Dear Parents/Carers,

This week several of our Year 6 students will be celebrating their Sacrament of Confirmation. Much credit needs to be given to Fr John, the Parish Sacramental team and Mrs Hampton, our Religious Education Coordinator, who provided an online version on the program so that the children feel well prepared. I am aware that many parishes across Australia have not been able to offer any form of Sacramental program this year, so the children in our parish have been very fortunate.

I pray that these children and their families are renewed in their faith and that they live their lives nourished by the love of God’s Spirit.

Kinder Orientation

This week we held the first of the Kindergarten Orientation sessions for the students who will join our school community in 2021. As with many events this year, significant changes had to be made to the program this year. However, every attempt has been made to help the children and their families feel well supported as they transition into ‘big school.’

Year 5 Camp

Last week I had the privilege of being with Year 5 as they enjoyed all that camp had to offer. The venue did an excellent job in maintaining all of the protocols regarding COVID restrictions which meant the children were able to safely enjoy all the activities. I commend the students on their behaviour and for demonstrating wonderful respect to the adults who were looking after them. I also acknowledge the Year 5 teachers and other staff from St John’s who organised the camp and gave up time away from their own families. In the midst of all the restrictions that we have had to follow this year, it was wonderful that the students were able to have this opportunity.

Wishing you a safe and enjoyable week,

Paul Moroney
Principal

Happy Birthday to the following students and staff who are celebrating their birthday this week and during the holidays, October 31st - November 6th

Congratulations to the following students for receiving a Good Samaritan Award this week

KB - Caitlyn C

1B - Fatima S

2B - 

3B - Haruka K

4B - Lillian G

5B - Jessica L

6B - Nakita P

Week 3 - Awards: INFANTS

EXTRA AWARDS: 

Dominik B for successfully completing the Reading Recovery Program at St John’s.

Setatara U for successfully completing the Reading Recovery Program at St John’s.

During the year 5 camp, all students in year 5 participated in several activities including archery, rockwall, H2O skirmish, pool time, Eco-Walk, and The Giant Swing. We were supervised in 5 activity groups and rotated activities. Provided by the camp leaders, Year 5 were gratefully given dinner on Thursday and breakfast and lunch on Friday. Girls at camp slept at the Homestead cabins while the boys were separated into the Rosela Cabins and the Black Cockatoos cabins. We really enjoyed being outside and experiencing new things.  - Ruben

“Camp was fantastic because it was fun and we made new friendships” - Anastasia M. 

“I really liked the giant swing because it was thrilling” - Jaxon H.

“I really loved the giant swing because it felt like I was flying and I enjoyed bouncing off the rockwall on the way down” - Amelia B.W. 

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.

St Vincent de Paul Return and Earn

The St Vincent de Paul Return and Earn bins were delivered back to School this week.   Children will again be able to recycle their cans, milk, juice or plastic drink containers with money raised through the program to go towards the good works of St Vincent de Paul.

A bin is also located at the front of the office for families to contribute by bringing return and earn items from home.  In 2019 St John’s raised $800 through this program for St Vincent de Paul coming 11^th in the Diocese including high schools.  We can aim to improve our position and raise more money for “Vinnies” with your help!

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

Congratulations to Amelia who recently competed virtually at the Showcase 
National Dance Championships Regionals. She received amazing scores 
of 93 and 94.5 for her musical theatre and 92 and 95 /100 for her vocal.
She was also nominated and invited by the judges to perform in the 
Prestigious League of Champions category at Showcase Nationals 
Championships in January.

Clothing Pool will be on this Friday 6th November at 8.30am in the school hall.

Please remember to practice good hygiene and do not attend if you are feeling unwell

We are also still accepting clothing donations as well.

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.