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- Vision and Mission Statement
- Important Dates to Remember
- Principal's Report
- Birthdays
- Week 3 Uniform Focus
- Class Formation Groupings 2021
- Good Samaritan Awards
- School Assembly Awards
- Confirmation & Reconciliation Information
- LEARNING LABS - ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES - JANUARY SCHOOL HOLIDAYS - UOW
- School Travel for 2021
- Birthday Celebration Sharing Restrictions
- Medical advice to School
- Early pick up requirements
| DAY | DATE | EVENT |
| Thursday & Friday | 29th October - 30th October | Year 5 Camp |
| Tuesday | 3rd November | Kindergarten 2021 Orientation |
| Friday | 6th November | Clothing Pool |
| Mon-Fri | 9th November | Naidoc week |
| Tuesday & Wednesday | 10th - 11th November | Year 6 Camp |
| Tuesday | 17th November | Kindergarten 2021 Orientation |
| Tuesday | 1st December | Kindergarten 2021 Orientation |
| Tuesday | 8th December | Year 6 Graduation |
| Wednesday | 9th December | Swimming Carnival Yr2-6 |
| Tuesday | 15th December | Kindergarten 2021 Orientation |
| Wednesday | 16th December | Last day of school for Students |
Dear Parents/Carers,
This Sunday is All Saints Day. Saints are the spiritual superheroes of our church. They provide us with access to a massive list of prayer partners who pray with us and pray for us. The list includes the official "greats" of our church history. It also includes family and friends whose holiness and love directly touched and enriched our lives. We all have our favorite saints we relate to and who inspire us.
The lives of saints can also be a reminder for us that we have a responsibility to be Christ-like in our daily lives. St. Thérèse of Lisieux said it best when she said, “I want to spend my Heaven doing good on Earth.”
World Teachers Day
This Friday is World Teachers Day, an opportunity for us to acknowledge the impact that teachers have on the lives of children. At St John's, all staff are recognised as teachers because of the direct impact their work has on the students. Maybe your child might like to acknowledge their teachers in some small way on Friday eg a handwritten card or going out of their way to say thank you for all they do.
Book Week
Thank you for your support of our Book Week dress-up last Friday. We were so pleased that the children had this opportunity to creatively celebrate the joy of books. It was great to see such a broad variety of creatures and characters in the midst of our current restrictions.
Wishing you a safe week,
Principal
Happy Birthday to the following students and staff who are celebrating their birthday this week and during the holidays, October 24th - October 30th
| Vera W | Mariana G | Leilani M |
| Keith M | Tommy F | Braxton M |
| Clare D | Karen P | Ryan P |
| Mrs S - canteen |
Week 4 Uniform Focus
Next week our uniform focus will be on hair. A number of children have recently had haircuts that comply with our policy - a huge thank you for supporting us with this.
In relation to hair, our school policy states:
- Hair should be styled in a manner that attracts positive comments only, with an emphasis on a neat and tidy appearance. No extreme haircuts or styles.
- Minimal products (e.g. hairspray, gel) may be used to tame or control hair, but not to style (e.g. spike) hair.
- Hair must not be bleached or dyed in any way, this includes the addition of hair extensions, hair pieces or coloured braids.
- Hair, including fringes, must not fall on a child’s face, covering their eyes.
- Students’ hair cannot be unevenly shaved, including having any lines shaved into their head. Hair should not be shaved less than a number 3.
- Hair that is collar length or longer must be tied back.
- Girls may use school coloured hair accessories (red, navy/royal blue, golden yellow). Hair accessories can include: ribbons, scrunchies, thin headbands or plain clips to hold hair back.
- Hair should be cut in an evenly cut manner. Hair should not have an extreme difference in length, but rather be of a blended appearance.
All students complying with the policy will receive a token.
The Lengthy Process of class formation for 2021 has now commenced . 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 email to info@sjctdow.catholic.edu.au marked in the subject line - 2021 Class Formation
Parents are able to provide input during weeks 3 - 5 in term 4. This means that all requests need to be made by Friday 13th November 2021.
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.
Congratulations to the following students for receiving a Good Samaritan Award this week
KG - Alex R
1G - Adira B
2G - Elaina P
3G - Phoenix T
4G - Zoe M
5G - Lance S
6G - Jayden K
Week 2 - Awards: PRIMARY
|
Class |
St John’s Gold Award - being people of ‘good news’, - displaying gospel values - continuing the mission of Jesus |
Learning Award - effort, excellence, or achievement with their learning. - e.g thinking in creative ways |
Positive Behaviours for Learning Award - following the school rules. E. g name the rule and give an example |
|
Class |
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|
K/6 Gold |
Lincoln C For working hard in different learning environments. |
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K/6 Blue |
Zoe C For trying hard to complete her work in literacy rotations |
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|
3 Red |
Alice W Listening carefully to the word of God and demonstrating understanding of Gospel values |
Alexander S Making thoughtful and frequent contributions to classroom discussions. |
Sophie K Treating her peers in a compassionate and respectful manner in both work and play! |
|
3 Gold |
Jessica M For always showing care and concern for others. |
Raquel B For working hard on understanding and creating Dreamtime Stories. |
Cooper A For always being well organised and ready for all learning tasks. |
|
3 Blue |
Lowanna M For being kind and compassionate to her peers |
Adam G Working hard to improve his writing |
Haruka K Always being ready to learn |
|
4 Red |
Lachlan A For demonstrating the Gospel value of thankfulness through his words and actions. |
Max W For demonstrating a great understanding of rhyme within poetry. |
Leena Z For demonstrating respect within the classroom to all members. |
|
4 Gold |
Lyle H For being compassionate and kind to others. |
Lila B For creating creative, descriptive poems with a complex rhyme pattern. |
Anthony M For being safe in the classroom and playground. |
|
4 Blue |
Laken H For sharing his love and understanding of the liturgical seasons with 4 Blue. |
Aaleigh G For sharing her fantastic knowledge of Gospel stories with 4 Blue |
Lillian G For always being responsible, respectful, safe and organised at school. |
|
5 Red |
Lara E - for treating all staff and students at St John;s with respect |
Jorja A for persevering to understand decimal place value in Mathematics |
Charlotte R- for consistently being organised in all aspects of her learning |
|
5 Gold |
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5 Blue |
Noritha A For being a responsible and respectful leader |
Tessa S for preparing, practising and delivering a speech using challenging topics during Public Speaking. Jackson D preparing, practising and delivering a speech using challenging topics during Public Speaking. |
Francis D - for being organised and ready to learn each and every lesson |
|
6 Red |
Hammy K: For his constant reverence while praying the Rosary this month. |
Boston M: For his positive attitude towards learning this semester |
Mia O: For being a positive role model through consistently demonstrating all four school rules. |
|
6 Gold |
Cooper G - For demonstrating the Good Samaritan values through his words and actions. |
Max G - For writing a fantastic narrative to record on the ‘Our Voices’ podcast |
Kayden K - For being an organised and committed learner at all times |
|
6 Blue |
Nicholas - for displaying integrity and honesty at all times |
Ella - for persisting with maths tasks that are challenging |
Megumi - for consistently being organised and prepared for her learning. |
Confirmation
The Confirmation Masses will be on the following dates:
Tuesday 3 November at 7 pm
Wednesday 4 November at 7 pm
Thursday 5 November at 7 pm.
At each of these Masses, there will be ONLY 15 CHILDREN ABLE TO RECEIVE THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION AT EACH MASS.
Each family will be strictly limited to SIX people: Confirmation recipient, the Sponsor, 2 siblings and 2 parents.
Please book online for the masses.
Also, could parents please return your child's workbook to the Parish Office for marking by a member of our Sacramental Team.
Thank you so much for your help.
Reconciliation
The preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation is commencing very soon. Could all parents of any children in Year 2 or above, please go to the Parish Office and register your child for this Sacrament as soon as possible.
Father John has said he wants all children to be registered within the next week.
Thank you for your assistance with this matter.
LEARNING LABS - ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES - JANUARY SCHOOL HOLIDAYS - UOW
Learning Labs is an academic enrichment program for students. Learning Labs workshops cover a range of diverse and innovative disciplines that are designed to challenge and stimulate the interest of self-motivated and curious learners.
Little and Early Learning Labs is an enrichment program designed for students who are excelling in their area of interest within their year group, and are seeking a challenging and fun experience during the school holidays. All workshops are held over one (mini-labs) or two days, and are presented by teachers with specialist training or a specific interest in gifted education. There will be sponsorship places available for some participants- please see more details on how to apply for these places on the website.
LITTLE LEARNING LABS - Year 1 and 2 students
13 - 14 January 2021- University of Wollongong . - 9:00am - 2:00pm - $165 - $180 (2 days)
LITTLE MINI-LABS - Year 1 and 2 students
15 January 2021 - University of Wollongong - 9:00am - 3:00pm - $90- $100 (1 day)
EARLY LEARNING LABS - Year 3 -6
19 - 20 January 2021 - University of Wollongong - 9:00am - 3:00pm - $180 - $200 (2 days)
EARLY LEARNING MINI-LABS - Year 3 -6
21 January 2021 - University of Wollongong . - 9:00am - 3:30pm - $95 - $100
Workshops on offer in January - Coding, Robotics, History, Mathematics, Writing, Video Gaming
APPLICATIONS CLOSE - 9 November
As this is an academic enrichment program designed for students who are performing within the top 15% of their peer group in their area of interest. First-time applicants are required to demonstrate their suitability for the program, and will require a letter of support from the school to support the application.
Please contact Mr Astill if you have any questions about the workshops, suitability or for a letter of support.
For more detailed workshop descriptions, how to apply, FAQ’s, and the online application form, please go to: www.uow.info/learninglabs
Just a reminder that due to Covid restrictions Children are unable to bring in any type of food/gifts for sharing with their class. There is the option of purchasing Zooper Doopers from the canteen, Just give the canteen a couple of days notice to ensure they have enough, you can order through the office and a bill will be sent home.
Thank you for your understanding with this matter
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.