St Joseph's Newsletter

Dear Parents/Guardians and Community Members,

Greetings and Welcome back either face to face or remotely!  I hope that you have had a safe and enjoyable holiday, and eager as we are, to commence another positive year of working in respectful partnership with us to support the ongoing development and success of every student in our school community.

It was a joy to see the smiling faces of children and parents of Preschool – Year 2 students enter the school grounds to meet staff and reconnect with their friends.

I have enjoyed visiting each class and have loved listening to the many and varied experiences the students have enjoyed during their summer holidays!

It has been great to be part of ‘Teams’ meetings with Years 3 -6 on occasion too!  We can’t wait until everyone is back on site for ‘face to face’ teaching on February 14.

Students have expressed how eager they are to reconnect with their friends, get to know their new teachers and of course immerse themselves in their learning! 

We can't wait until we are all back together on site to learn and...

Personal hygiene and the hygiene standards in our school is critical to reducing the risk of infection.

All children and staff will need to continue to:

• wash their hands regularly, particularly after using the toilet and before eating
• avoid spreading infections to others by staying home if they are unwell
• cover a cough or sneeze with a tissue
• year 3-6 students to wear masks in classrooms

SA Health encourages parents to provide children with their own personal, labelled and named drink water bottles. These can then be refilled at the drink fountains or water taps, rather than children drinking directly from the taps.

Parents will need to maintain social distancing when in the school yard.

Let’s care for each other and be kind!

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. 

As expressed in the welcome back video, building approval was granted by council in late December.  A project manager has been appointed and preparations are underway to prepare documentation for the tender process to begin.  The tender process normally takes approximately 4 weeks.  This is very exciting news! It won’t be too long before our transformation begins to take shape. Yeah!

School Staff, Board Members and Student Leaders will be commissioned and introduced to the Parish at Sunday Mass on Sunday the 27th February at 9:30am at Sacred Heart Hindmarsh Church on Port Road.

Information and registration forms regarding the 2022 Hindmarsh-Findon Parish Sacramental Program will be distributed shortly.

We have had to postpone our initial Parent Information session that was scheduled for the 15th of February.

Children who are baptised in the Catholic faith and are in Year 3 or above are invited to register and be involved in this program.

The sacrament of Reconciliation preparation will be undertaken in Term 1, with children receiving this Sacrament after a School Mass this term.

Please contact Helen Clark (hclark@sjsh.catholic.edu.au) if you have any queries regarding this or would like to express interest in your child participating in the 2022 Sacramental Program.

On Sunday the 6th of February, the Catholic Church in Australia celebrated Word of God Sunday. The Sunday Gospel this week, was the calling of the first disciples, Simon (Peter), James and John. Jesus chose these men for the qualities that they presented as leaders.

The eye that sees: We need the eye that really sees. The earth is full of miracles and wonders for eye that sees and appreciates God’s creation.

A spirit that will make an effort: as tired as Peter was, he was prepared to try again. This ties in with what we teach our children about being in the ‘learning pit.’ Sometimes we give up an effort too soon.

The spirit that will attempt what seems hopeless: Even though the disciples had fished all night and caught nothing, they had faith in Jesus and were willing to try what he asked, even though it may have seemed hopeless.

Having faith, is about having hope in the Lord and continuing to try to be the best version of ourselves each day.

Shrove Tuesday, in the Christian calendar, is the day before Ash Wednesday.

“Shrove” comes from the Roman Catholic practice of confessing one’s sins and being absolved of them, or “shriven”.

Shrovetide feasts were designed to use up the food that could not be eaten during the Lenten fast.

Shrove Tuesday is also known as 'Mardi Gras' (French for 'Fat Tuesday'). Many countries around the world hold carnivals on this day. This year, Shrove Tuesday falls on Tuesday the 1st March.

During Lent the St Joseph’s community, led by our Mini Vinnies group raise funds for Caritas Project Compassion. Caritas support communities around the world, including in Australia, to upskill people to create solidarity and dignity of the human person.

On Shrove Tuesday (1st March), we will hold our first fundraiser. Pancakes will be available for a gold coin donation to all students. We are seeking donations of pancake mix, including gluten and dairy free, as well as pancake toppers (jam, lemon juice, sugar, maple syrup, golden syrup).

We would also appreciate if any parents are able to assist with the cooking and serving of pancakes.

Please let Helen Clark or Jasmine jzawitkowski@sjsh.catholic.edu.au know if you are able to help with our first fundraiser and have completed the necessary volunteer paperwork.

https://www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion/