Week 5 Term 2 2022

Dear Families,             

Asking and Trying

I was reading a blog last Sunday by Canadian writer Robin Sharma, promoting the importance of asking questions and giving things a go. It reminded me of a cycling jersey given to me by the Angkor Cycling Club, when I visited Cambodia in 2014, as part of a charity cycling trip, which reads, ‘Never Try, Never Know’. Sharma writes, you’ll never know if you don’t even try, and goes on to say that all too often, our internal chatter prevents us from taking the steps needed, to help propel us, so that we can achieve to our capacity.

Many of those who do well and experience success (whatever your definition and view of success may look like), usually ask a lot of questions. They understand that it’s a habit that must be polished for it to shine. The good news is, that the more you do it, the easier it becomes (like any skill).

Asking is important – for the support required at school (or for adults in the workplace); for the understanding one may seek at home; for the assistance required with a tricky relationship; for the extra tips from the coach; and the list goes on. Subsequently, because more questions are asked (to receive further support, or to enquire, or to have an answer), development and improvement occurs, and ultimately this equals achievement.

Sharma states that asking opens doorways, and usually when asking nicely, the response is more likely to be ‘yes’.

Sharma gives the following analysis: We can have what we want (within reason), but the problem is that we don't ask, so the world around us doesn't know. If we don't set goals, then we cannot achieve those goals because our brain doesn't know what it wants.

The fundamental mindset that is being encouraged is to ask and to try. The only failure is not asking or trying.

Sacraments

It has been a joyous time for the Year 4 students (those whom are baptised Catholics), as they recently celebrated their Confirmation and First Holy Communion. I congratulate the children on receiving these special Sacraments. Thank you to our Parish Priest, Fr Michael Romeo, and Sister Estelita and Sister Josie, as well as Year 4 class teachers, Ms Bernardette Robinson, Ms Rosanna Parrella and Ms Tayla Carosi, and lastly, APRIM/Deputy Principal, Ms Ingrid Douventzidis, for their time, work and presence, in preparing the children so well.

Staff update at St Joseph’s

During the first few weeks of this term, a number of new staff have been appointed as certain positions have become vacant. I share the details below.

• Josie Colangelo has won the position of Front Office Receptionist (replacing Lanette Burke, who will move to Enrolments/Admin. when Dora Cavuoto retires at the end of this semester). Josie will come to Payneham at the start of Term Three, from St Brigid’s Kilburn (having been in the same role there).
• Tayla Carosi will teach one of the mid-year Reception classes. Tayla is the current Italian teacher and also works in 4PC on a Friday.
• Nadia Plawecki and Vicki Traino will take responsibility for the second mid-year Reception class (Nadia, 0.8 and Vicki at 0.2). Nadia and Vicki both currently teach at our school (providing release in the Preschool and Nadia also in 1T on a Friday).
• Maria Catalano will take over as the Italian teacher in the second semester. Maria has wide experience, most recently having taught at McAuley Catholic School, Hove.
• Rebecca D’Amico will be teaching in RK from Term Three (as Amanda Karam will be going on maternity leave). Rebecca currently teaches a Year 1 class in a neighbouring government school.
• Lyndall Hanson commenced as an ESO at Payneham this week. Lyndall’s primary role will be to deliver Literacy intervention (MiniLit and MacqLit). Lyndall has been working at St Joseph’s Murray Bridge over the last few years, and recently at Kildare College. Lyndall replaces Peta Yates (who won a permanent position at another Catholic school last term).
• Sara Altobelli will be teaching in 4PC on Fridays during Term Three and Four (replacing Tayla). Sara has worked at St Joseph’s over many years in different roles, so is most familiar with the community.
• I am still finalising the appointment for an Arts Specialist Teacher (to replace Emma Hills, who will going on maternity leave at the end of this term).
• I am also confirming the vacant WHS Officer role (to replace Dora Cavuoto).

I congratulate the staff to their appointments; and will keep you updated to the impending births for both Amanda Karam and Emma Hill. Lastly, there will be opportunity to farewell Dora’s 46 years in Catholic Education at the end of this term.

Building, Planning and Infrastructure update

As I have written previously, a 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 an eight classroom (with added facilities and amenities) structure. We are anticipating that building work will commence later this term and the new learning spaces open at some stage during 2023.

As also mentioned on earlier occasions, the school has 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.

Furthermore, as stated in prior Parent Newsletters, the school acquired the property at 11 Marian Road late in 2021. 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 brief commentary), it is located on the outside noticeboard, next to the Canteen.

Lastly, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was recently signed between the Archbishop, Fr Michael Romeo (Payneham Parish Priest), a representative from the Catholic Education Office and myself, outlining the use of 1 Tarcoma Avenue, until the appropriate land swaps take place. In essence, the ex-presbytery is being rented to the school and providing space for intervention programs. The more elaborate future plans for No. 1 Tarcoma will be worked out in time.

COVID-19 update

As mentioned previously, under the Catholic Education SA COVID-19 Vaccination Policy Outcome, Workers, including staff, volunteers and contractors need to be COVID vaccinated i.e., have completed a course (being 1 dose of a single-dose vaccine, or 2 doses of a double-dose vaccine, in accordance with the schedule recommended by ATAGI) of a TGA-approved or recognised COVID-19 vaccine; or be considered medically exempt with a Medical Contraindication to Vaccination, which means one of the contraindications outlined in formal clinical advice from the Australian Department of Health to vaccine providers based on advice from the TGA and ATAGI.

Student Free Day, Friday 10 June

Next Friday 10 June will be a Student Free Day. Staff will be involved in professional formation. If you require your child/ren to be OSHC for this day, please contact Karina Forte (OSHC Director).

Condolences

Sympathies are with the Fantasia family on the passing of Angelo Fantasia.
Angelo was president of the St Anthony of Padua Payneham Committee, and his wife, Nina, taught Italian at St Joseph’s for a period of time.

Congratulations

Lastly, I share with you the following ‘good news’ and offer my best wishes to:
- the Docker/Gamma family (Lily, 4R) on the birth of a baby girl, ‘Lacie’.

Wishing you well!
Simon Mechis

Feast of the Ascension (Last Sunday)

Last Sunday we celebrated the feast of the Ascension of Jesus. Before Jesus returned to his Father, he told his apostles that he would send them a helper, someone to give them courage and wisdom, someone who would give them hope and joy.
This is the Holy Spirit who can bring the same qualities to us and help us to be true followers of Jesus.

Feast of the Visitation

This Tuesday we celebrated the feast of the Visitation of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth. Elizabeth had been married for a long time and had not had any children. She hoped that one day she would have a child and placed her trust in God. When Mary heard that Elizabeth was having a baby, even though she was also pregnant, she undertook a long journey to be with her. We pray that we are inspired by Elizabeth’s unfailing hope and Mary’s thoughtfulness and kindness.

Pentecost (5th June)

Pentecost Sunday marks the last day of the Easter Season. At Pentecost, our real mission begins. With courage, we determine to live our baptismal calling! we hear the story of the Holy Spirit coming to the apostles to be their helper and guide as Jesus had promised.

The Spirit gave the apostles the gifts they needed to preach Jesus’ message to everyone they met. We ask that those same gifts fill our hearts so that through our words and deeds we may be shining examples of Jesus’ love bringing hope to the world.

Congratulations

Please keep the Confirmation and Communion students, their families, sponsors and teachers in your prayers. The Sacraments were celebrated over the past few weeks. The Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation are the three sacraments that the students have been preparing to receive over the past two years.

We are all reminded that these sacraments are very special events in the lives of the students; they are more than just a ceremony. They have a major place in our day-to-day lives.

Fr Michael reminded families that Eucharist is about belonging to a nourishing community and Confirmation highlights every community member as having gifts. He challenged all present, reminding us that we are all role models to the children.

Keeping Safe: Child Protection Curriculum (KS:CPC)

The Department for Education Child protection in schools, early childhood education and care services policy states that ‘all children and young people in the department’s preschools and schools will access the approved child protection curriculum’.

The KS:CPC teaches children and young people to recognise abuse, tell a trusted adult, understand what is appropriate and inappropriate touching and ways of keeping themselves safe. 

Themes

The curriculum is based on two main themes which are presented through topics and activities.

• Theme 1: We all have the right to be safe
• Theme 2: We can help ourselves to be safe by talking to people we trust.

Focus Areas

The two themes are explored through four Focus Areas, which are examined in growing complexity in accordance with the age of the learners.

1. The right to be safe
2. Relationships
3. Recognising and reporting abuse
4. Protective strategies.

More information can be found on the KS:CPC website: http://kscpc.2.vu/DE_ParentsCarers

Ingrid Douventzidis

Report from Board Chair

Recently we celebrated the life of the greatest saint of all, Mary, the mother of Jesus.  Although her life held the greatest honor, her calling also required great suffering.   Although, we have acknowledged and appreciated our teachers and the children for the way they handled Covid, my focus is towards the parents of our community.  Like Mary, the role of the parent was purely in support of their children, to give them the best opportunities and to guide them through the challenges and impacts of the pandemic which continues on today.

The challenges parents and caregivers were confronted with everyday was immense.  Suddenly, the lives of Parents and caregivers at this school, and beyond, changed and were affected.  Since March 2020, most parents had no choice but to become more involved than ever before in their child’s learning.  State lockdowns, Schools closed, businesses shut down.  Parents juggling careers with monitoring their child’s learning at home.  Many months of disruption to the normal lives.  Lockdowns and disruptions had a profound effect on family life and created stress and anxiety.   The impact it had on child’s education; the lack of social interaction was always on the mind of parents.  “When would it end” Through the unknown, parents continued to cope.  At times through having Covid themselves they were able to soldier on.  Many families were not able to visit their loved ones, aged care was shut down, food was restricted, members of their families passed away without properly saying goodbye.

The School Board, most of whom are parents, acknowledge that many parents and caregivers are still suffering and understand that many still need support and with the school leadership team, teachers, the parish and the board we all open our arms to those of our community who need that help.

So, it is important that parents and caregivers reach out if they are suffering and need that help. We are community and we all have our roles in supporting each other.

Thank you,

John Flynn
St Joseph’s Payneham School Board Chair

Will you support Team SJP in fighting for Human Rights Equality for all, as we take part in the Act for Peace, RATION CHALLENGE?

From the moment we wake up on Monday the 20th of June until we go to bed on Friday the 24th of June, we will drink only water and eat just:

1. The contents of our ration pack (420gm rice, 120gm lentils, 60gm dried chickpeas, 120gm tinned sardines or tofu, 400gm red kidney beans, 215ml vegetable oil – this is the total amount of food, not per day!)
2. Extra rice and flour from the coupons (limited amounts!)
3. Any rewards we have earned based on the donation amounts
4. A multi-vitamin (optional)

Our goal as teachers, is to not only educate our students about the world and inequity of human rights, but to show them that standing up for your beliefs and taking part in making a change, is what allows us to work towards a better, equal future for all. In doing so, our students can realise any steps that are taken to fight for the rights of all, no matter how small or large, are steps in the right direction!

Currently our team includes: Michael Mastrangelo and Emily Parrella (Year 6), Jen Annetta (Reception), Adrian Mastrangelo (P.E), Tayla Carosi (Italian) Josie Nicolescu (OSHC and Canteen) and a number of Year 6 students.

When Michael and Emily presented their idea and goal to their Year 6 students within their HASS and Religion lessons, the students were humbled at the privilege of our lives in Australia and keen to support this initiative and idea. Currently, there are 6 students taking part in the 3 day challenge alongside their teachers, with the number set to increase! What fantastic leaders we have at SJP.

As you’d expect, living on rations is physically tough. Sugar withdrawals and hangriness are all real. But what often comes as a surprise is the emotional impact. For many young people and educators, the challenge brings into sharp focus the contrast between daily life for us, and for people in refugee camps. It shines a light on the injustice of the situation and it gives them a fresh perspective on how lucky we are.

If you could kindly spare a moment to read up, or even donate to this worthy cause, we thank you on behalf of our team and for the thousands of countless faces that your donation will support.

https://schools.rationchallenge.org.au/t/st-josephs-payneham

Yours in hope,
Team SJP