Dear Families and Friends, 

There are so many reasons to be proud of our staff and students at St Joseph’s!

Winners - Congratulations to the boys 5/6 SAPSASA Soccer Team who won the knockout final last week 14-0! They are such a talented group of athletes! This team has been coached by Mr D, supported by so many parents at each game. The competition began with 60 teams from ‘Small Schools’ competition in SA.  Congratulations Ben, Felix, Eli, George, Kye, Mason, Boston, Timothy, Jaxon, Ari, Cruz and Dom.

I also would like to congratulate Mason G who has been selected for the School Sport SA Under 12 Boys State Soccer Team, for the second year in a row! Mason will be representing South Australia at the Australian Championship in Ballarat early next term. Congratulations Mason!

Ethics Olympiad Teams

Earlier this term, some of our Year 5 and 6 students participated in the Ethics Olympiad, led by Dr. Burkett from the United States. We competed against students from across Australia and around the world.  

Throughout the day, students demonstrated their ability to speak clearly and confidently on Zoom.  They actively listened to the cases presented and responded to other schools in a respectful discussion.  

In preparation for the Olympiad, the students met weekly to explore the set of ethical cases and researched ethical principles including deontology and utilitarianism.  They memorised meaningful quotes from prominent philosophers to use in their discussions.

"Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all." Aristotle

A special congratulations to our Year 5 team, who placed 9th out of 26 schools—an outstanding achievement! Congratulations to all the children who participated: Lia, Violet, Cassie, Olivia and Elliot (in Year 6) as well as Harrison, Oliver M, Maddie T, Sophia and Alexa (in Year 5).

This experience helped students grow skills that will support them in all aspects of life.

We are incredibly proud of your teamwork and enthusiasm. 

Thank you to Kate Mueller, who wears many hats in our school including facilitating many of the STRETCH programs we offer. This was Kate’s first time participating in the Ethics Olympiad and I commend her as she learned alongside the children, and very capably guided them through the process and the competition.

We look forward to entering another two teams from Year 5 and 6 in next year’s Ethics Olympiad.

Italian Day!

What a day it was – so much fun, colour and most importantly lots of smiles.  Watching the day unfold, from a magnificent assembly and dress-up parade of all things Italian, to a fun-filled day ending with the whole school dancing the Tarantella together. It was wonderful to see our staff join in activities, creating fun for our students, thanks Mr D! It is certainly a great place to work. Molte Grazie to Signora Prestwich for preparing a fabulous Italian Day for us all.

Catholic Schools Music Festival

I am looking forward to watching our Festival Choir and Rocktopuses perform at the Catholic Schools Music Festival at the Convention Centre this week. Each child participating is to be commended for their ongoing dedication to rehearse weekly at school plus at home throughout the year, I know the performances will be an excellent standard and am proud to have our school represented on the stage. Well done to the Rocktopuses who were successful for the second year in a row in their audition, and notably were asked to perform on 2 nights! Congratulations to our amazing drum teacher, Nick Russell, and all the students in our Percussion Ensemble. All the best on Monday and Wednesday night!

Lastly, a very big “Thank you!” to Bec Pfitzner, our exceptional Music Teacher and Performing Arts Coordinator for your dedication, patience and time in preparing our Festival Choir for their performance.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Thank you to everyone who has advised your enrolments intentions for 2026. If you are yet to do so, please either complete the form here or email Bianca Bedson, Enrolments at bbedson@stjk.catholic.edu.au. Reminder that any withdrawals must be submitted in writing by the end of this week or a term's fees in lieu with be invoiced. 

As we continue to plan for 2026, families may share relevant information regarding their child’s class placement for next year.

If you wish to provide input, please email info@stjk.catholic.edu.au by Friday 26 September. Please note that teacher requests cannot be accommodated.

Class placements are made with great care, considering student personalities, learning needs, gender balance, friendships and overall class dynamics. While relevant parent input will be taken into account, families are reminded that the school holds the most complete view of all students and their needs, and final decisions will be made in the best interests of the whole school community.

National Child Protection Week 7-13^th September 2025

2025 theme: Every conversation matters: Shifting conversation to action.

This year’s theme highlighted that the importance of open discussion, without action they are just words. It is important that with go beyond listening to acting and if it doesn’t work the first time, we keep going so all children feel safe. Families can click the link to Safe Environments For All .  This link provides access to the full suite of child protection documents and resources and is available via our website as well. 

Welcome baby Saccardo!

I’m pleased to announce the safe arrival of Vanessa Saccardo’s beautiful daughter, Isla. Mum and bub are all doing well, no doubt with lots of cuddles from her big brother and doting Dad.

Lastly

Thank you to our dedicated Parents & Friends group for the wonderful Winter Wonderland cocktail event. It was a marvellous night of connection as a community, with funds raised going toward the rejuvenation of the garden area at the Seafield Ave/Cambridge Tce corner.

I take this opportunity to thank Christine Farrugia for leading the school while I was away so ably! Thank is extended to Joshua Bennett, Michael Mastrangelo and Paula McKerlie for their leadership and support as well during this time. It was comforting to know things were in good hands.

I wish everyone a lovely break over the holidays, be safe and hopefully enjoy some time with family and time for rest to return refreshed for Term 4 on Monday 13^th October!

P.S. Don’t forget to book haircuts for Photo Day on the first Wednesday back!

P.P.S Remember to invite grandparents and special friends for a special morning on Friday 24^th October!

Kind Regards,

Jodie Higgins