St John's Primary School Mullumbimby eNewsletter

Principal Message

Dear St John's Community,

As we find ourselves in the midst of Term 3, I wanted to take a moment to share some of the wonderful experiences we've had recently and what’s coming up as we continue to learn and grow together.

Last week was an absolute highlight with our Book Week celebrations. It was heartwarming to see the excitement on the children’s faces as they dressed up as their favourite book characters. The parade was a delightful showcase of creativity, and the picnic in the afternoon brought our community together in such a special way. Thank you to everyone who made it a memorable day for our students.

We had the pleasure of hosting the NED Show 2 weeks ago. The NED show is a fun and engaging program that not only entertained the kids but also taught valuable lessons about Never giving up, Encouraging others, and Doing your best. The enthusiasm for the yo-yos was incredible, and it’s been great seeing the children practising their new skills during recess and lunch. It’s amazing how something so simple can bring so much joy and learning.

Last week, we also came together to celebrate the feast of St. Mary of the Cross MacKillop. It was a terrific day filled with reflection, gratitude, and a deep sense of community. St. Mary’s legacy of kindness and dedication to others is something we strive to embody at St. John’s, and it was heartwarming to see our students engage so meaningfully in the day’s activities.

In the classroom, our students have been continuing their journey with the Learning Progression Framework. I’m proud of how they’ve been using our HIKE Learning Behaviours—Have Respect, Inspire Others, Keep Safe, and Effort Always—to guide their learning and interactions. It’s been a joy to see them recognising their own progress, and when they occasionally stumble with a ‘Slip or Trip,’ they’re showing resilience in bouncing back.

Thank you for your continued support and for being such an important part of our St. John’s community. Together, we’re creating a nurturing environment where every child can thrive.

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.

Staffing news

Please join me in congratulating Courtney Hyde who has been appointed to the position of Acting Assistant Principal - Mission at St Brigid's Primary School, Kyogle. Courtney will take on this new role from 16th September 2024 until 5th September 2025.

This is a wonderful achievement, and a testament to Courtney's dedication, leadership, and commitment to our community. While we will miss her contributions here for the next 12 months, we know that she will bring her passion and expertise to her new position at St Brigid's, and we wish her all the best during this time.

Please join me in congratulating Courtney on this significant accomplishment and wishing her every success in her new role.

We are currently advertising for Courtney’s replacement until the end of the year. This is open to the whole diocese. Once a replacement is appointed, it will be communicated to the community.

Greg Flint Long Service Leave

Greg is taking scheduled long service leave until the end of the term. His position was advertised internally in the school and we congratulate Ellie Bailey, who has been appointed to Greg’s role until the end of the term. Ellie’s Monday and Friday will remain the same, however, her timetable will be different on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday as she moves into the Leader of Pastoral Care space. Ellie will still do her leader of mission work and still have her foot in the door of K-2 as engagement leader. I know you will join me in congratulating Ellie on this appointment and we know she will do a terrific job! Danielle Robins will be in on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays replacing Ellie’s class support commitments.

Dave Bermingham Renewal Leave

I have applied for and been granted some renewal leave which I will take in term 4. I plan to do a pilgrimage in Italy for 3 weeks following the footsteps of St Anthony of Padua and St Francis of Assisi. I will be replaced for the entire period of my leave and the Diocese of Lismore is currently advertising for this position. Once a replacement is appointed, it will be communicated to the community.

Father's Day

Thank you to those who were able to join us for our Father's Day breakfast today. As we approach Father’s Day, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible role that fathers play in our lives. Fatherhood is a vocation that mirrors the love, protection, and guidance of our Heavenly Father. It is a role filled with responsibility, sacrifice, and, above all, love.

In the Catholic tradition, we look to St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, as a model of fatherhood. I personally have 'tried' to model my 'fathering' on St Joseph's character. St. Joseph’s life is a testament to the quiet strength, unwavering faith, and deep love that fathers bring to their families. He was a man of integrity, who provided for his family with humility and devotion, always trusting in God’s plan.

This Father’s Day, let us give thanks for the fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and father figures in our lives who, like St. Joseph, provide us with love, support, and guidance. Their commitment to their families and to their children’s growth—spiritually, emotionally, and academically—deserves our deepest appreciation.

I encourage all our students and families to take a moment to pray for their fathers and to ask for the intercession of St. Joseph in their lives. May this Father’s Day be filled with love and gratitude as we celebrate the men who have shaped our lives and continue to do so.

DIBELS Data Celebration

Last week, you received a letter showing your child’s scores from the Beginning and Middle of Year DIBELS Assessments. Different assessments are used depending on the age of the students. As a school, all of our staff work hard and strive for growth in each student, so it is pleasing to see this data and the improvements made by students.

We were extremely proud of the growth shown in our DIBELS data across the whole school. Please ensure that you have shared and celebrated your child's progress with them.

St John's Spring Fair

As you are aware the St John's Spring Fair is just around the corner! Mark your calendars for Friday, 27th September, as we prepare for a evening filled with fun, laughter, and community spirit.

The Spring Fair will be one of the highlights of our school year, bringing together students, families, and staff for an afternoon of celebration and fundraising. This event plays a crucial role in supporting various school initiatives, providing valuable resources and experiences for our children.

How You Can Help:

Volunteer Your Time: We need volunteers to help with setting up stalls, supervising activities, and tidying up after the event. Even a couple of hours of your time can make a huge difference. Our classroom teachers and classroom parent reps will be setting up a timetable.
Donate Items: We are seeking donations for our various stalls, including baked goods, auction and raffle prizes. If you have any items to contribute, please drop them off at the school office by Friday, 13th September. We also have a letter that can be taken to local businesses asking for donations.
Spread the Word: The more, the merrier! Please invite your family, friends, and neighbours to join us on the day. Let’s make this year’s Spring Fair the best one yet! We also have some corflute signs that need to be hung on fences in the local area. If you can help, please let me know.

Your support is vital in ensuring the success of the Spring Fair. Together, we can create a memorable day for our children while raising important funds for our school.

Thank you in advance for your generosity and involvement. We look forward to seeing you there!

Kind Regards,

Dave Bermingham

week 6 Awards

Teaching & Learning @ St John's

Celebrating a Fantastic Book Week!

We are excited to share the highlights of our recent Book Week, which was a huge success, thanks to the enthusiastic participation of our students and the incredible support from our parents!

A Vibrant Book Parade Our Book Parade was a true spectacle, with students proudly marching in creative costumes that brought their favourite characters to life. From classic tales to modern favourites, the variety of costumes reflected the diverse reading interests of our students and made the parade a colourful celebration of imagination. The staff embraced the “Reading is Magic” theme with their costumes from J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series of books. The gold coin donations from the dress-up day help support, Story Dogs.

Thank You, Parents! A big thank you to our wonderful parents for supporting the Book Fair! Your contributions will allow our students to explore new books and foster a love for reading. The proceeds will help enrich our school library, ensuring continued access to quality books for all students. A huge thank you to Sarah, our librarian who manned the Book Fair store daily to allow students time to browse and make purchases.

Book week Parade

The Book Picnic was another highlight, where families joined students on mats to enjoy reading together under the sun. It was a delightful experience that underscored the importance of shared reading time and created lasting memories for everyone involved.

Minnie the Story Dog at Our Book Picnic!

We were thrilled to have Minnie, one of our resident Story Dogs, join us at the Book Picnic! Minnie was a hit, with many students eagerly choosing to read alongside her and Sue, her owner. Her gentle presence made the event even more special, helping students enjoy their books in a fun and relaxed setting. Thank you to Sue, Minnie, Angela and Sailor for your continued support in fostering reading in our school.

We look forward to continuing our efforts to inspire a love for reading in our students. Thank you to everyone who helped make Book Week such a success! Check out the photos of some of the amazing costumes created by our students.

Book Week Picnic

WELLBEING @ St John's

Acting Leader of Pastoral Care

Dear St. John’s Community,

I hope this message finds you well. I am delighted to share that I, Ellie Bailey, have been appointed as the Acting Leader of Pastoral Care while our dedicated Pastoral Care leader, Greg Flint, is on long service leave until September 27th. I am thrilled to step into this new role and continue supporting our wonderful school community.

In my new position, I will focus on ensuring every student feels valued, supported, and nurtured. At St. John’s, we are committed to creating a caring environment where our students can thrive academically and personally. I look forward to working closely with you, our parents and guardians, to support your children's well-being.

Please feel free to email me directly at ellie.bailey@lism.catholic.edu.au if you have any questions or need assistance during this period. I am here to support you and your child in any way I can.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership.

Warm regards,

Ellie Bailey
Leader of Mission & Acting Leader of Pastoral Care
St. John’s Primary School

The school pastoral care and wellbeing committee have created a PARENT HUB of helpful resources for parents. To access this, please click below

PARENT RESOURCE HUB

Mission

On August 22nd, our school joyfully celebrated the Feast Day of St Mary MacKillop. The day began with an inspiring play by Star Productions, vividly bringing to life the story of young Mary MacKillop and her dedication to education and compassion.

Following the performance, students engaged in meaningful formation activities and were divided into peer groups to explore and reflect on the values and mission of St Mary MacKillop. These activities encouraged everyone to embody her spirit of kindness and service.

The day concluded with a heartfelt liturgy, where we came together as a school community to celebrate St Mary’s legacy. It was a wonderful day filled with learning, reflection, and unity, reminding us of the importance of living out the values St Mary MacKillop.

Mary MacKillop Feast day

Please pray for our four candidates who will be receiving their Sacrament of First Holy Communion on Sunday the 15th of September at 8:00 am.

Leo, Tiana, Harper & Raffaella

Lord Jesus,

Bless the children coming forward to receive Holy Communion for the first time. May this day be an initial step into a life-long love of the Eucharist. Give them a hunger for this sacred food so that they turn to You for comfort, guidance, and wisdom as they grow into full discipleship. Thank you for their innocence and goodness. May their eagerness to receive Your Body and Blood inspire all of us to cherish this Sacred Sacrament. Amen

SCHOOL INFORMATION

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU"

Our Birthday people:-

Avalon, Nahla, Theodore, Piper & Aliya

25 Nov	Assembly 2:20 PM - 2:50 PM Recurring event

2 Dec	Assembly 2:20 PM - 2:50 PM Recurring event

9 Dec	Assembly 2:20 PM - 2:50 PM Recurring event

14 Dec	St John of the Cross, priest, doctor All day Recurring event

16 Dec	Assembly 2:20 PM - 2:50 PM Recurring event

18 Dec	Last Day of Term 4 All day

Term 3, Week 6, August 29, 2024