Week 10 Term 1 2024

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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

Dear Families,

I hope you all had a blessed Easter and enjoyable long weekend.

News Leaders Section

• Recently, our Senior News Leaders (Aiden P, Charlie I, Luisa M and Julian A) interviewed some students at our school to ask what they like most about our new nature play area and our school. Please see their responses below.
• Jack in Year 6 has shared, “I like the nature play area because there is more room to run around and it’s eco-friendly. I like how our school offers lots of chances to play sport and different activities. I like going to Payneham Oval and am excited for camp”.
• Eleanor in Reception has shared, “I like the slide in the nature play area because it is fun to play on with my friends at recess and lunch. The classroom is my favourite because it is where I learn new things”.
• Jack in Year 4 has shared, “My friends and I like the nature play area because it is cool. I like our school because it is a good community and it is fun hanging out with my friends”.
• Angelina in Year 2 has shared, “I like the nature play area because I get to sit on the benches and logs. I like the playground because I get to play with my friends”.

Cyber Safety information

As shared previously, our school held an ‘Online Safety Presentation’ this term, delivered by Project Connect (linked to the Carly Ryan Foundation) for our Year 5/6 students, as well as a parent workshop addressing the current risks posed to children online, and how to manage these within your families and the community.

Recently, The Carly Ryan Foundation shared the ‘App Fact Sheets’, highlighting some evidence-based reasoning behind the use of social media platforms, as well as the challenges they present. It is hoped that a deeper awareness of the way young people are interacting with the apps will support families in their approach to communication around their use.

Please see attached the ‘App Fact Sheets’ for your information.

‘Active April’ calendar

Please find attached the ‘Active April’ calendar from the ‘Action for Happiness’ website. We encourage you to share this calendar with your families at home to promote kindness. An idea might me to place a copy on your fridge and discuss the activities with your child/children.

Wishing our families an enjoyable holiday break and we look forward to seeing you all in
Term 2!

Keep well!

Michael Musolino
(Deputy Principal)

As the end of Term 1 draws near, we’re given the chance to reflect on the work that has taken place in the religious and spiritual domain at St Joseph’s Payneham.

St Joseph’s Mass of a Solemnity

On Tuesday 19 March, we gathered as a school community to celebrate Saint Joseph’s feast day as a Mass of a solemnity – the highest order of liturgical feast. Even when it occurs inside Lent, like this year, it is still observed as a Solemnity of a Saint—this is one of the few times during Lent when the Gloria and the Creed are recited. On this special day of Saint Joseph, patron of our school and proclaimed patron of the Universal Church, Fr Michael changed his vesture from the purple of Lent to gold. The whole church was imbued by a special golden glow, and even the children’s choir sang with voices that seemed to light up the sacred space, infusing it with an atmosphere of joy and warmth. On this special day, we remember Saint Joseph, the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the foster father of Jesus. He was a very good and patient man. Through his love and care for Jesus and Mary, Saint Joseph showed his love for God. His importance for the whole Church helps protect our communion by drawing us closer to God’s Son. In Saint Joseph we have an example of well-lived faith, and we have a friend and a helper who brings us closer to Jesus Christ.

St Joseph’s Day Picnic

In anticipation of this solemn feast day, on Friday 15 March, we gathered for our annual Saint Joseph’s Day Picnic at Payneham Oval, a day that exemplifies our Josephite spirituality and values lived out in community relationships. It was a day of fun and laughter that also enabled us, as a community, to seek, identify and pursue the Josephite spirit of service. We are reminded of the words of Saint Mary MacKillop of the Cross who urges us to “never see a need without doing something about it.” And it is in this same spirit that three of our staff members, Mr Polvere, Mr Calabria and Mr Williams, took part in the Leukaemia Foundation World’s Greatest Shave – inspiring us all to support this worthy cause.

Caritas Project Compassion

The communal dimension of our Josephite spirituality cultivates the exchange of educational and spiritual insights, fostering a sense of shared experience. It also supports joint pastoral efforts in service. It embodies a spirituality of communion, nurturing community,
co-responsibility and commitment, as demonstrated by the Caritas Project Compassion appeal during Lent. Witnessing the dedication of our Year 6 student leaders in fundraising and raising awareness was inspiring. They visited their younger peers, sharing stories, interesting facts and fun activities to deepen understanding of poverty and the impact of water scarcity on health, education and equality. Aiden, Environment and Sustainability Leader, reflected on the experience, saying: “When we visited the classrooms, we talked to the students about Project Compassion and how it helped those who were less fortunate. We also talked to them about how important it is not to waste water, asked them for ideas on how to waste less water and told them more tips on how to save water. We then gave the teachers the boardgames and other items, said goodbye and left. The thing I enjoyed the most about this experience was that it gave me the ability to teach younger children how important it is not to waste water and telling them about the greatness of Project Compassion.”

Crazy Socks and or Favourite Colours Day

On Thursday 21 March, Crazy Socks and or Favourite Colours Day provided our community with yet another opportunity to donate to Project Compassion, while also developing a deeper appreciation and understanding of Harmony Week. Students began the day with a special “Harmony Day Liturgy”. The children wore crazy socks and or their favourite colours to celebrate diversity and sense of belonging within our school community. In our school community, diversity is celebrated as both an opportunity and a gift, cherished within our shared Josephite identity. And so, our community becomes a visible sign of the presence of God’s love, and love for our brothers and sisters, especially the poor and those most vulnerable.

Thank You for supporting Project Compassion 2024.

Your generosity will help the world’s most vulnerable communities to grow stronger and lift themselves out of poverty. If you still wish to make a donation, you may do so via Qkr! no later than Friday 5 April. Thank you.

Caritas Project Compassion – How does your donation help?

$25      Support farmer in Malawi to buy disaster resilient seeds;
$35      Provide hand sanitiser to communities in Samoa;
$100    Support health workers administer essential medicine in the Philippines;
$150    Provide a family with a safe toilet in Malawi;
$200    Provide support to households in need of house repairs and toilet construction in the  Philippines;
$250    Provide a handwashing sink to household in Samoa;
$500    Provide skills training to 15 people for income generating activities in the Philippines;
$1000 Support three health workers in attending to the needs of their community in the Philippines.

Holy Week and Easter

On Thursday 28 March, parents and friends were invited to join us for a reflective journey through the Stations of the Cross in Our Lady Queen of Peace Church. Guided by Fr Michael, the cross and candle bearers, and the fourteen children presenting the stations, we walked the Way of the Cross, helping us to reflect, pray and contemplate the meaning of Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection. Three gatherings (Reception & Year 1; Years 2 – 4; and Years 5 & 6) that considered the developmental stage of the children were held. The children helped create a reverent atmosphere. Their prayerful participation added to the occasion, helping us to prepare our homes and hearts for Holy Week and Easter.

The Stations of the Cross first originated in the 14th century when some Franciscan monks decided to recreate this ‘way of the passion’ inside churches, for all the people who could not go to Jerusalem. For this reason, today, there is usually a way of the Cross in every church.  The way of the Cross has fourteen stages called ‘stations’. Each one is represented by a picture or a statue or a simple wooden cross. Some of the stations are episodes spoken in the gospels, others are not but they come from a very old tradition. The way of the Cross ends with Jesus being laid in the tomb.  

On Easter Sunday, our hearts were filled with hope and joy. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ reminds us that, after darkness, light always comes and that every ending can be the beginning of something wonderful and new. The encounter with the mystery of Easter invites us to be agents of change and hope in the world.

I wish you a Happy and Holy Season of Easter!

Patrizia Puglia
APRIM