Semester One Reports
In the prior Parent Newsletter, I explained that all South Australian Catholic schools will have a new student reporting format this year. This means the student reports will look different from the past. However, as summarised previously, for us at St Joseph’s Payneham, there are not many changes to the report style of past years.
The first semester reports will be distributed on Monday 3 July. They emphasise the learning that students have demonstrated this semester and aim to give families a clear picture of a student’s educational progress to date, across all areas.
Learning and teaching take place throughout the year and so does the assessment of the learning. I encourage families to look at the ‘Approach to Learning’ (or the effort) section before viewing the grades. It is important to look at reports as a measure of their own individual learning journey and not as a comparison to one another or their friends’ development.
For Reception students, the Semester One Reception Reports do not include an A-E grade. Instead, their achievement is reported as either: working ‘towards’, ‘at’, or ‘beyond’ the achievement standard.
Families can use the report to celebrate successes and identify ways to support their child. A student’s report is only one of many ways that schools keep families informed about student progress. I trust all families are aware that if they have questions about what their child is learning or how to help their child learn at home, they can make a time to discuss with the class teacher/s.
Parent Cyber Safety Workshop
As promoted, on Monday 3 July at 3:15pm there will a cyber safety workshop for parents/caregivers. The session will be facilitated by a representative from South Australia Police (SAPOL). There is no cost for the presentation. If you wish to attend, please RSVP info@stjopayn.catholic.edu.au by 12:00pm, Friday 30 June. On the Monday morning of 3 July, the Year 3-6 students will be part of a cyber safety presentation, also facilitated by SAPOL.
Refugee Week
Last week was Refugee Week, including World Refugee Day on 20 June. It is an annual event to inform the public about refugees and celebrate positive contributions made by refugees to Australian society.
Refugee Week provides a platform where positive images of refugees can be promoted to create a culture of welcome throughout Australia. The ultimate intention of the celebration is to create better understanding between different communities and to encourage successful integration, enabling refugees to live in safety and to continue making a valuable contribution to Australia.
It is an opportune time to have a conversation around the dinner table, acknowledging multicultural Australia and give thanks for the diversity and traditions that refugees have brought to Australia.
School uniform and personal grooming
Wearing the correct uniform brings a great sense of belonging to the community as well as pride in one’s appearance. Let’s work together to ensure the wearing of the correct uniform occurs on a consistent basis. As per the school uniform policy, I provide the following reminders regarding school uniform expectations.
Jewellery, etc.
The wearing of jewellery is discouraged and restricted. Any jewellery worn by a student to school is the responsibility of that student. The only jewellery permitted is a watch and simple earrings (either small sleepers or studs), and only one in each ear. If the student wears a chain, it must be worn inside the uniform and not be visible. Further, nail polish, make-up and tattoos are not permitted.
Hair accessories/styles
- Ribbons/Scrunchies/Head Bands – Navy Blue or in uniform fabric
- Clips – need to be simple and plain
- Long hair (shoulder length or longer) must be tied up at all times
- Streaks and hair colouring (permanent or temporary) are not permitted
- Hair is to be clean, neat and tidy and out of the eyes
The following hair styles are not permitted:
- Razor cuts or patterns cut into the hair
- Cutting/shaving/gelling of the hair that leads to a mohawk/mullett/skullet style
- Streaks or hair colouring (permanent or temporary)
- Rat tails
New School Uniform, 2024
As has been stated, from 2024, St Joseph’s Payneham will be endorsing a new school uniform. The Uniform Committee, together with the School Board, have been working through this process for some time. There will of course be a transition period from the current uniform to the new. Additional details, including when the new uniform will be available for purchase, will be released in due course.
Reminder – parking, road safety and driver etiquette
We are all busy and have places we need to be. However, we all want our children to arrive at school and depart school safely. This is priority. Consideration, patience, and following the road and parking regulations (i.e., travelling slowly around the school; not parking across driveways, double-parking, etc.), need to be adhered.
As has been outlined before, parking a little further away from the school, where you will not only find it easier to locate a parking space, but also opportunity for a short brisk walk with your child/ren, is well worth considering.
Farewell Brontè Platt
Brontè Platt, Year 3 teacher, will be concluding her time with us at the end of this term, as she will be commencing maternity leave. Whilst Brontè has only been at St Joseph’s since the beginning of 2023, she has fitted in very well to the Payneham community and has done a great job in her role as Year 3 teacher. We wish Brontè all the best as she welcomes her first child into the world.
Condolences
I extend my sympathises to:
- Milena Belperio (staff member), on the passing of her sister-in-law.
Congratulations
I offer my best wishes to:
- the Shanahan family (Zac, RJN) on the birth of a boy, ‘Finn’.
Conclusion of Term Two and Start of Term Three
As this is the last Parent Newsletter for Term Two, I wish you well for the two-week Winter break. Whilst the holidays are an occasion for rest and recovery, it is important to continue with daily reading. As we know the more children read, the greater exposure they have to a wider range of vocabulary, and children are more likely to be better at spelling, writing and to articulate their thinking.
As informed this week, on the final day of term we are asking for donations to go towards the Hutt Street Winter Appeal. Children may dress in casual clothes, including wearing a beanie, or pyjamas, to reflect on those doing it tough this Winter. Also, on final day of term, we have a ‘Boost Juice’ van on site, providing pre-ordered drinks to students.
Please note that Term Two finishes on Thursday 6 July at 3:00pm. Term Three commences on Monday 24 July at 8:40am.
Wishing you well!
Simon Mechis
defeated SPX All Stars 26-10 in a spectacular Grand Final! 🙌What a great season with the team winning 14 games finishing top of the table.
Social