Dear Parents and Caregivers,

For the followers of Jesus, it was not until after his death that they were able to fully comprehend the type of service that would be required in the Kingdom of Jesus’ vision. In the upside down kingdom he described power, privilege and prestige were not the measure of success but rather living a just life of service and humility. The ability to foster love and compassion would be the true mark of greatness in the Kingdom Jesus described.  At St John’s, the students are asked to consider ways that they can demonstrate this service of others on a daily basis. In serving others we demonstrate our love for Jesus and contribute to the building of the Kingdom of God.

This term our Year 5 students have commenced their preparation for the processes that will culminate in the election of the new school leaders for 2020. This process will involve the students carefully considering what it means to be a leader, what a leadership role demands and what contributions they could personally make to our school community in a formal a leadership role.

Leadership is very simple: it is about exercising influence to support the needs of others. Hence, the most important attribute of leadership lies in enabling others to do things better and ultimately to make a difference.

Importantly, leadership is also about behaviours. Effective leaders should have much more than a kitbag of tools, techniques and strategies. Although these may help with the day-to-day aspects of managing, alone they are insufficient. Leaders should be driven by a ‘way of being’; a moral compass and an ethical framework should guide their actions. A key component of this framework is a strong commitment to trust and to be trustworthy. Effective leaders are prepared to ask for assistance, seek advice and draw on the strengths of others. Leaders are judged on what they do and how authentically they act against what they say is important. Leaders should walk their talk. They should look to receiving feedback in order to reflect and improve.

All members of the St John the Evangelist community should not only know the values which are at the heart of our school but should strive to live them daily by treating all with respect, justice, welcoming and forgiveness. Naturally, we expect our leaders to act consistently with these values in mind and to model the behaviours that we would wish to see from all.

Leadership is not salesmanship; leadership is striving to consistently act with integrity.

As I have emphasized many times with the students, leadership does not, and should not, simply reside with those who are in formal roles of leadership at our school. Everyone in the school is capable of leading. All are capable of serving. No matter what grade, what age, what position a member may hold in the school; everyone has the capacity to act as a leader. Everyone has the capacity to work to ensure that others’ lives are made better and that those in need are supported.

I encourage everyone in our community to be responsive to opportunities to be leaders and to contribute to making St John the Evangelist an even better community that serves others. We look to the example of Jesus who was a role model for inclusivity, respect and justice.

Congratulations to all our Year 5 students who will courageously take a risk and nominate for a formal 2020 student leadership position.

Parent & School Social Media Did you know that in 2020 the Catholic diocese of Wollongong will be following a new Social Media Policy? This policy offers guidance for staff, families and students in their use of social media. One of the areas addressed is social media use by parents. From the beginning of next year any social media groups which are used to publish school information or host discussions about the school e.g.; Parent Facebook groups, Instagram accounts, twitter accounts etc. will need to be shut down. The purpose of this point in the policy is to ensure that information is transparent, protect the privacy of staff, students and families and to make sure that all information published is accurate. We will be launching an official St. John’s Facebook page in Term 1 next year – so keep your eyes peeled! Further information about this Social Media Policy will be provided to parents at a workshop later this term.

CLASS FORMATION FOR 2020

This lengthy process of class formation for 2020 has now commenced in earnest this term.

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 needs that may impact on class placement. Written requests could be submitted either through the class teacher or via an email to info@sjctdow.catholic.edu.au marked in the subject line – 2020 Class Formation. Parents are able to provide input during Weeks 1 - 4 in Term 4. This means that these requests need to be made by Friday 8^th November 2020.

SCHOOL CANTEEN

Our school canteen will trial opening 5 days per week this term commencing on 6 November (Week 4). Lunch orders, as usual, are to be placed online with Flexischools. Small purchases such as drinks, fruit and ice-blocks may be purchased with cash by the children during the lunch breaks.

PHOTOGRAPHY OF STUDENTS

Often at school events, assemblies, carnivals etc. parents take photos of their children. It is important to respect the fact that not all parents are comfortable with their child being photographed by other people. As such, all parents are asked to ensure that wherever possible, photos are only taken of their own child/ren.

Parents should never post photographs of students, other than their own child, without the expressed permission of each parent on any web based social media site including Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Enjoy your week ahead, walking in peace and joy.

Mrs Jane Webb
Acting Principal

Congratulations to the following students who have received a Principal's Award.

150 Sticker

Ida Williams

100 Stickers

Lara Spires
Charlotte Cossins
Koby Melville

50 Stickers

Jiya Manandhar

ICAS SCIENCE COMPETITION

Congratulations to the following students in Years 2-6 who recently participated in the ICAS Science Competition. 53 students in years 2-6 participated and were awarded 5 Distinctions, 11 Credits, 4 Merits and 33 Participation Certificates.

Year 2 student certificates will be presented at the Infants Assembly on Friday 1^st  November.
Years 3-6 student certificates will be presented at the Primary Assembly on Friday 8th November.

ICAS DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES COMPETITION

Congratulations to the following students in Years 3-6 who recently participated in the ICAS Digital Technologies Competition. 34 students participated and were awarded 4 Distinctions, 7 Credits, 2 Merits and 21 Participation Certificates.

Congratulations to the following students who received the Good Samaritan Awards this week:

KB - Matias Valenzuela
1B - Kristie Nguyen
2B - Maddy Stevens
3B - Rose Kovacevic
4B - Ava Abi-Khattar
5B - Dakota Robertson
6B - TJ Lemalu
K-6B - Sienna Morell

Please find below the table to explain the difference between your child being a swimmer or a non-swimmer:

Please see attached note regarding Diocesan Sport Trials 2020 Nomination Form.

Congratulations to the following students who will be presented with their Class Captain Badge for Term Four at assembly tomorrow morning.

To ensure you are receiving all the school notifications, you will need to go into the settings on your device, select  'Compass App' and 'allow notifications and/or pop ups'

During Term 3, Year Five and Six students were asked to create an artwork which represented the Christmas Story from the Bible. Every school in Wollongong Diocese entered the competition and from hundreds of entries, only 56 artworks were selected to go on show at Wollongong Art Gallery for the month of October.

James Palpal-Latoc from Year 6 was one of the talented students chosen to be displayed. 

He created an origami sculpture showing Mary, Joseph and the donkey fleeing to Egypt to escape Herod after the birth of Jesus. James also had to write a reflection statement that supported his artwork explaining to the judges the meaning behind his artwork.

On Wednesday night, the gallery held a special ceremony to officially recognise these students and grant awards. James Palpal-Latoc artwork was one of 17 students chosen to go onto compete against Sydney and Bathurst diocese in the coming month. We wish him all the best.

YEAR 5 VISIT WITH CAMERON BROWN - EXPLORE, DISCOVER, ACT.
Monday 21st October

This week Year 5 was lucky enough to spend the day with Cameron Brown from Explore, Discover Act, who helped us to learn about leadership. We learnt lots of skills such as trusting one another, understanding that everyone has different opinions, and getting to learn how to be a leader. We also got the opportunity to demonstrate leadership skills through activities. During these activities, we had to listen to all of our group members’ opinions and put our trust in them. Something that Cameron Brown said to us multiple times that we will always remember was: “We rise by lifting others.”

Some things that Year 5 took away from this day were:

• to step back and look at the bigger picture;
• to not judge a book by its cover;
• to never give up;  
• to not be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone; and
• to be a leader, people think you have to be wearing a badge, but everyone is a leader for their qualities, personalities and the way they treat people.

We are sure that Year 5 would agree with us that this day was a fun and educational way to learn about leadership.

By Ella Cohr, Dakota Robertson and Ella Carstens

This year we are providing an opportunity for all students across the school to showcase their amazing talents either individually or in small groups. 

Students are welcome to work with siblings as well as students in other classes or grades. Some acts may include: dancing, singing, playing a musical instrument, acting or magic tricks. 

We will be conducting heats for this event which will be split into infants and primary sections. Heats will be held on Tuesdays at lunch time in Weeks 5 - 8, depending on the number of student entries. 

The ‘St John’s Got Talent’ Final’ will be held on Tuesday 17th December.  Parents and friends are most welcome to attend this event, we will be asking for a gold coin donation upon arrival to raise money for the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. All students will receive a certificate of participation and a winner for both the Infants and Primary sections will be declared on the day by the judges!

For students who would like to be in the heats, please complete the below entry form and place in the entry box in the student foyer of the office by  MONDAY 4th NOVEMBER. 

Requirements

• Student items are to be no longer than 3 minutes and any music must be brought in prior to the heat. 
• Lyrics and music need to be appropriate for school and age appropriate.
• Parent approval is also required for each item

If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact Mr Astill, Mrs Hampton, Mrs Crescini, Miss Davidson, Miss Witheridge or Mrs Geyer who are organising the event.

It is sure to be a great community occasion to showcase the amazing talent of students at St John’s as well as celebrate the closing of the 2019 school year!

The next issue of Bookclub is now available and can be collected from the front office or the library.

If you wish for your child to collect the brochure, please complete the attached note and return it to school with your child.

The closing date for this issue will be Friday 25th October.

Remember Waste Free Wednesday every week.

Please note the clothing pool will be open Friday 25th October from 8.30-9am

Our school banking day is: Wednesday