St Raphael's School newsletter December 11

Thank you to all the wonderful students speakers and family members who attended.
Our Father told us an important story we'd like to paraphrase and share with you here:

"When I was about to transition from Year 2 to Year 3," he began, "I was eagerly anticipating joining an all-boys school. However, my parents decided I wasn't quite ready and held me back. I found myself in a class with just one other boy and seventy girls."

He continued, "At the end of that year, our school organised a grand fete. The excitement was palpable among all the students, including myself. However, my anticipation quickly turned to disappointment when my parents handed me just $1 to spend at the fete."

"As I arrived at the school grounds, the air filled with the scent of popcorn and the sound of cheerful chatter, I noticed one of my classmates, a girl, bouncing with excitement. Curious, I approached her and asked, 'How much money did your parents give you for the fete?'"

"'Ten cents!' she replied, her eyes sparkling with joy."

The Father's voice softened as he recalled his reaction. "I remember feeling a mix of pity and superiority. 'How sad,' I thought, 'such a small amount.' Then, a fleeting idea crossed my mind – perhaps I should share half of my money with her. But my selfish side quickly squashed that thought. 'If I give her half, she'll end up with more than me. That's not fair!'"

"So, I kept all my money," he admitted. "But you know what? I had a terrible time at the fete. I was so focused on my grumpiness and what I couldn't afford that I couldn't enjoy anything."
"Later, I spotted the same girl, laughing and chatting with her friends. She seemed to be having the time of her life. Puzzled, I approached her again."

"What did you buy with your ten cents?' I asked, genuinely curious."

"She smiled brightly and replied, 'I bought two lollies. Would you like one?'"

"How do you think I felt?"
 

Our Year 6 students have been an amazing cohort this year, and it is with pride, hope, and a little sadness that we send them on to the next phase of their schooling lives. We hope they prosper, find their feet early on, and flourish as we know they all are capable of.

Our graduation event was amazing, and we want to thank all the Year 6 staff and helpers who made it possible.

Special congratulations must also go to our award-winning Year 6 graduates and valedictorian, who were recognised at the graduation and again at our end-of-year mass for their honours:

• Valedictorian: Amy
• Catherine McAuley Award: Isla & Caroline
• Learning Improvement Award: Ebony
• Academic Excellence Award: Lucas

To quote Amy from her speech:
"I have had a great year with lots of ups and downs. I took some big steps in life preparing to go to high school." and "As Helen Keller said 'walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light."

"In conclusion I would like to thank everyone who helped me on my schooling journey from reception to year six, my teachers, my family, my friends and everyone I knew."

A huge congratulations to all our Year 6 students for taking on their leadership roles that allow them to lead in a particular area of interest throughout their senior year at primary school.

We also want to acknowledge the graduation of our 2024 Year 6 students and the traditional passing of the flame of leadership from them to the current Year 5 students, who will soon become the senior students at St Raphael's School. This important ritual was held as part of our final end of year mass this week. It is always a special moment honoring the transition to senior status for our primary school students.
 

Our Year One students have been busy reflecting on their favorite moments from 2024, and what a year it's been! From cozy pajama days to exciting excursions, our little learners have experienced a wealth of memorable events.

Top Highlights:

• PJ Day
• Self-portraits, paintings for the monastery, and community fair artwork.
• Zoo Excursion
• Celebrating 100 days of learning with 100 Days Brighter.
• Moving into a fresh, inspiring new classroom space
• Mercy Day special visit to the monastery
• Sports Day and swimming week 

Through it all, our Year Ones have embraced every opportunity to learn and grow. Well done Year 1 and thank you teacher Meeying Lee.
 

As we close out another exciting year at St Raphael's School Parkside, we're thrilled to highlight the vibrant Physical Education and Sports program that has kept our students moving, competing, and growing throughout 2024.Weekly Specialist PE Program

Our commitment to physical well-being remained strong with regular weekly specialist Physical Education classes for all year levels, ensuring every student had the opportunity to develop fundamental movement skills and enjoy the benefits of regular exercise.

Annual Highlights

The school calendar was punctuated by several standout events:

• Our action-packed whole school Sports Day
• The ever-popular P.E. Week, filled with diverse activities
• Participation in the prestigious SACPASSA Athletics Carnival

Extracurricular Sports Bonanza

Beyond the curriculum, our students enthusiastically engaged in a wide array of sporting activities:

• Out-of-school hours seasonal sport competitions
• Skill-enhancing clinics across various disciplines

Inter-school sporting carnivals, where St Raphael's proudly competed in:

• Athletics
• Swimming
• Cross-country
• Lacrosse
• Touch football

The dedication of our students, combined with the unwavering support of staff and parents, has made 2024 a banner year for sports at St Raphael's. Our strong emphasis on physical education and sports continues to be an integral part of our school's identity, fostering not just physical prowess but also teamwork, resilience, and a lifelong love for active living.As we look forward to 2025, we're excited to build on this year's successes and create even more opportunities for our students to shine in the sporting arena. Go St Raphael's!

On the winning podium we applaud Mr Tucker and Mr Sharrock for a keeping us active this year!

The 2024 academic year at St Raphael's School has been filled with vibrant and diverse performing arts activities, showcasing the talents and creativity of our students across various year levels.

Music Education

Our music program began with an exciting focus on Indigenous Australian instruments and First Nations artists for the Year 3/4 students. This culturally rich unit allowed students to explore and appreciate the musical heritage of Australia's Indigenous peoples. Later in the year, the same cohort delved into a broader study of music genres. Students engaged in a creative project designing music genre posters, demonstrating their understanding of different musical styles and their characteristics. The Ukulele Club was a highlight, with enthusiastic participation from students like Emily in Year 3/4. This provided students with the opportunity to learn a fun and accessible instrument.

Choir and Performances

The Catholic Schools Music Festival (CSMF) Choir was a significant part of our musical offerings this year. Students dedicated time to rehearsals, preparing for their performances with commitment and enthusiasm. One of the standout events was the 'Puttin' on the Ritz' performance, where our choir showcased their vocal talents and stage presence. This event allowed students to experience the excitement of live performance and develop their confidence in front of an audience. A particularly proud moment for St Raphael's was Mila's representation of our school at the CSM Performance night, where she sang 'Advance Australia Fair'. This performance not only highlighted individual talent but also brought honor to our school community.

Drama and Theatre

The Drama Club has been a hub of creativity and expression throughout the year. Students participated in engaging acting games like 'Alien Space Ship', which helped develop their improvisational skills and imagination. The club's hard work culminated in a performance during Week 6 of the final term, showcasing the students' theatrical abilities and the progress they've made throughout the year. The final Drama Club session for 2024 was a bittersweet moment, marking the end of a successful and enjoyable year in theatre arts. Earlier in the year, our Year 1/2 students explored the art of mime and tableaux, developing their non-verbal communication skills and physical expression in storytelling.

Special Performances

The school year also included special performances that brought our community together. The Nativity Easter Performance was a touching display of our students' talents, combining drama and music to tell an important story. Not to forget of course our Aisle be Home for Christmas Concert or our Celebrating the Arts evening, both this term.

Extracurricular Activities

Beyond formal classes and performances, our students found joy in music and movement during their free time. The photo of Anna, Reggie, and Maria from Year 5/6 enjoying playground fun at recess exemplifies how the arts have become an integral part of our students' daily lives.

In conclusion, 2024 has been a year of growth, creativity, and achievement in the performing arts at St Raphael's School. From exploring Indigenous music to staging polished performances, our students have embraced the arts with enthusiasm and dedication, setting the stage for even greater accomplishments in the years to come.

Encore to our Performign arts Teacher Mandy Flynn.

As 2024 comes to a close, we’re excited to reflect on the many achievements and memorable moments from this year at OSHC.

Vaction Care

This year marked the successful introduction of Vacation Care, providing children with engaging and fun activities during the school holidays. Highlights included exciting excursions like Adelaide Oval and mini putt-putt, as well as popular incursions such as Games 2 U. The joy and laughter shared during these programs have made Vacation Care an instant success.

Pupil Free Days

Our Pupil Free Days (PFDs) have also been a great hit, offering children opportunities to engage in carefully planned activities that are both creative and entertaining. 

Hands-on Sensory-Rick Experiences.

We placed a strong focus on hands-on and sensory-rich experiences throughout the year. Activities such as Boomwhackers, messy art, hand painting, and nature play fostered creativity and exploration while supporting children’s sensory and motor development. Special themed days like Mini Masterchef and Detective/Spy Day added even more excitement, with highlights including pizza-making, blindfolded taste tests, and obstacle courses.

Vacation Care Ahead

While the year has been filled with accomplishments, the fun isn’t over yet! We are gearing up for our next Vacation Care program, featuring another incredible lineup of activities, excursions, and creative projects. Book now via FullyBooked and get ready for an unforgettable summer!

Thank You

We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the families, children, and educators who have made this year so special. Your support and participation have helped us create a vibrant and inclusive community at OSHC. We can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store!

The team at your OSHC - be a young explorer.
 

Dear Book Club Playgroup Families,

As we wrap up this wonderful year, we wanted to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your participation in our weekly Book Club Playgroup sessions. It has been an absolute joy to see our library come alive every Wednesday morning with the laughter, curiosity, and creativity of our youngest learners from babies to pre-schoolers.

Our inaugural year of the Book Club Playgroup has been a resounding success. Together, we've embarked on countless adventures through the pages of picture books, engaged in craft activities, and watched as our little ones developed their love for learning through play. From acting out stories like "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" to exploring sensory activities with oats and creating colorful Lego rainbows, each session has been a unique and enriching experience.

Your commitment to fostering early childhood development has been truly inspiring. As we know, up to 85% of a baby's brain development occurs in the first three years, and your dedication to engaging your children in these formative activities is commendable.

Our Book Club Playgroup will continue in the new year, kicking off on Wednesday, January 29, at 9:15 am. We look forward to welcoming back our regular attendees and greeting new faces as we embark on another year of learning, growth, and fun.

Thank you for being part of our community. Your presence has made our playgroup a vibrant space for socialisation, friendship-building, and early education. We can't wait to see what new stories and adventures await us in the coming year.

Wishing you and your families a joyous holiday season and a happy new year. See you in 2025!

Warm regards,
Jacinta Nye and Amy Pellegrini
Book Club Playgroup Coordinators