Term 3, Week 8, 12 September , 2024 -

Principal Message

Dear St John's Community, 

As we approach the end of Term 3, it’s been a joy to see the enthusiasm and effort our students continue to bring into their learning. The school has been buzzing with excitement, from classroom projects to playground adventures, and we are so proud of the way our children are growing and thriving.

Last Friday, our Stage 3 students represented St John’s at the Tweed Catholic Schools Gala Sports Day. It was a wonderful day filled with sportsmanship, teamwork, and friendly competition. We are incredibly proud of how our students conducted themselves, showing great respect to their peers from other schools and demonstrating the true spirit of Have Respect and Inspiring Others, two key pillars of our HIKE learning behaviours. Their effort and positive attitude were commended by many, and they truly did St John’s proud.

On Monday, our Year 6 leaders attended the Tweed Catholic Schools Year 6 Mass, where they played an active role in the celebration. Their behaviour was exceptional, and they represented St John’s with grace and maturity. Our students took part in the readings and led the congregation beautifully, embodying the values we hold dear. It was a proud moment for all, and we are grateful for their leadership as they inspire our younger students to follow in their footsteps.

Looking ahead, we have two exciting events coming up in Week 10:

• On Monday, 23 September We welcome Adam Spencer, Director of Lismore Catholic Schools to St John's to conduct some filming. This is a great opportunity for us to showcase the vibrant life at St John’s, and we look forward to him using the beautiful environment we have here at St John's as his backdrop. 

• Our Stage 3 students will also be participating in an Art Workshop as part of the Brunswick Nature Sculpture Walk on Tuesday, 24 September. This hands-on workshop will allow students to explore their creativity, and we’re sure it will be a memorable and inspiring experience. I know that the students will love seeing their work on the Brunswick Nature Sculpture Walk

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. Let’s continue to work together to make these last few weeks of the term as rewarding and memorable as possible.

Wishing you all a wonderful fortnight ahead!

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

I’m pleased to announce that Chris Hosie will be joining St. John’s as our new Leader of Mission and Engagement for Years 3-6, taking over from Courtney Hyde. We are very grateful for Courtney’s dedicated service to our school community and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Chris comes to us with extensive experience in Catholic education. Most recently, he has been teaching at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School in Ballina, where he led significant projects, including the RENEW Project, and was a key member of the School Improvement Team. Chris is passionate about fostering a vibrant, faith-filled school environment, and he has led music ministry, including choirs and bands, and helped organise important events such as Masses, school camps, and graduation celebrations.

Chris’ commitment to the wider community is also evident through his work in forming partnerships with local organisations and engaging students in initiatives that connect them to both the parish and broader community. His use of digital technologies to enhance learning, and his role in organizing events like the Kids Connect Conference—a student-led technology event—are just a few examples of the innovative approaches he brings to education.

We are very excited to welcome Chris to the St. John’s community, and we’re confident that his leadership will be a blessing for our school. I know he looks forward to meeting you and working closely with our students to support their growth, both academically and spiritually.

School Fees 2025

A letter from the director of Catholic Schools Adam Spencer was emailed to parents on the 21st August. It stated the information below:

"We wish to inform you of an upcoming increase in school fees for the 2025 academic year. The decision regarding fee levels for 2025 is made in the context of the continued provision of high-quality Catholic Education in the face of rising operational costs and changes in government funding. Full details of the 2025 fees will be distributed shortly. We recognise the financial pressures that families may face and strive to offer flexible payment options to accommodate different circumstances. More information is available on the Enrolment and Fees page of the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools website. Our schools are committed to providing high-quality education and maintaining the facilities and resources necessary for our students' success. We appreciate your understanding and continued support as we work together to provide an exceptional educational environment for your children and young people."

Please find below the St John’s 2025 school fee schedule. The cost of Catholic schooling should not be a barrier to any child receiving a Catholic education. If you need support with your fees, please reach out to me for a confidential conversation.

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:

1. 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. 
2. 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. 
3. 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!

Week 7 Awards

Week 8 Awards

Kind Regards, 

Dave Bermingham

Teaching & Learning @ St John's

Junior Johnnies Kindergarten Transition Program 

It is hard to believe we are preparing to transition to kindergarten students for the 2025 school year. Where has that time gone? Our kindergarten transition programme will commence in Week 3 of Term 4, and the first session will be on Friday, 1/11/24.

What is Junior Johnnies?

Junior Johnnies is a free program that assists children commencing school the following year in making the transition into school life less daunting.

What do Junior Johnnies do?

A qualified teacher supervises Junior Johnnie's children to participate in group and individual activities. These activities vary weekly and are designed to prepare children for school routines and learning. 

How often will Junior Johnnies be held? 

We offer the Junior Johnnies Program on Fridays from 8.50 am to 10.50 am. 

•  Session 1:  Friday 1/11/24
•  Session 2:  Friday 8/11/24
•  Session 3:  Friday 15/11/24

Spread the Word!

If you know of any families looking to enrol their child in Kindergarten in 2025 please urge them to contact the school office for further information about our school, the enrolment process and the opportunity to join in our Jonior Johnnies Transition Programme. Word of mouth is one of the most powerful ways to promote our school. 

WELLBEING @ St John's

The Council of Catholic School Parents (CCSP) has released a new resource, Supporting Diverse Learning in Catholic Schools, designed to help parents and carers of children with diverse learning needs. This guide offers practical advice, insights, and support strategies to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment. We encourage families to access this valuable resource to better understand how to collaborate with teachers and schools to meet the individual needs of their children. Please refer to the CCSP website or follow the link for more information. 

Many blessings,

Ellie Bailey                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Acting Leader of Pastoral Care 

Mission

Sacrament of First Holy Communion 

As a faith community, we congratulate and keep in our prayers Harper, Tiana, Raffaela and Maggie, who will be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion for the first time in our beautiful St John’s Church this weekend the 15th of September at 8am. May Christ bless and guide them during this special time. This will also be our combined Parish School Mass and all friends and family are invited to attend. There will be a morning tea  afterwards. 

Year 6 Tweed Catholic Schools Week Mass 

On Monday, our Year 6 students had the privilege of attending the Year 6 Tweed Catholic Schools Week Mass at Banora Point. The students represented our school with pride, joining other Catholic schools in the region to celebrate faith and community.

The Mass was a beautiful opportunity for our students to reflect on their journey in Catholic education as they prepare to transition to high school. Following the Mass, the students enjoyed a fun-filled lunchtime, where they participated in games and activities with peers from other schools, fostering new friendships and memories.

We are incredibly proud of the way our students embodied our school values throughout the day!

Year 6 Mass

End of Term Whole School Mass                                                                                                                                                                      You are warmly invited to join us for our End of Semester Mass, led by our wonderful Stage 1 students, on Wednesday, the 18th of September, at 9:30 am at St John’s Church. This special celebration is an opportunity to come together as a community in faith and thanksgiving for all the blessings of the Semester.

We look forward to seeing you there!

SCHOOL INFORMATION

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU"

Our Birthday people:-  

Macey, Phoenix, Estelle, Charlotte & Izzi

COMMUNITY NOTICES