Week 7 Term 3 2021

Dear Families,

Effort vs Achievement

Sometimes there are situations when students seem to cruise through their school life with very little effort, whilst achieving high grades. Whereas others continuously try their very best, but only ever achieve average academic outcomes.

While situations like this can be frustrating to watch, it can be downright disheartening for those students in the latter group. But when we fast-forward and look at the individuals in their later lives, evidence shows that the children who learn the value of effort, are more satisfied and successful in work and life. They are the resilient ones.

Many people place too much emphasis on achievement and not enough on effort. Of course, academic outcomes are important, but not at the expense of promoting the development of a solid work ethic.

If students can see the value of effort, they will be more inclined to take ownership of their learning and develop and practice the persistence required to not just survive, but thrive. So, how do we help students understand the value of putting in a good effort and show them not only how this links to achievement, but how it connects to a better life?

Here are some tips to promote this development:

• Embrace a growth mindset. Dr Carol Dweck’s work on Growth Mindsets emphasises de-valuing and actively rejecting ideals like natural ability and talent, and focusing instead on fostering perseverance and determination. She recommends that we praise persistence and effort, not talent. So, monitor the use of praise.
• Establish clear effort expectations. Be transparent and explicitly identify what a good effort looks like vs an excellent effort. Explain the difference between achievement and effort and continuously refer to the two as separate, but related goals for school and life.
• Provide specific feedback on effort as well as achievement, and if possible, link the two i.e., “Your writing is currently sitting at a B. I can see there has been solid application to produce this draft. If you spend some time editing using the feedback I’ve provided on the criteria sheet, your efforts could help bring your work up to an A.”
• Use language and actions to demonstrate that you value effort just as much as achievement. Take the time to commend your child when they work hard at something; focusing specifically on the energy they have put into the task, rather than the outcome.
• Build on strengths rather than identifying weaknesses. Remind your child how they persevered at a previous task, if they are struggling with the current one.

Strategic Planning

Our school is in the exciting stage of renewing and bringing to life a strategy for the future.

I have engaged the services of a former Catholic school principal, Todd Murfitt, from Shaky Leadership Consulting, to assist with the process.

Following the link below, you will find an opportunity to have your voice heard as we go about preparing for the next five years, within the scope of our Vision and the vision of Catholic Education SA.

When you click on the link, you will notice a snapshot of our Vision and some further instructions. 

Shacky Consulting website

If you could please add your thoughts, or like and comment on others’ posts, you will be helping shape the Strategic Plan for St Joseph’s School Payneham. The opportunity to contribute will be available until 20 September.

Father’s Day

Hoping all dads and/or trusted males in our children’s lives have a fabulous day this Sunday. Thank you to Aly Giannitto and the P&F Committee for organising the Father’s Day Stall this week.

Canteen Special Food Day – supporting the Afghan Crisis

The Canteen Special Food Day next Tuesday 7 September, will have a Middle Eastern focus. All proceeds will go towards supporting the Afghan crisis.

Hats are back on

As we are now in September, as per our Sun Smart Policy, students need to be wearing hats when outdoors i.e., recess, lunch, sport lessons, etc. Please ensure you remind your child/ren to place their labelled hat in their bag.

Also, with warmer weather being forecasted, students may prefer to wear their Summer Uniform on days where the predicted maximum is 25C or above. I do ask that one type of uniform is only worn on any given day i.e., Summer or Winter; not a mismatch of both.

COVID-19 Update

Please continue to remain vigilant and follow appropriate COVID-19 protocols. Whilst there is currently no community transmission in South Australia, it is important we continue to follow the advice from SA Health.

At St Joseph’s Payneham, we continue to endorse the following: 

• washing hands regularly, particularly after using the bathroom and before eating;
• covering coughs and sneezes with the arm and/or tissue;
• no sharing of food and drink bottles;
• parents/carers not to enter classrooms (unless absolutely necessary);
• adults to physically distance and to wear face masks if needing to come on the school site;
• use the ‘QR code safe check-in’ if entering a school building; and
• please keep children home if they are showing any flu-like symptoms (in such a situation, SA Health are highly recommending that individuals are tested and self-isolated).

Wishing you well!
Simon Mechis

Catholic Charities- Funds for Afghanistan

September is Catholic Charities month which involves the students preparing for this with special class fundraising projects. Catholic Charities month is an important way for our students to learn about Jesus’ selfless love for others and how, in a small way, they can reach out and help others in our local and wider community.

All class teachers with the students have been working hard in planning for these fundraising events held over Weeks 8 and 9 of this term. The organisation of these days has been undertaken with great enthusiasm by all, for what it will bring to the children – a sense of their worth, ability to help others, and build community. We ask that all parents help support the children with these fundraisers. This year half of all funds raised will go to aid the women and children in Afghanistan.

Pope Francis has called for all Christians to show solidarity with the people of Afghanistan, especially women and children, the victims of violent attacks . "Let us continue to assist those in need", he says, "and pray that dialogue and solidarity may lead to peaceful and fraternal coexistence.

This week, we keep in our prayers, the People of Afghanistan
Lord, we lift up the people of Afghanistan to you right now. We pray that you would take hold of them and help them walk through this fearful time. Protect them under your wing and help them feel the comfort and peace that only comes from your powerful presence. 

So many people who have called this place their home have been displaced because of this event. Remind them, Lord, that their true home is in Heaven with you. Give those who believe in you the courage to stand strong in their faith and be a strong witness for you. Also, be with those who do not believe in you – help them to see the peace in your followers and allow the Holy Spirit to stir in their hearts as they witness this. 

Our School Josephite Tradition

In this week's newsletter I have provided the school community with some background information on our Josephite Tradition.  

Being part of a Josephite Tradition means that as a community everyone is treated with dignity. Mary Mackillop believed that God, in Jesus, called her and the sisters of St Joseph to show reverence for the dignity of all people. Mary MacKillop’s reverence for all people meant she was incapable of ’giving up’ on anyone. Today in our school community, we support families by: reducing fees if required, helping with uniforms, and providing breakfast for children whose families may be experiencing financial difficulties. In 2020/21 a number of our families have received fee remissions as a result of a loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Being part of a Josephite Tradition means that as a community we must support the people who are poor and marginalized. For Mary MacKillop those who were the most ‘Needy’ in our world come first. Mary Mackillop and the Sisters established “bush schools” and later as needs arose, orphanages, refuges, and other services for those most vulnerable in the society of their time. Mary MacKillop was an extraordinary woman of action and her response was a practical one. Small acts upon small acts make a big difference over time. Today in our school community, we teach children to reach out and support those in need. To grow into people who have a sense of the common good in our society. We teach children that we use our gifts and talents to raise money to support people who are poor, people who are less fortunate. We do this through Catholic Charities. 

Cybersafety

At St Joseph’s school, we are continually monitoring what students are searching, as they are blocked from many websites. Each child has signed a code of conduct at the beginning of the year around the use of ICT services at school and this is always referenced, should a problem occur. As teachers, we support students to make responsible choices when online. This is done through the Digital Technologies Curriculum as well as the Child Protection Curriculum, where Cybersafety education plays a vital part. 

What is Cybersafety?

Cybersafety is ensuring that all people are safe and responsible while using Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). Technology is much more accessible and students are spending more time online. There are a number of issues that students need to be aware of when online. They should be made aware of personal details, password protection, cyber bullying etc. 

There are a number of resources available online to help students understand the importance of being safe. You may want to go through these with your child as well. Click on the various links below to go to the websites/video clips that look at different Cybersafety issues. 

ThinkUKnow 
ThinkUKnow website
ThinkUKnow provides useful information about young people and the technology they are using, the challenges they may face online and how to support them to overcome these challenges in a safe and ethical way; as well as some practical tips you can applyl to make the online environment safer. 

eSafety Website 
eSafety website 

On this website you will find information and real time interactive learning activities that address social networking, cyberbullying and online grooming. 

eSafety – Parents 
eSafety for Parents website
Parents are sometimes unsure of where to start when it comes to parental controls and what information they need to know about. The safety commissioner has an excellent website with easy to read information. The section for parents has a range of resources where you can learn about the digital environment that your child has access to and how to support your child to have safe and enjoyable online experiences. 

Childnet International 
Childnet resources website
Childnet International features Captain Kara, Winston and the Smart Crew. There are five chapters to look.

Hector’s World 
For Students Aged 5-7 Years 
Childnet resources Hector's World website
A free resource, Hector and his friends enjoy playing computer games and chatting online. They use their computers, the internet and mobile phones the cybersmart way. Explore the online world with Hector and find out how to stay safe. 

National Child Protection Week (5-11 September 2021)

National Child Protection Week (5-11 September) is an annual event starting on the first Sunday of September. This year’s theme ‘Every child, in every community, needs a fair go’ aims to spread the message that to treat all of Australia’s children fairly, we need to make sure every family and community has what kids need to thrive and be healthy.

To find out more about the campaign, including activities for families visit:
National Protection Week Website

Ingrid Douventzidis

Enrolment Information website

Week 7 Random Acts of Kindness ‘Love in Everything’. Hope you enjoy!

At kiss and drop, a student had to open the boot of the car to put their bag inside. After a few failed attempts, he had given up and was starting to hold up the line. Another student was aware that the boot wasn’t opening, so they stepped in and opened the boot successfully.

A handful of bin monitors in Year 6 were away one day. As a result, the bin monitors that were present needed a bit of help. A few students that saw the problem came in and helped them take the bins and put them away.

A pupil dropped their coin and frantically scattered the whole area to find it. A few failed attempts later a student went up to the child and helped them find the dollar coin.

Piccolini Occasional Care Program

Playgroup Program

Bookings can be made using our Parent Booking Portal
A reminder 12 hours notice is required if you wish to cancel your bookings through the portal. 

Download New OSHC Booking System for SJP
Download 2021 OSHC Enrolment Form

It is important to remember that children are not born with a craving for hot chips and pizza and an aversion to broccoli and carrots. This conditioning happens over time as they are exposed to more and more unhealthy food choices. However, it is possible to reprogram your children’s food preferences so that they crave healthier foods instead. Here are some tips to help get your children involved in healthy choices:

• Talk to your children about what they would like to have in their lunchbox. Discuss healthier food and drink choices and decide what will be in the lunchbox together.
• Take your children shopping with you and let them choose foods and drinks from the shopping list.
• Encourage your children to help prepare their lunchboxes. Older children may be able to prepare most of their lunch themselves, and younger children can help with making sandwiches or cutting up soft fruit.

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health

Please contact Josie on 0413 313 112 if you are available to volunteer in the Canteen. 
If you have any queries, please feel free to contact the Front Office.

Canteen Sponsorship
Does your business need Promoting or Advertising?
Do you want to get involved and support your child's Canteen?
Sponsor the Canteen for just $250 (tax deductible)
By becoming a Sponsor you will receive free advertising for the whole term in the School Newsletter and on the St Joseph's Payneham social media pages.

Canteen Sponsorship information

Special Food Day
Week 4: Tuesday 10th August - Sausage Sizzle
Generously sponsored by Top Rate Electrical
Domestic /Commercial / Industrial
Top Rate Quality, Service and Experience guaranteed
Free quotes and Expert advice
Contact us on - 0402 639 549
E: admin@toprateelectrical com
W: www.toprateelectrical.com

Week 6 - Pasta in Box
Generously sponsored by B.Social
B.Social was established in August 2015, with the director’s idea to create a venue where simply ‘everybody’ was welcome. B.Social is about communal eating, shared platters, wood oven pizzas and Italian cooking, all fused together to create memorable moments.
P: 08 8261 7745
A: 246 Fosters Road, Oakden SA
bsocialadelaide@gmail.com

Congratulations to the Year 6 students who represented our school at the Year 6/7 SAPSASA State Basketball Carnival, held on Tuesday 24^th August at The Lights Community and Sports Centre. The team came 2^nd in their group and 3^rd overall on the day, playing some competitive basketball against a number of schools.

Thank you to Antonietta Perazzoli who managed the team, and to Marisa Condo and Trudi Ng for scoring on the day.

Congratulations to Isabella Kazis, Eva and Georgia (6M) who made the Torrens River SAPSASA Girls Year 7 Soccer team to play in the SAPSASA Statewide Soccer Carnival.

Congratulations to Timothy (6M) who has made the Torrens River SAPSASA Boys Year 6 Soccer team to play in the SAPSASA Statewide Soccer Carnival from 1-3 September.

Netta 3 Netball
7/8/21
Score:   SJ Memorial (13) d SJP (6)
14/8/21
Score:   SJP (6) d Burnside Light (5
21/08/2021 
Score:   SJP (13) d St Ignatius Red (9)
28/08/2021
Score:   StJ (10) d St Ignatius Gold (3)
Coach:   Sandra Kaplan
It was a slow start back into the game in Term 3 for the girls after the mid-year break, lockdown, and a bye. But they regrouped and settled on court to showcase stellar teamwork: strong defence, working the ball down the court with outstanding passing, and feeding it into the goal circle to give our shooters the opportunity to score lots of goal.
It all paid off with the team finishing top of the ladder in their division this winter season. Congratulations, girls! You were all amazing!

Netta 6 Netball
Score:   SJP drew Rose Park (7-7)
Coach:  Mary Wood
Girls played like champs! 
28/8/21
Score:   SJP (9) d Stradbroke (7)
Coach:  Mary Wood
Girls played like champs! Fantastic win girls great way to end the season with a win!! 

Primary 7 Netball
Score:   SJP (9) d Stradbroke (7)
Coach:  Michelle Bertin
Such a fast, well played game girls! Very proud of your amazing team work and enthusiasm! Such a great win! 

Year 2 Cougars Basketball
Score:   SJP (24) d Pembroke Gold (4)
Coach:  Melissa Bradbrook
What a great game the Cougars played! Fantastic passing and calling out for the ball. Everyone played so well as a team. I couldn’t be any prouder of how far you have all come this year so far and look forward to a fun & successful season!!

Thank you to the Parish for their kind donation of $590.00 towards the School Building Fund and their continuing contributions to this Fund.