What is Anzac Day?

Anzac Day, 25 April, is one of Australia’s most important national occasions. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.

What does ANZAC stand for?

ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. The soldiers in those forces quickly became known as Anzacs, and the pride they took in that name endures to this day.

Why is this day special to Australians?

When war broke out in 1914 Australia had been a federated nation for only 13 years, and its government was eager to establish a reputation among the world's nations. When Britain declared war in August 1914 Australia was automatically placed on the side of the Commonwealth. In 1915 Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula in order to open the Dardanelles to the Allied navies. The ultimate objective was to capture Constantinople (now Istanbul), the capital of the Ottoman Empire, an ally of Germany.

Our school captains, Hamish and Cleo, led us in a reflection and prayer during assembly this week as we remembered all those who have fought valiantly for their country.

Ode of Remembrance

They shall grow not old,

as we that are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them,

nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

Looking Ahead...

In the coming months, we look forward to key events in our community, including sacramental programs for those Year 4s who have not already received First Holy Communion; Mother’s Day celebrations; the Prep- 6 Swimming Program; the St Joseph’s Athletics Day Carnival plus many other events. A full list of dates (as they currently stand) is included at the end of this letter.

Mother’s Day Celebrations

We will host our Mother’s Day breakfast and assembly on Friday 12th May, beginning with an 8 am breakfast in the hall. Our Prep students will be hosting an assembly in the hall at 9 am following which you will then have a chance to visit classrooms.

As is the St Joseph’s tradition, the assembly will include a presentation of special photographs so please email your special Mother’s Day photograph to Amanda Jackson: amanda.tamplin@sjmalvern.catholic.edu.au

For those of you who are new to our community, we do not run gift stalls for Mother’s/Father’s Day, rather the students create a special something with their classroom teacher. Also, a reminder to book your seat at the Mother’s Day lunch- spots ran out very quickly last year! Thanks to Claire Yelland, Olivia Healy and Stef Brunetti for organising the lunch and booking details can be found here: https://www.trybooking.com/CHBYW

Term/ Curriculum Overview

As always, we will maintain a rigorous focus on English and Mathematics throughout the term, with our two-hour English block and one-hour Maths block remaining ‘sacred’ in our daily schedule.

Our big topic for the term is a Science (Physics) topic, which will focus on the following content from the Victorian Curriculum: https://victoriancurriculum.vcaa.vic.edu.au/science/curriculum/f-10#level=3-4

If you can contribute to our topic in any way, please contact your child’s teacher- we love having our families share special knowledge or skills.

Please look out for your class newsletter on Dojo, outlining the curriculum for the term.

Finding Nemo Jr

This term we will also begin rehearsals for our school musical, which will be performed on the evenings of the 1st and 2nd of November. The Arts are an integral part of the Victorian Curriculum and we place significant emphasis on developing/nurturing the creativity of our students. Although 6 months away, our rehearsals begin this term and as always, will not interrupt our daily English and Maths lessons; all rehearsals will be in the last session of the day and will only involve those year levels as needed for particular scenes.

Introducing the Cast:

Nemo: Michael

Marlin: Grace

Dory: Francis

Bruce: Hamish

Gill: Laura

Crush: Alex P

Coral: Harriet

Sheldon: Jackson

Tad: Gabriele

Pearl: Sophie

Professor Ray: Lenny

Anchor 1: Amaya

Anchor 2: Tom N

Chum 1: Tom H

Chum 2: Daniel

Peach: Alyssia

Bloat: Christine

Gurgles: Ivy

Bubbles: Alex F

Nigel: Luca

Squirt: Joe

Vacationer: Henry

Breeze 1: Thomas B

Breeze 2: Cleo

Sheldon’s Parents: Alexis

Tad’s Parent: Elisa

Pearl’s Parent: Beatrix

Kai: Myles

Barracuda: Ethan

Angelfish: Cleo

Sea Turtle 1:Lenny

Sea Turtle 2:Harriet

Electric Eel 1: Oscar

Electric Eel 2: Seb

Groupers: Addy and Ethan

Lobster 1: Patrick C

Lobster 2: Adhithi

Moonfish 1 : Nicholas

Moonfish 2: Peter

Moonfish 3: Rhys

Moonfish 4: Cataleya

Moonfish 5: Patrick D

Moonfish 6: Thomas B

Octopus 1: Elisa

Octopus 2 : Alexis

Sea Horse 1 : Robbie

Sea Horse 2 : Henry

Grades/ Ensemble Parts:

Prep B: JellyFish
Prep V: Fish Friends
1W: Reef Kids
2B: Shark Kids
2D: Turtle Kids
3H: Moonfish
4D: Reef Parents and Seagulls

Swimming News

A huge congratulations to Callum in Year 4, who competed in the Southern Metro Region swimming carnival earlier in the month and came first in the 50m freestyle event. Callum was excited to be competing in the State Championships today, 28th April, and we gathered as a school to watch the live-stream of the event. Thanks to the 'frustrations' of modern technology, the link cut out right before Callum's race! (sorry about the orientation):

Anyway, despite us not being able to watch...Callum came 1st!!

Congratulations on being state champion Callum- we're so proud of you!

Thank you for a great first week back, and wishing you a restful weekend ahead.

Michelle

St Joseph's Feast Day