Dear families and friends, 

Do you ever reflect on your favourite memories from your primary school days? This week I had two lovely experiences that bring to mind the significance of our primary schooling and the lasting impact.

During the week I had an enrolment interview with a past student, returning with her own children. She wants her children to have the opportunity to experience St Joseph’s School. She reflected on her mum's connection as a parent, her own joy as a student, and the friends she made.

Then on Thursday, at assembly, we were fortunate to have past St Joseph's School students, Alex and Millie from Cabra College, share with us their memories of their time at St Joseph's School as they approach end of Year 12. Both reflected on the wonderful friendships they made and still have today, and enthusiastically shared memories of Sports Day being a highlight of their time at St Joseph's, particularly the opportunity for the Year 6 students to dress up in their team colours and lead their teams.

Sports Day was also one of my favourite memories of primary school. Children are different, and Sports Day may not be your child's favourite, however the enthusiasm when we gather as teams to sing the team cheer brings a tremendous sense of belonging for all. I hope, like Alex and Millie, all our students found a moment of enjoyment at our Sports Day this year. Being with friends, being a part of a team, cheering teammates, and possibly winning a ribbon - this may be a child's opportunity to shine.

At St Joseph's there are many opportunities for children make connections through events such as this, achieve excellence in endeavours, and reflect with gratitude on experiences.

Listening to Alex and Millie was a lovely reminder of the significance of our primary years at St Joseph's.  Together, we continue to shape the future for our children and provide them with a foundation for a lifetime of learning, growth, and fond memories.

In all things charity,

Jodie Higgins

The Magic of Reading: A Nightly Adventure

As we continue to invest in the bright futures of our students, there's one simple, yet profoundly impactful practice I'd like to spotlight: nightly reading.

Why Read Every Night?

Brain Boost: Regular reading not only increases vocabulary but also aids in comprehension and cognitive skills. It's akin to a workout for the brain!

Bonding Time: Reading together presents a beautiful opportunity for families to bond. It's a moment to dive into different worlds, have meaningful conversations, and share perspectives.

Foundation for Success: Studies consistently show that students who read daily are more likely to excel academically. It fosters curiosity, creativity, and an insatiable thirst for knowledge.

Make It Count: The Literacy Pro Quiz

This year, we've added an exciting layer to our reading initiative. Students in Year 2 through Year 6 have access to their very own Literacy Pro account, a platform designed to assess and boost reading skills. After enjoying their nightly readings, students are encouraged to head over to the Literacy Pro Login Page and complete quizzes related to their books. These quizzes provide valuable insights into your child's understanding. Moreover, they offer students a sense of accomplishment, reinforcing their love for reading.

A Few Tips to Make Reading Nightly Fun:

Create a Reading Nook: Designate a special corner in your home as the 'reading nook'. A cozy space with cushions, a lamp, and maybe even some fairy lights can make reading magical!

Lead by Example: Let your child see you reading. It sets a precedent and underlines the importance of the activity.

Discuss the Book: After reading, chat with your child about the story, the characters, and any lessons learned. It will enhance their understanding and make reading an interactive activity.

Celebrate Milestones: For every ten quizzes completed on Literacy Pro, perhaps there could be a small celebration or reward. It will motivate and give your child something to look forward to.

As we continue to work in partnership, let's prioritise this powerful habit. Every page turned is a step towards a brighter future. Let's embark on these nightly adventures, hand in hand, one story at a time.

Clear Out Clutter and Support Your School!

As we move into Spring, it's time to take stock of our children's uniforms. Children grow fast, and as a result, they often outgrow their uniforms before they've had a chance to wear them out. If you have uniforms that your children no longer need, we invite you to consider donating them to our Second-Hand Uniform Shop.

Why Donate to Our Second-Hand Uniform Shop?

1. Eco-Friendly: By donating uniforms, you are helping to reduce waste and promote sustainability. Reusing uniforms is an eco-conscious way to extend the lifespan of clothing items and minimize our environmental footprint.
2. Affordable Options: Donated uniforms are offered at a fraction of the cost of new ones, making it easier for families to access affordable uniforms without compromising quality.
3. Community Building: The Second-Hand Uniform Shop not only benefits our school community by providing affordable options but also fosters a sense of unity and support among our families.

How to Donate:

1. Gather Your uniforms: Check your child's closet for uniforms that are still in good condition but no longer fit.
2. Clean and Package: Ensure that the uniforms are clean and neatly folded.
3. Drop Off: Bring your donations to the front office before the end of term.
4. Make a Difference: Your contribution, no matter how small, helps make a big difference for our school and the families within it.

Thank you for supporting this sustainable initiative. Your donations ensure that no child goes without the school attire they need, and they help promote a greener, more eco-friendly future for our school.

Fostering Bonds Through Shared Experiences

For several years now, Unley High School's Yr. 11 Child Studies students have been making a special visit to our beloved St. Joseph's, and it's an event that both our young students and their older peers eagerly await. This initiative is not just an opportunity for the high school students to apply their knowledge and creativity but also a chance for our reception students to engage in exciting art and sports-based activities. This collaboration has become a much-anticipated annual event, bringing joy, learning, and valuable connections to our school.

Guided by their dedicated teachers, the students brainstorm and plan exciting art and sports activities tailored to our reception students. This process itself is a valuable learning experience for the high schoolers as they apply child development theories into practical activities. These games not only promote physical activity but also teamwork and social interaction. Laughter and joy fill the air as students of all ages come together to enjoy these fun-filled moments.

The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Our Community

This partnership showcases the power of intergenerational connections and demonstrates how education can be a force for community building. These events not only provide valuable educational experiences for the Unley High students but also instill a sense of responsibility and empathy. As for our reception students, they learn, grow, and gain confidence through these interactions. It's a testament to how early exposure to positive role models can shape a child's perception of the world around them. We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Unley High School Child Studies students and their teachers, for their dedication and commitment to this wonderful initiative. The annual program between our schools is a testament to the power of collaboration and community spirit.

Emma Fowler

Celebrating Student Achievement

Last weekend, Jacob B laced up his running shoes, tied them tight, and joined thousands of other participants in one of Adelaide's most popular running events – the City to Bay Fun Run. The weather was perfect, with the sun shining brightly, creating the ideal setting for a day of outdoor fun.

With the support of his family and friends, Jacob tackled the challenging 12 kilometre course that led him from the city streets all the way to the stunning shores of beautiful Glenelg Beach. It was no easy feat, but he showed incredible determination and a strong spirit throughout the entire race, successfully crossing the finishing line.

Congratulations Jacob on such a commendable achievement.

Winter Sport Season

Congratulations to all the Winter Sport players, coaches, and volunteers for their support over the Winter Season (Term 2 and 3). The following Sports participated over the Winter Season:

Netball – SAJNA

Year 2 – Coach - Bianca Bedson

Year 3 – Coach Sally Stansborough

Year 5 – Coach – Rosanna Cantone

Year 6 – Coach – Jacqui Heynen

Netball – Life.Be.In.It

Year 2 – Coach – Tamryn Pagsanjan

Basketball – Life.Be.In.It

Year 2/3/4 – Coach – Melissa Porcaro

Soccer - SDJSA

Under 7 – Coach – Diego Benincasa

Under 8 – Coach – Nick Marwe

Under 9 – Coach – Thomas Meaney

Under 10- Coach – Matthew Holden

SACPSSA ANZ Hot Shots Tennis Carnival 2023 - Year 3/45

St Joseph's is looking to field a tema in the SACPSSA ANZ Hot Shots Tennis Carnival next term on Wednesday 25th October at Millswood Tennis Centre, Chelmsford Avenue, Millswood. The carnival is open to Year 3/4 students and schools can enter teams of eight players in a mixed gender competition.

If your child is interested in participating, is in Year 3/4 and has some tennis experience - in the form of tennis lessons or playing club competiton tennis - please fill in the SZapp form in the sports section.

SACPSSA Athletics Carnival – Term 4

Trials for the SACPSSA Athletics Carnival to be held this next Term during both PE lessons and lunch time sessions at Kingswood Oval. The Carnival date this year is Tuesday 7th November, TERM 4 (Week 4) at Santos Stadium, Mile End.

Trials and training sessions for next term in field events (High Jump, Long Jump, Shot Put) will be held during PE lessons and using results from Sports Day.

Trials for all track events (100m, 200, 800m and Hurdles) will be held at lunch times at Kingswood Oval. Trials will be as follows:

Week 1 – Thursday lunch time – Kingswood Oval - 100m/200m trials, Friday 800m trials

Week 2 - Thursday lunch Time – Kingswood Oval Hurdles Trials – Friday lunch time – 1500m trials

Week 2 – Friday – Team announced.

Week 3 –Thursday Lunch time–Kingswood Oval- Baton Relay practice – Friday lunch Time – 100m/200/400m/800m

Week 4  – Tuesday 7^th November Carnival Day

Summer Sport registrations open - SZAPP

The Summer Sports Team nominations are now open for year 2-6 students. Please access the school SZAPP and select sports and then nominate your chosen sport.

A reminder that at St Joseph’s Kingswood, in line with our Sports and Extracurricular Policy, will not fund teams that have been playing for more than one season (seasons being Summer – Term 1 and 4, Winter Terms 2 and 3).

The sports offered for the Summer season are:

Cricket – Sturt Zone (Saturday mornings)

Year 2/3 Team – Continuing from Term 1

Year 4/5 – No current Team

Year 5/6 – No current Team

FUTSAL -  (Life.Be.In.It) 2-6

Sunday afternoons

Year 2/3
Year 4/5

Year 6/7

Basketball - (Life.Be.In.It – Unley)– Years 2-6

Tuesday after school - Yr 2

Wednesday after school - Yr 5/6

Thursday after school - Yr 3/ 4

Netball (Life.Be.In.It – Unley and Cabra)– Years 2-6

Monday after school - Yr 2

Monday after school - Yr3/ 4

Monday after school - Yr 5/6

A reminder that all school teams require a coach/supervisor with the required volunteer clearances before the team can be nominated.

Learn to Play programs – R-2 (Term 4)

In Term 4 students in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 will have a several opportunities to participate in organised after school sports programs. The following will be offered:

Mondays – Basketball Jump to it Program – School Basketball Court – 3.15-4.15pm

Fridays – Super Soccer Skills with Mr D – School Oval – 3.10-4.00pm

Fridays – Foundation Tennis – School Basketball Court – 3.10-4.00pm

For further information on the programs including how to register and payment details please access the sports section on our school SZAPP.

Mr De Giovanniello

Vacation Care for Term 3 is filling fast so don’t forget to book on Fully Booked as soon as possible! The children have a lot of interesting excursions and activities to look forward to. Please click here to view the Vacation Care Program.

It is compulsory to have a wide brimmed hat in OSHC and Vacation Care. We ask that all parents bring a named hat to be left in OSHC.

Just a few reminders:

• All OSHC and Vacation Care bookings are to be made via the Fully Booked app.
• If your child is unwell or their booking needs to be changed, please do so via the app also.
• We require parents to sign children into before school care and out of after school care. Please do this through the iPad in the Hall and let an OSHC Educator know that you are taking your child.

If you are interested in becoming a part of the OSHC Parent Committee, please email myself at vwilson@stjk.catholic.edu.au. Our next meeting will be held on Wednesday 15^th November (Term 4, Week 5) between 5 and 6pm.

Finally, Friday 3^rd November (Term 4, Week 3), is a Pupil Free Day. There will be no OSHC on this day. Thank you for your understanding.

Vicky Wilson & the OSHC Team

We are excited to bring you the latest news from our recent school excursion to the Mitcham Council.

Our excursion started with a captivating presentation on the Australian political landscape. Students were introduced to the three levels of government - federal, state, and local - and learned how each level has its own set of responsibilities.

The highlight of the day was our visit to the Mitcham Council Chambers. Students were thrilled to step into the shoes of our elected officials as they took their seats in the council chambers. They discovered the intricate process of decision-making and were able to engage in a simulated council meeting, where they discussed local issues and learned how ideas transform into policies that directly impact our community.

One of the most exciting parts of the excursion was when our students participated in a question time session, mirroring the real council meetings. They had the opportunity to ask council members questions about their roles, the decision-making process, and how policies are implemented. It was an enlightening experience for our students, who were thrilled to engage with local leaders.

The culmination of our visit was an exclusive interview with Mayor Heather Holmes-Ross. Our students came prepared with thoughtful and challenging questions, and Mayor Holmes-Ross graciously provided insights into her role, the challenges she faces, and her vision for our community's future. It was a fantastic opportunity for our students to interact with a dedicated public servant who genuinely cares about our city.

Overall, our excursion to the Mitcham Council Chambers was an eye-opening experience for our students. They gained a deeper appreciation for the complex workings of local government, the services it provides, and the importance of active citizen participation. We hope this excursion has inspired our students to be engaged and responsible citizens in our vibrant community.

A special thank you goes out to Mayor Heather Holmes-Ross and the entire Mitcham Council for hosting us and to Susan Kim for assisting on our excursion. We are truly grateful for this enriching experience as we delve further into our HASS: Civics and Citizenship learning.

Stay tuned for more exciting adventures and learning opportunities from our Year 5/6 students.

Congratulations to our 11 chess players selected to participate in the Adelaide East Zone Interschool Chess Championships today. Our children displayed bravery and resilience as many competed against strong opponents, some of whom had been playing since before they started school!

Well done to Phoebe A for receiving a certificate of achievement, fair play and sportsmanship (and a block of chocolate!)

Thank you also to Lucy S and Mr Bennett for helping to transport and supervise the children on this excursion.

Chess is back for Term 4 – if your child would like to participate in weekly Chess Club, please click here to complete the form and pay on Qkr! ASAP.