Dear Parents, Friends, Staff and Students of St Catherine’s,
What a frustrating week it was last week for our school and so many of our families. The loss of power over such a long period of time caused a variety of challenges. Our thoughts go out to those families who experienced several days without power and we hope those affected by storm damage are recovering as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience, understanding and kindness demonstrated throughout the week as we navigated this unusual occurrence.
We were disappointed not to be able to proceed with our R-4 water safety program last week. Thankfully we have been able to secure a booking for 2023 to participate in the program early in Term 1, which we hope will provide better weather and will also be a similar timeframe to our Year 6 Aquatics program and Year 5 Beach Safety program.
Quiz Night
Thankfully with the power restored, we were able to proceed with our Quiz Night which was held on Friday evening. It was great to see so many parents and friends come along and join in. A great night was had by all with approximately $5000 raised which contributes to our P&F goal of covering the cost of having our school play equipment updated. Thank you to Russell who conducted his final stint as Quiz Master and thank you to all those families who generously supported with donations. A huge thank you to Elise and her team who worked tirelessly to ensure it was a great night.
75th Anniversary Mass
Following the Quiz Night we held our St Catherine's School 75th Anniversary Mass on Sunday. We came together to celebrate 75 years of St Catherine's School, a Catholic school started and run by the Dominican sisters in 1947 and it was wonderful to welcome members of the Parish, the school community, and past staff, students and families. St Catherine's has a rich history of providing a Catholic education in the Dominican tradition, built on the firm foundations of those pioneering Dominican sisters, and it was fitting to give thanks as a community for all those who have gone before us.
Athletics Carnival
Congratulations to the 37 year 3 to 6 students who participated in the Catholic Schools Athletics Carnival on Monday. They did exceptionally well in less than ideal weather conditions.
Employment of an Occupational Therapist and Speech Pathologist
Through a Catholic Education SA Partners in Practice initiative, we have been able to secure funding in partnership with St Francis de Sales College and St Josephs’ Murray Bridge to employ an Occupational Therapist and Speech Pathologist to work across our three schools. I am pleased to share that late last term, we were able to finalise the appointment of these positions for the commencement of the 2023 school year.
Nikki Snell will be joining our three schools’ community in the role as Speech Pathologist. Nikki has been employed as a Speech Pathologist with the Department for Education since 2018 and has experience supporting the development of children in schools working out of the Port Augusta, Whyalla and Elizabeth South offices.
Rachel Vince has been appointed to the position of Occupational Therapist, having worked in health and private practice settings since 2003. Her experience has involved work at Calvary Rehabilitation Hospital, with the ACH Group and at Glenside Inpatient Rehabilitation, as well as extensive work since 2015 in Pediatrics in both school and clinic based settings. Most recently Rachel has worked at Act for Kids, supporting children who have experienced developmental impacts of abuse and or neglect.
Nikki and Rachel will each spend a day a week at St Catherine's providing targeted support for students, as well as build knowledge, skills and understanding for our staff and parents.
Staffing
There are a few staffing changes taking place next year. Gaby O'Dwyer, who has been a Reception teacher at St Catherine’s for the past 12 years has decided that the time is right for her to pursue other teaching opportunities and so will conclude her time with us at the end of the year.
Genevieve Jong commences parenting leave in 2023 and we wish her and her husband Mike every health and happiness as they welcome their first child into the world.
Mandy Herbert concludes her time with us at the end of the year as a curriculum ESO and Art Club facilitator. Mandy's contribution and support of students this year has been very much appreciated.
Kelly-Ann Kirby returns to us in a part-time capacity (3 days) next year, following long service leave this term.
Two new teachers have been appointed to St Catherine's in 2023. Laura O'Connell and Jessica Barolo. Laura is currently teaching at McAuley Community School where she has been working as a year 5/6 teacher. She has previously worked at St Brigid's School, Kilburn and St Joseph's School, Renmark where she was the Middle Primary Teaching Coordinator. Jessica is currently the Reception teacher for the Term 3 intake of students at St Martin's Catholic Primary School and has also worked at St Paul's College as a year 4 class teacher and full time relief teacher. We look forward to Laura and Jessica joining our community next year.
2023 Leadership Structure
I am pleased to share that in 2023 the following staff will continue in their roles as Leaders of Learning, joining Krystina and myself as the Leadership Team.
- Kerry Cornelius: R-6 Wellbeing and Inclusion Leader of Learning
- Narelle Brine: R-2 Curriculum and Assessment Leader of Learning
- Corey Lewis: 3-6 Curriculum and Assessment Leader of Learning
Kerry, Narelle and Corey have contributed significantly to the work of our school strategic plan and we look forward to their continued leadership across these key areas next year.
ICT Usage Review
The past two years have shown us the important role digital technology can play in teaching and learning and enabled us to be able to provide learning opportunities and connection with students during times when they were unable to be at school. Hopefully these times of pandemic restrictions are well and truly behind us. Like many parents, we are asking ourselves how much of a role digital technology should play in the daily life of a primary school student, conscious of the modern construct of 'screen time' and what experts have to offer in this space with regards to childhood development. Early next year we will be undertaking a review of our ICT usage (what devices, applications, curriculum requirements, screen time and so on) which will inform an agreed code of practice for the use of digital technology across the school.
Advent
This Sunday, November 27th is the first Sunday of Advent. Advent reminds Christians to remember and prepare for the birth of Jesus. In the Catholic Church, on each of the four Sundays preceding Christmas, an Advent candle is lit. The four candles of Advent (hope, love, joy and peace) represent the virtues Jesus brought us.
As we enter this very special time of year, I encourage you to spend some time reflecting on all that brings you and your family hope, love, joy and peace.
Warm regards,
John Low
Principal
Upcoming Events
Tuesday 6th December: End of Year Picnic
Monday 12th December: 2023 transition visits for all classes
Wednesday 13th December: End of Year Mass, Graduation Assembly and Graduation Dinner
Thursday 14th and Friday 15th December: Pupil Free Days
Social