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Dear Parents/Caregivers, Students, Staff, and Friends of Saint David’s Parish School,
A special thank you is extended to our wonderful staff and parents/caregivers who helped prepare and serve our community with pancakes on Shrove Tuesday. This day is always such a wonderful gathering of students, parents/caregivers and staff, not just to share a pancake or two, but rather a significant day when we gather as a community to give thanks and to await the next day’s celebration, when we begin the Lenten Season.
On Wednesday 5 March, we celebrated Ash Wednesday, a significant day in the life of the Catholic tradition that marks the beginning of the Lenten Season. The Lenten journey this year takes place within the context of the theme chosen by Pope Francis, ‘Pilgrims of Hope’. The Lenten season, 40 days before Easter, gives us all, grace filled time to reflect on our humanity as people of love, compassion and hope.
Families have received a Project Compassion Box, and we ask that they consider a donation to help support the Caritas Australia Appeal. All your donations, no matter how small, count. I thank you in advance for your donation to this worthy cause.
Yesterday, our community gathered once more to enjoy a day of celebration in honour of St David, our school’s name sake. Students were treated to an outing to Golden Field’s Reserve, for some activities and fun. We began our day with a whole school Mass, led by Fr James Jeyachandran OMI and we thank our many volunteers who helped make the day so memorable.
Next Week, from Wednesday 12 March until Friday 21 March, our students in Year 3 and Year 5 will begin the NAPLAN Assessments. NAPLAN is an annual national assessment for all students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. It tests the types of skills that are essential for every child to progress through school and life. The tests cover skills in reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation, and numeracy. The assessments are undertaken every year during the latter part of Term 1 and participating students will receive their results later this year.
Thank you to the 142 families who recently had their say as part of the Uniform Survey. It was good to read your varied views on our uniform. The School Board will consider the results, and the next steps at our upcoming meeting.
With every best wish,
Thank you to everyone for your donations on Shrove Tuesday.
Our school has raised $255.30 so far for Project Compassion after our wonderful generosity at our Shrove Tuesday Community Event.
Project Compassion donation boxes were shared with each family on Ash Wednesday. These can be returned the start of next term after Easter.
First Sunday of Lent
8th and 9th of March 2025
This Lent, we’re invited to Unite Against Poverty with Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion. This year is especially significant as we celebrate the Jubilee Year - a time of renewal and solidarity.
Project Compassion 2025 shares three stories from around the world. We’ll meet Toefuata'iga - (Toy-foo-ah-tah-ing-ah) a young student from Samoa who faced severe water shortages at her school. Thanks to Caritas Australia and the generosity of supporters like you, her school now has a 10,000 L water tank, improving access to clean water and allowing teachers to prioritise education
We’ll get to know Lam from Vietnam. Born with short stature, Lam faced social exclusion and limited employment opportunities. Through the I-SHINE program, Lam completed a course and is now a freelance graphic designer.
And we’ll meet Irene from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) who faced immense challenges after losing her father to war and raising her children in poverty. With support from Caritas Australia, Irene received vocational training in sewing and farming and can now support her whole family.
Or online at: caritas.org.au/project-compassion
Or by calling: 1800 024 413
Seasons for Growth is an innovative, evidence-based change, loss and grief education program that draws on the metaphor of the seasons to understand the experience of grief. It builds the knowledge and skills necessary to strengthen social and emotional wellbeing following significant loss by:
- Exploring the impact of change and loss
- Learning about effective ways to respond and adapt
Participants learn that they are not alone in their experience of change, loss and grief, and are able to build their communication, decision making and problem-solving skills within the context of a safe and supportive peer group learning environment.
All Seasons for Growth programs are grounded in sound, person-centred educational principles. We are looking to run this program again this year at Saint David’s. If you feel that your child could benefit from participation in this program, please email me by Friday 14 March (jeveruss@stdavids.catholic.edu.au) and share why you would like your child to be considered for this program briefly outlining the loss or grief your child has experienced.
Family Mass - Saturday 15 March at 5:30pm. All families are warmly welcome to gather for this Mass in the Church.
Whole School Liturgies at 9am in the gym each morning during Week 11
Palm Sunday – Monday 7 April hosted by Reception and Year 1 classes
The Last Supper - Tuesday 8 April hosted by Year 2 and Year 3 classes
The Garden of Gethsemane – Wednesday 9 April hosted by Year 4 and Year 5 classes
Stations of the Cross - Thursday 10 April hosted by Year 6 classes
Whole School Easter Mass - Friday 2 May at 9:15am.
Saturday this year. Our whole school celebrated on Thursday 6 March. The day began with Mass, celebrated by Father James, with parishioners and families joining us. Following this, we all travelled to Gold Field's Reserve for a picnic. A big thank you must go to all of our wonderful volunteers who supported us on this day, and travelled to and from the park with us on the bus. As without their support, we would not have been able to go to Golden Field's Reserve for this fun day. It was also great to have many parents and caregivers join us at the park on this day.Dewi Sant – is his name in Welsh. David founded a monastery close to the place where he was born. Here, he and his friends lived a simple life, drinking only water and eating only bread and herbs. They farmed the land. They spent the evenings in prayer, reading and writing, and weren’t allowed any personal possessions. There are many stories of St David’s miracles. His final words to his followers were, “Do the little things, the small things you’ve seen me doing.” These words still inspire many people today. People wear leeks and daffodils pinned to their clothes on St David of Wales Feast Day to celebrate.
What a fantastic start to the year! We’ve hit the ground running and are off to a great start. We have been working diligently to provide both support and extension learning opportunities for our students here at Saint David’s Parish School.
Children’s University
Children’s University has experienced great success this year. A total of 14 students have chosen to renew their membership, while 31 new students have joined, bringing the total to 45 enthusiastic learners. In the coming weeks, passports will be distributed to our new members. We are excited to welcome a special representative who will be conducting a lunchtime activity to guide students on how to collect hours through their passports and the online portal.
Additionally, we are pleased to offer some opportunities for students to engage during lunchtime. A knitting club will soon be available in the wellbeing room, and Year 3 students are invited to join the Lego Club on Wednesdays during the second break to complete the ‘build a playground’ challenge.
We are also happy to share that participation in the Premier’s Reading Challenge will contribute towards earning hours. Students can earn up to 10 hours by completing an OSHC reflection, which is available on the Portal.
Passports and portal activities will be reviewed on a fortnightly basis. Students are encouraged to submit their passports through their class office box on Fridays of even weeks. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out via the Seesaw app or email.
NAPLAN
Last week, Year 3 and Year 5 students participated in a coordinated practice test. In addition, students have been working on sample questions in class to familiarise themselves with the format. Below are the NAPLAN testing dates for 2025:
Wednesday, 12 March – Writing
Thursday, 13 March – Reading
Friday, 14 March – Conventions of Language
Monday, 17 March – Numeracy
Tuesday, 18 March – Make-up session
It is important to remember that NAPLAN provides a snapshot of a child’s knowledge and understanding on that specific day. Throughout the year, all teachers closely monitor your child’s progress through a variety of rich and comprehensive assessments.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact either your child’s classroom teacher or myself.
Premiers Reading Challenge
At Saint David’s Parish School, it is an expectation for all students to complete the Premier’s Reading Challenge. We are excited to encourage 100% participation from all students this year. When children view reading as an enjoyable and shared activity, it fosters a positive connection with books.
Reading is a crucial skill that forms the foundation for all learning. It enhances cognitive development, expands vocabulary, and stimulates critical thinking—skills that are essential for academic success and effective problem-solving in everyday life.
More information regarding the Premier’s Reading Challenge can be found at:
MacqLit and MiniLit SAGE
The MacqLit and MiniLit SAGE Tier 2 Literacy Programs are up and running. These programs offer targeted support for students who require early intervention, helping to strengthen their reading abilities and foster continued growth. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the ESOs involved in this program for their dedicated support and hard work in ensuring its success and smooth operation.
Oliphant Science Awards
The SASTA Oliphant Science Awards is South Australia's largest science competition, designed to inspire primary and secondary students to engage with science in creative and exciting ways while enhancing their skills and knowledge. This year, Saint David’s Parish School is offering students the chance to participate in this prestigious competition. A letter with more details will be sent to all families via Seesaw. If you are interested in this opportunity, please feel free to reach out to me. For additional information, you can visit the official website at:
Thank you for your ongoing support in your child's education.
Kind Regards,
As you are aware, the safety and wellbeing of every student at Saint David’s Parish School is our priority. Staff, volunteers and essential service providers are required to complete a Working with Children screening. The school induction program also ensures that all persons coming onto the school grounds have the required Child Protection documentation. It is important as a school community that we ensure all stakeholders have access to Catholic Education Child Protection and Policy Guidelines.
You will find these documents on our school website:
One of the many roles of the Australian Childhood Foundation is to help support parents raise happy, safe and loved children. It is a non-profit organisation founded in 1986, by a group of professionals and community advocates.
There is a separate website, ‘Bringing up great kids’. BUGK (Bringing Up Great Kids) is also a parenting program facilitated by the Australian Childhood Foundation, providing information for parents on these topics: Parenthood, Childhood Experiences and Development, Responding to Children and How to find additional help.
Support services, both nationally and locally, are also listed on the BUGK website, with contact details provided for easy reference.
The resources provided on both websites are easy to read through short texts, ideal for time poor parents. Highly recommend taking some time to view both website links listed below.
| FRIDAY 7 MARCH | School Development Day |
| MONDAY 10 MARCH | Adelaide Cup Public Holiday |
| TUESDAY 11 MARCH | 2:00pm P&F Meeting |
| WEDNESDAY 12 MARCH | NAPLAN |
| THURSDAY 13 MARCH | NAPLAN |
| FRIDAY 14 MARCH |
NAPLAN 9:00am 4M Assembly |
| SATURDAY 15 MARCH |
5:30pm Family Mass |
| MONDAY 17 MARCH |
NAPLAN |
| TUESDAY 18 MARCH |
9:00am-10:30am Playgroup NAPLAN 6:00pm Board Meeting (AGM) |
| WEDNESDAY 19 MARCH | NAPLAN |
| THURSDAY 20 MARCH |
NAPLAN Real Schools in-class Day and Parent Info Session 6:00pm - 7:00pm |
| FRIDAY 21 MARCH |
NAPLAN Harmony Day Celebration National Day of Action Againts Bullying and Violence |
| MONDAY 24 MARCH | NAPLAN |
| TUESDAY 25 MARCH |
9:00am-10:30am Playgroup 6:00pm Sacrament of Reconciliation |
| WEDNESDAY 26 MARCH | Year 6 Camp |
| THURSDAY 27 MARCH | Year 6 Camp |
| FRIDAY 28 MARCH |
9:00am 1B Assembly SAPSASA Athletics Carnival Year 6 Camp |
| MONDAY 31 MARCH |
Learning Conversations |
| TUESDAY 1 APRIL |
9:00am-10:30am Playgroup Learning Conversations |
| WEDNESDAY 2 APRIL |
Catholic Swimming Carnival Learning Conversations |
| TUESDAY 8 APRIL | 9:00am-10:30am Playgroup |
| FRIDAY 11 APRIL | 12:30pm Term 1 ends |
| SUNDAY 13 APRIL | Holy Week |
Uniforms
The school uniform 'try-on' service held in the uniform shop opposite the Office is open each week at the below times:
Monday & Thursday - 8:15-9:15am and 2:30-3:30pm
Tuesday Morning- Second hand uniform shop open (run by P&F).
Please see link below for the online ordering site.
Parking – Reminder
Please adhere to signage around the school in relation to parking and traffic flow. It is important that local residents have access to their property at all times. Cars are not to queue across Vizard Road and block the entrance to our surrounding neighbours and Church. Please be aware that the Church’s driveway and slip lane (Elizabeth Street and Vizard Road) are reserved for parishioners and the parking bays are designated for disabled parking only. Safety of our children is everyone’s responsibility.
School Board Nominations and AGM – We need you!
The School Board and Parents & Friends will be holding their Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 18 March.
We are currently seeking nominations for the 2025 School Board. If you would like to nominate yourself, please complete and submit the following School Board Nomination Form by Friday 14 March. All nominees must be present at the AGM on Tuesday 18 March at 6:00pm for your nomination to be put forward. An election will take place and the successful candidate/s will be appointed to the 2025 Board for a 2-year tenure.
If you have any questions regarding this matter, please feel free to contact Mia Harms for information.
TERM 1 FINANCE NEW’S
Statements
You should have received your fee's statement.
If you have not received your statement, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Payment Options Agreement and Plan
If you have not arranged a payment plan, please contact Debbie Graeber.
School Card
If you are holders of a Health Care Card, you may be eligible for School Card. Application forms are available via the State Government’s School Card Scheme on Saint David’s Parish School's Web site and attached. Any questions please contact Debbie.
Financial Hardship
Saint David’s Parish School continues its commitment to supporting every student and family through difficult times. Catholic Education acknowledges the unprecedented economic impact on many families.
If you are concerned about your ability to pay schools fees, we strongly encourage you to have a discussion with us. We believe a family’s financial circumstances should not be a barrier to a student accessing a Catholic education.
Thank you for your support
Saint David’s Parish School – Changing Bank Details.
Important note Catholic Education South Australia have changed banks to CBA
You will notice that the BSB and Account Details have changed shown on the bottom of your statement.
If you currently pay accounts by EFT you will need to update the bank details to
SAINT DAVID’S PARISH SCHOOL
BSB 066-782
ACCOUNT 100000171
Statements have been mailed out. Please contact Debbie Graeber if you have any queries.
Thank you for your support.
Entertainment Book
Link to purchase an Entertainment Membership Saint David's Parish School (entertainment.com.au)
Thank you to all our wonderful Volunteers and the time you give to support Saint David’s Parish School.
RRHAN-EC refresher module is now available for registered volunteers to complete. Please login to your plink account to complete.
Please take a moment when you can to update your training, as there will be a backlog of issuing new Volunteer badges at the start of the New Year.
Once you have completed the training, please email your updated certificate to me and I will issue you with a new badge.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Just a reminder that the cut off time to order school lunches in the morning on the Qkr! app, is 8:30am. If your child has a lunch order, please make sure it is ordered prior to this time.
The following phone number is a dedicated ‘parent support line’. The number is 7084 1801. The number is manned from 9:30am, but parents can leave a message before then & they will get a return call from 9:30am. This number can be used for parents who have missed the 8:30am cut off, refund queries or help with navigating Qkr!
Keep your Kids Smiling!
Dental care is FREE for ALL babies, preschool and most children under 18 years at School Dental Service clinics.
Our specially trained staff provide comprehensive dental care to help prevent pain and tooth decay.
We will always talk to you about what your child needs before we provide any treatment. We have been a trusted government dental service for children since 1969 and bulk bill under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule.
Call us now for an appointment!
Your local clinic is: Modbury GP Plus Super Clinic Phone: 7425 8700 or use this link to our website to ask us to contact you.
School Address: 40 Elizabeth Street, Tea Tree Gully SA 5091
Postal Address: PO Box 647 St Agnes SA 5097
Telephone: 8360 6300
Absentee Line: 8360 6373
OSHC: 8360 6330 Mobile 0406 007 838
Web Address: www.stdavids.catholic.edu.au
Email Address: info@stdavids.catholic.edu.au
Facebook: @saintdavidsparishschool