Term 1, Week 8, 21 March 2024

Principal Message

Dear St John's Community, 

This week is Harmony Week, as well as Wellbeing Week. Harmony Week is a celebration that usually occurs 20th-26th March and it recognises our diversity and brings together community members from all different backgrounds. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. The 2023 theme for Harmony Week is EVERYONE BELONGS. 

Wellbeing week is always celebrated in Week 7/8 as this is usually the time of term where students need a bit of a 'brain break' and a reminder for us all to re-focus on our wellbeing and re-establish good habits leading into the last part of the term. 

Thank you to Greg, Sasha and Anne for organising the week and to the rest of the staff for their help in contributing to this occasion. 

Last Friday we also celebrated St Patrick's Day - Thank you to our Stage 1 families and Mrs Loane for organising our 'Green treats' extravaganza. The treats were sold at lunch and recess to raise money for Project Compassion. It was a great way to end the week, with funds raised going to a great cause. 

Upcoming Dates

Please view the upcoming dates in this newsletter's left-hand column or via the calendar HERE on the school website, which is also synchronised with the Parent Compass Calendar. 

Feast of St Joseph

The Solemnity of St. Joseph is celebrated on March 19. This is an important Feast for us to celebrate as the Sisters of St Joseph founded our school. 

As we know, St Joseph has two feast days. On March 19 our veneration is directed to him personally and to his part in the work of redemption, while on May 1 we honour him as the patron of workers throughout the world. 

St Joseph is invoked as patron for many causes. He is the patron of the Universal Church. He is the patron of the dying because Jesus and Mary were at his death-bed. He is also the patron of fathers, of carpenters, and of social justice.

Grant, we pray, almighty God, that by Saint Joseph's intercession your Church may constantly watch over the unfolding of the mysteries of human salvation, whose beginnings you entrusted to his faithful care.  Amen

Sedentary Behaviour

Sedentary behaviour is being inactive, either sitting or lying down for long periods (except when sleeping). We spend a lot of time being inactive at school, at work, when travelling or when relaxing.

A lot of sedentary behaviour involves screen time. This includes:

• working or doing homework on a computer
• playing video games
• scrolling social media
• watching movies.

Sedentary behaviour occurs throughout our entire lives. Even babies can be inactive – for example, when strapped in a stroller or car seat. It’s important to keep sedentary time to a minimum.

Physical inactivity means not meeting the daily physical activity guidelines. You can do enough physical activity to meet the guidelines, and still be sedentary if you spend a lot of time sitting or lying down.

Sedentary behaviour and being physically inactive can result in a higher risk of some health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and depression.

Staying active regularly is essential for good physical and mental health and wellbeing. This is true no matter how young or old you are. But the amount of activity varies, depending on your age.

To help Australians understand how much activity they need, so physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines for each age group have been developed.

For children and young people (5 to 17 years), being active every day has many social, emotional, intellectual and health benefits, including:

• a chance to have fun with friends and family
• reduced antisocial behaviour
• stronger cooperation and teamwork skills
• better self-esteem and confidence
• lower anxiety and stress
• better concentration
• healthy growth and development
• strong muscles and bones
• improved fitness, including coordination and movement skills
• lower risk of disease
• lower risk of unhealthy weight gain.

All children and young people should get the right mix of physical activity, inactivity and sleep in each 24-hour period.

Moderate to vigorous physical activity

We recommend children and young people do at least 60 minutes each day of moderate to vigorous physical activity that makes the heart beat faster. More is better.

It doesn’t have to be a full 60 minutes at once – several shorter sessions through the day work too.

At least 3 days per week, children and young people should incorporate vigorous activities and activities that strengthen muscle and bone in the 60 minutes.

These activities don’t have to be organised or formal, and can include:

• football
• basketball
• netball
• bike riding
• scooter riding
• swimming
• dancing.

Muscle-strengthening activity

As part of the 60 minutes of daily activity, we recommend children and young people include muscle and bone strengthening activities 3 days per week, like:

• running
• climbing
• swinging on monkey bars
• push-ups
• sit-ups
• lifting weights
• yoga.

Light physical activity

Children and young people should also do several hours of various light physical activities each day. These can include:

• walking to school
• walking the dog
• going to the park with friends
• helping around the house
• playing handball.

Limiting time sitting!!

Limiting the time spent sitting or lying down (sedentary behaviour) – especially in front of screens – helps children grow and develop good habits for life.

Long periods of sitting can lessen the benefits of being physically active. So, it’s important to break these up as often as possible.

Screen time during childhood can have long-term impacts on a child’s development. For children and young people, we recommend no more than 2 hours of sedentary recreational screen time per day. This does not include screen time needed for school work.

Ensuring good sleep

Getting enough good-quality sleep is essential to healthy growth. We recommend that each night:  

• children aged 5 to 13 years get 9 to 11 hours of uninterrupted sleep
  

To establish and maintain healthy sleep patterns, we recommend:

• having a consistent bedtime and wake-up time
• avoiding screen time 1 hour before sleep
• keeping screens out of the bedroom.

Learn more.......

For more information about our activity recommendations for children and young people, see:

• 24-hour movement guidelines for the children and young people aged 5 to 17 brochure
• Make your move – sit less, be active for life – brochure for families.

Kind Regards, 

Dave Bermingham

Week 7 Awards

Week 8 Awards

Teaching & Learning @ St John's

Writers, Writers Everywhere!

Moving through the classrooms during the last two weeks, I have been very impressed with our student’s writing. Not only are they engaged in tasks, but I can see students ‘bumping up’ their writing by including strong vocabulary, descriptive or technical language and using other techniques to create a clear picture in the reader’s mind.  Stage 2 and Stage 3 developed exciting storylines that compelled me to read on. It was great to see students finalise their units  by producing sequels to “Fantastic Mr Fox” in Stage 2 and variations of “The Wild Robot” in Stage 3.  

In Stage 1, there’s strong evidence that students continued to learn about pollution and protecting our marine life. The students produced a full-page report explaining the impact of pollution on the environment using convincing language. Their posters make the reader think twice about dropping litter in waterways! 

In Kindergarten, some students are starting to include letter-like strings that represent their ideas, dictate ideas to their teacher, draw responses to stories and even include some actual words in their writing. What a great start to their learning journey. 

At the end of term, we will invite parents and carers into classrooms after our final assembly. Students can share their writing with you. It is an opportunity to celebrate all efforts in learning throughout the term. Further information will follow. Please enjoy listening to some of our older students reflect on their learning. 

Mission @ St John's

St Patrick's Day Fundraiser                                                                                                                              We are thrilled to announce the success of our recent fundraising efforts in celebration of St. Patrick's Day! Thanks to the generosity and support of our school community, we were able to raise an incredible $335 to support Project Compassion. 

Feast of St Joseph                                                                                                                                                            In a beautiful display of unity and faith, the entire school gathered together under the guidance of Mrs. Loane and Stage One to celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph on Tuesday. 

The Feast of St. Joseph holds a special significance in the Catholic tradition, honouring the earthly father of Jesus Christ. As the patron saint of workers and families, St. Joseph's life serves as an inspiration for all to lead lives of integrity, humility, and service.

The Liturgy was a testament to the values that St. Joseph embodied, emphasizing the importance of love, compassion, and community. Through prayers, readings, and hymns, students and staff were reminded of the profound impact that faith can have on their lives and the lives of those around them.

As we reflect on this special occasion, let us carry the spirit of St. Joseph with us in all that we do, striving to live lives of love, humility, and service. And let us give thanks for Mrs. Loane and Stage One, whose dedication and leadership continue to inspire us all on our spiritual journey.

Feast of St Joseph

Sacrament of Reconciliation                                                                                                                                Congratulations to the children and their families on receiving the sacrament of Reconciliation on Sunday morning. We hope the children continue to be blessed with Jesus’ love, mercy and forgiveness in their endeavour to grow to be the best possible people God intended. 

The children have spent time together with their families preparing to receive the sacrament at twilight sessions. Sincere thank you to all school staff and parish volunteers, Father David and Father Michael and their colleagues for all the work and care you devote to ensure all participate in rich, prayerful and reverent celebrations. 

Holy Week                                                                                                                                                                                  As we approach the holiest time of the year, we invite you to join us in celebrating Holy Week at our Whole School Liturgy on Thursday, March 28th, at 12:45pm in the Assembly room.

Holy Week is a time of profound reflection and spiritual renewal as we journey together towards Easter Sunday. It is a time to commemorate the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and to deepen our understanding of the profound love that God has for each and every one of us.

Our Whole School Liturgy will be a beautiful opportunity for our school community to come together in prayer and contemplation. Led by our dedicated staff and students, the Liturgy will be a time of worship, reflection, and unity as we prepare our hearts to enter into the mysteries of Holy Week.

We warmly extend this invitation to all families in our school community to join us for this special occasion. Your presence will truly enrich our celebration and help to deepen the sense of community that is at the heart of our school.

We look forward to coming together as one family to celebrate Holy Week and to journey together in faith towards the joy of Easter.

Wellbeing

Orange means Everone Belongs @ St John's

Today we commence a week of Wellbeing activities for students and teachers at St John’s. We are starting today as it is Harmony and Inclusion Day, a perfect way to commence our Wellbeing Week.

The theme of Harmony & Inclusion Day this year is ‘Everyone Belongs’! When I spoke to our wonderful Year 6 leaders yesterday about this idea of belonging and what it is at school that gives them a sense of belonging.

They responded with the following.

“I feel like I belong:

• when my classmates mates include me in games
• when people call out hello to me when I walk through the school gates in the morning.
• when people accept me for who I am.
• when people listen to me and don’t talk over the top of me.
• when teachers say hello to me at school.
• when I know I have a group of friends I feel comfortable with and can hang out with

Harmony Day

What is Harmony & Inclusion Day?

 It is a time to celebrate Australian multiculturalism and the successful integration of migrants into our community. Australia is one of the most successful multicultural countries in the world and we should celebrate this and work to maintain it. Harmony Week is about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background, united by core Australian values.

Why the colour orange?

Orange is the colour chosen to represent Harmony & Inclusion celebrations. Traditionally, orange signifies social communication and meaningful conversations. It also relates to the freedom of ideas and the encouragement of mutual respect. Australians can choose to wear something orange during Harmony Week to show their support for cultural diversity and an inclusive Australia.

What’s happening at St John’s during wellbeing week?

Thursday:

• Year 6 have made braided bracelets; 
• Year 5 to make their bracelets in class tomorrow;see link below https://youtu.be/r8gizfZTyRs?si=sy15rsaY090ax3FP
• Stage 2 to make their bracelets with the help of year 6 students on Friday at 10.30 on the playground
• Reading and responding to one of the ‘Big Books’ on neuro-diversity. (These books will be on display in the staffroom next week.
• Sharing the story of ‘The Amzing Brain” for middle and upper primary. This could possibly be shared by some of neur-diverse students with support from teachers.
• World down syndrome awareness day-  big books in staff room have info 
• Books appropriate up to grade 2:
• My Friend Isabelle by Amy Thrasher, or What I like about me by Allia Zobel Nolan.

Friday:

• Stage 2 to make their bracelets with the help of year 6 students on Friday at 10.30 on the playground
• Years 5 and 6 to make bracelets to be gifted to the Stage 1 and Kindy children in a ceremony on Monday.
• Indoor games session stages 2 and 3. Children bring games to school and play with their classmates. Stage 1 and Early Stage 1 Uno club!
• Watch movie or documentary in class
• Craft club at Lunch and recess with Miss Wells 

Monday:

Resilient Kids Northern Rivers visit St John’s

• Years 3 to 6 will spend the day working with the Resilient Kids team
• Early Stage 1 & Stage 1 Forest bathing @ Heritage Park. Each class to walk with teachers over to Heritage Park, look and listen in the forest, walk the pathways & play on the equipment, enjoy crunch and sip in the park. Weather permitting.

Tuesday:

• Collaborative class based colouring, drawing or calligraphy activities?
• Stage s 2 & 3 Forest bathing @ Heritage Park. Each class to walk with teachers over to Heritage Park, look and listen in the forest, walk the pathways & play on the equipment. Roster to be made for this activity. Create a visual poem using 5 photographs of the walk. (Ch’n to use i-pads only after walking through forest quietly first).

Wednesday:

• ES1 & S1 water colour painting on the theme; Everyone Belongs
• ST2 & ST3 with a partner design a symbol that represents ‘belonging’ for display in the classroom.

Best regards, Greg

SCHOOL INFORMATION

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU"

Our Birthday person:-  

Archie

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