Dear Parents/Carers,

The onset of spring is certainly upon us. Nature has returned to the cycle of blooms and blossoms, and what a joy there is in the lengthening of days. Spring is a season where we get to witness God at work bringing about renewal. It can also bring a tangible sense of hope. We nurture hope whenever we wonder what God is doing to bring about change in our world, something that is particulalry relevant in 2020. We also foster hope for others when we are present to those who need us. We don’t need to say any magical words. Showing up for them and providing the warmth of our love and affection can be a powerful witness of hope. I pray that we are all soon able to enjoy the company of more people as restrictions continue to ease.

Updated Website

Our school's website has had a recent make-over. You are invited to have a look and we welcome any feedback.

https://www.sjctdow.catholic.edu.au/

Welcome baby Crawley

We pass on our congratulations to Mrs Crawley, our Visual Arts teacher, who gave birth to her second child, Billy, last week. Mother and baby are doing well.

House Pride Day

Our Year 6 student leaders and their teachers have organised a 'House Pride Day' next Thursdy 24 September. During the day, the classes will participate in some sport games and activities within their 'house colour.' To help in the spirit of the day, children will be able to wear their sport uniform and a coloured shirt that supports their house.

End of Term 3

You are reminded that this term at St John's concludes for the students on Thursday 24 September. Staff will be involved in a Professional Development Day on Friday 25 September so it will be 'pupil-free.' Term 4 will commence on Monday 12 October.

Wishing you a safe week.

God bless.

Paul Moroney
Principal

Updated Uniform Policy

This term the staff have been working hard to update the school uniform policy.  This update predominately includes some clarity around the current uniform policy.  The only change to the uniform is that girls will now be able to wear navy pants in Winter as an option, rather than wearing the tunic.

Next term we'll be focusing on improving our uniform standards and ensuring all students are complying with the updated uniform policy.  We will do this by having a weekly focus, where teachers will explicitly teach the expectations and reward the students who are wearing their uniform correctly.  Students will earn house points and the winning house at the end of the term will receive a reward day at school.  

We appreciate that there is a small number of students who (for example) may need to replace their coloured joggers with white ones.  We do not expect you to do this immediately.  Term 4 will be a time of teaching and rewarding, with the expectation that all students will comply with all aspects of the uniform policy in 2021.  If however, your child has the wrong joggers, hairstyle or socks, they will not be able to receive a point for their house when we are teaching this focus area.  We will communicate the weekly focus with you through the newsletter each week.

I want to acknowledge the vast number of students who have always worn their uniform correctly and thank you, as their parents, for supporting the school with this expectation.  Raising the standard of the uniform is something we hope to do in partnership with you, so if at any times you require clarification or have a question, please do not hesitate to contact the school office.

Sports Uniform Days

Happy Birthday to the following students and staff who are celebrating their birthday this week, September 12th - September 18th

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

KR - Leilani M

1R - Saiya K

2R - Charita K

3R - Piper S

4R - Rose K

5R - Izaiah R

6R - Shaun V

Week 8 - Awards: PRIMARY 

ICAS Tests

Due to the unusual year we have had due to COVID the school has made the decision to not participate in ICAS test this year.  Our focus for the remainder of the year is on learning and teaching, as well as student growth for all students.  At this time we plan on participating in ICAS once again in 2021.  Information about these tests will be sent out next year.

Thank you for your understanding

Aspire will also be open on the Staff Development Day Friday 25th September, please contact Aspire for more information

Of an afternoon there is no kiss and drop/pick up area in the car park, Parents must park in the designated car spots and walk into the school to collect their children,

thank you for your understanding and cooperation with this

If your child is away from school it is important to let the school know as soon as possible with a specific reason, e.g. what type of illness they have, If you are filling in a note on the Compass app, please add an explanation in the details/comments box .

It is really important to keep your child at home if they are unwell, this will help with the spread of illness. In the current COVID 19 climate ,if you child displays cold/flu symptoms you will need to get a medical clearance for your child to return to school 

If your child has a covid test, please notify the school when they have the test and as soon as you get your results please forward these on to the school.

Due to COVID restrictions parents are currently not allowed on school grounds. We also need to limit the amount of visitors that come into the office, so please only come into the office if necessary.

  It is important that you let the office know as soon as possible, via email or phone, if you are picking your child up prior to dismissal (including time).  We can then arrange to have them in the office ready for you. Please note we are unable to arrange collection of your children during break times (11.15am-12 & 1.15pm-2pm) without prior notice. Please do not enter late arrivals or early departures into compass, this needs to be done by the school office.

Thank you for your assistance with this matter.