Term 2, Week 6, 6 June 2024

Principal Message

Dear St John's Community, 

We are always collecting data, whether it is from community surveys or student assessments. All data collected is stored in a data warehouse (online environment) and analysed to inform direction and change in what we do here at St John's, whether it is changing our teaching practices; how we cater for the diversity of learners; how we manage student behaviour and the list goes on. 

Recently, we analysed the 2024 NAPLAN data and it is very pleasing to see such amazing progress in our students at St John's. Out of the 32 students who completed the NAPLAN testing from grades 3 and 5 we had the following results:

• 74% Achieved above proficiency in Reading
• 81% achieved above proficiency in Writing
• 81% achieved above proficiency in Numeracy
• 73% achieved above proficiency in Grammar and Punctuation
• 57%  achieved above proficiency in Spelling (this will have to be a focus for us moving forward!)

Our Mean scores for Reading, Writing, Numeracy, Grammar and punctuation, were all above the Lismore Diocese mean scores, which is certainly worth celebrating. 

Proclaim 2024

on Tuesday last week, all staff were blessed to attend Proclaim alongside our colleagues from all the catholic schools between Byron Bay and the NSW/QLD border. Proclaim Lismore is an exciting, collaborative adventure to enhance and strengthen the foundations of Catholic education

Proclaim Lismore aims to ensure that Catholic education is strategically placed to enable the hidden energy of the Good News to positively impact on the consciences of each person, and transform Catholic education. This experience will enable us to further promote our catholic identity in new and contemporary ways, achieving high levels of Catholic religious literacy.

We were lucky enough to have Dr Maeve Louise Heaney VDMF present to us. She is Director of the Xavier Centre for Theological Formation at Australian Catholic University.  A theologian, musician and composer, Maeve has worked in Spain, England, Ireland, Italy and Australia leading schools of evangelization, spiritual exercises and teaching theology. She is a sought-after speaker and author, writing and presenting on areas of theological aesthetics, music, fundamental theology, spirituality, preaching, and women’s leadership. She also lectures in Theology at ACU and works as a formator at Holy Spirit Provincial Seminary, Queensland.

We were also lucky enough to hear from Roby Curtis who is director of Emmanuel City Mission in Brisbane.  Emmanuel City Mission (ECM) opens its doors every day to those experiencing homelessness and other practically challenging circumstances, to provide them with material assistance, a safe place off the streets, and a sense of community. Beyond the efforts to support guests in practical ways, ECM exists to provide hope and healing by speaking into their identity and true worth. “I see a lot of breakthroughs in lives – I see a lot of people who break really vicious cycles and move forward for maybe the first time in a few generations in their bloodline,” says Roby. “I see others who really try and continue to backslide, but what I’ve learned is that we’re on a journey, and regardless of season there is grace. There is strength; there is good news in the midst of the most struggle in our society.” 

Plenty of things to consider for us. 

Dr Maeve Louise Heaney & Roby Curtis

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. 

New Anti-Bullying Policy

At the end of 2023, the Lismore Catholic Schools Office released an updated Anti-Bullying policy named Student Anti-Bullying Prevention and Response Procedures. Last Term, staff participated in a Twilight Professional Learning session to find out more. As part of this package, schools were provided with some posters, which I plan to share with the community through our newsletters. 

Kind Regards, 

Dave Bermingham

Teaching & Learning @ St John's

WELLBEING @ St John's

Do we know how to talk about bullying with our children?

In the last newsletter, I shared some information about ‘bullying’ what it is, and what it isn’t! This time we move onto information and support for parents about how to have productive conversations with our children about issues related to ‘bullying’. I will also work with our student leaders who will, share information about this topic with the student body.

Having an open dialogue about bullying with your child is crucial for fostering trust,

understanding, and resilience. You could use this video from Bullying No Way as a

conversation starter.

Here are some tips for initiating and maintaining this important conversation:

• Ensure that your child feels comfortable and safe discussing sensitive topics like

bullying. Choose a quiet, private setting where your child feels relaxed and free to

express themselves without fear of judgment or reprisal.

• Be ready to manage your reactions.

• Start the conversation by asking open-ended questions that invite your child to

share their thoughts and experiences. For example, you could ask, "Can you tell me

about what's been happening at school lately?" or "How are things going with your

Friends?"

• Practice active listening by giving your child your full attention and demonstrating

empathy and understanding. Avoid interrupting or dismissing their feelings, even if

you disagree with their perspective. Reflect back on what they're saying to show that

you're truly listening and validating their experience.

• Let your child know that their feelings are valid and that it's normal to feel upset or

worried about bullying. Reassure them that they're not alone and that you're there

to support them every step of the way.

• Focus on empowering them with knowledge and strategies for dealing with bullying.

Help your child to brainstorm possible solutions or strategies to manage the

situation. If your child is experiencing bullying or if the conversation reveals other

issues, contact the school.

By fostering an open and supportive dialogue about bullying, you can help your child feel empowered, resilient, and equipped to navigate challenging situations with confidence. Starting the conversation about this topic should be grounded in your family's beliefs and values. Make sure you have early, regular conversations with your child about the values you have as a family regarding respect and care for others and the dignity of each human person.

What are your family values? How do you as a family provide healthy opportunities to grow in mutual love and respect?

Best regards, Greg Flint

Mission @ St John's

Sacrament of Confirmation 

We are thrilled to announce that three children from St John’s will be receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation this Thursday, the 6th of June at 5:00 pm. Bishop Greg will be presiding over the ceremony, marking this significant milestone in their spiritual journey. Confirmation deepens commitment to faith and strengthens the bond with the Holy Spirit.

Prayer for Candidates 

Heavenly Father, 

We ask you to bless Ivy, Savannah and Leo as they receive the sacrament of Confirmation. Fill them with your Holy Spirit, guide them in faith, and empower them to live out your love and truth in their lives. 

Amen.

Congratulations 

We would like to send a big congratulations to Arlo, Hendrix and Leo on their Baptisms. This is a significant and joyous occasion, marking the beginning of your spiritual journey. May your faith grow stronger each day, and may you always feel the love and support of your family, friends, and community.

Baptisms

Student Mission Team

We are excited to announce the introduction of our new Student Mission Team. This week classes will vote for one student per year group. This team will play a vital role in organising fundraisers, engaging students with the life and teachings of our patron saint, St. John the Evangelist, and help to prepare liturgies and prayers for our school assemblies. This initiative aims to foster leadership skills and spiritual growth among our students, encouraging them to live out their faith through service and community involvement. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this team will have on our school community. The Student Mission Team will be announced in the coming weeks and be formally recognised at our whole school Mass on the 26/06/24 at 9:30 am. Students will be presented with a special badge, symbolising their commitment and dedication to serving their school community and embodying the values of leadership, responsibility, and faith. 

Vinnie’s Winter Appeal

The St Vincent de Paul Society has launched its annual Vinnies Winter Appeal, focusing on the Working Homeless, an emerging group of people who are experiencing housing hardship and disadvantage despite being in employment. This will be our student Mission Teams first project organising a “Wear Winter Woollies Day”. This will be held on Friday the 14th of June. Students are encouraged to bring a gold coin to donate to the Vinnies Winter Appeal. Students may come to school dressed in scarves, jumpers, beanies, and warm clothing. 

Funds raised through the Winter Appeal will be used to fund our work within the Brunswick Heads community, supporting people experiencing or at risk of homelessness and those struggling with poverty and cost-of-living pressures. We thank you for your continued and generous support which will allow us to make a difference to those in need within our community.

Stage 2 and 3 Retreats 

On Friday the 31st of May, Stages 2 and 3 participated in whole class retreats. 

Stage 2 engaged in a retreat titled "Accendered," which means "to spark the flame." The retreat aimed to ignite their passion for learning and personal growth through various reflective and inspirational activities.

Stage 3 participated in the Leadership Retreat, where they explored the qualities of a good leader and the responsibilities that come with leadership. Students reflected upon their leadership qualities and discussed how to be an effective leader at St John’s. 

School Song 

As part of our Annual School Improvement Process, a 2024 action is to develop a school song. We have employed Andrew Chin who is a classroom teacher turned full time ministry music composer. He has released 12 albums, 5 DVDs and 6 picture books, which are used widely by teachers and catechists in the faith development of children. Students and Staff will work with Andrew via Zoom on Wednesday the 12th of June to develop a school song. If you would like to have some input into our school song please use the link to fill in the Google form. 

https://forms.gle/XMoaSY7NAGhNeKkY8 

ENGAGEMENT @ St John's

Premier Reading Challenge 

This year we are involved in the Premiers Reading Challenge. The Challenge aims to encourage a love of reading for leisure and pleasure in students and to enable them to experience quality literature. It is not a competition but a challenge to each student to read, to read more and to read more widely. The Premier's Reading Challenge (PRC) is open to all NSW students in Kindergarten to Year 10, in government, independent, Catholic and home schools. 

 How many books do students need to read?

Students in Kindergarten to Year 2 are challenged to read or experience 30 books. 20 of these books must be from the relevant Challenge booklists, and up to 10 books can be personal choice books. Books can be read with a parent, carer, teacher or another student.

Students in Year 3 to Year 10 are challenged to read 20 books independently. At least 10 of these books must be from the relevant Challenge booklists, and up to 10 books can be personal choice books.

If a book is from an approved PRC series, students can enter up to 5 books as Challenge books, and can read up to 10 other books from the same series as Personal Choice books. More information on the rules of the Challenge can be found on the PRC website.

Books must be added to a student’s online reading record by Friday 23 August 2024 in order for their reading record to be validated and receive a certificate.

All students have been set up with a username and password. If you have not received it yet and your child would like to enter the challenge please contact courtney.wells@lism.catholic.edu.au

SPORT NEWS

SCHOOL INFORMATION

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU"

Our Birthday people:-  

Blake & Eva

COMMUNITY NOTICES