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Annual General Meeting 2021

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Thursday 3 March 2022, at 7:00pm (online, via Teams) 1.

AGENDA WELCOME – John Flynn (Board Chair)

OPENING PRAYER – Ingrid Douventzidis

APOLOGIES – Fr Allan Winter, Michelle Page, Daniel LaBella, Karina Forte

4. 5.

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS AGM (17 February 2021) Reports 2021 PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Fr Allan Winter (to be presented by Ingrid)

SCHOOL BOARD CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT – John Flynn

PARENTS AND FRIENDS PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Aly Giannitto (including P&Fs

OSHC REPORT FROM ACTING DIRECTOR – Karina Forte (to be presented by Simon)

TREASURER’S REPORT – Chris Imeson

10.

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT – Simon Mechis

11.

NOMINATIONS FOR 2022 SCHOOL BOARD (three vacancies exist*) – Fr Michael to lead

Treasurer’s Report)

-Nominees to speak briefly about their background and why they would like to join the School Board. -Current Board members to also introduce themselves.

New nominations – Ernie Icolaro; Aly Giannitto; Peter O’Loughlin. Re-nominating – Luna Gaoni; Michelle Page; Daniel LaBella.

12.

**VOTING FOR 2022 SCHOOL BOARD (those present at AGM eligible to vote) – Fr Michael to lead

13.

ELECTION OF SCHOOL BOARD OFFICE BEARERS (2022 Board Members only to vote) – Fr Michael to lead *School Board Vice Chairperson *School Board Treasurer *School Board Minute Secretary

14.

CONCLUSION OF MEETING -

Note about COVID Vaccinations for Volunteers (which includes Board Members). Please show or send relevant documentation to the Front Office.

N.B. The next School Board Meeting will be held on Wednesday 16 March at 7:00pm (at this stage online)

Prayer Acknowledgment We acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and pay our respects to the elders both past, present, and future, for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture of this ancient land, Australia. Leader: As we begin, let us bring stillness to hearts and minds as we enter this time of prayer together.

God of Blessings, We give you thanks for the many wonderful things you have blessed us with. May we recognize and appreciate all that we have. May we take time to see beauty in the simple things that surround us. May we never lose sight of our blessings. May they be a source of strength when we experience difficult times. Amen Tassi & Tassi (2010), '500 Prayers' Twenty-third publications, London

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Venue: Staff Room Wednesday 17th Feb 2021 at 7:30pm

Minutes

1. 2.

WELCOME: PRAYER:

APOLOGIES: Bernadette R

Mark Ingrid

4. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS AGM 4/3/20: Accepted 5.

REPORTS: Parish Priest – Fr Allan Winter 2021 is the year of St Joseph’s. The 150th anniversary of declaration of St Joseph as patron of Universal Church, and of our school. The Holy Spirit endows him with fortitude. (Refer to Report) 6. School Board Chairperson – Mark We learnt a lot in 2020, we adapted and evolved well. The new principal, Simon, settled in well and the teaching staff did a great job in managing the new challenges whilst maintaining good quality teaching. The school continued to run well during the year of the Pandemic. Thanks also to the volunteers, P&F committee and other committees for their efforts. (Refer to Report) 7. Parents and Friends – Aly Giannitto (represented by Michelle) P&F continued to support the school with fundraising and coordinating activities during 2020 which was a challenging year. Raised over $6k from activities and $22k from the school levy. Money was used to help purchase valuable equipment for the school. (Refer to Report) 8. OSHC – Karina Forte (Acting Director) OSHC made changes to help manage the pandemic. There was a small decrease in attendance at the start of 2020 but OSHC still continued to deliver quality care and follow safe hygiene standards. Thanks goes to the support from the executive team. Vacation Care program ran successfully with modifications. In Term 3, Verity Rye, OSHC Director, began her maternity leave and in July, Karina took over the acting role. (Refer to Report) 9. Treasurer – Chris School finished the year with $595k surplus after budgeting for a loss of $170k. Thanks to Parish contribution of around $15k and P&F contribution of around $8.5k. Additional grants of $451k helped with the surplus. Our discretionary spending is managed tightly. School paid

off $1.2m in debt in 2020. For the 2021 budget, we forecast a surplus of around $122k. (Refer to Report) 10. Principal – Simon 2021 will be a year of quality teaching, learning and exciting initiatives. It’s important to remember the school exists ‘for every child’. ‘Love in Everything’ is reflected throughout the school. Staff work hard to achieve good outcomes for our students. Religious Education and our Catholic Identity is very important. Ingrid educated the staff about the revised Crossways curriculum. Extensive sacramental preparation was facilitated by Fr Allan and Ingrid in 2020. Leading learning will be a priority for SJP, with key areas of Literacy and Numeracy having a renewed focus. School will receive assistance from two external consultants in these areas. Parent engagement and partnership is important and the Board helps assist with many events. In 2020, a number of areas in the school were upgraded and developed. (Refer to Report) 11. Recognition of retiring Board members from 2020 – Simon Mark Annese, Daniel Russo, Rosemarie Clemente (and Vanessa Saccardo as staff rep). 12. Nominations for 2021 School board (3 vacancies) – Simon Domenic Gullifa, David Uglesic and Nadia Plawecki spoke briefly about their background and why they would like to join the school board. Bernadette Robinson is replacing Vanessa as the staff rep. The three nominees were accepted to be on the Board for 2021. 13. Election of School Board Office Bearers – led by Fr Allan *School board chairperson; John Flynn, accepted by all. *School board Vice chairperson: Daniel La Bella, accepted by all. *School Board Treasurer; Chris Imerson, accepted by all. *School Board Secretary; David Desteno, accepted by all. 15. NEXT MEETING: Wed. 17 March, 7:00pm (staff room) AGM Commissioning Mass – Sun 28 Feb., 11:00am (Our Lady Queen of Peace Church) 16.

Conclusion of meeting; 8:25pm

17.

PRAYER PERSON FOR NEXT MEETING TBA

Drinks and Nibbles at conclusion of AGM.

Parish Priest’s Report Firstly, I wish to apologise that I will not be able to attend the AGM for the School Board on Thursday 3rd March as I have an important family commitment. I do include my final President’s Report. It has been my honour to be the President of the School Board over the last 34 years. We started then with the threat of closing down. It was a real threat. Hard work was needed to be done. With the then Principal, Nicky Milte, myself, the School Board and the Parish we set about trying to lift the school out of the mire. The reason the school survived was because of the Parish. The Parish supported the school financially, helping with land support, building up numbers and working together. The most important of these was working together. Without this the school is dead. Faith and Learning are the two big components of our founder St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. During 2021 there has been much pressure on the school due to COVID, but with great leadership from our principal, Simon Mechis, the school has survived and gone ahead. He has been very ably supported by our Deputy Principal and APRIM, Ingrid Douventzidis, who has done a marvellous job in organisation and the faith department. Our teachers under great stress have done a wonderful job and need to be congratulated, especially with the home schooling. 2021 has been a very difficult year with much pressure on everyone, but I am pleased to say that you have all done wonderfully well. Many thanks to all those on the School Board and for your generosity in serving. Please remember that we are a Catholic School, not just a School. Our School has survived not on its own, but with a binding together with the Parish. Lose that and the school is dead. There is no other school in the Diocese like ours. We are the envy of others. It is my prayer you will not lose this. So many wonderful people have done so much over the years to make our school what it is today, I pray you will keep up the tradition. I wish you all a wonderful 2022 and may God blessings be with you all. Fr Allan Winter

Chairperson’s Report I recently attended the online launch of the Catholic Education SA Strategy for Catholic Education South Australia towards 2027. The strategy highlighted the core purpose – to help shape thriving people, capable learners and leaders for the world God desires. The launch identified 7 strategies – Catholic Identity and Mission, Students, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Learning and Teaching, People, Leadership and Culture, Financial Stewardship and Improvement and Participation in Mission and Purpose. Along with these strategies there were a set of desired outcomes. The strategies and outcomes are available for viewing at the school, however, it occurred to me that St Joseph’s Payneham has for a very long time, and continued with the present Leadership group, maintained and strived to achieve those outcomes and a lot have already been achieved. We all can be proud of what we have achieved so far and that the school is heading in the right direction. I look back at the achievements we as a group have achieved over the last year and with pride. Our support to the school leadership team has been vital in the focus the school has in making our students the Core of all our decisions. The programs we offer here has attracted many more students and families and the education, guided by the Catholic Faith and Love in Everything matters to them. We must be able to cater for the increasing numbers and be at the forefront of learning by providing them with modern facilities and resources and a safe place to learn. To see the difference in the buildings and surroundings at the school from 8 years ago is fantastic and to see the children enjoy the facilities we have helped to create here at St Josephs is a pleasure we all should have. The purchase of 11 Marian Road and the Tarcoma corner block will provide the children great indoor and outdoor learning spaces for many years to come. I would like to thank Simon for his passion and the staff at Catholic Education who have been very supportive of the plans, expert advice and financial support. We have also witnessed the many achievements of the school, of which Simon will, no doubt, highlight further in his report. However, from a parent’s point of view the way the Leadership team, the teachers and staff have managed through the last year and this year with the pressures that Covid 19 has placed upon them, is remarkable and on behalf of the Board, I would like to express our appreciation. As we look towards the future, one of our achievements was the adoption of the new logo which the students will wear with pride and a reminder of the part we played in making this happen. In our deliberations each month we have shown great support to Simon and the school in making sure the buildings and surrounds are adequate and safe for the Children to work and play in. The Finance Committee have shown great skills in keeping our finances on track and helping to keep the fees at a low rate. We understand fully the pressures that a lot of our families are experiencing, some losing their jobs, some having to work at home, home teaching their children, isolating and quarantining. Lives have changed and the school recognises this and have and will adjust our focus on the support for those who are suffering.

As time goes on, so do people and during the year we said farewell to Father Allan who supported the school in many ways. And we warmly welcome Father Michael and look forward to the year ahead with his advice and support. Our work, as a Board doesn’t stop at School Board meetings – it’s the time spent in attending and participating in sub committees; participating in school functions; the decisions made throughout the year on policy, issues such as school development plans, marketing, financial management, traffic and safety management. It is supporting Simon and Ingrid on day-to-day issues, and its participating in other tasks. Thanks also to the Parish Community for the support they have given the school. We are very fortunate to have a close relationship with the parish. We also appreciate the financial assistance the parish gives to the school. During the past year, the school has encouraged a strong connection between the parent community, teaching staff and the parish. From our own personal experiences and from Bernardette’s reports, the children have achieved an amazing amount in their learning. The reports have highlighted that they have engaged actively in their learning and how they have developed confidence with the support that the school provides them. The School Board sincerely thanks Simon and Ingrid. Their hard work, leadership and dedication that they have provided to the school over the last 12 months are greatly acknowledged by the Board. They are passionate about the development of each child. My meetings with them highlight their passion for the betterment of the school and the work they do behind the scenes in making each child get the best out of themselves. The small things they do are noticed. Being out at pick and drop off for example is a unique but important service they give. They take an active interest in the pupil’s development – and that of their staff. I thank them personally for their guidance and encouragement that they both have giving me as chair. This is my 8th year and last on the Board. Our inspirational teachers also do a great job in shaping the minds of our children and their future. They are role models and make a huge difference in the lives of our children. Their efforts are much appreciated and the Board offers each and every teacher of St Joseph’s a big thank you. To the Front Office staff, Canteen staff, the Out of Hours School Care, Education Support Officers and other support staff, including work experience students, volunteer readers and class reps, who contribute time and effort in support of the teachers and the school, we also say a big thank you. I wish to thank all the volunteers, too numerous to individually name, that have helped in many activities and events throughout the year. The individuals and families who cooked at the sausage sizzles, served at the canteen, helped at the school picnic, and sports day, coached sporting teams. We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude. You here tonight and the P&F are great examples of the work volunteers do for the school. We thank you for your time and your continual giving to our school.

The Finance Committee has spent many hours on the financial management of the school’s budget, and to navigate around the property purchases in the last year must have been a nightmare and will continue to do so, but still managing the finances, school fees and preparing reports. We acknowledge that this can be a challenging task but well done to you. The Canteen Committee who has continued to do a great job focusing on providing a service many other schools don’t have. Thank you to Josie particularly. I also thank all the sponsors of the sausage sizzles which is a very important financial help to keeping the canteen operating. The ICT Committee for ensuring the technologies that we are so proud of is relevant and continually developed. It is often acknowledged that our technology is our point of difference with other schools. We are so grateful that we have a P&F committee that through their ideas and the events and although challenged by Covid they have adapted and successfully organised events that have raised well needed funds to help in many of the programs, resources and equipment for the children to use. I have been fortunate in having a group of knowledgeable and dedicated members on our board. I appreciate the support from these board members President: School Principal: Deputy Principal: Deputy Chairperson: Treasurer: Secretary: Staff Rep: P&F Rep: Supported by:

Father Allan Simon Mechis Ingrid Douventzidis Daniel La Bella Chris Imeson David Desteno Bernardette Robinson Michelle Page Luna Gaoni David Uglesic Domenic Gullifa Nadia Plawecki

I would like to thank David Desteno and Chris Imeson. David for his many years as Secretary and providing us with excellent minutes of each meeting and his excellent input. And Chris for his guidance and input into the financial management of the school over the last couple of years. Some executive positions are up for election this year and I wish those who are elected in each position, all the very best and I offer each member my support if you need it. John Flynn School Board Chairperson

Parents and Friends’ Report As President of this Committee and together with other dedicated P&F members we actively support the school in fundraising and in assisting in organising some of the social events which occurred last year. In 2021, the P&F were involved in many events and activities. Though we had another slow start to the year due to Covid19, I changed a few events up to ensure they met the Covid restrictions. It ended up being a year where we brought back some old events and introduced again some more ‘firsts’. The feedback from the school community was so fantastic. I was so happy to see students from all year levels enjoying the Easter Scavenger Hunt. This was an optional activity to be completed during the students own time. The P&F with all the dedicated members, staff and support received from the school community, raised $25,186.95 from our P&F Events in 2021. Last year was also the first year that we did not have a P&F Levy and relied solely on P&F led events and the second-hand uniform shop sales. We currently have $34,709.24 in our P&F account. We are hoping to continue raising money over the next few years to be able to upgrade our school playground to make it accessible for all year levels. Survey responses showed that this was the most requested item to put P&F money towards. It is also something that I believe needs the biggest change for our students. The P&F is an important part of the school community, it is an opportunity for parents to be involved in all aspects of our children’s schooling life. It is vital we continue to attract new families to assist in the tasks required throughout the year. Without the dedication of our members and the time and effort they put in, it would be impossible to raise these much-needed funds. It is important that all members be recognised for their involvement and support, especially the executive members: Michelle Page, Raj Purba and other members who assisted in various roles throughout the year – Daniella Parisi, Sonia Milani, Maria Sergi, Lucy Ciccocioppo, Mary Marroncelli, Mary Wood and teacher representative Emilia Parrella. Some of the committee members are also part of other school committees including Canteen, OSHC and School Board. Thank you to Simon and Ingrid for their faith in the P&F committee, all the office staff and teachers who assisted us in communicating our ideas to parents, and to the school community for supporting us in raising much needed funds for our children. I would also like to say a big thank you to everyone involved in being selected for ‘volunteer of the year’. I was truly touched that I was selected as 2021 ‘volunteer of the year’ and just grateful to our community for embracing all my ideas and enjoying all our events. I looked forward to seeing what 2022 will bring. Thank you, Aly Giannitto President, Parents & Friends Association

Out of School Hours Care Report St Joseph’s School Payneham OSHC service offers quality care for up to 80 students while parents and caregivers work, study or take respite time. The continued operation of St Joseph’s School Payneham OSHC service is a testimony to the long-standing contribution it has on the economic and social wellbeing of the families in our community, providing them with an out-ofschool hours care option to help manage the competing demands of work, study and family commitments. The primary aim of our OSHC program is to provide quality care for students from Preschool to Year 6, with before school care commencing at 7:00am and after school care concluding at 6:00pm (the service also operates during school holidays). Students are engaged with weekly activities, sports and snack. OSHC promotes a supportive social environment where the children are encouraged to interact with educators and peers of all age groups in a safe and relaxed setting. In 2021, a quality program was delivered which met the standards of the Australian Government’s National Quality Framework. The OSHC staff were dedicated to provide a safe, enjoyable environment for children whilst catering for their nutritional, physical, social and intellectual needs. OSHC Staff continually collaborated with children to provide play and leisure opportunities which reflected children’s interests and honored diversity. The oval, nature play space, playground and gym were used significantly during OSHC and Vacation care. The 2021 Vacation Care program was successful with excursions to: Monarto and Adelaide Zoo, AFL Max, Handorf Farm Barn, ARC Swimming Centre, cinemas, Inflatable World, and bowling; as well as incursions such as, virtual reality, cooking, carnival days, self-defense, various sport and dance sessions and craft days. Due to the impact of COVID, Catholic Education South Australia advised all OSHC services to stop excursions and incursions offered during the January Vacation Care period, to try and eliminate the exposure of the virus within the students and school community. Catholic Education has recently advised that all excursions and incursions can resume for April Vacation Care. In regards to COVID, I am pleased to say the staff In OSHC continue to follow SA Health guidelines and wear a mask, maintain good hygiene by disinfecting OSHC toys, tables, benches, iPads and phones; and parents are not permitted to enter the OSHC room to sign their child in/out. Therefore, we have set up a small desk outside the OSHC room for parents to check-in, sign-in/out and use hand sanitiser. At the end of Term 3 2021, Ms Verity Rye concluded her time as OSHC Director and I was delighted to step up as Acting OSHC Director for the remainder of 2021 to date. I have enjoyed working in the OSHC and school community thus far and I am looking forward to what the remainder of the year will bring. Kind Regards, Karina Forte Acting OSHC Director

Treasurer’s Report Executive Summary After an exciting and eventful year for St Joseph’s Payneham, the bottom line finished in a very healthy position. As a result of considerable planning and financial diligence, the school has finished with a surplus of $639,576. As always, each and every financial decision is made with the students in mind and to ensure the long-term growth/sustainability of the school. 2021 Income and Expenditure •

Bottom line

St Joseph’s Payneham ended the year with a surplus income of $639,576 after initially budgeting for a surplus of $122,100. Income was $5,716,987; $375,787 above plan, with expenses coming in at $4,810,536; $56,916 behind plan. •

Grants

The school received an additional $233,948 in government grants during the year, over and above what was estimated based on CESA calculations. •

Tuition Fees

$46,044 against budget, primarily due bad debts coming in lower than estimated. •

Parish Giving

On behalf of the school, I would like to thank the Parish for their generous financial support throughout the year with donations totalling $13,250. •

Teaching Salaries

This core expense came in $76,288 over the amount budgeted, however was offset by an increase in ‘other income’ from CESA and Government for Long Service Leave. •

IT Expenses

Spending on IT was $19,072 lower than anticipated, primarily due to lower software license costs, but also due to unavailability of relevant items. •

Levies – CEO

Levies came in $35,044 higher than anticipated, however the educational levy increase was offset/reimbursed via a grant, hence no impact.

•

Education Resources

There have been miscellaneous savings totalling $23,965 on educational resources throughout the year. This has been done without any compromise to the students learning or environment. •

Utilities and Rates

Cumulative savings in these expense items totalling $19,072 •

Loan Repayments/Interest Expenses

Property purchases were anticipated earlier in the year, however did not eventuate until November and December; hence the estimated expenses were overstated by $86,277. Trading Accounts

2022 The 2022 budget has been completed and currently forecasts for a surplus of $67,000. Whilst best efforts have been made to accurately predict the financial outcomes in 2022, there are many variables which will likely see a variance. The Finance committee will review the schools progress on a regular basis and report back to the Board. Chris Imeson School Board Treasurer

ST JOSEPH’S PAYNEHAM AGM Principal’s Report, March 2022 Welcome to 2022. As each new school year commences, we are filled with hope – an important value that instils optimism moving forward. Our endeavour, as always, is for the children to experience quality teaching and learning, in a positive and inclusive environment. It is important to reflect on 2021 – the second year where society at large was affected by the global COVID-19 pandemic. Notwithstanding, there were many success stories and accomplishments. St Joseph’s Payneham School Report for 2021 exhibits dynamism, high expectations, and industry for achieving optimum standards for all the children in our care. Staff work diligently, collaboratively and imaginatively to attain quality outcomes for our students; in order to promote student development, from a spiritual, academic, social/emotional, cultural, physical and creative aspect. Religious Education, Faith Formation and Catholic Identity were a central focus during the past 12 months. In partnership with our parish, staff, families and students, we sustained sound connections to our Catholic faith, whilst embracing and welcoming the diversity that exists within our community. Ingrid Douventzidis, continuing in her role as Assistant Principal Religious Identity and Mission (APRIM), worked with staff to promote and support planning, and subsequent teaching and learning in Religious Education, so meaningful and relevant learning would occur in this key area for our students. There was considerable staff professional learning and formation throughout 2021, with heavy emphasis on the updated Crossways (the curriculum for the teaching and learning of Religious Education in South Australian Catholic Schools). Certain staff members enrolled into the Graduate Certificate in Catholic Education, whilst others participated in the Catholic Professional Formation program. All-encompassing Sacramental preparation, facilitated by Ingrid and Father Allan Winter (Parish Priest), as well as classroom teachers, occurred throughout the year. The preparation included meetings and workshops for families whose children celebrated their Confirmation, First Holy Communion and Reconciliation. We continued to support various social justice issues and charities, so that assistance could be provided to those in need. The following organisations and causes were supported during 2021: CARITAS, St Vincent de Paul Society, Catholic Charities, and The Cancer Council.

I pay tribute and acknowledgement to Fr Allan, for his support and commitment to our school. After 34 years as Parish Priest at Payneham and 50 in the priesthood, Fr Allan has retired. Whilst Parish Priest at Payneham, Fr Allan has been extremely involved in the school. Fr Allan has consistently celebrated Year Level Masses every term, as well as School Masses, and has also had heavy involvement in the Sacramental program and celebrations. On behalf of St Joseph’s School community, I sincerely thank Fr Allan for his dedication to the community. I also take this opportunity to warmly welcome Fr Michael Romeo, as the new Payneham Parish Priest. We are looking forward to establishing and maintaining a positive working relationship. Quality teaching and learning, as would be expected, has been priority at St Joseph’s. The key curriculum subjects of Literacy and Numeracy have been front and centre with renewed focus. Literacy In Literacy, we commenced working with external Literacy consultant Linda Clune, to transform our teaching of reading and spelling across the school to reflect a systematic and evidence-based approach. The focus has been on our classroom teaching as we know that quality teaching in Tier 1 will ensure success for at least 80% of our students; with further support available for Tier 2 and 3 students. The first part of the year Linda spent considerable time working with the junior primary teachers. Whilst in the second semester, Linda began working with our middle and upper primary teachers. This coming year, Linda will continue to support our teachers, so that further consolidation can occur and ultimately enhance student learning outcomes in Literacy. During 2021, we also launched MiniLit and MacqLit Reading Intervention. Three staff members have been largely responsible for the delivery of these programs. The student results demonstrate sound improvement and growth over the course of this year. Additionally, for students who did not receive reading intervention (and Tier 1 teaching wasn’t meeting their needs), there was implementation of targeted intervention according to students’ mid-year DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) results. These involved students being part of small group work that targeted the specific indicators of the DIBELS, identified as contributing to their reading difficulties such as; phonemic segmentation and fluency. Numeracy In Numeracy, we continued working with Lisa Jane O’Connor from the Primary Mathematics Association. The Lead Learners from each of the Eastern Primary Schools came together on a fortnightly basis, as well as Numeracy ‘Champion’ teachers, to attend to professional learning; so that this learning could be brought back to staff. Moreover, Lisa Jane spent some time with teachers within our school either modelling lessons or coaching and/or conferencing in small groups; and collaborative planning in year level teams has also followed. Finally, discussion and research for the best way to implement Numeracy intervention, occurred during 2021.

This year, as a result of the communication and investigations from the previous 12 months; we will commence multi-sensory Mathematics intervention, which is based on student Numeracy needs. Gifted Education As part of our ongoing work to develop a school framework and three-tiered response for students who require extension, we began working closely with Catholic Education’s, Dr Rebecca Napier. We formulated a gifted and talented team, with whom we are beginning the process of identifying these students. Our aim is to implement a range of programs that align with the needs and interests of our students. Assessment and Moderation Staff completed rigorous professional learning (along with other Eastern Catholic Primary Schools) in Assessment and Moderation, through Prescient (formerly Institute of Educational Assessors). Professional learning in this important area has now become regular, with year level teams meeting once a term with colleagues in the other Eastern Catholic region schools. I do wish to mention Vanessa Saccardo, our school’s Leader of Learning, who has been a key driver in enabling some significant change and impact, in the areas identified above, Payneham over the last two years. Community and home/school partnerships are essential in supporting student learning and development. We always strive to improve communication and share learning with families. Parent engagement and partnership continued to be a fundamental focus and as such, parent representation on various committees was well-supported, including: School Board, Finance, Uniform, Canteen, and OSHC. I express my gratitude to the members in our school community who formed part of these groups. Similar to 2020, despite the COVID-19 challenges and restrictions imposed during the course of the year, a variety of learning activities with families as well as school and social events occurred, including: Mother’s Day and Father’s Day Stalls; the school’s inaugural Colour Run; Student Disco; Book Week Parade; Sports Day; and an outdoor End of Year Christmas Concert. Sincere thanks to the Parents and Friends (P&F) Committee, and especially P&F Chair, Aly Giannitto, who worked resolutely for the events to take shape. Also, during 2021, as part of a regional approach, we hosted a wellbeing parent workshop, ‘how to build greater resilience in children’; facilitated by Positive Minds Australia. Resources, Infrastructure and School Structures The exciting stage of renewing and bringing to life a strategy for the future i.e., Strategic Plan, 2022-2026 took shape. The parent community, SRC members, staff and School Board all had opportunity to contribute thoughts within the scope of our Vision and the vision of Catholic Education SA. The new Strategic Plan will be shared with the community soon.

A tidy, welcoming and aesthetically pleasing school environment, with modern and sound facilities is important. During 2021, the school began ‘master planning’ for the predicted enrolment growth. This process involved consultation with staff, Parish, School Board, a reference group (made up of school community members) and Catholic Education Building and Planning Team. Subsequently, a Master Plan has been developed, with the endeavour to commence building in May 2022, and the new two-level, eight-classroom junior primary facility open during 2023. Again, being aware of current and predicted enrolments, the school was able to purchase two properties. The allotment on 84 Portrush Road (the corner of Tarcoma Avenue and Portrush Road), as well as 11 Marian Road were acquired late in 2021. I thank the School Board for their support during this process. The details of what will transpire with this land will be communicated in due course. During 2021, the school marketing team, in consultation with the School Board, considered and worked on some rebranding for St Joseph’s Payneham, including discernment for a new school logo. Families, staff, as well as input from the Student Representative Council (SRC) were given the opportunity to contribute feedback on the proposal for a new school logo. The overall preference was to change to a new logo; this was endorsed by the School Board and the logo submission approved by the South Australian Commission for Catholic Schools (SACCS). A gradual introduction of the new logo has started appearing across the school, commencing in digital form, letterheads, flyers, brochures, etc. In closing I wish to acknowledge: - The students of St Joseph’s Payneham. They bring life and vitality each and every day they are school. We wouldn’t be here, if it were not for them. -

The families in our community. For placing trust in the school to provide quality education and care for their child(ren).

The staff of St Joseph’s Payneham. For their great commitment and passion to the children and families at our school.

Board Chair, John Flynn. I am grateful for the support, insight and availability that is given on a consistent basis.

All School Board members. For the encouragement provided, feedback and judgment to school decisions.

Lastly, I wish to recognise outgoing School Board members, David Desteno, Chris Imeson, and as mentioned Fr Allan Winter; for their contributions and input over a long period of time.

Simon Mechis Principal