Dear Families,
Reflections, acknowledgements, and farewells
As 2023 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; 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.
As highlighted previously, we will be farewelling long-standing staff members Ingrid Douventzidis and Marie Polvere, as they retire from dedication to Catholic education.
Ingrid Douventzidis: Ingrid concludes her 12-year Deputy Principal/APRIM tenure at our school and is also retiring from education at the end of this year. We thank Ingrid for all the contributions she has given to the community. We will certainly miss Ingrid’s passion and love for teaching and learning.
Marie Polvere: After many years of steadfast service to St Joseph’s Payneham, Marie is likewise retiring at the end of this year. Similar to Ingrid, Marie’s thirst for learning has not waivered. We will miss Marie’s expertise in Inclusive Education, but also wise and discerning thinking across all issues pertinent to schooling.
We also say ‘goodbye’ to the following staff members who are leaving St Joseph’s. We wish them well and sincerely thank them for their input and service.
Vanessa Saccardo: Vanessa has been at St Joseph’s Payneham since 2012. In the last few years, Vanessa has been part of the Leadership Team, mainly as a Leader of Learning, in the areas of Numeracy, Literacy, Assessment, Intervention and Gifted Education. Vanessa has won the role as Assistant Principal at St Joseph’s, Kingswood. We congratulate Vanessa on a well-deserved appointment.
Amanda Karam: During the second half of the year Amanda has taught the mid-year Receptions. Prior to going on maternity leave, Amanda was at St Joseph’s Payneham for five years, mainly teaching Receptions. Amanda is returning to Melbourne to be with her extended family. Amanda will be teaching at St Thomas the Apostle, Cranbourne East in 2024.
Emma Hills: Emma hasn’t been at St Joseph’s since mid 2022, when she had her second child. Emma taught Music for five years at our school. Emma is following her passion, teaching at the School of Languages, Croydon Park.
Shana Phillips: Shana commenced with us during Term One of 2023, teaching a Year 1 class. Shana has won a position at St Martin de Porres, Sheidow Park.
Vicki Traino: Vicki taught the mid-year Reception class across Terms Three and Four (a role which she also held last year).
Jesscia Nunnari: Jessica has been at St Joseph’s since Term Three, teaching one of the Year 3 classes. Next year Jessica will be working at St Joseph’s, Tranmere.
Mitchell Wells: Mitchell has been an Educational Support Officer (ESO) at Payneham for the last three years. Mitchell recently completed his teaching degree and has won a position teaching Year 7-9s at Nazareth College in 2024.
Michael Mastrangelo: Michael won’t be at St Joseph’s next year. Michael will be teaching at Our Lady Queen of Peace, Albert Park. However, is due to return in 2025.
Our charming Year 6s have a few 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 positive influence on our school. Congratulations to the Class of 2023!
For other students and families not returning to St Joseph’s Payneham, thank you for your involvement in our community. Best wishes for 2024.
End of Year Mass, Friday 8 December at 9:15am
As has been promoted, at the End of Year Mass, tomorrow, Friday 8 December (at 9:15am in our church), we will farewell Ingrid and Marie, as well as the other staff leaving the community. Following Mass, parents/caregivers are invited to the school gymnasium, for light refreshments.
Volunteer of the Year Award
Also tomorrow, at the End of Year Mass, I will be presenting the ‘School Volunteer of the Year Award’. For 2023, we have two recipients, which will be revealed at the end of the Mass.
Staffing, 2024
In 2024, I welcome the following new staff to St Joseph’s Payneham, (some whom I have made mention in previous Parent Newsletters): Patrizia Puglia (new APRIM, coming from St Michael’s College Junior School, Beverley); Nicole Joanni (new Inclusive Education Coordinator, coming from St Andrew’s School, Walkerville); Ben Williams (new teacher, coming from St Mary’s Memorial School, Glenelg); Melinda Harding (new teacher, coming from Immaculate Heart Catholic Primary School, Queensland); Angelica Mavrofridis (new teacher, coming from St Therese’s Catholic School, Essendon, Victoria); and Nicole Zacher (new teacher, coming from St Andrew’s School, Walkerville).
End of Year Student Reports
As cited in previous communication, the End of Year Student Reports, will be available via SEQTA Engage. This means you will be able to access your child’s Report online. Student Reports will be issued online tomorrow, Friday 8 December. Families who wish to have a hard copy, can request this option from the Front Office.
2024 Classes and Orientation
On Monday afternoon, you will receive 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 2024.
Students will spend a little time with their 2024 teacher(s) and peers on Monday 11 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.
Please note, that once class placements are determined, there will be no changes of classes. It is a practice which the staff have been working on since the beginning of term, and many deliberations are considered to determine where every child is placed. Thank you for respecting the professional decision-making which goes into this process.
End of Year Concert thanks
Our End of Year Concert, celebrated last Wednesday 29 November, was a fantastic community event with a really positive vibe. I am grateful for your attendance. The children were joyous in performing and looked spectacular on the stage.
I acknowledge the End of Year Concert Committee, David Shinn, Emily Parrella, Donny Calabria, Laura Parletta, Julia Johnson, Jen Mastrangelo, Rebecca D’Amico and Charlelie Kalz, for the effort and time invested for this community event.
A large thank you also goes to the Parents and Friends Committee, who also were responsible for organising many aspects of the evening. I especially acknowledge, Skye Campbell-Hand, Kayla Holding, Melissa Geisler and Liana Calabro. Also, a large thank you to one of our parents, Anthony Ferragamo for supplying the stage.
New School Uniform, 2024
Another reminder regarding the new school uniform, which is mandatory for all new students to the school from January 2024. For all other students, there is a two-year transition period (between the current and new uniform); meaning that by the start of the 2026 school year, all students need to be wearing the new uniform.
Condolences
I extend my sympathies to the Forte family (Valentina, 1MP and Pellegrino, PS ‘Joeys group’), on the passing of their grandmother.
Baby News
Congratulations to the Carbone family (Lily, 1MP and Sienna, PS ‘Koala group’), on the birth of a girl, ‘Macy’.
2024 School Commencement date and ‘Meet the Teacher and Family Day’
The first day of school for students will be Monday 29 January 2024, beginning at 8:40am. ‘Meet the teacher and family day’, whereby you, your child and the class teacher(s) have opportunity to gather for a short period of time, will occur on Wednesday 24 January. Next week, information will be sent home providing details, including booking arrangements.
Conclusion of the school year
Term Four, and the end of the 2023 school year, concludes on Wednesday 13 December at 3:00pm (the final day for our Year 6 students is Tuesday 12 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
Social