Newsletter 16 2023

Dear Families

Podcast of the year

It is with great pleasure that I share that students in our Year 6 class have been have been nominated in the 2023 Arch D Radio Podcasting Awards. We have been nominated for the most engaging episode that consistently and effectively use the techniques taught within the Arch D courses in the creation of their podcast. It is wonderful to see our students on the big stage and hopefully, our St Raphael’s School team can win further awards in the next stage. Thanks to Mr Sicari for his excellent guidance of our team.

St Raph’s in The Art Gallery of South Australia 

Congratulations to Mrs Davies and our Year 1 class whose work is now a part of the AGSA's student online gallery! As Kylie Neagle from the AGSA Education stated 'Thank you for your submission. These are beautiful!" View their work here.

The situation in the Middle East

Your children may become concerned about the situation in the Middle East particularly if they see or hear accounts from social media. Staff have been provided with advice in relation to supporting children who may be concerned about this situation.  My guidance to staff has been:

• NOT to raise this with students unless they do first.
• There is considerable public sensitivity in the media around blame and so to use the words “complex and tragic” to describe what is happening and not allow a conversation about blame.
• This could be a good time to pray for everyone affected by this.
• Sometimes students are looking for a simple, reassuring conversation, but if there are more significant concerns then we have a school counsellor on site. Either way, staff will contact you if your child expresses a concern.

As a parent, it is of course your decision how you manage any discussion with your child regarding this situation. In addition, please find attached some helpful information: https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/counselling-support-services

Building update

It's great to see the building framework. My role allows me the privilege of visiting the site regularly and ensuring that students are prioritised as we manage the next stages of the development. Look forward sharing regular updates with you.

Grandparents and VIPs Day

Planning has commenced for our Grandparents and VIPs Day on 9 November. We are preparing a range of exciting activities including performances from our musicians and a liturgy for our special guests. We will be sending out further details soon.

Mark Simpson
Acting Principal

Dear Parents,

National Children's Week (21-29 October) is an annual event celebrated in many countries, including Australia, to recognise and promote the well-being and rights of children. The week typically features a variety of activities and events aimed at highlighting the importance of children in society, as well as their right to be safe, happy, and healthy. It is a time to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of children and to create a more child-friendly world.

National Children's Week serves as a reminder of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which was adopted in 1989 and outlines the fundamental rights and principles that should be upheld to ensure the well-being of children. This convention has been ratified by many countries worldwide, including Australia, and National Children's Week is a way to promote and celebrate the rights and welfare of children in accordance with this convention.

The specific dates and activities for National Children's Week may vary from year to year and from one country to another. It is a time to focus on the importance of children and advocate for their well-being, encouraging all members of society to support and protect the rights of children.

As Catholics, we are reminded about Jesus’ and his interaction with children. He was open and welcoming of young children and the following scripture message resonates with all the adults within our St Raphael’s School community:

“Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.” (Mark 10:13-16)

Peace and Blessings to you all,
Helena Card
APRIM (Assistant Principal Religious Identity and Mission)

World Teacher's Day

World Teacher’s Day is celebrated on 27 October annually. It is the perfect opportunity to show our appreciation for the incredible efforts our teachers at St Raphael’s School do to educate, inspire and support students every day. We will celebrate this at the Year 2 assembly on Friday. If you get the chance, please make the time to say a great big heartfelt THANK YOU to the teachers at St Raphael’s School. We are so lucky to have such a highly skilled group of educators who demonstrate high expectations, enthusiasm and a commitment to making a difference to the lives of your children.

VARIETY SHOW FESTIVAL (R – 6 School Concert)
Friday 3 November at 4:30pm

As we approach the end of the school year, there are many exciting events that take place at St Raphael's School toward the end of the school year, including our Reception to Year 6 Variety Show Festival will take place on Friday 3 November in Week 3, commencing at 4:30pm.

As many families know, our students have been working hard to prepare for this performance, and we are thrilled to announce that there will also be pre-show performances in the courtyard between 4:30 and 6:00pm. Additionally, we have arranged for a food truck, and an ice cream van to keep you full and roaming performers to keep you entertained.

The doors to the school hall will open at 6:00pm, and the class performances for students in Reception to Year 6 will begin at 6:30pm.

Important Reminders:
Please make sure to purchase your tickets for the event through the school QKR! app to avoid disappointment.

Seating in the school hall will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Please ensure that your child has all the necessary costume items for their class performance. A letter was sent home (via children's bags and community email) detailing the requirements for each class.

Catholic Schools Music Festival

This year, I had the privilege of working with seventeen choral singers across Years 5 and 6 who delivered an outstanding performance at the Adelaide Festival Centre on the last day of Term 3.

Our students showcased their school community with pride, enthusiasm, and approached the performance opportunity as a cohesive team. I am incredibly proud of our students, and I am certain that the staff members in the audience were equally impressed by their dedication and hard work.

In addition, I would like to warmly thank all our families, staff and students who attended the event and supported our students from the audience – your support was greatly appreciated.

Have a great beginning to Term 3 and I look forward to seeing all families at the Variety Show Festival on Friday 3 November at 4:30pm.

Warm Regards,
Mandy Flynn
Performing Arts Teacher

Welcome back to our final term of the school calendar. Physical Education lessons ramp up in the concluding term with several outside of school events taking place. In Week 4, selected/nominated students will be competing at an SACAPSA Athletics Carnival. This is great day, that allows our athletes to demonstrate abilities on a larger scale event. Nomination and information forms were sent home during Week 1.

Physical Education Week will also 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. The P.E. Assembly will be held on Friday 1 December (Week 7).

For our families in years Reception – 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’ll ensure to get back to all of you regarding information surrounding this during the week.

Term 3 Kelly Sports R-5

The Kelly Sports Program commences this week for Reception – Year 2. While sessions will also resume for our multi-sport program for Years 2-5, which will 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 OSHC.

Flyers for nominations for Term 4 were sent home to student’s last term. While 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

Inter School Sport (Carnivals)
Athletics Carnival: Week 4 Wednesday November 8 November
Where:  SA Athletics Stadium Marjorie Jackson Nelson Drive, Mile End, South Australia

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

In Year 2, over the course of the last term we have been experimenting with various technologies to create media arts. We have been exploring how we can use technology to create Media Arts that are engaging, creative and have meaning. Students co-constructed an assessment task where they were required to create a stop motion video that lasted 5-15 seconds, with 2-3 items that moved and had a meaningful story behind it. Students brainstormed what good group work looked like, sharing the work, listening to your partner, and being open to others’ ideas.

They all did an amazing job of overcoming technical problems and collaborating with a partner to create the video. Here are a couple of the final videos.

Murray and Sam:

First wombat goes to a waterhole but it doesn’t know a dingo sneaking up behind a long piece of grass. Then the dingo jumped on the wombat when it was close enough and scratched it to make a cut. Then the wombat made chase, but the dingo got the wombat and ate it. Then a kangaroo came too.

Jake and Max:

First Blob Monster wants to destroy Bananaman and Santaman. Then Banana man jumps on Blob Monster, Blob Monster jumps on Bananaman and Santaman stays there for a bit. Then… Bananaman gets up and beats blob and he saved the day.

Following the outcome of the Voice Referendum please read the Australian Catholic Bishops statement here and also Bishop Charles Gauci, Chair of the Bishops Commission for Relations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples whose statement is available here.

Congratulations to Kelly and the Year 1 class for having their artwork featured in the AGSA's student online gallery! It's truly a great achievement.

Kylie Neagle from AGSA Education praised the work, describing it as beautiful. This recognition is a testament not only to the talent of the students but also to the dedication and hard work of their teacher Mrs Davies.

You can view their stunning artwork by following the link provided here.

Invitation to St Raphael's School Community Cookbook

We are thrilled to invite you to take part in our upcoming St Raphael's School Community Cookbook. Share your cultural heritage and love of food with us by submitting your favorite recipe, to be featured in the cookbook. All proceeds from the cookbook sales will go to support our School's Parent and Friends Committee. Our goal is to showcase the diversity of our community through the different cuisines and family recipes that make each of us unique. So, whether it's a cherished family recipe passed down through generations, a recently discovered favourite, or a contemporary twist on a classic dish, we want to hear from you!

Please submit your recipe by November 6, including your family surname and a brief description of the dish. Submissions can be hand written and dropped at the front office or emailed to 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!