Easter Blessings
I trust all families celebrated a holy and peaceful Easter season. The Easter message of ‘new life’ can be employed across diverse ways in our lives; whether it is commencing each day with prayer or meditation; a new mindset to the challenges we face; repairing a relationship; or commencing each day afresh and in hopeful spirits.
Build Your Optimism
On this note, some people seem to be full of energy, positive, and have a bright smile all the time. Does this mean they don’t suffer setbacks, or have a myriad of issues? The answer, of course, is that all human beings face challenges.
The reason for their upbeat outlook? It’s how they choose to live their life. Subsequently, they, and the people around them, are all the better for it. Chances are, people want to be around them, they have a lot of friends and people even want to emulate them.
We all know people like this. The good news? You can become one of these people! However, it will take a conscious effort, the right mindset and develop the habit to exude this sort of radiancy. Additionally, your children will notice and more likely become this sort of person too.
Pronk, Pronk and Curtis, authors of ‘The Resilience Shield’ (whom I referenced in the last Parent Newsletter), believe there are three ways to build optimism.
- Don’t engage in negativity: When you start looking, it can be incredible just how much of our day-to-day conversation is pessimistic. For instance, if you find yourself in a conversation with co-workers, or friends who are speaking ill of a person or situation, don’t get drawn into the negativity. Better yet, see if you can be the voice of optimism and add some positivity to the conversation instead. If you don’t feel comfortable doing so, or you are not able to, simply don’t engage.
- Turn down the news: The news can be profoundly negative a lot of the time. Constant bombardment with this sort of negativity can lead to vicarious trauma and set stress responses in you. While it is important to stay abreast of current events, especially those that impact you directly, if you find yourself endlessly trawling through story after story that you don’t really need to be reading, maybe you’d benefit from engaging in a little less news and using that time to do something more positive and productive. This message can be passed on to your children.
- Focus on gratitude: Having an ‘attitude of gratitude’ can change your life. I have written about this previously. Try taking a few minutes each night to write down (in a journal), two or three occurrences to express gratitude for the day. As a family, take a few minutes over dinner to ask what everyone is grateful for on the given day. These don’t need to be big experiences or grand gestures – simple things such as morning exercise, a good conversation, the sun on a cold day, etc., will do the trick. Just focus on the half of your cup that is full!
Staffing News
Jen Mastrangelo and husband, Michael, are expecting their first child in the coming weeks. Therefore, Jen will conclude teaching at the end of Term One. Replacing Jen will be Caitlin Librandi. Caitlin has been working in early childhood for several years and currently teaches a Reception class (two days a week in another school). Additionally, Caitlin is already familiar with St Joseph’s Payneham, as she has been working here as a relief teacher from Mondays to Wednesdays.
Barb Cole has decided to resign from her role as ICT Technician (from the conclusion of Term One). I sincerely thank Barb for her 27 years of dedicated service to the St Joseph’s community, which has included a variety of roles. I wish Barb the best on the next stage of life.
Fred Francesangeli has been appointed as our new Grounds and Maintenance Officer. I thank Fernando Belperio, who was our marvellous Maintenance Officer for the last nine years and more recently Nick Cavuoto, who covered in the position over the last three months. I welcome Fred to our community.
Arts Incursion
An Arts incursion, for R-6 students, by Musica Viva, called ‘Da Vinci's Apprentice’, will be occurring on Tuesday 7 May. Funding for the incursion has kindly been covered by the school’s Parents and Friends.
Save the Date, Friday 10 May – Mother’s Day morning with guest speaker
Early notice that on Friday 10 May at 9:15am there will be a Mother’s Day morning for all mums and significant women in our school community. Guest speaker will be Paris Olympics bound, Jessica Stenson (nee Trengove). Jessica is a world-class long-distance runner. She won the gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. She also represented Australia in the marathon at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics. Jessica is a proud South Australian and a mother of two young children. Please come along to this free event. Please RSVP by 6 May to info@stjopayn.catholic.edu.au if you will be attending.
What a way to start a Friday – a complimentary coffee and cupcake, connect with other mothers in the community, and listen to some inspiring words from Jessica. I thank the P&F for the support provided to host this event.
Carlo Acutis
As highlighted in the Week 1 Parent Newsletter, the new school structure, which houses our Reception and Year 1 students, has been named the Carlo Acutis Building. In the Week 1 Newsletter, I included information about Blessed Carlo Acutis. In this edition, I incorporate a clip you can view, to learn more about Carlo, located here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-p6_38p6r0
Parent/Teacher Interviews
Early next week, you will receive a letter indicating that Parent/Teacher Interviews will take place in Week 2 (and Week 3) of Term Two. On Monday 6 May (the start of Week 2), there will be a 1:00pm finish for students. Interviews on this day will start at 1:30pm. If you are unable to collect your child/ren early on the Monday, this is fine, as all students remaining at school will be supervised by school staff, until 3:00pm, with usual pick-up procedures in place. OSHC will also be available as per typical routine as well.
Courtesy at drop-off and pick-up times
Please ensure respect towards one another occurs during the busy times of drop-off and pick-up. Additionally, follow the parking and road regulations. Everyone’s goal is for a safe and respectful arrival/departure.
Year 6 Camp
Our Year 6s are currently attending camp at Aldinga. It is always a rewarding time for the students. I thank the staff who are present on the camp – Charlelie Kalz, Angelica Mavrofidis, Nick Polvere and Leah Tregenza (as well as Leadership throughout the week). We look forward to welcoming back the Year 6s on Friday afternoon.
Congratulations to our School Swimming Team
Our School Swimming Team participated in the annual Catholic Schools’ Swimming Carnival, at the SA Aquatic Centre today. Impressively, we came in first place. Additionally, the Year 3s and Year 4s were nominated as Age Champions, and Leila Els was the individual Year 4 Champion. Thank you to all families who supported the students and a large vote of appreciation to our school’s Physical Education Teacher and Coordinator, Mr Adrian Mastrangelo, for providing the opportunity, including being present for the early morning swimming trainings in the lead-up to the event.
Winter Uniform, Term Two and Term Three
Wearing the correct uniform brings a great sense of belonging to the community as well as pride in one’s appearance. Let’s work together to ensure it is sustained. The start of Term Two is when the school Winter Uniform is worn. We always have a two-week transition period. However, by the start of Week 3 all students need to be wearing the Winter Uniform. If you are unsure of any school uniform requirements, please speak with your child’s class teacher, or the Front Office.
Thank you, Highland Bakery
A large vote of thanks to Highland Bakery for donating bread loaves at the recent Canteen Special Food Day (Sausage Sizzle) on 20 March.
End of Term One / Beginning of Term Two
Term One concludes on Friday 12 April at 3:00pm. The first day of Term Two, is Monday 29 April at 8:40am.
Condolences
I extend my sympathies to:
- The Vatsilas family (Mariah, 6AM and Orlando, 3VM), on the recent passing of their cousin, Joseph Romeo.
- The De Ieso family (Cartia 5AS and Milana 2TM), on the recent passing of paternal grandmother, Maria Antonietta De Ieso
Congratulations
I offer my best wishes to:
- The Maola family (Gisele, Preschool), on the arrival of a baby girl, Alessandra.
- The Marafioti family (Valentino, Preschool), on the arrival of a baby girl, Milana.
- The Santamaria family (Xavier, 3NZ and Charlotte, Preschool), also on the arrival of a baby girl, Adeline.
Wishing you well!
Simon Mechis
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