Dear Parents and Caregivers,

As we commence Week 6 of the school term, excitement is building towards us being able to access the new play spaces. It has been a longer than anticipated journey towards using the space, and we have been working closely with the building company and associated sub-contractors to bring the project to completion. While the play space has taken shape, Cook Building have taken over the site of the stage 1 master plan build, and there has been a hive of activity in recent days. Walls have disappeared, and old spaces are beginning to take on a new shape. Whilst I realise that these projects are having an impact on the operations of the school, I am very excited by the possibilities both projects will provide our children and the school community!

As a school community, we very much appreciate families support of our COVID management protocols. As the rest of the year progresses, there will continue to be adjustments to the normal operations of the school community, such that it may not always be possible to host events that all families can attend. We appreciate your ongoing understanding around this, and we very much look forward to a time in the near future when we can host the events and activities that give life to our school, with participation from all families.

What we have been able to do in recent times, is host, and plan for, activities involving the students- incursions and some excursions, sports carnivals, masses and Liturgies, our Disco, and our biennial concert - being planned for as a virtual event. We have also been able to plan for school camps, that will go ahead, subject to any new restrictions being put in place!

Planning for 2021 is well underway. We have had a significant increase in the number of enrolment enquires and confirmed enrolments for 2021, which is a reflection of the hard work of many. Earlier this term (and at the end of term 2), we asked families to confirm their children returning enrolment for 2021. As the time for completing that information is now well past, we are assuming that unless we have specifically heard from families, that all children will be returning for an exciting 2021 school year! A reminder of the school’s policy of providing 2 terms notice of a move of schools.

As mentioned in my previous newsletter, Catholic Education SA recently celebrated Catholic Schools Open Week. This year, CESA launched a new brand initiative, “Raising Hearts and Minds”  which captures the hopes and aspirations of all involved in Catholic Education. As part of an overall campaign of raising awareness of our schools, a variety of media was produced-you may have seen the bus shelter at Mitcham, advertising our school! There will be another campaign featuring St. Joseph’s later in the year. The following prayer captures the essence of raising hearts and Minds:

Loving God, Guide us to know life in its fullness,

to raise our hearts and minds to know God’s love.

Raise our hearts and minds to be inspired by Jesus,

the Catholic faith and tradition.

Raise our hearts to be loving,

compassionate and respectful.

Raise our minds to be inquisitive,

capable and seek truth.

May we be aware of listening to the stirring of our hearts to prompt action.

Guide us to respond to the needs of others and all of God’s creation.

In all our thoughts, words and actions, help us raise our hearts and minds in creating the world you desire.

Loving God hear our prayer

Amen

Have a great week everyone,

God bless,

Phil