Celebrating What Makes Us, Us!

What makes you unique? In Year 3/4H, we have been discovering all the things that make us who we are. Our Unique Spider Webs celebrate our families, cultures, interests, talents, strengths, values, hopes and dreams. We have learnt that everyone has different gifts and that we don’t have to be good at everything. God made each of us wonderfully unique, and when we use our gifts, encourage others and celebrate their strengths, together our lights shine even brighter!

In R/1C, we have been having lots of fun learning and making special memories together!

We loved celebrating Book Week and participating in the Book Week Parade. We had so much fun dressing up as different book characters and were excited to share our costumes with our friends. We have enjoyed talking about our favourite books and celebrating our love of reading.

We also had a fantastic time on our Road Safety excursion to West Beach. We enjoyed learning about how to stay safe around roads and practising our road safety skills by riding bikes. A highlight of the day was spending time at the playground, where we had lots of fun playing, exploring and enjoying time together with our Year 2/3 buddy class.

Dear Families

It has been lovely to return to St Joseph’s Ottoway as Acting Principal. I have felt very welcome and it has been great to reconnect with students, staff, and families over the past 3 weeks.

Staff News

This week we farewell Michelle Boyle and April McInerney as they finish their time at St Joseph’s. Michelle has accepted a Work Health and Safety role with St Vincent de Paul, while April will be increasing her time in Preschools as a relief teacher. We sincerely thank Michelle and April for the care, commitment, and enthusiasm they have brought to their roles, and particularly for the positive contribution they have made to the lives of our children. We wish them both every happiness and success as they begin these next chapters.

New Playground

Hopefully you have seen the fantastic new playground at the Rosewater Terrace side of the school. The children excitedly watched the construction of the new playground and have enjoyed testing out all of the new features since it opened last week. It has quickly become a popular space for students to play, explore, and connect with their friends.

Two Important Surveys for Parents and Caregivers

1. Made in the Image of God (MITIOG) Sexuality and Respectful Relationships

Information will be shared with families today via EdSmart to invite you to participate in a survey to evaluate and improve the Made in the Image of God (MITIOG) Sexuality and Respectful Relationships Curriculum by gathering feedback from parents/carers across Catholic Education South Australia. The survey is voluntary.

         2. Living Learning Leading Surveys (Term 4)

We value your feedback and invite you to complete the Living Learning Leading parent online survey in Term 4. The Living Learning Leading survey provides families with an opportunity to inform the school of your feedback. Our staff and children (Year 2-6) will also respond to a similar survey. An information letter will be sent home to all families at the beginning of Term 4.

To encourage participation from families we are again providing an incentive with the class with the greatest percentage of responses by parents/caregivers receiving a surprise recess! (To be decided) Please look out for this letter in your child’s bag next term.

School Closure Day - Friday 25 September

A reminder that we will be having a School Closure Day this Friday 25 September. The whole school, including OSHC will be closed so that all staff can attend our Staff Reflection Day. Therefore, tomorrow Thursday 24 September is our last school day of Term 3. We will look forward to welcoming the children back on Monday 12 October.

Thank you

As I prepare to leave St Joseph’s, I am thankful for the many moments, conversations and connections that have made my time here so meaningful. It has been a privilege to walk alongside the students, staff, and families and to experience firsthand the strong sense of care and community that exists here.  St Mary of the Cross MacKillop reminds us of the importance of recognising the needs around us and responding with faith, courage, and compassion.

We look forward to welcoming Shaun O’Leary back from leave on Monday 12 October, the first day of Term 4. Simon McCullough will be taking leave for the first five weeks of the term, and during this time, we are pleased to welcome Lorenza Bianchini to the role of Acting APRIM. We wish Simon a restful and enjoyable period of leave and warmly welcome Lorenza as she steps into this role.

I wish you all every blessing for the remainder of the year.

Kindest regards

Belinda Elliott

Acting Principal

2027 Sacramental Program.

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are about to begin our 2027 Sacrament Program group. Catholic children from Year 3 to Year 6 can nominate to be prepared for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation. Every second year at St Joseph’s School, students are invited to be a part of this parish-based program. The Parish Priest Fr Marek oversees the program, and it is facilitated in school time by me and school staff.

The Sacramental journey in the school context follows on from Baptism and includes the celebration of the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation.

Can you please indicate on the form below your choices and return it to the office or email me at smccullough@stjotto.catholic.edu.au

As yet we have no dates available for these celebrations, but you will be advised of these as they come to hand from the parish.

If your child is interested in joining the program or you would like to find out more about the Sacramental program, please fill in the slip below and return to the front office.

Can you also please provide a copy of your child’s Baptism Certificate which is a prerequisite to celebrate these Sacraments. Please return this note by Friday 30^th October.

Kind regards,

Simon McCullough

APRIM

I would like my child to join the 2027 Sacramental program.

My child is already baptised: Yes    No  

I would like to enrol them in Reconciliation  

I would like to enrol them in First Eucharist          

I would like to enrol them in Confirmation    

Child’s Name........................................      Class:........................

Parents  / Carers Name........................................    Signature:.....................

Thank You to Adelaide’s Finest Foodland Frewville

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Adelaide’s Finest Foodland Frewville for their generous donation of $100 to our preschool. We greatly appreciate their support of our community and their contribution will help enhance opportunities and experiences for our children. Thank you for your kindness and generosity!

Breakfast Club - Kickstart for Kids

Breakfast Club is back! Kickstart for Kids will be at St Joseph's School Ottoway every Tuesday morning 8:25am - 8:45am for Breakfast Club.

Private Instrumental Tuition

St Joseph’s partners with Hallmark Music Studio to provide in-school private instrumental tuition on various musical instruments as one-on-one lessons for students of all ages.  There are currently limited vacancies for piano, guitar and violin.  Lessons are provided throughout the school day by visiting music tutors with one lesson a week - with a major benefit of in-school lessons being no after school run around taking children to after school music lessons.  Parents/caregivers are responsible for the payment of all lessons for the term and the costs are not included in your school fee’s.  If you are interested in enrolling your child, please see reception for a brochure and further information, or email: kylie@hallmarkmusicstudio.com.au

Please note Sports Vouchers that are eligible can be used.