St Joseph's Newsletter

As there is a greater number of students who have medical conditions, are anaphylactic or have allergies and food intolerances that are very serious, as well as, the need to maintain safe practices regarding COVID  children are not permitted to share food. Therefore, cakes, lollies or other treats for birthday or other celebrations can not be brought to school. Your cooperation and understanding is very much appreciated.  Every child matters!  No nut products please. 

We are a NUT AWARE preschool and school.

Whilst I am still in discussions with the local council we are getting closer to starting the redevelopment of the school grounds!  Hooray!!!  I will continue to keep you informed of any developments.

During the school holidays an upgrade of the early years classrooms was undertaken including: the painting of the external down pipes/doors, painting of the Reception classrooms, the installation of glass doors in the Reception and Year 2 classrooms and new carpet in the Reception classrooms. 

I would like to take this opportunity of extending my heartfelt thanks to Karyn Burlow who worked through the holiday period to co-ordinate all building works to ensure all was in place for the beginning of the year.  Thank you Karyn for caring so much about making our school a wonderful place to be and learn. 

I am also particularly grateful to the teachers (many of whom have moved classroom annually!) for being prepared to work during the holiday period to re-establish their classrooms after the building works or relocating to different areas of the school.  I’m sure you will agree with me that the learning spaces they have created are simply stunning and promote a real sense of curiosity helping our children to:

A new PA/Evacuation system has also been installed which will ensure that all areas of the school are covered with clear, sufficiently loud audio for both paging announcements, warning tones and school bells.

The system will provide warning tones for the conditions of Evacuation, Incursion (lock down) and All Clear.

The bell sound has changed and announcements can now be made externally as well as internally. 

We would like to set up a CHESS CLUB.  We are looking for any interested parents who may like to be involved with our students at lunchtime or after school coaching and assisting with the games.  If you would like to be involved can you please let us know at the front office.

The School Board continues to endorse the importance of maintaining a high standard in wearing the uniform. It is important to develop in our students a feeling of pride in themselves and their school, and a sense of personal tidiness and cleanliness.  Our School uniform presents an identity and a public image to the wider community.  Please note that when you enrol your child/ren at St Joseph’s School you agree to accept the School standards with regard to grooming, uniform and personal presentation.  School uniform requirements are set by the School Board.   Parents are therefore asked to ensure that students wear the correct uniform each day, including school socks, school bag and hat. If you require a copy of the uniform expectations relating to hair accessories, jewellery and appropriate shoes please request a copy at the school office.

The uniform is displayed for your information.  Some parents have expressed that they have found it difficult to find white sneakers.   Please note sneakers do need to be predominantly white and therefore coloured sneakers can be worn, however, fluroscent coloured sneakers do not compliment the uniform.  At Primary school we do rely on parents to support the wearing of the correct school uniform and building that sense of pride and responsibility, in preparedness for expectations of High school, and setting high standards throughout life. 
Thank you in anticipation for your commitment throughout the year to ensure your child is dressed in correct school uniform.

Responding to Abuse and Neglect: Education & Care (RAN-EC) Session

Friday 12TH February at 9.00am in the Staffroom

Maria D’Aloia will be running a face-to-face training course on Friday 12th February at 9.00am for anyone who wishes to obtain a RAN Certificate.    

This course will run for approximately 45-60 minutes and is part of the requirements needed to volunteer at St Joseph’s. Please let the office know if you would like to attend and they will book you in. 

If you are unable to attend the RAN course you can do the training online if you follow the following link:  http://www.plink.sa.edu.au/pages/signup.jsf 

The next Parents and Friends meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday the 16th of February at 2 pm. Depending on rsvps, it will be held in the office tea room or the hall.

If you could let the Front Office know by Monday the 15th if you are able to attend so we ensure adequate cooling and social distancing that would be appreciated.

We would love to see some new faces and enlist some more helpers for the school events this year. To accommodate shift workers and to attract as many people as possible we alternate one 2 pm meeting and then the next meeting is at 7 pm.

Hoping for a big turn out so we can work together to create extra happiness for our little ones and school community.

- P&F Committee

Is your child a budding piano, flute, guitar or ukulele virtuoso?

Individual instrument tuition is available to students from year 1 onwards during class time. In year 5, your child can also join our school band.
Our music instructors are highly skilled on their chosen instruments and in their teaching practices.

Lessons Offered:

•  Piano/Keyboard
•  Guitar/Ukulele
•  Flute
•  Recorder
•  Saxophone
•  Clarinet
•  Drums (TBC)
•  Violin (TBC)

When will my child have their lessons?
Teaching days for our tutors have remained the same as last year. Lessons will take place during class time, once the Instrumental Form is returned, your child will be issued with a date/time of their instrumental lesson.
Monday - Flute, Recorder, Saxophone, Clarinet, Drums (TBC)
Tuesday - Piano
Wednesday - No Lessons
Thursday - Piano, Guitar/Ukulele
Friday - Violin (TBC)

How much does it cost?
Fees per lesson are $30.00 per half hour for 2021. Payments for lessons must be forwarded directly to the tutors providing the service, by week 2 of each term.

Are instruments available for hire?
If you do not already have an instrument, they are able to be hired from Size Music, located in Parkside.Hire costs and terms of hire can be located here >> https://size.com.au/
*Note: This is a new company the school will be using and the hiring of instruments will now be the responsibility of each individual student. Instrumental tutors can help out with this also.

How to participate? 
If you would like your child to participate in a private Instrumental music lesson, once a week, during school time, please fill in the Instrumental form available to print at home or from the Front Office and return to the Office.

If you have any further questions, please get in touch with our new music teacher, Mr Bouyessis - tbouyessis@sjsh.catholic.edu.au

We are in the Red Zone

Much of metropolitan Adelaide and some areas of the Riverland are currently in fruit fly outbreak or suspension areas.

To help South Australia fight fruit fly becoming an established pest, the following movement restrictions apply until at least Thursday 15 April 2021.

If you live in an outbreak or suspension areaFruit and fruiting vegetables that can be infected by fruit fly (visit www.pir.sa.gov.au/fruitfly-produce) must not be packed into lunch boxes or otherwise moved around while restrictions are in place.

You must keep your fresh home-grown fruit or fruiting vegetables on your property. You can eat, cook or preserve your own home-grown produce.

Shop-bought fruit and fruiting vegetables that can be infected by fruit fly must be kept secure when taken home – this means in a sealed bag or container – and it must then be consumed at home.

What fruit and fruiting vegetables can be infected by fruit fly?
You can view the complete list of what you must not pack into lunch boxes at www.pir.sa.gov.au/fruitfly-produce

What fruit or fruiting vegetables can I pack in lunchboxes as an alternative?
Fresh alternatives include  pineapple, melons ( watermelon, rockmelon, and honeydew),  cucumber,  carrots, lettuce,  broccoli, celery, mushrooms, and asparagus.

Other options include cooked fruit, processed fruit (such as fruit straps), fruit puree, canned fruit or frozen fruit.If parents have any queries as to which fruit or fruiting vegetable are affected, please visit: www.pir.sa.gov.au/fruitfly