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Dear St Joseph's Community,
What a wonderful start to Week 6 of Term 3! It's been an incredible journey settling into my new additional role of Inclusive Education. I'm absolutely loving the opportunity to connect with all our families and continue building on the amazing foundation that Vanessa established. While I'm still learning every day, I'm truly enjoying working to ensure all our students have the best possible environment to grow and thrive.
Celebrating Our Recent Successes
SALA Exhibition Our SALA exhibition opening was nothing short of spectacular! All auction items sold, and we're so grateful for your incredible generosity. I'd love to hear how these beautiful pieces are settling into their new homes. The exhibition showcased so much colour and talent—thank you to our resident artist and school parent, Katie Routley, for your zest, glitter, and vision that made it all possible! A big thank you also to those who attended or supported the event in any other way. And a big well done to our students for unleashing so much creativity and producing pieces to be proud of.
Winter Wonderland What an amazing evening the Parents and Friends Winter Wonderland have planned for Saturday at 35 Stirling! The P&F have worked tirelessly for months to bring together this incredible event, and it is set to be a truly beautiful evening full of fun, delicious food, and wonderful company. Thank you so much to our Parents and Friends Committee for your passionate commitment to our school and students, as well as all the people who have donated items to the silent auction and our Platinum Sponsor, James Robertson from OC.
Book Week Parade We couldn't have asked for more beautiful weather for our Book Week Parade! The music played, and our students and staff paraded their hearts out. Thank you to everyone who attended and made it such a special day.
All our Book Week events were wonderful successes, but I must share my favourite moment—'Words on the Oval.' Seeing our entire school community come together to read was truly magical. Some students listened to their teachers or buddies read stories, others chose to read independently, and some shared books in pairs. Despite the oval being full of people, there was such a calm and peaceful atmosphere. It perfectly captured the joy of reading and learning together.
Thank you to Mrs Wakim for all her behind the scenes work in the lead up to Book Week to ensure it was such a success.
Exciting Programs and Events Ahead
Young Engineers STEM Program We're thrilled to announce that the Young Engineers STEM Program will be coming to our school in Term 4 for students in Years 1 to Year 6. Keep an eye out for enrolment information coming soon, as spaces are limited. The program will run on Wednesdays after school.
Since 2008, Young Engineers has been sparking curiosity, growing confidence, and empowering children through hands-on STEM learning. Their programs go far beyond worksheets and lectures—they believe children learn best by doing, and by having fun while doing it! Using LEGO® bricks, robotics kits, and real-world challenges, students will think critically, build creatively, and collaborate with purpose.
Italian Day - Thursday, Week 9 (September 18th) Che Bello! Our Italian Day celebration is just around the corner. Special tuckshop orders are now available on Qkr!, and we'll have an Italian assembly plus fun activities throughout the day. Don't forget to dress up in Italian-themed outfits or Italian colours—we can't wait to see your creativity!
Learning Talks - Week 9 It's time to secure your appointments for Learning Talks! You can book through the SZapp home screen using the bright pink button. This is a wonderful opportunity to get an update on your child's progress and connect with their teachers.
Catholic Schools Music Festival Following on from the success of last year, this year we are looking forward to our Festival Choir performing once again in the CSMF. The Festival Choir will be performing on Wednesday 24th September and the Rocktopuses have been asked to perform twice: on Monday 22nd and Wednesday 24th. Well done to our Music Teacher, Rebecca Pfitzner, and Drums teacher Nick Russell for working so hard with our students. We wish you a very successful CSMF 2025 experience.
A Special Thank You
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone for your encouragement and support during my time as Acting Principal. Your support and encouragement have meant the world to me. We're all looking forward to welcoming Jodie back on Monday of Week 8.
Here's to finishing Term 3 strong and looking ahead to an exciting Term 4!
Warmest Regards,
Christine Farrugia
I have really enjoyed stepping beyond the comfort of my little Reception classroom and into a leadership role for the last couple of weeks. It has been a wonderful experience to work alongside Christine, Josh, and Michael in leadership — a true reminder that many hands make light work. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute in this way and look forward to continuing to support our children and school community together as a team.
Building strong, positive relationships with children is something I deeply value. Having taught many of the students, I feel fortunate to already share strong connections with them, and I am looking forward to both strengthening these relationships and forming new ones throughout this time.
This role also provides me with the chance to be involved in the many events happening across the school, including our Father’s Day celebrations, and I feel privileged to share these special moments with staff, students, and families.
I would like to thank the families and children in my class for your understanding and support as I take on this role. I am very much looking forward to the weeks ahead and all that we will share together.
Warm wishes,
Paula
Thank you to the below businesses for generously donating to the silent auction
Silent Auction Items to bid for on the night:
THANK YOU TO ADELAIDE DINING MAGAZINE FOR DONATING:
$750 Hentley Farm Lunch - Discovery menu + luxury wine pairing for 2 people
$450 Howard Vineyard voucher - Lunch dining experience for 2 people including wine tasting
$200 dining voucher at Anvers
$100 Lot 100 voucher
6 x bottles of Wine
THANK YOU TO AHT FOR DONATING:
Nintendo Switch Super Mario Bros Wonder bundle
THANK YOU TO MOUNT LOFTY HOUSE FOR DONATING:
Luxury accommodation package, overnight stay in a classic room with full breakfast for 2 people
THANK YOU TO REDEFINE FITNESS FOR DONATING:
2 x vouchers for a term of small group PT strength sessions valued at $500
THANK YOU TO DVINE HAIR FOR DONATING:
2 x vouchers for shampoo, scalp treatment and blowdry with gift bag valued at $80
THANK YOU TO ART B_Y KATIE FOR DONATING:
Artwork "Dreams", framed 60x80cm acrylic on canvas
THANK YOU TO MOTIF FOR DONATING:
$500 voucher for Weave
Festival Choir had a combined schools rehearsal on Wednesday at Mercedes College in preparation for their performance at the CSMF in Week 10 at the Adelaide Convention Centre. It was a productive rehearsal and the students are looking forward to the massed choir performance.
Rehearsals have started for our string ensemble and Sterling, our string tutor has been pleased with the students’ enthusiasm. Keep up the great work everyone.
In other music news, we have several budding musicians who have been busy making music outside of school. Lily C and Violet F participated in the recent ASO big rehearsal and enjoyed this special experience.
Congratulations to Chloe M, who competed in the South Australian Band Association state solo championships, on cornet, flugelhorn and trombone. She took home first place for open under 10s (cornet) 1st place for junior flugelhorn and second place for novice under 13 (trombone).
Rebecca Pfitzner
Music teacher
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
This term our school will be holding an Italian Day on Thursday 18th September (week 9).
This day will provide the students with an opportunity to be immersed in a rich and cultural experience through a variety of activities and celebrations that embrace the Italian culture and language.
The day will commence with a special Italian assembly in the Church. At this assembly each year level will have the chance to showcase their fantastic knowledge and understanding of the Italian language and culture, through songs and role plays.
Other activities for the students throughout the day include:
- Bocce tournament
- Soccer tournament
- Tarantella dance lesson
- Mask making
- Mosaic making
- A special Italian tuckshop lunch of pizza and gelato (orders are available now via Qkr! and close on Sunday 14 September)
The students are also encouraged to come to school either dressed in the colours of the Italian flag (green, white and red) or in an Italian themed costume, for example, a soccer player, a pizza maker, a gondolier, Pinocchio, an ancient Roman, an Italian painter etc. Please do not go to any unnecessary expense, but rather use what you have at home.
If you would like to contribute an Italian activity to your child’s class in the lead up to the day e.g., cooking, a slideshow from your trip to Italy, an Italian storybook, sharing some family Italian traditions and customs, artefacts from Italy etc., please speak to your child’s class teacher.
We are all looking forward to this special day!
Grazie,
Signora Prestwich
Italian Teacher
In Week 4 we dived into the fascinating world of bees as we celebrated National Science Week! This year’s theme explores the “hidden languages of the universe”, and our school is brought it to life through the incredible secret communication of bees — from their waggle dance and UV vision to their surprising connection to drone technology.
Our theme, “We Are All Part of the System,” highlighted how bees play a vital role in ecosystems, technology, and art — and how we, too, are interconnected.
Here’s what’s buzzed around the school:
Early Years welcomed students from Urrbrae Agricultural High School, and their teacher (and school parent!) Kirsty H, who guided a sensory exploration of beekeeping, sharing their hands-on experience with hives and honey.
Upper Primary conducted a scientific experiment to uncover how bees see UV patterns on flowers — revealing the invisible designs that guide them to nectar.
Whole School Art Installation: Every student contributed to a cyan paper display in the front office, inspired by the cyanotype process and the work of artist Anne Noble, who explores the beauty and fragility of bees through art.
Thank you to Miss Bonnie for her tireless work in making Science Week a highlight of learning for all our students. We thoroughly enjoyed celebrating science, creativity, and connection — because just like bees, we are all part of the system.
SACPSSA Cross Country Carnival – 2025
Congratulations to the 54 Cross Country runners who competed at the at the annual Catholic Schools Cross Country Carnival in the City. The students ran 2km on the day and were well prepared after training at Kingswood oval during their lunch times in preparation for the Carnival.
Special thanks to Rosanna C, Kylie D, Maria G, Mrs Perrone, Mr Mastrangelo, Patrick and Benji for attending and helping at the Carnival.
SAPSASA State Soccer Tournament – City South District Team
Congratulations to the 8 students selected in the City South District Soccer Team that competed in the State Soccer Championships in week 3 at Service FM Stadium, Gepps Cross. Unfortunately, Mason G was injured and couldn’t compete at the Carnival. The teams played 8 modified games over 3 days competed against various districts from across the state.
The Girls selected in the City South Girls Team were:
- Cassandra S
- Emese M
- Lulu B
- Alia S
The boys selected in the City South Boys team were:
- Ari P
- Kye P
- Cruz I
- Mason G
The City South Girls team played very well, finishing 2nd in Division One, winning the silver medal. The City South Boys Team, coached by Mr D, finished 3rd overall. Well done to all the children for their achievements.
SAPSASA Basketball Knockout Carnival
The year 5/6 Boys participated in the SAPSASA Knockout Basketball Tournament on Tuesday 12th August at Basketball SA Stadium, Wayville. The team played 5 games in total on the day winning 3 games and finishing 5th overall on the day.
A special thanks to parents Matthew O and Matthew P for their expert coaching on the day and Jackie P for assisting with transport.
Mr De Giovanniello (Physical Education Teacher/Extracurricular Sports Coordinator)
Summer Sport registration open - (Term 4 - 2025 and Term1 - 2026)
The Summer Sport registrations will soon be available on the Sports button on SZapp. Summer Sport is played in Term 4 2025 and continues in Term 1 2026. A commitment to play for the FULL season is required from all players (FUTSAL is only offered in Term 4)
Cricket teams will continue from Term 1 as the Cricket season is played over Term 1 and Term 4 for the year.
THE FOLLOWING SPORTS ARE OFFERED IF THERE IS A COACH FOR THE TEAM AND ENOUGH PLAYERS TO FORM A TEAM:
Basketball
- Tuesday – Year 2
- Wednesday – Year 5/6
- Thursday – 3/ 4
Netball
- Mondays – Year 2, Year 3/4, Year 5/6
FUTSAL (Only offered in Term 4)
- Sundays – Under 8, Under 10, Under 12
Thanks,
Mr De Giovanniello
SAPSASA Knockout Soccer – Finals
Congratulations to the year 5/6 Boys Soccer Team on reaching the Finals this year after two convincing wins on Wednesday 27th August. The boys played against Aberfoyle Hub and North Haven Primary at Cumberland United Soccer ground and won both games very convincingly.
The team will now play in the finals on Wednesday 17th September at Service FM Stadium at Gepps Cross.
Special thanks to parents Cassie L and Sharon P for their assistance with transporting the students and Don I for assisting with refereeing on the day.
What an incredible journey it has been watching our young mathematicians develop and build upon their maths knowledge base to tackle challenging problems, showcasing many of our learner dispositions throughout the process.
We wish our students well as they prepare to sit their final Maths Olympiad test in just two weeks, on Wednesday 10th September. This is the final opportunity for children to put into practice all they've learnt over the past months of weekly after-school sessions dedicated to problem-solving, mathematical reasoning, and collaborative learning. To recognise the effort and achievement of all our Maths Olympiad participants, we'll be host a special shared lunch celebration after the final competition. More info to come, communicated via your child's Seesaw.
These opportunities aren't possible without staff to run the sessions, thank you to Mr Mastrangelo, Miss Bonnie, Miss Khammash, Mrs Morrison, Mrs Saccardo and Mr Bennett for their dedication in preparing materials and facilitating the sessions.
