Thank You Volunteers

Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers who have supported our children and school in so many ways throughout 2025. There is strong research that indicates that student learning outcomes improve when families are engaged and working closely with schools.  Without the support of our volunteers, we simply would not be able to offer the many different opportunities for our children. The ongoing efforts of our volunteers is greatly appreciated.

2026 Teaching Staff and Class Structures

I have completed the process of putting together class structures and teaching roles for the 2026 school year. Teachers have completed the process of placing children into classes in preparation for 2026. Children will find out the class they are in on Monday December 8 as part of our Whole School Transition in preparation for the 2026 school year.

Below is an outline of our 2026 teaching staff structure:

Shaun O’Leary: Principal, Leader of Teaching and Learning: Numeracy & STEM (1.0)

Simon McCullough: APRIM (0.6), Admin (0.2) & Specialist Music/Drama (0.2 Thursday)

Trish Pfeiffer: Leader of Teaching and Learning: Literacy & EALD Coordinator (0.8 Mon-Thurs)

Louise Moody: Inclusive Education Coordinator & Literacy Mentor for Early Career Teachers (0.4)

Melissa Strudwick: Dyslexia Support Program Coordinator (0.3 Thursday, Friday am)

Preschool Teacher: April McInerney (0.6 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday)

R/1 Classroom Teacher: Izabella Callisto

1/2 Classroom Teacher: Natalie Doyle

2/3 Classroom Teacher: Anna Huynh

3/4 Classroom Teacher: Ben Higgins

4/5 Classroom Teacher: Matt Pick

5/6 Classroom Teacher: Jane Smith

Janine Myer: Specialist French Teacher (0.2 Friday)

Daniel Nguyen: Specialist Physical Education Teacher (0.4 Monday & Friday)

Jennifer Craig: Floating Relief Teacher (0.2 Monday)

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

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.

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.

Important Dates

Term 4 concludes 3:00pm Thursday December 11.

Term 1 commences 8:45am Tuesday January 27.

I wish all our families an enjoyable end to the school year, a safe summer break and hope Christmas is a joyful celebration of Jesus’ birth and ongoing presence in our lives.

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 __________________________________________

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.

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.

Family Fun Night

5:30 - Gates open for families.

We also ask that adults us the toilet at the back of the Preschool / OSHC building. The other toilets are for children only.

The playground near the back fence is out of bounds tonight. - Thank you for supporting this.

From around 6pm the children will perform the dances they have learnt from Footsteps Dance Company and the school band will also perform.

Please bring a picnic style dinner and thank you for coming.  Thank you also for helping us to keep the school clean on the night.

Dear Parents/caregivers,

This is another reminder that we have moved to the Xplor OSHC Management system from 24 November 2025.

If you have not already done so, please ensure that you have completed the online enrolment form, added your payment details (please refer to the previous letter sent with the enrolment link, Xplor) and actioned your welcome email to set up the HOME APP.

Please complete your online enrolment form ASAP if you wish to keep using the schools OSHC services.

From Monday 24 November we started to use Xplor Home & Hub/Playground for bookings and sign in/outs at the OSHC.

Please let your Centre Director know if you have any questions or issues.

Kind regards

Mieke

Music and Community at the Semaphore Street Fair

Our school bands shone bright at the Semaphore Street Fair, where Beyond Ottoway and Peace and Harmony delivered an outstanding performance. The students impressed the crowd with their confidence, enthusiasm and musical talents, showcasing the songs they have been working hard on.

We are very proud of every student involved for their dedication in the lead-up to the event, using every opportunity at lunch and after school to rehearse, supported by our music teacher Mr Kilburn, our music tutor Gianni and everyone who helped the groups prepare.

This year also marked Mr Duncan Kilburn’s final Street Fair with St Joseph’s. We are incredibly grateful for the passion, encouragement and expertise he has brought to our music program. His leadership has helped many students discover a love of performing, and we sincerely thank him for all he has contributed.

Well done to all of our young musicians on a fantastic community performance. Our school community is very proud of you.

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. 

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