Dear families and friends, I feel so very blessed to be a part of the very welcoming St. Raphael’s community! Let me introduce myself… my name is Tanya Stott and I am your APRIM (Assistant Principal Religious Identity & Mission). My door is always open and you will find me at St. Raphael’s School each Tuesday and Wednesday. I have met a few of you and am looking forward to getting to know you all and most importantly, your children! Please let me know if I can assist or support you in any way. My email is tstott@raph.catholic.edu.au
Shrove Tuesday, Ash Wednesday and Lent
The Liturgical Season of Lent is upon us, officially having begun yesterday on Ash Wednesday. Our Year 3 to 6 students attended the 9.30am Parish Mass at St. Raphael’s Church whilst later in the morning, our Year R to 2 students participated in a Liturgy held here in the hall. During celebrations on this day, those attending receive the sign of the cross in ashes on their foreheads. This symbol is a visual reminder of our commitment during the 40 days of Lent, to try to be the best version of ourselves and make good choices for the benefit of all.
Traditionally, the day before Ash Wednesday is known by a variety of names including Pancake or Shrove Tuesday. Long ago, it was a tradition for families to use up all their delicacies (eggs, butter) prior to the start of the Lenten Season, which was a period of abstinence and fasting. Pancakes were useful in ensuring this. Nowadays, we do not tend to fast, focusing more on preparing ourselves for Easter through reflection, making good choices and being of service to others.
It was so delightful to have many families and students enjoying early morning pancakes on Tuesday – apparently their enticing smell found its way into many of the streets surrounding our school!!!!!! Many thanks to staff for their team effort in this event – there were a lot of smiles, happy people and comfortably full stomachs to begin the day!
Lent is also the time in which Catholic Schools and Parishes support the work of Caritas, through Project Compassion. Your child/ren may bring home a donation box from this organization and I will include more information in the next newsletter.
Commissioning of Staff
Last Saturday, staff attended the 5.30pm mass at St. Raphael’s Church, where during a special ceremony we were commissioned with the responsibility and ministry of educating in a Catholic School. Our new Parish Priest Fr. Tom, said this blessing over us…
"Bless all the members of St. Raphael’s School staff as they take up the responsibility and ministry of educating our young people and of building a Christ-like environment for the School Community. Guide them in their work, fill them with patience and love and let your Spirit of wisdom and understanding be with them each day, so that they may have joy and peace in their hearts.
We ask this prayer through Jesus Christ, Your Son, in the love of the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever.
Amen."
Whole School Mass – 9.30am Wednesday February 21 at St. Raphael’s Church
We warmly invite you all to join us as at mass, as we celebrate the beginning of the 2024 school year and welcome those new to our community. It will also be an opportunity to meet our new Parish Priest Fr. Tom, as he and Fr. Tony plan to co-celebrate this mass with us.
Sacramental Programme
St Raphael’s School is in the Parish of St. Paul of the Cross. Each year, Sue Schulz who is the Parish Pastoral Associate, coordinates the Sacramental Programme to prepare young people and their families for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Eucharist. Information with regards the 2024 programme will be emailed to us shortly and I will then distribute it to families.
I will leave you with some inspiring words of wisdom from Audrey Hepburn…
“For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.”
Many blessings, Tanya
Reception and Year 5/6 B were delighted to spend their first buddy session together in Week 1. Buddies chose a spot in class or out in nature to share their love of reading together.
Spending time together helps us to build connections within our community, whilst also developing respectful relationships, one of our Mercy Values.
Our focus was, treating others how I would like to be treated.
Feedback from the students:
"It was fun to see how much the Reception students liked listening to the books we read to them" Isla, Year 6.
"My buddy was friendly, he told me that he loved me reading a funny story to him" Noah, Year 5.
By Mr Baxter
Reception: Australian Arts Curriculum Focus: Music
Our youngest learners will have the opportunity to discover an assortment of musical instruments from unique parts of the world. Through this exploration, children will gain knowledge about diverse cultures and communities. In addition, student musicians will also hone their early understanding of audience etiquette and critical listening skills.
Years 1 and 2: Australian Arts Curriculum Focus: Drama
Student artists will explore the Physical Theatre performance platform, with a focus on creating short mime and tableaux performances. Throughout this learning, children will also engage with contemporary performances produced by local and interstate companies, including South Australia's eminent Restless Dance Theatre.
Years 3 and 4: Australian Arts Curriculum Focus: Music
Student musicians will explore a variety of music styles and celebrated artists, before becoming acquainted with a variety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musical instruments and celebrated artists. Following this, learners will also take part in a percussion workshop, with a focus on African Drumming.
Years 5 and 6: Australian Arts Curriculum Focus: Music
Students will hone their aural skills, while also broadening their knowledge and early application of lyric structure and music notation. Secondly, students will learn how to use a variety of accessible programs to record and edit short compositions.
Extra-Curricular Learning Opportunities
Ukulele Club: Year Levels: Year 3 and 4
When: Every Friday during Lesson 2. Cost: Participation in weekly lessons is free, but a once-off music levy applies.
Learning Activities and Outcomes:
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How to play a variety of popular Ukulele songs
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How to read chord music
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How to tune and look after their instrument
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How to play alongside other musicians
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Understanding tempo, volume and rhythm · How to perform in front of an audience
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Develop confidence while having LOADS of fun with friends!!
Private Music Lessons Year Levels: Reception – Year 6
When: During school hours, with recess and lunch time spots available. Cost: Additional weekly cost (charged by individual tutors) If your child is interested in joining the Music Tuition Program, please request an Expression of Interest form from the Front Office or from our Performing Arts Teacher/Coordinator Mrs Mandy Flynn. Afterward, your contact details will be forwarded to the Music Tutor who is currently teaching your child’s desired instrumental area.
DRUMMING: Mr Yurk Markov
Currently teaches on Mondays
GUITAR: Mr. Elliot Litchfield
Currently teaches on Mondays (except for Weeks 2 and 3 where Elliot will be teaching on Friday)
Mr. Jack Willsmore
Currently teaches on Tuesdays
PIANO: Mrs. Patricia Heller
Currently teaches on Wednesdays
SINGING
Sadly our Singing Tutor Mrs. Maddie Egge has resigned from her position at St. Raphael’s School. We will miss Maddie’s energy, positivity and wish her all the best with her future pursuits. In the meantime, Mrs. Mandy Flynn is currently organising a new Singing Tutor to commence as soon as possible.
Important Information:
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If your child participated in Singing Tuition in 2023, your child’s place in the program will be reserved until our new Singing Tutor commences.
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If you wish to not continue with Singing Tuition in 2024, please contact Mrs. Mandy Flynn (Performing Arts Teacher/Coordinator) as soon as possible.
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If your child is interested in participating in Singing Tuition in 2024, please request an Expression of Interest form from the front office.
Drama Club Year Levels: Year 4, 5 and 6
When: Every Friday at lunch. Cost: Free
Learning Activities and Outcomes:
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We play Theatre Sports and children participate in play readings.
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Student actors rehearse Theatre performances and short films.
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Children learn fundamental acting and oral presentation skills in preparation for the Secondary School years.
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Student Actors develop self-confidence, empathy and lifelong resilience.
Choir Ensemble Year Levels: Year 4, 5 and 6
When: Fridays during lesson 3. Cost: $40 for Choir Sheet Music Book
Learning Activities and Outcomes:
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Children participate in weekly singing lessons for beginners where they will learn how to use their voices for choral performance.
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Students will have the opportunity to participate as part of the Catholic Schools Music Festival, which takes place at the Adelaide Festival Centre every year during Term 3 (Week 10, performance evening TBC later this year)
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NO prior singing experience is required! Students are encouraged to have fun and make mistakes as they develop their confidence and skills with friends.
Performing Arts Contact
Mrs. Mandy Flynn Performing Arts Teacher and Coordinator Email: aflynn@raph.catholic.edu.au On Site: Tuesdays and Fridays
TONIGHT 15 February from 6:00pm to 7:00pm at the Parkside Hotel, Glen Osmond Rd. First Parents and Friends Meeting - come and try?
We would like to invite you to join us for the first Parent and Friends Committee Meeting for the year at the Parkside Hotel. This is a wonderful opportunity to find out more about what the P&F is all about and to meet some of our existing members. We welcome everyone, including your children, to attend. We are excited to see some new faces and to work together to plan our calendar of events for the year. Whether you have been part of the P&F before or are new to our community, we would love to have you be a part of this important meeting.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Be a part of our school cookbook.
We are excited to announce the upcoming completion of our school community cookbook, which aims to celebrate our diverse and inclusive community through a shared love of food and eating.
Last year, we started this project to showcase the rich and varied cultural backgrounds of our school families, and we are inviting all new families to submit a recipe for inclusion. We encourage you to share your favorite recipe, along with the culture or cuisine it comes from, and your name if you would like it to be printed in the cookbook. This is a fantastic opportunity to show off your culinary skills and share your cultural heritage with our community.
The cookbook will be completed in time for National Harmony Day this term and will be available for purchase at a small fundraising fee. We hope that this cookbook will not only highlight the delicious foods from our community but also promote mutual respect, understanding, and harmony. Please submit your recipes to Katrina by February 23. ktucker@raph.catholic.edu.au
We can't wait to see what delicious dishes our community has to offer!
Best regards,
The Parents and Friends Committee
We are excited to announce that this week we will be taking you on a tour inside our new development building, behind the construction fences and into the buildings. The last time we took a tour inside was during our hard hat walk through, and since then, the building has come a long way from its skeleton build. We now have walls, insulation, cords, wood, and all sorts of things going in and hanging from the ceilings. It's a great opportunity to see what goes into the design, engineering, and construction of buildings, and we are sure your children will be thrilled to flick through the photos with you.
While we can't wait to get into the new buildings, we must be patient with our anticipation. We promise that the wait will be worth it once we can fully experience all the amazing features that the new development has to offer.
Upcoming Events
First Parents and Friends Meeting - come and try?
We would like to invite you to join us for the first Parent and Friends Committee Meeting for the year at the Parkside Hotel.
This is a wonderful opportunity to find out more about what the P&F is all about and to meet some of our existing members.
We welcome everyone, including your children, to attend.
We are excited to see some new faces and to work together to plan our calendar of events for the year. Whether you have been part of the P&F before or are new to our community, we would love to have you be a part of this important meeting.
Please join us on Thursday 15 February at 6pm - 7pm at the Parkside Hotel. We look forward to seeing you there!
Learning Conversations
Learning Conversations allow every family, including those new to our school, the opportunity to meet their child's class teacher and engage in meaningful discussions to ensure we can best meet the needs of every child within our community.
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