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Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Halfway through Term 3 already and what a busy few weeks we have had! However, it is hard to look past the Magic of Book Week and all it entailed at St. Joseph’s Kingswood.
Book Week – “Reading is Magic”
The theme this year was ‘Reading is Magic’ and we truly believe that there was something extra special about this year’s celebrations. We began the week with different members of leadership reading to each year level. A book was chosen from those nominated for the CBCA Book Of the Year Awards – even the Year 5s & 6s were brought back to their younger years with Mrs Saccardo’s picture book choice ‘The Garden at the end of the World’.
On Wednesday the whole school visited the local Mitcham library where our wonderful canvases were hung in the foyer. Each class portrayed their own visual representation of this year’s theme, and the result is now on display for all to see. On Thursday we had the ever popular, annual book swap. This provides an opportunity for our old books to be loved again in a new home. It is a wonderful way to allow others to experience the joy these books once gave to us – there really is no greater gift than that of reading!
Then finally, the big event on Friday – our book week parade. It was great to see the theme upheld by the staff with a full cast from Harry Potter. Some of the stand outs of course, Mad-Eye Moody, the Snitch and Dumble-Higgins! Equally as impressive were our favourite characters who were brought to life by each child; from astronauts to Mary Poppins, magicians and even Stick Man! The excitement and joy on every child’s face makes this one of the most cherished days of the year.
A huge thank you to all families for going above and beyond and coming together to help us celebrate the magic that is reading. In addition, a special thank you to Eva Wakim our resident librarian who led the way in ensuring the joy reading brings to our students was adequately celebrated.
Inclusive Education:
This term we will be conducting Learning Talks in Week 9. This will be an opportunity to touch base with your child’s teacher and reflect on previous goals set and those required to move forward. As a result, we will hold review meetings for students on a personalised learning plan at the beginning of Term 4. These meetings will be the opportunity to review and adjust current plans and ensure a smooth transition to the following year.
If your child has a personalised plan Vanessa will touch base via phone prior to the end of term for a check in. However, if you would like to organise a meeting, please feel free to do so at any time.
Review of Laser Literacy Parent Information Nights
A huge thank you to all the parents who attended our Laser Literacy Parent it was a great turn out and has had some fantastic feedback. It has been amazing to see how both the teachers and students have adapted to our new program and their confidence continue to build. Like all good things, they take time, love and a lot of patience so we look forward to reaping the rewards for our students very soon. If you haven't already done so, please click here to complete a quick survey.
Click here for some parent information from Laser Literacy, however if you would like to chat further, please feel free to contact Vanessa Saccardo to organise a time to meet.
Homework Policy
As you are aware, we have had implemented some changes to both our Literacy and Numeracy programs this year. In addition, there has been quite a bit of research and debate surrounding homework and its impact. As a result, we have undertaken a review of our current homework policy. This is similar to what has been set previously however ensures consistency and appropriate progression across year levels. As this is only an interim policy, we will review and update the policy again at the end of 2024. Prior to doing so, we will seek parent input and will do this via survey which will be sent out in Term 4. Alongside this we will send current research presenting both sides of the effectiveness of homework to help inform your input. Click here to view out interim Homework Policy.
In addition, we are aware that the new Literacy homework is a little different to what was sent home previously. Concepts such as phoneme fingers and tapping out heart words may seem quite foreign! As a result, we will put together a video demonstrating these programs which will hopefully assist you in supporting your child at home. Please feel free to see your child’s classroom teacher for further clarification.
Behaviour Policy
We are continuing to review many of our policies to ensure they are in line with current evidence-based practices and Catholic Education SA Safe Environments for All documents. These are available on our web page with links to all relevant policies and procedures and the Safeguarding Commitment statement for South Australian Commission for Catholic Schools. These combined policies, procedures and strategies support all CESA staff, visitors and families to safeguard our children from harm and hazard. Click here to view.
As a result, the leadership team have begun a thorough review of our current behaviour policy. The policy will include the Positive Psychology approaches introduced, including Restorative Practices, the Visible Wellbeing Strategy, and will include Bullying and Harassment. This will then be further reviewed and adjusted by staff before being finalised. Keep an eye out for this in the next edition of our newsletter!
As always, our doors are always open.
Jodie Higgins and Vanessa Saccardo
Hello dear St Joseph’s Families,Seasons of Creation
Each year from September 1 to October 4, the Christian family unites for this worldwide celebration of prayer and action to protect our common home. It is a special season where we celebrate God as Creator and acknowledge Creation as the divine continuing act that summons us as collaborators to love and care for the gift of all that is created. As followers of Christ from around the globe, weshare a common call to care for Creation. We are co-creatures and part of all that God has made. Our well-being is interwoven with the well-being of the Earth. We rejoice in this opportunity to safeguard our common home and all beings who share it. This year, the theme for the season is “To hope and act with Creation”.
Amid the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, many are beginning to despair and suffer from eco-anxiety. As people of faith we are called to lift the hope inspired by our faith, the hope of the resurrection. This is not a hope without action but one embodied in concrete actions of prayer and preaching, service and solidarity.
Giving Peace
And on that note, at school we have been focus on Giving Peace. With staff, we talked about when Jesus appeared in front of the apostles after he had died.
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said,
“Peace be with you!”
After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus said,
“Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. (John 20:19-22)
And Year 3/4 Perrone prepared a beautiful Monday Afternoon Prayer that helped everyone understand the beautiful meaning of giving peace during mass as a way to put our grudges and angers at others to rest and prepare our hearts to receive communion.
Sports Day Cheers
As Sports Day approaches, our Sports Captains have been busy preparing the Sports Day cheers. It is so lovely to see that the Captains are making a beautiful effort to represent our House Patrons and giving an overall message of sportsmanship and positivity. Well done!
Safeguarding Sunday
This year National Child Protection Week will continue to champion the message ‘Every child in every community needs a fair go’. In conjunction with this, the Catholic Church in Australia marks Safeguarding Sunday (formerly Child Protection Sunday) on the second Sunday of September -- at the conclusion of National Child Protection Week. Safeguarding Sunday seeks to acknowledge the immense damage caused by the sexual abuse of children and adults at risk, including by priests, religious and lay people within Catholic contexts. It makes a commitment to practices and protocols that create and maintain safe environments for all people. It invites people to pray for those harmed by abuse directly and indirectly.
Look out for special services and activities at your local parish or here at Kingswood Emmaus Parish on Sunday at 9am.
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.
Our Festival Choir travelled to Loreto College to participate in the combined schools rehearsal in preparation for our upcoming performance for the Catholic Schools Music Festival. Our students represented St Joe’s with pride and enthusiasm.
Our Band performed for the Father’s Day breakfast and it was great to see their concentration and team work. They have worked hard to improve throughout the year.
In other music news, congratulations to Chloe M 3/4K, who won first place in the SA Band association solo championships with her trumpet performance.
We are looking forward to our Year 3s sharing their string learning journey in Week 8, Friday 13 Sep at 9.30am in the Multi Purpose Room.
Rebecca Pfitzner
Music teacher
Hi Families,
We have had a fabulous time at OSHC over the last two weeks, with a big focus on Book Week and a very special birthday! The children enjoyed book making, dress ups and a variety of magical themed activities. They also helped Pat Syrus celebrate her 90th birthday by making her cards. She was delighted when I hand-delivered them to her, and she expressed her gratitude to the children. Pat has been an important part of the Kingswood community for many years; she has been at our school and the Parish for over 60 years!
The Vacation Care program will be available shortly, so please make sure you book early if there are any particular days your children will need care. We will be heading out of the school to the Plaster Fun House, the movies, Kingswood Oval and the YMCA, as well as hosting some great incursions, including a footy clinic with Mr Smith (Aston’s Dad from year 1) and an Art Day!
If you have any suggestions or comments that you would like to share with us, please remember we have a suggestions book on the sign-in table or you can keep in touch with us via Seesaw.
Bridget Hughes (Director) and Emma Penno (Educational Leader)
A big thank you to all our Parents and Friends members and school community for supporting our social and fundraising events this year. We have had a busy first half of the year with multiple social events for both the students and families.
A highlight for the children as always was the school disco. The year 6 students loved their extra time at the end of the night with their own playlist and the space all to themselves. This year was the first year we ran a bar during the disco which proved to be very popular. It was a great opportunity for new and existing families to catch up.
The parents had their turn with an entertaining evening at Bogan Bingo. Thank you to those who donated prizes for the event. Our annual Mum’s Lunch at Rozelle’s was another very popular sold-out event. The Parents and Friends kindly provided a glass of bubbles to all of our gorgeous mums.
We were very lucky to have Madhavi Nawana Parker present at our parent seminar on Resilience and wellbeing. This was funded by the Parents in Education Grant that the P&F successfully applied for.
Our second-hand uniform shop is a significant fundraiser for the school. Thank you to everyone for your kind donations and purchases of uniforms. We have already raised $4000 this year.
This year the P&F have contributed towards a variety of school and student resources. We have funded the replacement of new Netball post padding and rings, contributed towards the student led lego club initiative, purchased new outdoor climbing equipment for the reception area play space and purchased resources to support the outdoor play project. We will continue to fundraise throughout the year to financially support the students and school community.
We are looking forward to our first sausage sizzle fundraiser to be held during our school sports Day. Sales will be available prior to the day on Qkr to help with catering but can also be purchased on the day. We would love some volunteers to help out on the day so please reach out if a parent, grandparent or special friend can lend a hand.
Don’t forget everyone is welcome to our next meeting on Wednesday 4th September at the Torrens Arms. This will be our only meeting this term. We look forward to welcoming any new members.
Thank you to those who have already advised the school regarding continuing your child's/children's enrolment at St Joseph's School, Kingswood in 2025. If you are yet to do so, please complete click here to assist us with planning for next year. If you have any queries and/or would like to have a discussion with Jodie or a member of the leadership team, please do so by either emailing jhiggins@stjk.catholic.edu.au or making a time with the Front Office for a chat.
As Winter sets in, families are reminded of the stylish and very functional St Joseph's School, Kingswood umbrellas available to purchase through Qkr! and collect from the Front Office.
Get in quick as stock is limited.
