24 June 2021, Week 10 Term 2
Principal's Message
Well it has been a rather busy last few weeks of Term, with camps, athletics carnival, winter woollies day and a visit from Wildfire. This is a reflection of this Semester which has held lots of exciting opportunities and learning. Most importantly we have seen the children grow. I have the joy of reading all the reports and for me this is a fortunate time to confirm the growth students have made throughout the Semester. All reports were sent out on Tuesday.
In past newsletters this Term, I introduced Alyce Parham our Family Connect Worker. She is at school on Fridays. As we go on holidays please note she is available via phone on 0429 216 841.
On Wednesday we had Wildfire to deliver the Ten:Ten experience with our students. Wildfire is a band who work for the Diocese and they were joined by Youth Ministry Officers who work at surrounding Catholic High Schools. This year we were fortunate to have them at our school and this is a shared experience. As such Holy Family sent students for a similar experience on Thursday.
Friday staff will be participating in our Spirituality Day which is led by the Bishop.
Thanks to all our families for your support this Semester. It has been lovely to see the growing connection between school and home as this is best for our students. Having them know that they work together helps to foster maximum growth in our students. I would also like to congratulate the students on a wonderful Semster too. Both inside and outside of the classroom the students are performing well.
Covid Update:
School Holiday Travel to Hotspots - Students and Families
Communication to parents and caregivers:
Should you enter a known hotspot during the school holiday period or if a hotspot has been
declared while you were travelling in a particular area or following your return home, students
and staff will be required to adhere to requirements of the Public Health Order in place at the
commencement of Term 3.
Please be reminded that it is your responsibility to stay informed of COVID-19 hotspots,
particularly during this school holiday period. (School) will communicate with you prior to the
commencement of Term 3 with any changes to the current requirements or restrictions that may
impact the school.
Compass
Don't forget we transition to our new system Compass next Term. There is a video attached for your information.
Save the date for the upcoming events.
Week 1 -
Staff Development Day Mon 12th July
First day for students - Tues 13th July
Parent Training for Compass Wed 14th July 8am
Art Show Wed 14th July 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Week 2 -
Kinder Information Night - Wed 21st July 6pm.
We would like to wish Josie and past student Caitlyn all the best for their move to Tasmania and we look forward to hearing all about when they return to St John's.
Have a safe and happy holidays,
Renay
Assistant Principal's Message
“I especially ask Christian communities throughout the world to offer a radiant and attractive witness….let everyone admire how you care for one another, and how you encourage and accompany one another” Pope Francis
When I look back over the course of the past term I marvel at the productive energy and industry of our school community. Outside of the vibrant engaged learning taking place in the classrooms we’ve had two sports carnivals, both stage two and stage three camps, NAPLAN, school masses and liturgies (including the 10/10 Wildfire ministry band) finishing up with mid-year reports going home this week. Students have organised fundraisers for charity, our SRC have trialled a new break time eat/play arrangement. I’ve seen children striving to do their very best in the learning zone and teachers working tirelessly to create engaging learning cycles for each and every child. I’ve seen many parents and grandparents contributing to school life in a multitude of ways.
On the playground the Gaga pit has surged back to life and is currently a very popular playtime activity for stage 1, 2 and 3. Volleyball is also enjoyed amongst some stage 3 students. Handball is still a thing with some students in stage 1 and 2 and the beautiful fig trees and play equipment are still a sought after spot for imaginative and creative play for many groups of children. Overall there is a wonderful sense of inclusiveness, fun and harmony on the playground as our community of children run, play, explore and learn together right across our beautiful grounds. I’ve seen children make mistakes and then do their best to make things better. I’ve had a sense of belonging the children experience in the breaks as they engage productively and happily with their peers.
Being part of a community is in essence about belonging and connectedness. Being accepted and loved it’s about being heard and using your voice and talents to contribute and make the community stronger. The type of community we are striving to build here at St John’s was described beautifully by Bishop Greg at the recent Confirmation ceremony. A community where each child is loved, a community where each and each child knows they are loveable, a community where each child has a deep sense of belonging.
In conclusion I’d like to thank the students for the efforts in class and their positive respectful play outside. A special thank you to our student leaders who have done much great work this term. I’d also like to congratulate and thank the staff for the love, passion and dedication they demonstrate for the wellbeing and learning of each and every child in their care. Finally the parents and family support networks who assist in many ways at school but do such crucial work behind the scenes supporting children in so many ways, especially helping them to bounce back when they encounter a difficulty or setback. Thank you one and all.
Connecting with the Mullum/Bruns Community
Last Tuesday we had local artist Sue Davidson launch a collaborative art project here at St John’s that will when completed become an installation at the 2021 Brunswick Nature and Sculpture Walk; https://www.brunswicknaturesculpturewalk.com/
See Sue’s outline below.
Our triannual fabulous BNSW is on again this year and I am working with students to create a collaborative art work using wool and chopsticks. We will cover one of the picnic sheds in Brunswick Heads with small woven sculptures known as an Eye of God, a bit like a large patchwork quilt, made by students of all ages.
I will also teach students about the devastating effects of the clothing industry on the planet and what we can do to reduce, reuse and recycle to help manage the problem.
If you have any old balls of wool or any jumpers that are no longer worn that we can unravel and use to make our weavings, please bring them into the school as we will be using them in term three. We are also going to need chopsticks for the cross supports.
Ideally, we would like to amass an amount of material by the end of the first week back so we know how much we have. Maybe put the wool into school bags as soon as you read this memo so it is one less thing to remember!!
Many thanks and I look forward to seeing you at the BNSW from September 22nd – 29th.
Sue Davidson
0415657304
RE NEWS
SPORT NEWS -
ATHLETICS CARNIVAL
On the 15th of June we had the pleasure of traveling to the Cavanbah Centre in Byron Bay, to host our Athletics carnival. We were very lucky that the weather held up and it only rained for a small amount of time. In the afternoon the sun came out and turned out to be a beautiful day.
All of the students participated in the races and field events, showing great enthusiasm and school spirit. We really appreciated the support of the teachers, parents and grandparents who showed up and helped the day run smoothly. A special thank you to Jacki who organised and ran a fabulous tuckshop on the day (the hot chocolates were hugely popular).
Both houses performed really well on the day but in the end Malachi came out on top in the points tally. After Williams won the Cross Country Carnival it makes things one all for the year so far.
By Ali and Tinks (Sports Captains)
Athletics Carnival Highlights
More from the Athletics Carnival
Stage 3 News
Stage 3 Camp Review
In week 8 term 2, stage 3 went to camp in Coffs Coast Adventure Centre. The food there was really Delicious and they made sure we never went hungry. Even though it was freezing cold down there the dorm rooms were very warm and cosy.
On the first night the whole of stage 3 went to play Capture the Flag in a proper capture the flag course with big tyre walls and two flag poles at either end of the field, there were even jails made out of timber. Some of the stage's favourite activities were the Mega Drop which was a 13 metre pole where you had to climb up with a harness and jump off.
The Zip line was another favourite; this was like a flying fox, as you zipped high above the ground the view was amazing! When doing the Commando Course you had to crawl through muddy water and go around, under and through different obstacles. This was a real team effort and we had to help each other complete each task before moving on. The reactions for the commander course were mixed. Some people do not like it because you get wet and muddy (it was very, very cold) but other people do like it because of those reasons. Overall it was a great camp and everyone really enjoyed it.
Stage 3 Camp Highlights
Stage 2 students enjoyed visiting the art room to create some amazing samples of abstract art.
ROAD SAFETY
REMINDERS
Thursday 24 June - Last day of Term 2
Friday 25 June - Pupil Free Day
Monday 12 July - Pupil Free Day
Tuesday 13 July - First Day of Term 3
NEWS
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Our birthday people
Joey
People Celebrating birthdays during the Winter Holidays
Isaac, Kodi, Savannah G, Cynthia, Vander, Hudson, Avahlia & Cecilia
Lost Property
Please check that your child has their own jumper and hat.
Please make sure that your child's property is clearly labelled with their name.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS PARENT ASSEMBLY
COMMUNITY NEWS
