camp was fun being able to ski and stand up paddle boarding.” – Dylan Gay
“You should go down and have a try, you might find out some things you would never think would be fun actually are. I never thought I would enjoy sailing or knee boarding, but I had a blast!” – Aaliyah Hughes-Jensen
“The best part of camp was being able to be in the water and hanging out with my friends for three days.” – Kane Fiegart
“Our year 6 camp was fun. Both the activities and also being able to see my friends outside of school” – Claire Paul
Science
We have been lucky enough to have Ms Talia Moyle, student teacher for Charles Darwin University, completing her final teaching practicum in year 6. With a background in Science, Ms Moyle has engaged students with lessons focused on energy and light. Students have successfully created small electrical circuits creating a torch and mini buzzer.
Maths
Students have explored various 3D shapes and their cross sections. To strengthen this knowledge, students constructed 3D models of their chosen shape. Students loved the hands-on nature of this task and the ability to physically showcase their learning. Students are now looking at tessellations and creating patterns that are tessellating in nature.
MITIOG – Made In The Image of God
During Religion, students explored growth and development, considering all individuals as unique to being ‘Made In The Image of God’. Students engaged respectfully and gained valuable knowledge about respectful relationships with themselves and others.
On Tuesday, 7th November, 37 students took part in the Catholic Schools Athletics Carnival at Athletics SA Stadium in Mile End. Students competed against 8 other Catholic Schools in three field events (High Jump, Long Jump, and Shot Put) and seven track events (100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, Hurdles, 1500m, and the 4x100m relay). Unfortunately, 4 of our boy competitors called in sick. A small team shuffle meant that not too many of their events went without someone from St Joseph’s putting their hand up to have a go in their stead. The top four competitors from each event were awarded points and a ribbon. Our team ended up with 30 ribbons from a total 88 events.
Congratulations to all our competitors who gave huge efforts in all events. The school staff and parent supporters were proud of our team’s achievements and the behaviours and supportive natures of our community.
Students who placed in the top 4 in an event were:
Evie Zilm – 2nd Year 6 Girls Long Jump
Austin Hempel – 2nd Year 4 Boys Shot Put
Milla Smith – 4th Year 5 Girls Hurdles, 2nd 100m
Hamish Hankin – 4th Year 6 Boys Hurdles, 4th Shot Put, 3rd 100m
Marley Cooper – 1st Year 6 Girls Hurdles, 1st 100m
Amelia Wellington-Schutz – 4th Year 4 Girls 800m, 4th 100m
Max Sobels – 4th Year 3 Boys Long Jump, 4th Long Jump, 4th 200m
Summer Williams – 4th Year 4 Girls High Jump
Jayden Lin – 4th Year 5 Boys Shot Put
Matilda Gillen – 4th Year 3 Girls 100m
Jameson James – 4th Year 3 Boys 100m, 1st Long Jump
Isabella Bormann – 4th Year 4 Girls 100m, 2nd 200m
Felisa Penta – 1st Year 4 Girls 100m, 1st Long Jump, 1st 200m
Blake Buick – 2nd Year 3 Boys High Jump
Charlotte Ireland – Year 6 Girls 2nd Shot Put
Logan McFarlane – Year 6 Boys 2nd 100m
Emily Leckie – Year 5 Girls 2nd Long Jump
Amalia Hollitt – Year 3 Girls 3rd Shot Put
Last week we celebrated the Children’s University graduates for 2023 in a ceremony at Bonython Hall in Adelaide. 34 St Joseph’s students graduated Children’s University this year with a staggering 1920.5 hours of learning recorded. A huge achievement from a dedicated and driven group of students.
Helen, the NDIS Coordinator from Mission Australia, will be on site to help students and their families with their NDIS Plan on Thursday 23 November.
If anyone would like an appointment to seek information, discuss concerns with their child's NDIS plan they will need to phone Helen for an appointment time, that way she can provide correct allocation time. Please call Helen from Mission Australia, phone 0436 687 591.
Traditionally at St Joseph’s School we have supported the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal through our Giving Tree and food collections for those in our community who may struggle during the Christmas season. We will send home in a few weeks’ time a note reminding families about these 2 ways we can support Vinnies. Our new Religious Leaders will also be organising a fund-raising activity so watch out for notes and Seesaw messages coming home.
Rocketeers is an upcoming fun summer holiday program to be run at St Joseph's School. Use the QR Code or find more details at www.campaustralia.com.au/rocketeers
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.
One-on-One tuition for drum and guitar is available at St Joseph's School on a weekly basis.
For more information on lessons and costs please contact Nathan Hill on 0448 426 946
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