Dear Parents and Carers,

Social Justice Sunday will be celebrated this coming Sunday 29^th September. This year, the Australian Bishops’ Social Justice Statement titled: Making It Real: Genuine human encounter in our digital world, considers the great changes that modern communications technology has brought to our lives.

The Statement affirms the positive possibilities for encounter and solidarity offered by new digital media, while warning of those elements of our digital world that may be harmful.

As Catholics, Pope Francis calls us to “boldly become citizens of the digital world to ensure it is a place of genuine human encounter”. We all have a vital role in making this digital world one where hatred and divisions are rejected and our love for God and neighbor is fostered always.

Below is an excerpt from the Statement that identifies this call to every user, to consider the impact of our online presence has on our lives and to ensure that we have balance so as to ensure that we have real connections with others in our families and wider communities. It is also important to consider the example that we are giving our children who take notice of how parents use technology.

More information about the Statement can be found at - www.socialjustice.catholic.org.au 

CLASS FORMATION FOR 2020

The lengthy process of class formation for 2020 will commence in earnest when we return to school for Term 4.

This process involves the current class teachers preparing draft lists for next year’s classes. This process takes into consideration the academic, social, emotional and physical needs of each individual student. Decisions are made to establish balanced, equitable class groups with the potential to work well together. As the teachers know the students within the school environment exceptionally well, the best interests of each individual student is always considered during the discernment process.

Parents are invited annually to contribute to the process of class formation by informing us in writing of any special needs that may affect class placement. Written requests could be submitted either through the class teacher or via an email to info@sjctdow.catholic.edu.au marked – 2020 Class Formation in the subject line during Weeks 1 to 4 of Term 4.

It is important to note that whilst parental requests are considered, there is never a guarantee that these requests will be granted. If parents make a request, particularly about their child being placed within a friendship group, please be aware that there may be circumstances surrounding such requests that may prevent it from being granted.

All requests are considered when classes are constructed and must be provided prior to classes being finalised.  No late requests will be considered due to the important nature of the finalisation of class lists. Thank you for your attention to this matter promptly at the commencement of Term 4.

STUDENTS NOT RETURNING IN 2020 TO ST JOHN'S 

If parents are already aware that their child/ren will not be returning to St John’s in 2020, we request that this information be provided to Ms Schembri or Mrs Newcombe in the school office as soon as possible.

This information will assist us with accommodating both new applications and students who are currently on our waiting list.

Wishing you a wonderful and safe holiday break with your children.

Mrs Jane Webb
Acting Principal

As we have discussed before, this year at St John’s we have been embarking on a way of teaching maths called ‘Challenging Maths’.

This type of teaching requires the students to figure out a problem by enquiring and trialling different strategies. The teacher asks questions to guide the student’s learning.

To be successful students requires a growth mindset.

What is a growth mindset?

Students can be paralysed by not feeling ‘smart’. Children need to be encouraged to try and reassured that the brain is a muscle that can develop and learn. There are 2 beliefs:

How can I help my child to develop a growth mindset?

* Praise perseverance and effort, try not to attribute success to being “smart”
* Model a ‘glass half full’ at home
* Communicate that change is part of life
* Help your child to find their strengths

We hope this information gives you some ideas that you may be able to use in the holidays. We wish you a safe & happy holiday and hope it allows you quality time with your child.

Kylie Billett & Helen Libro
Acting Assistant Principals

On Wednesday the 18th of September, Chloe, Georgia, Deegan and Mrs.Webb caught a bus to travel to Nowra to attend a Catholic Mission Week launch at St. John the Evangelist Catholic High School in Nowra where we had the opportunity to see the reality of people’s lives in Ghana. First we started off with the acknowledgement to the country with a special dance then we were invited to be part of the setting up of a prayer space that would display items that represented what the country needed the most. It was really interesting seeing what they are experiencing, poverty and starvation when in a country like Australia we are very lucky to have resources that help to keep ourselves healthy and happy. 

We watched a couple of videos that included a woman called Sister Stan who helped children in Ghana that were in need of education and a helping hand because their parents had left them to be abandoned, helpless also to be forced to become street children. Sister Stan helped them to become self reliant, and help them to grow with knowledge that will help them for a future including a job. A girl named Sarah got taken into Nazareth Home along with Sister Stan, Sister Stan now has over 90 children from  a range ages from toddlers to teenagers. They replaced the prayer space with things that could be donated through Catholic Mission that would help to make for a brighter future. Later we had a guest speaker come from Ghana to speak with us about some stories about the country. Later one person was able to walk down from each school to grab a Catholic Mission Week Bag that included some booklets and some instruments from Ghana called a Caxixi, Georgia went up and grabbed the bag and a couple of photos were taken. Later they had a light lunch and after we had eaten we were allowed to put on a VR (Virtual Reality) headset and watch some small clips of the people in Ghana. 

Georgia, Chloe, Deegan and Mrs.Webb had a good experience learning about Ghana.

 ‘Do not fear, I am with you.’

During Term Three, Year Five and Six students have been working on an individual artwork project. Students were asked to visually depict one part of the Christmas Story which they thought was important. They could choose any medium to complete their work in; pencil, paint, sculpture, embroidery, found materials, oil pastels or chalk to name a few. A handful of students work will go on to compete against other students from across the entire Wollongong Diocese.

The holiday period is a wonderful opportunity to renewal labels on all pieces of your child’s uniform to avoid frustration regarding lost and missing items.

Please ensure all uniform pieces are clearly labeled with your child’s name using permanent marker in a prominent place. Students should know where their name is marked for easy checking. Please encourage your child to place all items straight into their bag rather that leaving them on the playground or in the classroom.  

We currently have a large number of items in lost property without a name. If your child has misplaced an item, we invite you and/or your child to check the lost porperty basket located in the student foyer of the office.

When we return for the commencement of Term 4 all students will wear full summer uniform.

Please see your child's teacher if you have any questions regarding the attached flyer for Cutural Sharing Day this Thursday.

Remember Waste Free Wednesday every week.

Our school banking day is: Wednesday

Movie Night!

Sherpa Kids Vacation Care Program attached