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Dear Parents,
Last Wednesday marked a special occasion as we gathered to honour Mary MacKillop's Feast Day. This yearly tradition reminds us of the origins of St Joseph's School and the enduring legacy that still guides us today.
During the Mass, we were fortunate to have Sr Elizabeth Morris, a Josephite sister, share insights about Mary MacKillop's contributions to our school's beginnings. It's incredible to think that our school's journey started over 140 years ago in Mitcham. As we celebrated together, we couldn't help but appreciate how the spirit of Mary MacKillop's commitment to children's well-being continues through the sisters of St Joseph particularly Sister Liz and St Majella, our staff, and our students.
Sr Elizabeth's message resonated strongly. She emphasised that Mary MacKillop was doing God's work by caring for children all those years ago. Sr Elizabeth went on to say that our parents care for us as well, and God is with each of our parents as they care for each their children.
Our Spirit Leaders and their team led the Mass sharing the gratitude and welcome that makes our school community special. The continuity of Mary MacKillop's work through the Sisters’ of St Joseph, our dedicated staff, and our engaged students is a testament to her commitment to love, charity and kindness.
A Feast of Unity and Fun
In the afternoon, our school community embraced the opportunity to come together as one, as we shared in a feast of soccer and activity. The weather was perfect, adding to the enjoyment and camaraderie of the school teams MacKillop, Tenison and McCormack. The spirit of the World Cup was alive and well, as we celebrated not only the game but also the unity that defines our community.
Welcoming Music again!
We are delighted to introduce you to our new Music Teacher, Mrs Stacey Webb. In just three short weeks, she has seamlessly integrated into our school family. The students are once again relishing the world of music. Mrs Webb's fresh ideas promise to enrich their musical journey.
Warm Welcome
Lastly, a special welcome to our new reception students and their families. It's heartening to witness their swift integration into our school. We acknowledge that adapting to full days might be tiring, yet their eager participation in our events speaks volumes about the welcoming atmosphere we strive to maintain.
Lastly, we extend our welcome to our new reception students and their families. To watch how quickly they have settled into our community, is evidence of our successful Joey’s program. We understand that adjusting to full days can be tiring, but their enthusiasm to come each day speaks volumes about life in our reception classrooms.
In all things, let us remember the guiding principle of Charity, knowing that it is the foundation upon which our school's spirit thrives. Thank you for your unwavering support and may the legacy of Mary MacKillop continue to inspire and bless our community.
A few other reminders
Yard supervision
A reminder to students and families that children can only play in the yard when a teacher is on duty.
- 8:30 -8:50am - The ONLY play area is the back yard (oval area and 2 playgrounds).
- Afterschool – there are no teachers on duty for play as the focus is on students leaving safely.
Please Note: if you are unable to drop your child from 8:30am or collect by 3:30pm you are to make arrangements for your child to be supervised at OSHC, even for short period. Thank you to those who understand the need primary aged for children to be supervised.
Medications – safety alert
Please ensure all medications and appropriate forms are provided to the office. Children are not to carry or administer their own medication. Self-administration is not possible in primary schools, if you have medical advice to allow this, please make an appointment with leadership.
Please support the staff by keeping medicines and documentation up to date.
With gratitude,
Jodie Higgins
Principal
Dear families,
I am thrilled to step into Emma Fowler's role for the next four weeks and join the dedicated leadership team at our wonderful school. I am eagerly looking forward to the exciting ventures that await us over this busy period including Science Week, Book Week, ICAS assessments, our SALA Exhibition and much more!
I’m excited to continue working with my wonderful class, fostering growth, curiosity, and a love for learning too. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone for their unwavering support.
Basia Steciuk
Throughout term 2 our children worked with the very talented Tania Woods to create individual and class pieces for our SALA exhibition titled "Custodians of Creation - Celebrating the gift that is our Australian flora and fauna". We are hosting two viewings, one for school families and the other for the public.
Families of St Joseph's School, Kingswood students are encouraged to come on Monday 21st August between 5-7pm (you do not need to stay for the entire time). We will serve light refreshments and drinks, and ask for a gold coin donation on entry. There will be the opportunity to purchase jewellery created by Year 5 and 6 students, as well as participate in the silent auction for class pieces if you wish to do so.
We hope you can join and we look forward to seeing you all there!
(If you do have grandparents/other family members and/or friends who would like to see the exhibition, they are very welcome to pop through between 10am-2pm on Tuesday 22nd August).
BOOK SWAP
SPECIAL TUCKSHOP LUNCH
BOOK WEEK PARADE
Children are encouraged to dress up on Friday 25th August as a character from their favourite book. The theme for this year's Book Week is "Read, Grow, Inspire" - which children may choose to incorporate into their costume or they are very welcome to be inspired by their favourite story to read.
Parents/carers are welcome to join us for the Parade. Weather permitting, on the Green at 9am. We look forward to seeing you there!
Catholic Schools Cross Country Carnival – 2023
Congratulations to the 31 students that competed at the Cross Country Carnival this year on Thursday 10th July. In the South Parklands. All competitors ran a total distance of 2km in each race with an average of 150 students in each race.
All students completed two training sessions a week in preparation for the Carnival running around Kingswood Oval during their lunch times.
Special thanks to our generous parent helpers Jackie Sewell, Ali McPherson and Melissa Porcaro who officiated and assisted with supervision on the day. Also, a big thank you to Bridget Hughes for helping out at all training sessions and on the Carnival Day.
Some commendable results included:
Olivia Daunt: 1st, Year 3 Girls Division B
Kye Prybzilla: 3rd,Year 4 Boys – Division B
Zach Marantos: 19th, Year 3 Boys Division C
Ada Routley: 20th, Year 3 Girls Division B
Hannah Milne: 27th, Year 4 Girls Division B
Darcey Heynen: 27th, Year 6 Girls Division B
Jacob B: 28th, Year 6 Boys Division B
AusKick
Congratulations to all the Auskick participants this year it was great to see St Joseph’s Kingswood running their own Auskick program again at Urrbrae High School on Saturday mornings. The program was expertly run by Stewart Smith, Mark Routley and lots of parent helpers rotating weekly.
Thanks again to all the helpers especially Mark and Stewart. Well done St Joseph’s Kingswood!!
Under 10 Soccer Night Carnival – 2023
Congratulations to the under 10 Soccer team on a wonderful night participating in the annual Night carnival at Bowker Street on Monday 7th August. The under 10 team has a number of girls participating in the team riding the wave of success from our Australian Matilda’s Team!
Special thanks to Mr Matthew Holden for coaching the team and all the parent helpers. We look forward to our Under 7, Under 8 and Under 9 Teams participating soon.
Getting to know you...
SECOND-HAND UNIFORMS
Thank you to all who have donated second-hand uniforms they no longer need. The proceeds from these sales are put back into our school to purchase resources - and very recently, for those who visit Playgroup on Fridays, you will now also be able to enjoy the new Nespresso pod machine.
As a reminder, our second-hand uniforms are able to be purchased from the courtyard area outside the Reception classrooms between 3-3.15pm on odd weeks.
GET YOUR OWN ST JOSEPH'S SCHOOL, KINGSWOOD INSULATED CUP!
KNOW HOW TO KNIT?
Calling any parents, grandparents, friends who know how to knit! If you would be interested in teaching some students please make contact with a member of the P&F or email info@stjk.catholic.edu.au and your details will be passed along to the P&F. (A working with childrens check will be required.)
GOT A GREEN THUMB?
We are keen to reinvigorate the front yard area - if there are any community members who are landscape desingers or just great with plants and design, please email info@stjk.catholic.edu.au and your details will be passed along to the P&F
On Friday 4 August 5/6 Bennett went to Hamilton Secondary College to participate in a Mission to Mars experience.
Students were able to act as astronauts, mission controllers and research scientists during the full-day excursion. They worked in teams and used problem-solving skills to successfully complete a geological survey on the Mars surface. Dressed in spacesuits, they depressurised in a simulated airlock before stepping out onto the Mars surface. They collected real soil and rock samples, drilled an ice core, conducted a thermal survey, and took seismic measurements.
As Mission Control officers, students played an important role in the mission: they were responsible for the safety of the astronauts and the success of the scientific program. From Mission Control, students communicated with the astronauts via radio and directed their scientific investigations. Mission Control officers also monitored the environmental conditions on Mars and the systems of the space station, working together to solve problems as they arose. After returning to Earth, students analysed their samples and undertook further scientific investigations in the research laboratory.
On Thursday the 3rd of August 9 kids from St Joseph’s Kingwood went to a Makers Empire showcase. Maker’s Empire is a design and creating app. Students from 3/4 K and 4/5 S had a chance to go to Makers Empire. They had to follow a certain topic that was natural disasters and playground problems. They had to go through a process which was Empathise, Define, Ideate and Prototype. It was hard for the teachers when they had to pick who was going but 9 children still got chosen. When the 9 children got to Makers Empire, they set-up for the show case. Unfortunately, we did not win one of the trophies, but we still had a great time.
By Olivia P and Libby
