Week 11 Term 1 2022

Dear Families,

Thank you
Term One certainly provided challenges, many COVID related. I know there have also been many positives. I take this opportunity to convey my thanks for assisting in making our school run smoothly this term. I applaud you for the various forms of support you give to your child(ren), the staff and each other.

Strategic Plan, 2022-2026
In the second semester of last year, planning occurred for our school’s next Strategic Plan. I asked Todd Murfitt (former Catholic Education SA school principal), to assist with the process, including feedback consultation from the School Board, staff, students, and families.

I have been working with Todd over the last few months to create an easy to read (and not too lengthy) document, which any community member can view. Notwithstanding, the link below is the final version of the Strategic Plan, 2022-2026 for St Joseph’s Payneham.

https://indd.adobe.com/view/3822d3e9-db4b-4cfc-a4ee-0c9b1cf6f19d

Building, Planning and Infrastructure update
As I have written before, a proposed new two-level building is planned to be built on the eastern side of the school (where the current cottage garden area and sheds now sit). The new structure will be a high-quality, eight classroom (with added facilities and amenities) structure. We are anticipating that building work will commence during Term Two, and the new learning spaces open during 2023.

As also mentioned previously, the school purchased the property on the corner of Tarcoma Avenue and Portrush Road. We are aiming to transform the land into a parent and visitor car park in the near future.

Moreover, as I stated in the Week 1 Parent Newsletter in early February, the school acquired the property at 11 Marian Road late in 2021. Over the course of the last term, the school, Parish, Catholic Education South Australia (CESA) and the Catholic Church Office (Adelaide Archdiocese), have been in dialogue to plan for the future needs of St Joseph’s Payneham as well as Our Lady Queen of Peace Payneham Parish.

From the various communication and negotiations, a concept plan from an architect firm has been devised and approved from the various stakeholders. This agreement includes a land swap. In practical terms, this means the school be given the former presbytery at No. 1 Tarcoma Avenue and the Parish given approximately half the property at 11 Marian Road, where a new presbytery (priest’s residence) will be built. Additionally, the Parish would also be granted to use the top end of 9 Marian Road for a car park.

The concept plan has been endorsed by CESA, Catholic Church Office, St Joseph’s School Board, the Payneham Parish Finance Council and the Payneham Parish Pastoral Council.

If you wish to see the concept plan (with some brief commentary), it is located on the outside noticeboard just next to the Canteen. I will keep you posted to future developments as they arise.

Annual Parent Survey
If you could please spare a few minutes to complete the Annual Parent Survey (link underneath). A similar Staff Survey has been communicated and the Year 6 students will complete the Student Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GDQF6S8 

Emergency Evacuation and Lock-down Procedures
Emergency procedures are well established in our school community. Different types of emergencies require diverse responses. In general, we would react to an emergency in one of two ways – Evacuation or Lock-down. In the case of an emergency, the school administration team would determine which of these two responses is the safest.

Our emergency evacuation area is the artificial grass space. In the case of a situation where we cannot gather on the artificial space (i.e., a large school fire), then we would congregate at Payneham Oval. In such circumstances, we would liaise with local authorities and you would receive appropriate communication.

Please be assured that the safety of everyone would be central to all decisions made. While it is unlikely that these emergency responses are ever required; hopefully, it is reassuring for you to know that we are prepared in the event they were to occur.

School Uniform, Term Two
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.

Further, for your information, the second-hand uniform shop will be open tomorrow, Wednesday 13 April, from 8:30 – 9:15am, and also Wednesday 4 May, from 8:30 – 9:15am.

The usual hours of the second-hand uniform shop are Thursday afternoons, from 2:30 – 3:15pm, and Friday mornings, from 8:30 – 9:15am. Lastly, if you have any school uniform items that are no longer required, these can be donated to the school.

End of Term One and Beginning of Term Two
As you are hopefully aware, Term One concludes tomorrow, Wednesday 13 April at the usual dismissal time of 3:00pm. The first day of Term Two is Tuesday 3 May, commencing at 8:40am.

If requiring care for Thursday 14 April, or Monday 2 May, please click on this link:  https://www.carebookings.com.au/code?z=ZDlVwz  using the following code: 4SM6J

Easter and Term Break
As we approach the end of Term One, we are reminded of the powerful message of hope that comes from Easter and the Risen Christ. It is a hope that is needed for the challenges we face in our lives. Therefore, I wish each of our students, staff and families a restful, safe, happy and Holy Easter, and we look toward next term and the future with hope.

Simon Mechis

Holy Week
Holy Week commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem; his gift of the Eucharist; and his suffering, death, and Resurrection. Palm Sunday is our doorway into the holiest week of the Church year. The three solemn liturgies on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday (Easter Vigil) are called the Triduum. The liturgies of Holy Week are filled with some of the richest and most ancient symbols of the Catholic faith. The waving of palms on Passion (Palm) Sunday reminds us that we are called to be followers of Jesus, not just fans who cheer from a distance. The washing of feet on Holy Thursday speaks to us of the selfless love that we are called to practise in imitation of Jesus. The veneration of the cross on Good Friday reminds us that, as Christians, we believe that Jesus can overcome anything, even death.

The lighting of the Easter fire in a darkened church and the celebration of baptisms on Holy Saturday speak to us of the new life that is ours because of Jesus’ triumph over the darkness of sin and death through his resurrection. (taken from www.loyolapress.com)

Easter Ceremonies for Holy Week and Easter

Easter reminds us that nothing can keep us from the joy that God wants for us. Nothing can steal that joy away. At times we will struggle, just as Jesus did in the Garden and as he travelled the Way of the Cross, but sufferings will not win.

God wants us to experience the joy of Easter in our lives and let Him fill us with hope and true happiness that only the Resurrection can bring. God wants Easter to begin right now in our lives.

Pope Francis reminds us that Jesus, who was crucified, is Risen! This event is the basis of our faith and our hope. If Christ were not raised, Christianity would lose its very meaning; the whole mission of the Church would lose its impulse, for this is the point from which it first set out and continues to set out ever anew. The message which Christians bring to the world is this: Jesus, love incarnate, died on the cross for our sins, but God the Father raised him and made him the Lord of life and death.

A Prayer for Easter 
As this is the last Newsletter before Easter, we take this opportunity to remember that Easter is more than bunnies and chocolates. For Catholics, it is a time to remember the death and resurrection of Jesus. A time of new life and of new beginnings. God bless for a safe Easter holiday.  

Short Easter prayer for children
God made you and God made me, 
He made the world for us to see. 
God loves you and long ago, 
He sent his Son to tell us so. 
Jesus showed us many things, 
To love and share and dance and sing. 
To learn and pray, to help and care, 
He promised he'd always be there. 
He died but then came back to life, Let's celebrate for he's alive! 
Amen. 

Sacramental Programme
The preparing Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish and St Joseph's Catholic School work in collaboration in preparing children for the Sacraments of Initiation (Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation).

The APRIM  and the teachers works with the Parish Sacramental Team of Father Michael, Sr Estelita and Sr Josie to ensure that parents are supported during the Sacramental Programme.

Parents are informed through the Parish and School Newsletter when the programs are running.  

As the primary educators of their children, parents have the right and responsibility to be integrally involved in the sacramental preparation process. Their attendance and participation in the program and the Mass is crucial to their children's sacramental development.

The following Communion book is being used by the Parents and children Blessed Communion. Blessed First Communion Workbook

Mobile Phone and Wearable Technology Policy
Mobile phones and smart watches are becoming more and more popular with young students and St Joseph’s Payneham is no different. As a school we have adopted a policy on the use of mobile phones and smart watches for both in classrooms and also in the yard.

The policy takes into account matters pertaining to cyberbullying, distraction, and discipline. The policy explains the approach regarding these devices.

The definition of ‘wearable technology’ is any device which can be worn that connects to a cellular (telecommunication) system, with or without a physical connection to a network. It may take phone calls and send messages that can be transmitted to others outside of the school.

The school discourages students from having mobile phones and smart watches (with the above functions) during school time for the following reasons: 

• the communication devices contain a sim card; 
• the devices are not ‘enrolled’ or managed on the school network; and

• the devices are not monitored by our C-Filter; therefore, allowing student access to restricted sites. 

Our BYOD program policy specifies that iPads purchased for students should not contain any sim card, as students are encouraged to connect to the school Wi-Fi, which is monitored and contains the C-Filter for safety.

We understand that students may want to bring a mobile phone or wearable technology to school, particularly if travelling independently to and from school.

When a student does bring a mobile phone (or technology that has the same capabilities i.e., able to make/receive calls, send messages, etc.) to school the parents will need to sign a Consent Form  with an understanding that:   

• your child needs to hand in their technology to their classroom teacher first thing in the morning (at approximately 8:45am);  
• the school bears no responsibility for the loss or damage to a mobile phone, or smart watch (with the exception that it becomes stolen or damaged whilst stored/locked in possession of the school i.e., from the start to the end of the school day); and  
• your child’s technology should be appropriately marked so that it makes the device easy recognisable to them.

Please read the policy and if there are any questions please contact Ingrid in the Office. 

Mobile Phone and Wearable Technology Policy

Blue And Yellow Casual Clothes Day- We Raised $958.90 For The Ukraine  Families
Thank you  for all the support and  generous donation made by our families to support the children who have lost so much in the Ukraine. Children across Ukraine are in desperate need of safety, stability and protection.

Ingrid Douventzidis