Term 2 Week 7 Newsletter

Dear Parents, Guardians, Students, and Staff,
As we reach Week 7 of Term 2, it’s incredible to reflect on how much we have achieved at St Joseph’s in such a short time. Our students continue to grow in faith, knowledge, and character – a testament to the partnership between home, school, and particularly our parish. We are so blessed to have the pastoral support of Fr Kieran, who journeys with us—students and staff alike.
As I write this, we are preparing to welcome our mid-year receptions, and I am reminded of the importance of partnership in Catholic education. These moments—where teachers, students, and families come together—are sacred opportunities to reflect, celebrate growth, and discern the path ahead. They remind us that the formation of each child is not just about academic achievement but also about nurturing the whole person—spiritually, emotionally, and socially. This is what we aim to do at St Joseph’s.
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells us that "everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher" (Luke 6:40). This reminds us of the profound responsibility we hold as educators and mentors, walking alongside students in their journey of learning and faith. Mid-year receptions allow us to pause and ask: How are we modelling Christ for our students? How are we helping them become the people God has created them to be?
As we approach the final weeks of this term, I find myself reflecting with gratitude on the journey we have shared as a St Joseph’s community. Each term brings its own joys and challenges, and this one has been no different. Through it all, I continue to be inspired by the dedication of our staff, the resilience and growth of our students, and the support of our families.
Let us take these last few weeks to encourage our students to give their best, support one another with kindness, and celebrate all we have achieved together.
I pray that these final weeks will be filled with purpose, peace, and the quiet joy that comes from knowing we have served one another well.
God bless you and your families,

Jo

Rug Up for the Homeless

On Tuesday Week 10 (July 1), our LEAD group will be holding a fundraiser for the homeless.

The money raised will go towards the  purchase of backpack beds so they have somewhere warmer to sleep.  We ask that you come dressed in "comfy" winter clothes and bring a gold coin donation.
There will be a disco in the hall for Reception to Year 2 at recess and for Year 3 - 6 at lunch.
We take for granted the fact the we have a warm house and bed to sleep in and forget that there are many that do not.

As the Year 3 Class were on camp Week 5, they missed the Assembly where awards were presented. Mrs Murphy gave these out at line up this week.
Congratulations to the following students:
Ted M, Ashton C, Charlotte M, Morgan C, Taj W, Lacey J. Absent: Odette C

Staff Reflection Day

‘Mary MacKillop- In the Footsteps of Jesus, from Penola to Clare and Beyond’

On Tuesday, Staff undertook learning and formation around our Catholic School’s Josephite Tradition.
The heart of Catholic education is the ‘heart’ – that deep place within us where we encounter the Love that calls and sends us. As staff in a Catholic school, we embrace a commitment to contribute to the school’s continually developing Catholic ethos and identity. Our Staff Reflection Day was an opportunity to deepen our understanding of our unique contribution to the school’s religious identity and to immerse ourselves in the rich history and story of our Josephite tradition as we journey through this Jubilee Year of Hope. We had an opportunity to undertake a pilgrimage together, journeying on Holy ground where Mary once lived.

Throughout the day, we had an opportunity to not only learn more about Mary MacKillop and the Sisters of St Joseph, but to reflect on how we too, like Mary MacKillop, can follow in the footsteps of Jesus.
Paul Murphy, a former Principal of Catholic Schools in the Josephite Tradition, shared insight into the early days of Mary’s journey as an educator and Sister of St Joseph. We visited the Mary MacKillop Museum, a place of great insight into many of the sisters. Fr Kieran guided staff through the St Ignatius Church, a place Mary visited and prayed regularly in, with the Jesuits providing great support of Mary, especially during her time of excommunication.

We ended our day with Mass in the chapel at the Mary MacKillop Precinct, led by Fr Kieran and with several serving Sisters of St Joseph joining us.

Sacramental Program 2025

The Sacramental Program in the Sevenhill Parish is run both through St Joseph’s School and through the Parish. This term, the candidates for Confirmation and Communion are journeying in preparation as a group with their families, parish and school staff. Last night, we gathered for our second Parent-Student Session as a whole group. In coming weeks, we will come together for a Mass hosted by the Liebelt-Seymon Family.
Upcoming dates
June 11- Parent-Child Session
Home Mass Date and Time TBC
Reconciliation in preparation: (Times to be confirmed) -Thursday June 26, Wednesday July 23
Sacrament Retreat Day- June 20

Parish News

Sevenhill Jubilee Year Pilgrimage Mass – Saturday 28 June
We look forward to welcoming Archbishop Patrick O’Regan and Jubilee Year pilgrims from across Adelaide on Saturday 28 June. Archbishop O’Regan will celebrate Mass in St Aloysius Church at 12.30PM. To register your attendance at the Mass, please visit: https://www.trybooking.com/DASOD
The sacrament of reconciliation will be available from 11am, and tea and coffee will follow the Mass. All are welcome!

Young Adult Jubilee Year Pilgrimage Mass & Walk - Saturday 28 June
Young people aged 18 to 35 are invited to join the Catholic Office for Youth & Young Adults (COYYA) on a pilgrimage to Sevenhill on Saturday June 28 for the Jubilee Year.
$20 per person, including bus travel (returning to Adelaide) and lunch.

Bookings are essential.
Schedule: 7am – depart Adelaide (Thebarton), travel via bus to Watervale.
9am – Pilgrimage Walk (9.5km) to Sevenhill, beginning at Watervale.
11.30am – Reconciliation and personal reflection time at Sevenhill
12.30pm – Mass with Archbishop Patrick O’Regan (St Aloysius Church, Sevenhill) 1.30pm – Group lunch, wine tasting/cellar door.3pm – Depart Sevenhill, travel via bus to Adelaide (Thebarton) 5pm – arrive in Adelaide (Thebarton)

Next Sunday (22 June) On Corpus Christi Sunday
Mass will be offered at 11AM in St Aloysius Church, Sevenhill, followed by the Eucharistic Procession and Benediction at Weikert Cottage. Thank you to our Sevenhill Altar Society and Clare Altar Society volunteers who are working to prepare for this celebration. We are seeking more volunteers to assist with setting up and packing up on the day - please contact Fr Kieran for more information. Please note – due to the 11AM Corpus Christi celebration at Sevenhill, there will be no 5PM Mass in Clare on Sunday 22 June (Corpus Christi Sunday).

God Bless
Helen Hay
Assistant Principal- Religious Identity and Mission

Pedal Prix is here!
The Year 7s and a few Year 8s are off to Victoria Park on Sunday ready to take on the 6-hour racing challenge. We are also excited that Patrick & Hayley get the chance to participate in a race on Saturday, in a specially designed tandem bike, with the support of Errington Special School. Our students are really stepping outside of their comfort zones and jumping into a new experience. These sorts of opportunities are a big part of what we do in the Middle School and not only provide memories for years to come but also help build resilience and self-belief. A huge thank you to the Clare Flying Club, particularly Peter Roberts, who volunteered his time and the use of the Aerodrome for our students to train in a racetrack-like location.

Firewood 
There are still a few loads of firewood left to be purchased, we have 36 eager delivery people (and their parents) who would gladly drop some wood at your home to keep you warm.

Community Dinner
The Community Dinner is on next weekend! I have heard snippets of the performance which is sure to get a few laughs. The menu by Cafe 1871 looks absolutely delicious, and there is a wide selection of beverages donated by local wineries for the evening. There are still a few tickets left, if you have never been it is a fun night and an event that helps to make our community what it is today. Contact the front office to book a ticket.

Our students have been continuing their work at Cafe 1871, where Joel, Darcy and their team so generously donate their time twice a week to teach our students the art of being a barista. Over the past two months they have also dedicated time to train our Year 7s as waiting staff at our Community Dinner.

Tom Gilligan
Assistant Principal

Learning About Democracy in Action!

This week, both Year 8 classes took part in a fun and interactive unit exploring how the Australian Government is formed and how laws are made. Students were assigned electorates and worked in groups to represent different parts of the school community. They visited each class to speak with their “constituents” and asked what changes they’d like to see in the school. Suggestions ranged from flying foxes and jumping pillows to tennis courts, basketball rings, and a higher fence around the football oval - just to name a few!

Using this feedback, each group created a Bill to propose their idea. On Wednesday, students participated in a lively parliamentary session, presenting their Bills, debating respectfully, and voting to pass or reject each proposal. It was a great way to learn about representative democracy and the importance of listening to others’ voices.

Dan Harding 

Thursday Lunchtime craft
This week, the lunch time craft group made masks with animal ears and paper plates. It is fantastic to see students of all ages across the Primary school working together at craft group.

Managing Kids Anxiety - A guide for parents
Anxiety is something that touches the lives of all of us at some point. Many children experience anxiety frequently and it can be difficult to know what to do to support them. Below is a link to an article written by former teacher and parenting educator, Michael Grose, which provides practical tools and tips for managing kids' anxiety.

Managing Anxiety in Children

Maddie Maynard
Wellbeing

Each year all schools participate in data collection for the Australian Government, with one area being information about Students with Disability. More information about this process (called NCCD) can be found at this link. The NCCD allows our school to review and strengthen the support we provide for all our students, particularly those with disability. If you would like to discuss this with someone, please contact Michelle Edmondson, Literacy & Inclusion Leader.

NCCD Data Collection Information

Netball Country Championships

On the long weekend, 8 St Joseph's students represented the Northern Eastern Netball Association at the annual Netball Country Championships held at Netball SA Stadium. The girls were spread across 3 teams, Under 11s, Under 13s and Under 15s. It was a very cold and wet weekend but all girls performed well and showed great resilience and sportsmanship.

The U11s Won all 5 of their games and progressed to the Finals but unfortunately lost to Hills 28 - 8.
U13s won 8 and lost 3 putting them 4th in Pool A so they progressed to the Div 1 Finals but lost to Riverland 13 - 25.
U15s won 10 of their 11 games which placed them second in Pool B and saw them progress to the Div 1 quarter final where they were defeated by Mid Hills 28 to 8.
All teams had great successes with U13s and U15s finishing in the top 8 of 23 Associations.
A big thankyou to all Coaches, Team Managers, Umpires, Parents and all those that assisted and enabled the girls to participate, a great weekend was had by all.

State Cross Country

On Thursday June 5, 35 students represented the Mid North at Oakbank Race Course participating in the State Cross Country. Unusually, it wasn’t a wet and muddy track, but it was a typically cold wintery Adelaide Hills day.

St Joseph's had 11 students competing on the day and all represented our school with great sportsmanship and determination. If you would like to read a full report, follow the link below.

Full Report

Sapsasa Football

In Week 5, Monday 26 to Wednesday 28 May, 8 St Joseph's students participated in the School Sport SA Sapsasa State Carnival at Barrett Reserve, West Beach. They were brilliantly coached by Year 5 teacher, Hugh Walker, and had many parents and supporters there to cheer them on. Annie Smith was also there to assist as part of her CHS Year 12 PE Program.
A great few days was had by all even though the weather was a bit unkind on the first day. For full report on all matches please follow the link below.

Full Report

The Big Freeze

On Monday June 9, Charlie, Eva and Henry J attended the Collingwood vs Melbourne AFL game at the MCG. 
It was the annual “Big Freeze” game which is held to raise money and promote awareness of the fight against MND. Each year celebrities are invited to dress up and slide into a large pool of ice. Many of these celebrities have been touched by this terrible disease in some way. Henry, Eva and Charlie loved the experience and below are their favourite bits.

Charlie – “The best bit about the football was that Collingwood won by 1 point and we were going for them”
Eva – “Loved the girl who did a dance”
Henry – “Best bit was when Craig Lowans did a big flip”

JOKE OF THE WEEK 

Q. Did you hear about the fight at the seafood restaurant?