Dear Parents and Caregivers,

We are fast approaching the end of term one, and as I look back on the first term of 2021, I am proud of everything that has been achieved. 2021 has seen us enter into a COVID normal operation, and I am grateful to the staff, children and families for being so supportive of all COVID related protocols. I am also proud of the way we have been adaptable and flexible in undertaking the community celebrations and learning activities we normally do… COVID normal!

By now, you will have seen the community announcement of the appointment of Jamie Deverson to the Acting Principal position for term 2 of 2021. This is a very positive step for our school community. Jamie is a strong emerging system leader who is well known to you all. He understands the rhythms of our community very well, and is actively involved in the leadership of our learning vision. I look forward to hearing of the community’s support for Jamie and of the school continuing to flourish under his leadership. The process for replacing Jamie as Deputy is underway and will be finalised shortly. I look forward to informing you of that appointment.

I wish to congratulate Kelvin Warner who takes over as Chair of the School Board from Jon Fox. Jon’s contribution to the school Board over many years was immense and we thanks him sincerely for his long service. Kelvin has been a Board member for some time now, as well as being a parent in the school community for many years. He brings wisdom, experience and stability to the role.

The incumbent Board will begin its duties in term 2 with the responsibility to be a part of the consultative process- on behalf of the school community- for the substantive Principal position. Kelvin, as Board Chair, will also sit in the panel for the duration of the appointment process, to represent the hopes and dreams of the school community.

Last Friday we celebrated St Joseph’s Day, and Harmony Day. We began with Mass in the Multi-Purpose Room, led by Fr John. Following Mass, our year 3-5 students and teachers hosted fundraising stalls on the oval. After recess, we engaged in a rotation of activities, including meditation, a ‘country hunt’ and Bollywood dancing! At the conclusion of the rotations, the whole school gathered on the oval for a shared Bollywood dance! Much fun was had by all!

Holy Week is fast approaching, and as a Catholic School, this is a very important part of the celebration of our faith, and the cycle of the Liturgical year. The children will be engaged in prayer and learning during the week, and after we return from the Easter weekend break, we will be celebrating to Joy of the resurrection with mass on the last day of term.

Parent and teacher meetings are scheduled for the 29^th-31^st March this year, and I strongly encourage all families to make an appointment to meet their child’s teacher for feedback about their learning progress and engagement in school life. Bookings can be made via SZapp.

I am pleased to announce that Ms Adele D’Angelo will take over the teaching of 3-6 STEM classes on Mondays. Adele is well known to the staff and children as she has completed a significant number of relief days across all year levels. Please join me in welcoming Adele to the St Joseph’s staff. Mrs Mary Rose Coghlan will continue to teacher the R-2 STEM classes.

Ms Kirstie Wicks will be teaching full time in 4/5CW during term 2 while Mr graham Connor has some well-earned Long Service leave.

This will be my last newsletter communication with you all. I am feeling quite sad about my impending departure from the St Joseph’s Kingswood school community. Over the past 5 and a bit years I have made many friends, and very much appreciated the warm and welcoming way the community has embraced me during my time as Principal. Our children are all wonderful, and I will miss them dearly- they are a credit to you all! Our staff are amazing and I am truly grateful for their passion, professionalism and goodwill, every single day. There is much to celebrate about the progress we have all made together in my time here and as I look ahead now, I am very confident the school will continue to flourish and grow as the pre-eminent school in this area.

God Bless,

Phil

Hi all,

It's hard to believe it was about this time last year that our worlds were thrown into chaos as COVID-19 spread across the world. Less than a year later people are receiving vaccines that normally would have taken years to prepare. We are lucky that firstly, we live in South Australia and Australia, as we have been one of the least effected states and countries, and secondly, that we have very smart and dedicated people all over the world working countless hours, with governments spending countless amounts of money, on trying to find a vaccine.

By now you would have heard that I have been appointed as the Acting Principal for Term 2. I am grateful and really excited about the opportunity to lead our school and keep momentum as we move forward. Thank you to everyone for your kind words and support. I appreciate all the people who have congratulated me and wished me well as I embark on this new role. As a school, we have lots to look forward to in Term 2 including Mother's Day breakfast, sports carnivals, learning walks, incursions and excursions, plus key learning and fun for the children. I want to say a massive "Thank you" to Phil for all of the support and guidance he’s given me throughout my years at St Joseph’s. I appreciate the time he’s taken to mentor me and I believe he’s have prepared me well for my future in leadership by always including me in every aspect of the school’s progress. I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to learn from him and move the school in a really positive direction. Phil, I wish you all the best as you take up your new appointment. I am sure you will have a positive impact on the Lockley’s community. 

For the past few weeks, I have been spending some time with our senior students. Firstly, the Year 5 and 6 students joined Mr Bratt, Mrs Begg and myself down at Kingswood Oval for Clean Up Australia Day. All of the students embraced the opportunity to lend a helping hand and supported our local environment by cleaning up and putting rubbish in the bin. Secondly, I joined Mr Bratt with the Year 6s on their TOEP excursion to Woodhouse. We were very lucky and had beautiful weather while the students enjoyed the activities that were provided. The highlight of the day was seeing the students trying to scale across the river using 4 ropes about a metre a part. Most of them didn’t make it but they all had fun trying and didn’t complain about the wet clothing or the wet shoes for the remainder of the day.

Last week we held our annual St Joseph’s/Harmony Day. This was a wonderful event but wouldn’t happen without the great help and support of the dedicated and hardworking staff here at Kingswood. Massive thanks to the Year 3, 4 & 5 teachers, Christine Farrugia, Emma Begg and Basia Steciuk who helped set-up and co-ordinate the day. The students had so much fun. It was great to see the joy in the faces of the Year 3, 4 and 5 students as they ran their stalls - thank you so much to all the parents and caregivers who donated and helped contribute. Collectively, we raised in excess of $560 to donate to the MacKillop Orphanage in Peru. The students also had a great time learning a Bollywood dance and participating in learning about other countries and cultures from around the world with the other activities we held.

We are very lucky to live, work, learn and have fun in such a wonderful community and school. If I don’t see you beforehand, I hope you all gave an enjoyable Easter and school holiday break. I personally hope the time goes fast because I can’t wait for Term 2. 

Take care,

Jamie

SACPSSA – Catholic Schools Swimming Carnival

Congratulations to the 13 students that participated in the Catholic School Swimming Carnival on Wednesday 17^th March at SA Aquatics Centre, Marion Pool. The Carnival was a culmination of 5 early morning training sessions at Mitcham Girls Pool in preparation for the Carnival and St Joseph’s really did punch above their weight once again!

St Joseph’s finished an overall 4^th on the day but did win the year 5 pennant for most points in the year 5 division. Special mention to Emily Daunt who also finished individual age champion in the year 5 division on the day. 

Special thanks to Mrs Patricia Waller and Mrs Megan Phillips for their assistance officiating on the day and Mr Bratt for his assistance at the Carnival as well as Mrs Bridget Hughes for her help at all the early morning training sessions and at the Carnival.

Some outstanding results included:

Team

1^st in Medley relay – Emily Daunt, Arabella Waller, Eva Maninni and Charlie Revell

1^st in 50m Freestyle – Emily Daunt, Arabella Waller, Liam Meys, Charlie Revell

Individual

Emily Daunt – 1^st 50m Backstroke, 1^st 25m Freestyle, 1^st 25m Breastroke

Arabella Waller – 1^st 50m Breastroke, 1^st 25m Freestyle, 1^st 25m Backstroke

Charlie Revell – 1^st 50m Freestyle, 1^st 25 Breastroke,

Eva Maninni – 2^nd 50m Freestyle, 2^nd 50m Breastroke, 2^nd 50m Backstroke, 3^rd 25 Butterfly

Liam Meys – 3^rd 25m Backtroke,

Sienna Elder- 2^nd 25m Freestyle,

Ashlynn Tothill – 2^nd 25m Breastroke

Winter Sports – PLAYERS NEEDED

A reminder to all parents that Winter Sport registrations are now open on the school SZAPP. Students can register to play:

Aussie Rule Football – Saturday mornings – Years 2-6

Soccer- Saturday mornings – Years 2-6

Netball - Saturday mornings – Years 2-6

Please ensure you nominate so teams can be registered in their affiliated competitions.

Mr De Giovanniello (Physical Education Teacher/Sports Coordinator)

Bookings are now available for Vacation Care, which will run from 12^th April to 23^rd April.  We have some exciting programs so get in quick and book via the SZapp as we only have limited places for our excursions.

Just reminding everyone it is compulsory to have a wide brimmed hat in after school care and Vacation Care.  Baseball caps are not acceptable.  If your child does not bring a hat or brings a baseball cap, we will issue them with one and the fee is $3.00.  You are welcome to supply your child with a hat that we can keep in our hat bag with their name on it.  We also have available 2^nd hand hats to buy for $5.00 and then we will mark them with your child’s name it and keep them for their use only!

Please note that if your child/ren will not be attending a regular session, even if they are sick you need to notify us by SZapp, text or email.  See policies regarding the times for late bookings and late cancellations.

Also in regards to receiving your CCS you must be registered with MyGov and answer any questions they send you so you can be linked to our Service.  If you are not receiving CCS please see me and we can check further regarding this.

Vicky Wilson & OSHC Team

Our Easter Raffle closes on Friday 26th March. If you haven't already, please get involved - with tickets available for purchase on Qkr!, and then fill out and bring in the form to make sure you are included. 

We can't wait to purchase some new books for the school library with funds raised. Thank you to all the businesse who generously supported us with your donations and contributions. 

Today is the final day to order Kyton's hot cross buns and lamingtons - please hop on Qkr! to order before cut-off tonight. 

Entertainment Book memberships are back for 2021. Please support St Joseph's Kingswood and order your digital membership by following the link - https://au.entdigital.net/orderbooks/161n602