Hello dear St Joseph’s Families,

Semester 2 is always very rich in experience in a school setting: Science Week, Book Week, Sports Day and from a Catholic Identity lens; the feast of St Mary of the Cross, the Assumption of Mary and Catholic Schools open week. All experience that build a sense of identity and belonging to our beautiful St Joseph’s Community.

We kicked the term off with National Tree day on the 26^th July. The Eco Warriors were joined by the amazing staff from Cornes Toyota and their friend Mitch Hinge, from the Crows to plant some native trees and shrubs for our future, Native Garden. A big thank you to Luca and Savannah's Dad, Chris and the team at Cornes Toyota for the generous donation and spending a fun morning at our school!

On Thursday the 8^th August was the Feast Day of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. As our founder and patron, Mary is very dear to our school. Classes have been talking and doing amazing work to get to know her and her life better. As a school, we created three story books based on her life. These books were blessed at our Feast Day mass. Each class now has a copy, and you can find a copy in our school Front Office. Well done to all the students for the beautiful illustrations that bring the words in these books to life.

And big well done to the School Spirit Team who always roll their sleeves up and go all out to make Catholic Identity events come to life.

This week, on Thursday we celebrated a Mass for the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. 

I would also like to introduce some new (and not so new) members of staff that fall under the Wellbeing Porfolio: 

The School Chaplain: Monique Saywell

Monique has been working with us since the beginning of the year. She works with individuals, small groups and classes. As chaplain, she is available to work with students and their families and support teachers around faith formation and well-being. She helps with:

• faith identity
• friendship
• relationships
• emotions/self image
• new beginnings and grief  

Monique is particularly passionate about the concepts of breath prayers, movement prayers and moments of meditation.  These practices help to centre us back in the present and are a mode of emotional regulation and 'faith as action' in the environment in which we live. If you feel that your child may need the support of the School Chaplain, please contact Monique at msaywell@stjk.catholic.edu.au.

Social Work Student: Ren Wakuta

Hello everyone! My name is Ren Wakuta. I am currently a Master of Social Work Student at the University of South Australia. Before this, I completed a bachelor's degree in sociology in Japan. Throughout my studies, I've been passionate about improving children's health and well-being. I am thrilled to be here at St Joseph's School, where I hope to contribute to children's growth and well-being during my time here. Thank you! 

Social Work Student: Charlotte Serafini

Hi my name is Charlotte and I am currently undertaking placement at St Joseph’s as part of my Masters of Social Work at UniSA. I have recently completed a Bachelor of Psychological Science at the University of Adelaide. After I have completed my Masters I would like to work at a school, so I was very excited at the prospect of experiencing placement at St Joseph’s. I am particularly passionate about working with children and youth as I feel that I can have an impact on their lives and help them to grow and learn in the world around them. I have prior work experience in the area of child care and early learning having undertaken a secondary school placement within a kindergarten, giving me valuable exposure to this environment. Furthermore, I have experience as a volunteer mentor, mentoring primary school children in homework, literacy and artistic activities in the junior school of my secondary school. I am eager to gain valuable skills and knowledge in the field of social work to support my education and look forward to my time at St Joseph’s. 

Ren and Charlotte will be working alongside the School Leadership Team and teachers, as well as with our students, to help promote student wellbeing, dignity, self-esteem, social interactions, amongst other things.

We are so blessed to have these passionate and dedicated individuals working with us. I thank them for their hard work in helping our students to thrive.

Sacramental Program:

The next workshop is on Thursday 15^th August at 6pm, in the Multipurpose Hall. This workshop will start the preparation journey towards the Sacrament of Communion. For more information, please email: carmel@eparish.org.au.

Jesus, Pray for Us

St Joseph, Pray for Us

St Mary of the Cross, Pray for Us

Father Julian Tennison Wods, Pray for Us

Sister Irene McCormack, Pray for Us.

In all things: CHARITY.

Regards,

Christine Farrugia

Assistant Principal: Religious Identity and Mission.