Congratulations to our students who celebrated their First Communion on Sunday the 9^th of November and their Confirmation on Saturday the 18^th of October. Congratulations to Felicity Bondad, Mary-Kate Fider, Glyzelle Randall, Stacey, Faith Pascual, Harmony Hof, Julliana Ravis, Jhazmine (Cailey) Ravis, An Huynh, Giulia Ramos, Jack Duncan, Romano Jung, Tania Nguyen and Camille Czajkowski.

Catholic identity 

On Monday November 10 we held our annual staff reflection day facilitated by Sister Mary Ryan (Josephite Sister) which was held at the Bethany Josephite Centre, Kensington. This year our focus was on the Josephite tradition which is our school spirituality. Sr Mary Ryan lead the first session of the day, focusing on Saint Mary MacKillop's story and the story of the Josephite sisters. During this session, sister Mary made direct links to our school Vision and Mission statements along with our school website, all of which clearly define our spirituality and calling as those who work in a Josephite school. The 2nd session of the day involved a walk in the local area surrounding the Bethany Centre, tracing the footsteps of Mary MacKillop and visiting significant landmarks of the time Mary MacKillop lived on the site of the Bethany Centre. The 3rd session of the day involved a tour of the Mary MacKillop Museum which provided further detail of Mary MacKillop's story, the story of the Josephite sisters and the establishment of Catholic schools across Australia. We concluded the day in the chapel with a reflection and prayer. The day provided an opportunity for all staff to deepen their understanding of Mary MacKillop's story and our Josephite spirituality, both of which we are continuing to tell in our work today.

Curriculum News

I have included two mathematical tasks which you might like to have a go at with your child/children.

This week’s Mathematical tasks:

Reception to Year 3

You did a survey to find out who felt excited and who felt bored. What pictures could you use to represent these feelings?

Some students did a survey, and they recorded their results like this:

What might their survey have been about? Give more than one possibility.

What might the graph they drew look like? Be creative.

Years 4-6

The average of three numbers is 10.5. One of the numbers is 8.7. What might the other numbers be?

What might this graph be of?

Happy inquiry.

Children develop their reading skills, knowledge and understanding by reading regularly. Below are some strategies you might like to try at home to support your children’s learning:

• Encourage and model reading in the home
• Listen to your child read their reading material and ask specific questions related to what
• they have read
• Read with your child
• Share what you are reading with your child
• Read your child a bedtime story
• Talk to your child about the different situations you find yourself in whereby you are
• Required to read texts.

School fees for 2026

We are pleased to inform our school families that there will be no increase in school fees for the 2026 school year. It is at the heart of Catholic education that our school and all Catholic schools are affordable and accessible to all.

In addition to the ongoing fee-freeze, further fee remissions are available to any family who is struggling to pay school fees due to financial difficulties. Families should contact finance officer Kali Brown or myself for more information.

Family Fun Night Friday December 5

This year the St Joseph’s School Family Fun Night will take place on Friday December 5, 5:30pm-8pm in the school grounds. APRIM Simon McCullough has been busy planning for and prepare the evening. Our school band will be playing. In addition, each class will perform their Footstep Dance Program routine they have been working on this term. Bring along a picnic and your rug. I hope to see you all there. All children must be accompanied by an adult for this event.

Transition Program for Preschool and Reception children in Preparation for 2026

This year our Transition Program for children entering Preschool and Reception in 2026 will be run over three consecutive Tuesday mornings; November 18, 25 and December 2.

While children visited on Tuesday November 18, parents had the opportunity to attend a Parent Information Session that provided important information to assist with a smooth transition to St Joseph’s School.

The aim of our transition visits is to ensure all children entering Preschool and Reception in 2026 feel comfortable, happy and familiar with their surroundings leading up to the start of the 2026 school year. The transition visits also provide staff with the opportunity to get to know each child and begin putting in place support programs in preparation for the 2026 school year.

Year 6 Graduation

On Tuesday December 9 our Year 6 children will celebrate the completion of their primary years schooling with our Year 6 Graduation Liturgy which will take place in the school hall at 5:45pm. Following the Graduation Liturgy, the children will travel by bus to and from the Watermark Hotel, Glenelg to celebrate their Year 6 Graduation Dinner together. Further details surrounding the evening will be provided to families closer to the time.

Wednesday December 10 will be the last day of the school year for our Year 6 children. All children across the school will receive their end of year school report on this day.

School Band

Our school bandwill perform at the Semaphore Street Fair on Sunday 30 November at 12:00pm on the Jagoe Street stage. It would be great to see members of our school community come along on the day to support the band. 

The Human Brain and its Ability to Change

“Sow a thought and you reap an action; sow an act and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character; sow a character and you reap a destiny.”

                                                                                                       Ralph Waldo Emerson

Did you know that the human brain changes throughout our lives and that our experiences play a significant role in the changes which take place? Our brains are constantly looking for ways to save energy. The part of the brain known as the basal ganglia is responsible for recalling patterns and acting on them, assisting the brain to conserve energy in the process. But what happens if the patterns we find ourselves in are not particularly helpful or productive. The good news is we can re-train our brains with new, more productive patterns, but it takes time and energy and requires self-control. Self-control can strengthen our character and resolve. People high in self-control set up life with good habits and don’t have to waste as much energy on effort and resistance. They achieve higher academic and work performance and have less incidents of mental health, impulse and behaviour problems. To form new habits people need to set clear goals, start small, monitor progress and build from there.

“Willpower is about being able to hold opposites. So... I can feel the craving, and at the very same time, I just make my awareness big enough to hold my commitment to make a different choice.”

                                                                                                  Kelly McGonigal, 2014

To learn more about how you can support the wellbeing of your child, visit Be You (formerly Beyond Blue). The website also provides a range of resources and ideas to support the mental health and wellbeing of our young people. I encourage you to visit the website at https://beyou.edu.au/and have a look for yourself.

2026 School Board Nominations

Nominations are now open to members of the school community who would like to serve on the school board in 2026. The school board plays a valuable role in school governance. The board also allows parents to have a voice in the strategic direction of the school. Being a part of the school board can be a very fulfilling and rewarding experience. The school board meets twice a term on Mondays at 5:30pm.

If you are interested in serving on the school board in 2026, please complete the nomination form below and return it to the front office.

2026 School Finance Committee Nominations

Nominations are now open to members of the school community who would like to serve on the school finance committee in 2026. The school finance committee reports directly to the school board and plays a valuable role in school governance and transparency.  The school finance committee meets the week before school board meetings (twice per term).

If you are interested in serving on the school finance committee in 2026, please complete the nomination form below and return it to the front office.

2026 School Board Nominations

Nominations are now open to members of the school community who would like to serve on the school board in 2026. The school board plays a valuable role in school governance. The board also allows parents to have a voice in the strategic direction of the school. Being a part of the school board can be a very fulfilling and rewarding experience. The school board meets twice a term on Mondays at 5:30pm.

If you are interested in serving on the school board in 2026, please complete the nomination form below and return it to the front office.

Kiss and Drop Zone Speed Limit 10km per Hour.

A reminder that the school Kiss and Drop Zone along Rosewater Terrace has a speed limit of 10km per hour. Please ensure you observe the speed limit when using the Kiss and Drop Zone as this is an area where children are entering and exiting the school in large numbers.

A reminder also that the school Kiss and Drop Zone is not a place to park your car if you need to enter the school grounds as this holds up all incoming and outgoing traffic. It also leads to children exiting their cars on Rosewater Terrace and having to manoeuvre between traffic, raising further safety concerns. If you need to come into the school grounds, parking is available along Rosewater Terrace and on Ina Avenue.

Thank you in anticipation of your support with these important safety matter.

Audiri App

To keep up to date with what is happening within our school along with upcoming school events why not download the AudiriApp from the App Store on your mobile phone. Once downloaded simply search St Joseph’s School, Ottoway and add to your Audiri page. Many of our families currently use the Audiri App to keep up to date with what is happening across our school.

I hope you have a positive end to the working week and an enjoyable weekend.

Working in partnership with you.

Shaun O’Leary.

2026 School Board Nomination

Please return to Shaun O’Leary

I wish to nominate_______________________________________________ to serve on the St Joseph’s School Board in 2026.

Nominee’s Signature __________________________________________

I wish to nominate myself _____________________________ to serve on the St Joseph’s School Board in 2026.

 Signature __________________________________________

2026 School Finance Committee Nomination

Please return to Shaun O’Leary

I wish to nominate myself _____________________________ to serve on the St Joseph’s School Finance Committee in 2026.

 Signature __________________________________________

Vinnies Refugee and Asylum seeker service at Kilburn are trying to collect some hamper donations for this year to give to their companions/ clients to tide them over the Christmas break. They have asked if we would be willing to collect some items from students and families which they can include in Christmas bags. 

These could be just a few extra items on a family’s shopping list dropped off at the school.

These would include non-perishable items such as- 

• Cooking oil in 1 litre bottles
• Rice in 500g-1kg bags
• Pasta
• Tea
• Coffee
• Sugar
• Tuna cans
• Long life milk
• Nappies for toddlers
• Stationary like gifts for kids, colouring books, pencils, textas,
• Shampoo/Conditioner
• Tooth brushes
• Toiletries, deodorant, body cream, etc
• Biscuits sweet and savory
• Healthy kids snacks
• Muesli bars
• Instant Noodles
• Dates
• Nuts

Vinnies will gather these donations together and distribute to their companions/clients to assist them while they are closed over the Christmas break. Many of these people are on bridging visas and do not have income, our assistance would be a great help.

Next Mass

You are always invited to join with us at the Parish Mass and our school liturgies. The next Mass will be to celebrate The Immaculate Conception on Monday 8^th December at a10am in the Church.

Parent Centre - Our parent centre is getting good use, particularly in the afternoon. We are looking for resources to include in there that may be useful such as about secondary schools and available community resources.

Catholic Schools Athletic Carnival

A big congratulations to all students who participated the Catholic School Athletics Carnival in  Week 4. Your enthusiasm, teamwork, and sportsmanship were outstanding, and we are incredibly proud of the effort each of you put into every event.

A special mention to Lachlan and Curtricia, who achieved exceptional results and were named Age Champions for their respective year levels. Well done on your dedication, determination, and impressive athletic performances!

Multicultural School Community Tile Project

Our school community is beautifully diverse — and we’d love to celebrate that together!

Families are warmly invited to join us in creating a Multicultural Tile Wall. Each family can paint one tile that reflects something special about their culture or background. It might be:

• A favourite cultural meal 
• A national flag 
• A portrait of yourself or your family 
• A symbol, pattern or design that represents your heritage or identity

No artistic experience needed — just your story, creativity, and togetherness!

Once all tiles are complete, they will be arranged into a colourful display for our school community to enjoy for years to come.

Come paint, connect, and celebrate what makes our school wonderfully multicultural!

We can’t wait to see your tile!

St Joseph's Ottoway 2026 Music Application Form

See link to sign up for next year https://forms.gle/m5GNRHBSegkama3EA

Please visit the Front Office if you would like a paper copy, alternatively a pdf copy can be emailed to you. 

Revamping Our Garden! 

The Preschoolers added some beautiful new touches to our garden! We hung up colourful suncatchers and even added a fairy door and windows to the big tree. Oz and Akida helped Miss April hang them up, while Imelda, Catherine and Nayara loved singing their fairy song underneath the tree — bringing a little bit of magic and imagination to our outdoor space.

National Recycling Week at Preschool! 

Last week, we explored National Recycling Week by making our own recycled paper! The children were excited to take part in each step — from hand shredding old paper (great for building hand strength and fine motor skills) to mixing, pressing, and drying their new sheets.

We had wonderful discussions about how recycling helps care for our planet and trees why it’s important to reuse materials rather than throw them away. 

Children’s University 2025 Graduation - Celebrating Our Young Learners!

Last week, our school had the wonderful privilege of celebrating six outstanding students as they graduated from the Children’s University 2025 program. The ceremony was a joyful reminder of what curiosity, dedication, and a love of learning can inspire in our young people.

At the graduation ceremony, the children proudly walked the stage in their caps and gowns, cheered on by family, friends, and staff. Their achievements reflect not only their hard work, but also the encouragement and support of our school community.

We are incredibly proud of our six graduates and all they have accomplished. Their enthusiasm for learning is an inspiration to us all, and we can’t wait to see where their curiosity takes them next.

New video series: what the Social Media Age Restrictions mean for your family

We know that staying on top of digital changes can be challenging, especially for busy parents and carers. That’s why we’ve created the Social Media Age Restriction Video Series: a short, voice-led resource designed to help you understand what’s changing, why it matters, and how to support your family through it. 

This four-topic series covers: 

·         A delay, not a ban: What the changes mean for your child’s access to social media 

·         Why delay social media accounts? Hear directly from a young person on the benefits of waiting 

·         How will the age restrictions be implemented? What to expect and how it will work 

·         Support, resources and tips to prepare: Practical advice to help your family adjust 

Whether you're watching at home or listening on the go, this flexible format makes it easy to stay informed and confident in your digital parenting journey. 

You can even watch it with your child to start the conversation together!  

Watch the videos now

Protecting kids from violent online content

Videos showing extreme violence are no longer rare - they often go viral within minutes. 

Violent incidents are filmed, uploaded, and replayed almost instantly, often landing in the social media feeds of young people without warning. 

Graphic clips can appear through autoplay, recommendations, and reposts, making it hard to avoid. 

Our latest Online Safety Advisory explains: 

·         What ‘gore’ means and how it spreads 

·         Why it matters for young people 

·         Practical steps parents, carers, and schools can take to reduce harm 

Before exposure happens, here’s what you can do: 

• Talk early and often. Keep discussions open and non-judgemental. 
•  Set up protections. Use parental controls and platform filters to reduce violent content in feeds. 
•  Tighten privacy. Limit who can contact your child or share content with them. 
•  Model healthy habits. Be mindful of what you view, share and say about gore online. 

Read the full advisory

Join our upcoming webinars for parents and carers  

You’re invited to join our free live webinars designed to build confidence and skills in supporting safer online experiences for children and young people. 

Coming up in November and December: 

·         Social media age restrictions explained - a guide for parents and carers.  
From 10 December 2025, certain social media platforms will no longer allow Australian children under 16 to create or keep an account. Join our 30-minute information session to understand what’s changing and how to support your child. 

·         Algorithms and adolescents: The rewards and risks of recommender systems for young people.  
Explore the rewards and risks of recommender systems for young people. This 45-minute webinar will help you understand how algorithms shape online experiences, and what you can do to protect your child. 

·         Supporting healthy tech use as your child transitions into secondary school.  
This 45-minute webinar explores the social pressures, peer influences, and technological challenges young people face as they transition into secondary school. It also offers practical strategies for navigating online friendships and connections to help minimise negative experiences. It's suitable for parents and carers of children in upper primary school (ages 11 to 12) and Year 7. 

·         Recognising online coercive control in young people's lives 
It’s not always easy to spot when a relationship becomes controlling, especially for young people. This 45-minute webinar will explore how tech-based coercive control impacts young people, the red flags to watch for and practical ways to support those experiencing it.  

Whether you're new to online safety or looking to deepen your understanding, these webinars offer practical insights and tools to support your family. 

Register now

School card application deadline is 21^st of November 2025

If you are yet to apply, please see Kali in Finance or submit online. 

You’re invited to the Advent Retreat

“I am The Handmaid of The Lord”

Saturday 6th December 9:15am - 3:30pm At Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church 420 Seaview Road Henley Beach.

Speaker: Fr Josy Sebastian msfs

Please bring your own lunch tea/coffee provided. Enquiries and bookings phone Pauline 0403002240 by 3rd December Cost by Cash Donation All Welcome

Australian Girls Choir Open Day

Look no further than the Australian Girls Choir (AGC) because we encourage, challenge and inspire girls as they learn to sing, dance and perform. You’re invited to come along to our November Open Day to try our fun and inclusive classes and learn more about being part of the AGC! To confirm your booking, visit ausgirlschoir.com.au/joinagc