Week 8 Term 4 2023

We were certainly entertained last Friday night by our wonderful children at our Christmas Concert. A big thank you to our House Captains, staff and Parents and Friends for contributing to making the event such a successful evening.

Matthew Scott our Performing Arts Teacher worked in collaboration with our teachers and children to co-construct fabulous performances. It was quite emotional to see our Year 5-6 children perform on Friday night. Reality hit that there are only a few days left with our Year 6 children. I have witnessed each child flourish in their own journey over the last four years. It is reassuring to know that the children recognise St John Bosco is always their home and they are always welcome to come back and visit us. We love hearing about how our old scholars are travelling in their schooling and life beyond.

Farewells

At the end of the school year, we will farewell the following staff members from our community David Angus, Sarah Graham, Kate Williams and Stefanie Egger. All four teachers have been in our community for a short period of time but have certainly made a positive impact at St John Bosco School. We thank David, Sarah, Kate and Steffi for their energy, passion and dedication to the children, families and their colleagues throughout 2023.

We also farewell Susan Steer from St John Bosco School. Susan has been on leave throughout 2023 and has decided it is time to retire. A long-standing staff member, Susan began her journey in our community in 1988. Susan has worked in a variety of roles in her time in the community from teacher librarian, EALD teacher, working with our youngest community members to having a stint with the Year 3-4 children. Susan has always been passionate in keeping the Salesian tradition alive and thriving in our school with her trips to Samoa and driving fundraising for the South Pacific School Aid. We are very proud to hear that Susan has just completed the New York Marathon. We will miss Susan setting the fashion trend at St John Bosco. Make sure you wave to Susan as you see her pounding the pavement. We sincerely thank Susan for her passion, patience and energy at St John Bosco School for the past 35 years. Please join me in wishing Susan and her husband Kym a happy retirement.

School Board members  

We farewelled George Katsos and Lester Marks at our Wednesday night School Board meeting this week. George has served the St John Bosco school community, being a valued member of the School Board and a representative on the School Finance Committee for many years beyond my principalship. George has been an asset to both the committee and School Board offering his wisdom and thoughts to ensure our community thrives. Lester began his time on the School Board at the beginning of 2022. Throughout the two years Lester proved to be a level-headed board member often posing questions that prompted board members to think beyond the obvious. I would personally like to thank both George and Lester for their support and enthusiasm towards our community. We wish both the Katsos and Marks families well as they move beyond St John Bosco community with their youngest daughters graduating and moving into high school.

With George and Lester leaving our School Board, please consider nominating yourself to be a member of our School Board in 2024. We will be calling for nominations in the first couple of weeks of the 2024 school year.

2024 Teachers

I am thrilled to announce our 2024 teaching staff. We warmly welcome Kayla Harrison, Rosemarie Cavaleri and Sameera Kaur Sekhon to the St John Bosco community. Children will have a visit with the 2024 classroom teacher on Monday 11th December. Children will bring home a slip, on Monday afternoon to notify families of their child’s 2024 classroom teacher. If you or your child are anxious about their upcoming year and class placement. I would like to draw to your attention a wonderful article written by Madhavi Nawana Parker from Positive Minds Australia that we have shared on our St John Bosco School Facebook page.

Reception                           Giovanna Burgess

Reception                           Rebecca Werner

Year 1-2                              Kayla Harrison

Year 1-2                              Nicole Puopolo and Amelia Le Duff

Year 1-2                              Charlie Willoughby

Year 3-4                              Rosemarie Cavaleri

Year 3-4                              Helena Pomeroy

Year 3-4                              Sameera Kaur Sekhon        

Year 5-6                              Jessica Rushby and Nikki Hall

Year 5-6                              Dino Zandona and Marianne Pope

Japanese                            Matthew Scott

Performing Arts                   Matthew Scott

Physical Education             Dino Zandona and Mace van Weenen

STEM                                  Nikki Hall

Inclusive Education             Kelli Rose

Little Boscos                       Jenna Weber

Leader of Learning             Nicki Sharrad

APRIM                                Leah Bellifemini

Principal                              Kate Turner

Congratulations to Leah Bellifemini who has just been appointed permanent Assistant Principal Religious Identity and Mission (APRIM) at St John Bosco School for the next four years. The APRIM holds a significant role in our school as they work in collaboration with the staff, families and parish to lead Catholic Identity within our community. Leah works in partnership with the principal and parish priest to ensure our children and families experience a rich education based on a solid foundation of Catholic faith. The APRIM is a member of the St John Bosco School leadership team with the Principal and Leader of Learning, when the principal is absent the APRIM steps up to lead the school.

School Fees

Please note that 2023 School Fees are now overdue with the due date being surpassed, 30th November 2023. Thank you to all the families who have finalised their accounts by the due date. We would like to remind families to return their 2024 School Fees Payment Plan Agreement Form asap. Please ensure that your Direct Debit nominated amount must equate to ensure your school fees for 2024 are finalised by 30th November 2024.

Pupil Free Days

Our last school day for 2023 is Wednesday 13th December. If you require care for your child/children on Thursday 14th and Friday 15th December, please contact Mirella by email mirella.tsimikilis@sjb.catholic.edu.au to book your child. A charge of $49.00 per day is applied before your CCS allowance.

OSHC Fees in 2024

From 1st January 2024 the OSHC Fees at St John Bosco School will increase. The School Board endorse the increase in OSHC fees due to rising costs associated with running an OSHC and the consistent fee schedule we have maintained for the past four years.

Fees effective from 1st January 2024:

Before School Care (BSC): $12.50

After School Care (ASC): $23.00

Vacation Care: $55:00 (plus incursion and excursion charges)

Pupil Free Days: $55:00

A $50.00 late fee will be charged for each 15-minute block.

Building Project

Our new school hall is expected to be ready by the start of the 2024 school year. We are all very much looking forward to enjoying whole school gatherings in our new space. Please note that OSHC is unable to move over into the new space until we have approval and a site inspection from the Education Standards Board. We anticipate that we will move our OSHC over into the new building in at some point in Term 1.

Wishing you all a wonderful and Merry Christmas with your family and friends.

Kate Turner

Advent 

As we approach the festive season, our school is immersed in the spirit of Advent—a time of anticipation, reflection, and joy. Advent, derived from the Latin word "adventus", meaning "coming", is a season that invites us to prepare our hearts and minds for the arrival of something special. During this period of Advent, we encourage our children to embrace the values of hope, peace, joy, and love. These themes align perfectly with the core principles we instill in our children every day. It is a wonderful opportunity for us to come together as a community and reflect on the importance of these virtues in our lives. 

Throughout the school, students and teachers are taking part in meaningful discussions and activities that centre around the values of Advent, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. We invite parents to join us in creating a joyful atmosphere at home as well. Consider incorporating Advent traditions into your family routine, such as lighting the Advent candles, sharing moments of reflection, and engaging in acts of kindness. These simple yet meaningful activities can strengthen the bonds within your family and reinforce the values we cherish as a school community. You will find an interactive Advent Calendar at the link below, which provides families with a different activity each day, to learn more about the meaning of Advent.  

https://cspsa.catholic.edu.au/files/12323/AdventCalendar2023.pdf  

As we navigate through the days leading up to the holiday season, let us remember the true meaning of Advent. It is a time of preparation and expectation, a time to open our hearts to the spirit of giving, and a time to celebrate the arrival of hope, peace, joy, and love in our lives. May this Advent season be filled with warmth, togetherness, and a deep sense of gratitude for the blessings we share as part of the St John Bosco family. 

Wishing you all a joyful and reflective Advent season! 

Little Boscos Graduation Liturgy  

This week we gathered to celebrate the end of the school transition program for out Little Boscos. We gathered with hearts full of joy and gratitude to remember the friendships made, the lessons learned, and the adventures shared. The children were gifted with a special certificate and a small bear, to cuddle, share their happy stories with, or even share their worries with. As these young hearts move forward, we ask God to guide them with His wisdom, surround them with His love and always remind them of the hope and future He has planned for each of them. May their journeys be filled with joy, discovery and the knowledge that they are loved beyond measure. We wish the children every success as they begin their schooling at St John Bosco School.  

Moore Street Christmas Hampers   

As the holiday season approaches and the spirit of giving fills the air, we are thrilled to extend our deepest gratitude to each and every family who contributed to the Moore Street Christmas Hampers initiative. Your generosity has truly made a significant impact, bringing joy and warmth to those in our community who need it most. The outpouring of support this year has been nothing short of remarkable. From the bottom of our hearts, we want to express our sincere appreciation for your selflessness and commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others. The Moore Street Christmas Hampers project aims to spread cheer to families who may be facing challenges during this festive season. Thanks to your thoughtful donations, Moore Street will be able to assemble and distribute an abundance of hampers filled with essential items, festive treats, and a dash of holiday magic. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season filled with love, laughter, and the warmth that comes from knowing you've made a difference. 

Leah Bellifemini

As the academic year draws to a close, it is with great joy and nostalgia that we reflect on the incredible journey our Year 6 students have undertaken throughout their time in primary school. These remarkable young individuals have not only grown in knowledge but have also blossomed into confident and resilient learners ready to take on the challenges that lie ahead. Our primary school years are not just a period of academic growth but a time to nurture the seeds of faith that have been planted within each child's heart. Throughout their time with us, our Year 6 students have had the opportunity to explore the teachings of our school values of Belonging, Service, Loving-Kindness and Excellence fostering a sense of community that extends beyond the classroom walls.

A Tapestry of Memories:

The primary school years are like weaving a vibrant tapestry, each thread representing a unique experience, friendship, or lesson learned. Our Year 6 students have contributed their own threads to this beautiful tapestry, creating a rich and diverse picture of their time at St John Bosco School. From the first day of Reception, or those who joined our community in later years, to the final steps in primary school, they have navigated through various subjects, extracurricular activities, disappointments, and personal triumphs.

Academic Achievements:

These students have shown incredible dedication and enthusiasm for learning. Whether it was mastering complex mathematical concepts, exploring the wonders of science, or expressing themselves through creative writing, our Year 6 students have demonstrated a hunger for knowledge that has set them on a path for success in the future. Their achievements stand as a testament to the hard work and commitment they have put into their academic pursuits.

Friendships that Last a Lifetime:

One of the most heartwarming aspects of primary school is the deep and lasting friendships that form. Our Year 6 students have forged bonds that extend beyond the classroom, creating a support system that has been integral to their growth. The laughter, shared experiences, and moments of camaraderie have not only enriched their time at school but have also laid the foundation for enduring friendships.

Embracing Challenges:

Primary school is a time of discovery, and our Year 6 students have faced challenges with admirable resilience. Whether it was tackling a difficult project, overcoming personal obstacles, or navigating the uncertainties of change, these students have shown remarkable adaptability and a willingness to learn from every experience.

Looking Ahead with Excitement:

As our Year 6 students prepare to transition to the next phase of their educational journey, we celebrate not only their accomplishments but also the potential that lies ahead. Their time in primary school has equipped them with a strong academic foundation, valuable life skills, and the confidence to embrace the opportunities and challenges that await them in secondary school.

A Night of Celebration:

To commemorate this significant milestone, next week we will gather for the Year 6 Graduation. This event will be an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of our students, express our gratitude to the dedicated teachers and staff, and celebrate the support of the parents who have played an integral role in their child's educational journey.

As we bid farewell to our Year 6 students, we do so with a sense of pride and excitement for the bright futures that await them. They leave behind a legacy of laughter, learning, and friendship that will forever be a part of the fabric of our school community.

This is what makes being involved in communities, that makes life such a unique, precious and rewarding experience.

Thank you for being an essential part of this incredible journey.

Dino Zandona

Thank you to all the Parents and Friends who have generously donated to the P&F Christmas Raffle and Concert. We would like to also acknowledge the following businesses for their generosity:

B. Curious Adelaide for all your Slime & party needs.

SA Spice/Gfresh Adelaide for all your Herbs & Spices.

Chicken Shack at Plympton for the best chicken & chips you’ll ever eat including Gluten Free options.

Pilates With Kelly in Torrensville to burn off those extra Christmas calories.

Betel Leaf Cafe on Grange Rd for amazing Vietnamese food.

Sign Fairy Adelaide for our wonderful Christmas display. There’s an amazing sign for EVERY occasion.