eNews Term 4, Week 7, 2024

Dear parents, carers, teachers, and students,

As we near the conclusion of another busy and productive school year, it’s important to reflect on the achievements and growth that have defined 2024 at St. Joseph's School. During the end-of-year busyness, the excitement of holiday festivities, and the changes ahead, it can be easy to focus on concerns and anxieties. However, this is also a time to celebrate new learning, successful school events, excursions, camps, visitors, and the many friendships formed throughout the year. These moments of joy and accomplishment are brilliantly captured in our 2024 School Magazine.

After our Whole School Mass Celebration on Tuesday, December 10th, under the school auditorium, we will mark the conclusion of the Year 6 students’ primary school journey. On this day, each family will receive a complimentary copy of our School Magazine, a wonderful snapshot of the year. A huge thank you to Georgia O'Neil, our Marketing Communications and Events Officer, for her outstanding work in creating the magazine, and to all staff and students for their contributions.

Looking ahead, I would like to remind parents and carers that the final draft of 2025 class placements will be shared on Monday, December 2nd. Your positive feedback about this early communication has been appreciated, as it allows students to feel more prepared and less anxious over the holidays. Please note that some adjustments may still occur due to new enrolments over the summer break, which is common. While not all teacher class placements are finalised, we anticipate confirming these details by the end of the year, and we aim to publish them in the final school newsletter in Week 9.

At St. Joseph's, we continually track student progress through formal assessments, teacher observations, and data-driven tools to identify areas for improvement and ensure academic growth. Our commitment to explicit instruction in literacy and numeracy this year, combined with tailored intervention programs for students requiring additional support, has significantly improved student achievement across the whole school. Learning at St. Joseph's is always individualised, with the goal of every student progressing over a 12-month period. This progress will be reflected in the final SEQTA Engage reports, available online on Monday, December 9th. If you require a paper copy, you are to contact the administration office, request a paper copy, and personally come into the school to collect it. School reports are no longer posted or handed out to students.

Next week, I look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of our graduating Year 9 students. Highlights from their graduation will be shared in the Week 9 newsletter.

Finally, 2025 marks a significant milestone for our school community as we celebrate 100 years of primary education at St. Joseph's, a legacy started by the Sisters of St. Joseph on our current site. Exciting events and celebrations are planned, beginning with the 100 Years Gala Night at the Murray Bridge Racecourse. Keep an eye out for regular updates about how we’ll celebrate this special occasion in the coming months.

Thank you for your continued support throughout the year, and I look forward to finishing 2024 on a high note together.

Mrs Ros Oates

Principal

CHRISTMAS CARDS AND GIFTS

As we approach the Christmas season, it is wonderful to witness the spirit of generosity and kindness shared among our students. While this is, for some, a tradition, we understand that not all families may be in a position to purchase Christmas cards or gifts, and many children are unable to accept sugary treats, such as candy canes, at school. To maintain a strong sense of community, I kindly ask that any exchange of cards or small gifts be limited to the final three days of Week 9.

During this time, teachers will provide opportunities for students to create their own cards, allowing all children to participate in celebrating the true spirit of Christmas in a meaningful and cost-free way. A reminder that for those who can contribute, we have a Christmas giving tree in the administration office, where all proceeds go to the St Vincent DePaul Christmas Appeal. If you choose to purchase cards or gifts, I encourage you to consider inclusive options and request that these items not be brought to school before Monday, 9th December. Should exceptions be necessary, please communicate directly with your child’s classroom teacher. Thank you for your understanding and support in helping us nurture a spirit of generosity and care within our school community.

As part of our Catholic Social Teachings our mission is to reach out and serve the most vulnerable. This year we will be supporting the St Vinnies Christmas Appeal. We will be asking for generous donations of children’s toys (keeping in mind children from 12-16 years of age). Please remember not to wrap any items.

We will begin collecting your generous donations from Monday 4th November - Friday 6th December. Donations to be brought into the administration office. We thank you sincerely for your support and generosity.

2025 Term Dates

Term 1 - 28 January to 11 April

Day 1: Tuesday, 28th January 2025

Term 2 - 28 April to 4 July

Term 3 - 21 July to 26 September

Term 4 - 13 October to 12 December

ADVENT

THE FOUR SUNDAYS BEGINNING DECEMBER 1ST UNTIL CHRISTMAS EVE

Throughout time, storytelling has been used to record the oral history of people to convey traditions and values. The following story has dropped its pen into both these aspects;

“Years ago, a wealthy widower and his son shared a passion for art collecting; priceless works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet and many others adorned the walls of the family mansion. However, a war engulfed their nation and the young man left home to serve his country. A few short weeks later, his father received a telegram telling him his beloved son had been killed while carrying a fellow soldier to a medic.

Five months later, the old man responded to the house bell and upon opening the door, was greeted by a solder with a package in his hand. The soldier introduced himself by saying that he was a friend of the old man’s son, and that he was the one being rescued when the son lost his life. ‘I’m an artist,’ said the soldier, ‘and I want to give you this.’ When the old man unrolled the package there, before him, was a portrait of his son. It was no work of art but did accurately define the son’s face and seemed to capture his personality.

The following spring the old man became ill and passed away. The art world was in frenzy and collectors from around the world arrived for the auction. The auctioneer began with a painting not listed in the catalogue; it was the painting of the man’s son. The auctioneer asked for an opening bid. The room was silent. The auctioneer asked, ‘Who will open the bidding with $100?’ The response was unanimous and almost unruly: ‘We didn’t come for this rubbish! Get on with the masterpieces!’ The auctioneer remained firm till a friend of the old man spoke, ‘I knew the boy. So, I will have it. I bid $100.’ There were no other bids so the auctioneer’s gravel fell to ‘Sold!’ Cheers filled the room and someone called out, ‘At last we can get on with it.’ In response to this, the auctioneer looked at the audience and announced that the auction was over. Stunned disbelief quietened the room. Then came the question, ‘What do you mean it’s over? There are millions of dollars worth of art here. We demand to know what’s going on!’ The auctioneer replied, ‘It’s very simple. According to the will of the father, whoever takes the son gets it all’.”

The story contains the essence of the Advent-Christmas story: whoever takes the Son gets it all. St John wrote, “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son, has life,” 1John 5:11,12. Advent promises new life in Christ. Christ’s coming gives us a living picture of God; through Christ we get to know God. Advent fosters in us the attitude of expectation; it is an essential part of our Christian belief that we should be looking forward, throughout our life, to a life in fullness with God. Jesus told us, “I have come that you may have life and have it to the full.” John 10:10

For thousands of years, the Hebrew prophets told in the Hebrew Scriptures how they looked forward to the redemption of their people. Now, in the Christian Scriptures, we hear how we have that redemption: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17

Each Advent we renew our expectation and each Christmas we celebrate Christ’s coming God’s redemption.

God, our Father, help us to put aside those things that hinder us from receiving Christ with joy. Amen

Congratulations to Lavinia, Amalia, Harley, and Parker who have recently been Baptised into the Catholic Church.

We pray for God’s blessings on them and their families as they continue their faith journey through the Sacraments

of Reconciliation, Confirmation and Holy Communion.

Selected Year 6 students represented St Joseph’s at the School Sport SA Statewide Volleyball Competition on Monday of Week 6, marking the first time our school participated in this event. St Joseph’s was the only school from the Murraylands region to enter a team. Throughout PE lessons, students worked hard on their volleyball skills and strategies, becoming highly engaged and finding great enjoyment in the sport. Both the boys’ and girls’ teams had a successful day, achieving a mix of wins, draws, and losses. A special thank you to Brianna G., Jesse, and Eamon for their fantastic support on the day.

Four Middle Years students represented St Joseph’s at the Knockout Table Tennis Competition at Mount Barker High on Wednesday of Week 5. The selected team dedicated their break times to learning the rules and improving their skills to reach competition level. Their hard work paid off, and they had a fantastic time participating in the event.

On November 5th, 43 students represented our school at the Catholic Schools Athletics Carnival held at Athletics SA Stadium. Competing in Year Level and Gender groups, students showcased their skills across a variety of events, including 100m, 800m, hurdles, high jump, shot put, and the 4x100m relay. Points were awarded for 1st to 4th place finishes, and our students performed exceptionally well.

A special congratulations to the following students who achieved 1st place in their events:

Matilda Gillen (Year 4 Girls 800m)
Ayden Lin (Year 5 Boys Shot Put)
Felisa Penta (Year 5 Girls 100m)
Isabella Bormann, Felisa Penta, Summer Williams, Amelia Shutz-Wellington (Year 5 4x 100m Relay).

In addition to these outstanding achievements, our school earned 2nd place in 11 events, 3rd place in 9 events, and 4th place in 6 events. Although we finished 5th in 21 events—just missing out on points—it highlights the determination and effort of all our athletes and how competitive we were.

Well done to Isabella Bormann who was the runner-up Year 5 Girl Champion. Our Girls team came 4th overall and boys team were 7th. 

Thank you to Leah Williams, Monique Edmond, Jaiden Dawson and Jo Gibbon for assisting on the day and to all students for their hard work and for representing our school with pride!

Josh Law

This term in Performing Arts, we have been looking at the different genres of dance: From Ballroom dancing, Latin dance (like a bit of Salsa and Rumba) to dancing in lines, modern dance to contemporary dance. We have danced like different characters/ animals and the children have also incorporated different dance moves into different themes (for Halloween, Christmas, End of Year Celebrations etc). We have played Colour Corners with a Christmas twist and created decorations for a Tree whilst listening to different carols. The children even had a lesson with the drums, piano and maracas. The children have also created their own pictures of characters / props for a Christmas song. We have been practising “Deck the Rooftop”, “Jingle Bells Rock” and “Run Rudolph Run”. For Halloween we did “Thriller” in lines and the song “You and Me” for Ballroom. In the beginning of the term, we practiced the song “Doin’ it Making the Garden Grow” and “Raw”. This term has been an absolute ball. I have really enjoyed my time teaching Joey’s to year five.

Blessings, 

Renee Roden.

This week we had a wonderful time at the Chinese festival, where we immersed ourselves in rich cultural traditions. The vibrant sounds of Chinese music filled the air, with performances featuring traditional instruments like the erhu and pipa. We enjoyed our school students putting the dragon costume on and did a dragon dance, symbolizing strength and good fortune. We explored traditional activities such as kicking the shuttlecock, making delicious dumplings, and trying our hand at pitch pot. Dressed in beautiful traditional Chinese clothes, I felt connected to my culture’s  wonder and I think everyone there enjoyed it as well. Thank you everyone for participating, it was a truly inclusive celebration that allowed everyone to experience the warmth and excitement of Chinese heritage

Xue Tong

During Term 4, the Receptions in Mrs Wells’ class learned about the ocean and turned their classroom into an aquarium.  We practised our fine motor skills, such as cutting, drawing and gluing, to create a whole range of different animals.  We also worked with plasticine to create animals that were set into a shoebox tank.  Finally, we created nachos, pizzas, ice cream cups and drinks to sell in our Snack Shop. 

Teachers were invited to bring their classes for a visit during week 6.  Some of the highlights were the touch tank, the turtle silhouettes ‘swimming’ above us, and Giant the giant octopus.  Many visitors were impressed by the skills shown by the Reception children.  Family members were invited to visit in week 7 and the sentiments were repeated.

Over the last two weeks, our Reception classes have visited the Farm Barn in Hahndorf as part of their learning. 
See below quotes from the children:

1. It was funny when the peacock was shaking its bottom. - Damon
2. There was lots of milk in the bucket when we milked Merlot the cow. - Alex
3. We loved Mrs Lienert driving the bus. She is the best! - Henry
4. Wynter - My favourite part of the farm barn was patting the cow and chickens. 
5. Evanna - I really liked feeding the baby lambs a bottle of milk. 
6. Amir - I loved seeing and feeding the friendly donkeys. 
7. Levi: I liked it when they brought out the Blue Tongue Lizard and we got to pat it.
8. Kasie: I liked patting the rabbits
9. Brendon: I loved it when we were feeding the animals
10. Liana: My favourite part was milking the cow.

Mrs Coulter presented all the Premier's Reading Challenge certificates and medals to each student when the classes visited the library last week.
This year's Premier's Reading Challenge was a huge success and was completed by over 405 students at St Joseph's School.