Newsletter 17 2023

Variety Night

Thanks for attending the Variety event last week. Special thanks to Mandy Flynn for her hard work. In many ways this was a celebration of the values of:

Inclusivity
It was great to see so many students participate, many of whom might not have previously had the confidence to do so.
Teamwork
The work of students and staff who contributed to this event through rehearsals and in a variety of ways to prepare for the event.
Community
Thanks for your support in making this a full house and for the generous way that you acknowledged the performers.

Grandparent's Day

There is a great sense of anticipation for Grandparents and VIPs Day, and we know how significant this event is for our guests. Our students treasure these relationships and are looking forward to hosting their guests. Thanks to Helena Card for her planning and to all staff for their support. We have added some additional presentations to the event, so we are looking forward to sharing this with you.

Building update

The roof is being added and we are planning for our students to visit the site soon and report to the community on our exciting new space.

Uniform

The good news is that we have been advised that the new uniforms will be available in Week 7. We are looking forward to the new uniform and a reminder that there will be a two year transition period so that families are not obliged to purchase the new uniform until the start of 2026.

PE Week

Thanks to Corey Tucker for his work in preparing for this event. I know that Corey is passionate about our students being active, healthy, and happy individuals by maintaining a balanced lifestyle, and making healthy choices. Please refer to the communications from Corey to clarify details and thanks in anticipation for encouraging your child to participate.

Mark Simpson
Acting Principal

Welcome to Week 4.  As a Catholic School, we are always seeking ways to promote social outreach through active support. Each year, St Raphael’s School contributes to the Brother Michael Christmas Hamper Appel. The following is information about the appeal and how we can actively support this throughout the school.

Brother Michael Christmas Hamper Appeal

History of the Brother Michael Christmas Hamper Appeal Inc.

In the 1980’s the late Brother Michael Kirgan CP gathered together several Parishioners of the Parish of St Paul of the Cross, Glen Osmond, to assist him in preparing and delivering Christmas Hampers to families in need across Adelaide.

In 1994 Br Michael suffered a heart attack and passed away.  The Parish Priest at the time, Fr Peter Gardiner CP, wanted this special work of Br Michael’s to continue and sought a group of Parishioners to coordinate activities. A committee was formed and the Appeal continued. The number of hampers prepared grew to 200.

In 1997, the Committee agreed to establish an incorporated body and seek registration as a recognised Charity. 

Nominations for support are received from the following:

The Society of St Vincent de Paul (Glen Osmond, Kilburn & Noarlunga Conferences), Coolock House, Louise Place, Centacare Family Services, Catherine House, Circle of Friends for Refugees, Our Lady of La Vang School, St Patrick’s School, Vinnies Refugee & Asylum Seeker Service and the Elizabeth Parish.

The Parishioners continue to provide the necessary financial support for the Hamper Appeal.  Funds raised are used to purchase Foodbank Hampers, Coles Grocery Gift Cards and gifts for children in a family. Donated groceries from parishioners, students of Mercedes College and St Raphael’s School provide an extra box of basic groceries for at least one other meal for a family.

In 2022, the Hamper Appeal provided support to 500 individuals within the Adelaide metropolitan area.

How can we help?

We are asking families to continue this tradition of outreach to those who need assistance in our community by bringing in the following items from each year level:

Reception:  Baby Food, Jelly Crystals
Year 1: Noodles, Rice
Year 2: Pasta, Pasta sauce
Year 3: Cereal, Tuna
Year 4: Jam, Vegemite
Year 5: Instant, Coffee
Year 6: Tea Bags

We thank you in anticipation for this support. There are many families who are feeling the pinch of our economic times. The Brother Michael Christmas Hamper Appeal is a way that we can actively support and care for these families.

God Bless,
Helena Card
APRIM (Assistant Principal Religious Identity and Mission)

Gateways Eureka

On Monday 30 October, I took 4 students to St Francis of Assisi to participate in the Eureka Gateways program. The program is fast paced, fun and challenging for high ability students that sparks curiosity, ignites deeper thinking and fulfill their innate love of rich learning. The students spent a full day with the program to extend and enrich their learning experience.

I asked each of the students what was their favourite part of the day was. Lucas and Caroline said they enjoyed learning about the French Revolution. Paul and James said that they enjoyed using the robots.

Moderation

Each term St Raphael’s School and St Catherine’s School teaching staff get together to work on moderating their students work. The purpose of the moderation is to gain a consistent, on-balanced approach to grading students. In addition to this, teachers have rich discussions about their assessment and learning design and make improvements.

Some of the feedback from teachers was that they really liked having the opportunity to work with another person in their year level so they can listen and share ideas. The opportunity for rich conversations was appreciated and working alongside a knowledgeable other to create tasks that are rigorous and provide intellectual stretch for students.

Corey-Lee Lewis
Assistant Principal - Leader of Learning

Dear Families,

I want to take a moment to express my deep appreciation for your attendance at our celebration last Friday evening. The St Raphael's School inaugural Variety Festival was an outstanding success, all thanks to your unwavering support.

I firmly believe that it is a collaborative effort that makes events like these possible. Therefore, I want to warmly acknowledge and greatly thank my fellow teachers, educational support officers and leadership staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that the evening was a truly remarkable celebration.

As we look ahead, I am filled with excitement at the prospect of organising more events like this to recognise our talented student performers. These gatherings provide us with a wonderful chance to unite and celebrate the creative learning journeys of our students as they flourish and achieve success.

Please enjoy perusing our photo gallery from the evening.

Warm Regards,
Mandy Flynn
Performing Arts Teacher

Now that we have wrapped up our amazing Variety Show, we can turn our attention to our busy upcoming Sports/PE Schedule. Today, our selected/nomitated students are attending the Athletics Carnival and we wish them the best of luck in their competitive events. This is great opportunity that allows our athletes to demonstrate their abilities at a larger scale event.

PE Week

Physical Education Week will take place in Week 5. This week is a celebration of all things physical activity, providing time to acknowledge our students’ accomplishments from across the year. It also allows us to acknowledge all the parents/carers who have dedicated their time to help provide these opportunities for their children through coaching/organising/cheering on. An information letter regarding the week was sent out yesterday, so please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions regarding the week.

PE Assembly

Our PE Assembly will be held on Friday 1 December (Week 7). This will serve as a great opportunity for us to celebrate all our wonderful athletes’ achievements from across the year. While it also allows us time to celebrate the parents/carers who have helped coach/manage across the calendar year.

Water Safety Week

For our families in Reception to Year 5, forms have also gone out, along with information letters regarding the quickly approaching Water Safety Week. The Water Safety Week is a great opportunity for students to actively participate in the water, learning the vital skills of how to safely engage in water-based activities/play. For those parents/carers who have volunteered to help during this week I will ensure to get back to all of you regarding information surrounding this during the week!

Term 4 Kelly Sports R-5

The Kelly Sports Program has kicked off to great success this school term with Reception – Year 2 engaging in cricket and soccer. While sessions have also started for volleyball in our multi-sport program for Years 3-5. Both sessions will continue to be held on Wednesdays after school from 3:15pm - 4:00pm. It is not too late to register your child. Please be mindful that you must be on time and pick your child up at 4:00pm otherwise they will be sent to OHSC.

Flyers for nominations for Term 4 were sent home to student’s last term and nominations will continue to be accepted across the term.

Key Dates

After School Sport
Kelly Sports: Multi Sport Program
Time: Wednesdays 3:15-4:00pm

Water Safety Week (Reception – Year 5)
When: Daily from Monday 27 November to Thursday 30 November, Week 7, Term 4, 2022
Where: Unley Swimming Centre, Ethel Street, Goodwood

Corey Tucker
P.E. Teacher and Sports Coordinator

The Variety Show has definitely been a highlight for the Year 5s so far this term. A lot of preparation goes into an event like this, and the students have worked hard with many rehearsals to perfect their performances.

The students thoroughly enjoyed the night and by the large attendance, it showed how well the community supported the event. Mr Sicari, Mr Tucker and myself were so proud of the Year 5 and 6 classes for how well they worked collaboratively and supported each other and achieved such a memorable show.

I asked two of the students to share their thoughts about the night.

“I liked the concert because the preshow entertainment was fun to watch and I loved dancing to the Arabian Nights in costume.” Amy Stolz (Year 5).

“I thought the Variety Show was a big hit for all the students and families. I enjoyed being a part of the Year 1 and 2s performance with my friend Jess. I also loved when Loraine and Oliver were Jasmine and Aladdin on the magic carpet and I loved when the Year 6 class did Arabian nights. Overall, I think it was the best end of year concert St Raphael's has ever had.” Mia Pike (Year 6).

Jodie Hamilton
Year 5 Teacher

St Raphael's School Community Cookbook

Deadline extended to next Monday 13 November, if you would like yours, your family members or friends receipie included. Please send it to Katrina on ktucker@raph.catholic.edu.au 

School playdate Sunday November 19

From 10am to 11:30am Burnside Adventure Playground

Bring your family and friends along for a big old fashioned playdate in the sunshine!

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