Dear Families,
As next week is the last of the school year, and students finish on Wednesday (Year 6s on Tuesday) the final Newsletter for 2022 is being distributed today.
Reflections, acknowledgements, and farewells
As 2022 draws to a close, I reflect on the challenges and successes that have taken shape throughout the last 12 months. I believe it is always a meaningful endeavour as a family to do the same; that is, have a conversation with your child/ren, asking about their achievements; most enjoyable learning moments; what there is to be grateful at this time; and to think about areas for growth moving forward.
I express my thanks and gratitude for your support this year, and for the care and encouragement you have shown to each other. I acknowledge the many parents/carers, grandparents, and other members in the community who have generously given their time to make St Joseph’s Payneham a better place.
It is at this time, we say ‘goodbye’ to some staff members who are leaving the St Joseph’s. We wish the following staff well and sincerely thank them for their input and service.
Carissa Cristancig (OSHC educator and of late, regular relief teacher at Payneham); Karyn Rowett (Year 1 teacher); Natalie Caruso (Leader of Learning – Numeracy during 2022); Nadia Plawecki (Mid-year Reception teacher); Vicki Traino (Mid-year Reception teacher); Maria Catalano (Italian teacher during Semester Two); Viv Camerini (Year 4 teacher during Term Four); Lyndall Hanson (ESO, Literacy Intervention during Semester Two); and Jane McDowell (Performing Arts teacher during Semester Two).
Our delightful Year 6s have a couple of days remaining as students at St Joseph’s Payneham. They have been a great group and bright examples for the younger children. I thank the Year 6s for their vibrancy and contributions to the school. Congratulations to the Class of 2022!
Our School Board Chair, John Flynn will also be finishing his time at St Joseph’s (as his daughter Keira graduates from Year 6 next week). John has been part of the school community for a long time and on the Board for many years, including two separate stints as Chairperson. I am immensely appreciative to John for volunteering his time, providing valued feedback, bringing a high level of enthusiasm, and always making himself available for consultation.
For other students and families not returning to St Joseph’s Payneham, thank you for your involvement in our community. May the road ahead be one of learning, adventure, and strong connections.
Second Semester Report, Classes and Orientation for 2023
On Monday afternoon, you will receive your child’s Second Semester Report. You will also have notification indicating your child’s class teacher(s) for next year. Your response is important, as it can determine your child’s attitude and mindset for 2023.
Students will spend a little time with their 2023 teacher(s) and peers on Monday 12 December. The intention is to reduce some of the anxiety that can exist for certain students. Knowing who is in their class, who is teaching them and being excited about the year ahead, generally helps our students to be ready for the challenges and opportunities of the new year.
2023 School Commencement date and ‘Meet the Teacher and Family Day’
The first day of school for students will be Monday 30 January 2023, beginning at 8:45am. ‘Meet the teacher and family day’, whereby you, your child and the class teacher(s) have the opportunity to gather for a short period of time, will occur on Wednesday 25 January. Next week, information will be sent home providing details, including booking arrangements.
Volunteer of the Year Award
At today’s End of Year Mass, I presented the ‘School Volunteer of the Year Award’. For 2022, we have two recipients – Kayla Holding and Skye Campbell-Hand.
Kayla and Skye have dedicated many volunteer hours to St Joseph’s. Between them, Kayla and Skye have been heavily involved in the Parents and Friends, but also volunteered their time in the second-hand Uniform Shop, the Uniform Committee, coordinated catering for large school events such as Sports Day and the End of Year Concert; provided staff with goodies on World Educator’s Day; organised the School Disco, Family Movie Night and the Cadbury Chocolate fundraiser. Congratulations and thank you Kayla and Skye.
Casual Clothes Day – Tuesday 13 December
Next Tuesday will be a Casual Clothes Day with a donation to the Vinnies Christmas Appeal. Any non-perishable food item or a gift for a child (unwrapped) will be appreciated (which can be brought to the classroom or Parish Hall kitchen).
Condolences
Sympathies to the South family (Jack, 2MG and Alexa, 1R) on the passing of their maternal great grandmother.
Best wishes to Jen Annetta and Michael Mastrangelo
This weekend, two of our teachers, Jen Annetta (current Reception teacher) and Michael Mastrangelo (current Year 6 teacher), are getting married. On behalf of the community, I wish them the very best on this special day.
Conclusion of the school year
As highlighted above, Term Four, and the end of the 2023 school year, concludes on Wednesday 14 December at 3:00pm (the final day for our Year 6 students is Tuesday 13 December). Once again, thank you for your support this year. I trust everyone will have a safe and positive festive season and upcoming school holiday break.
Wishing you well!
Simon Mechis
placement in Terms 3 and 4 this year at our school. Olivia and Synne facilitated the ‘Wellbeing Club’, a social skills program, for 55 of our students each week. Both Olivia and Synne also worked in classrooms across the school and Preschool, providing support to students and teachers. We wish Olivia and Synne all the very best for their future endeavours.
Our students will be very excited to use these activities in their learning spaces in 2023 and beyond. A big thank you to the P&F Committee (in particular Stephanie Donnarumma) for purchasing these educational games for each of our classroom spaces.
Social