Newsletter - Wednesday 9 August 2023

Principals Report

Dear Parents/Carers, 

Italian Day:  Last Wednesday we celebrated all things Italian with our inaugural ‘ Italian Day’. The children enjoyed Italian food and gelato, and were entertained by Luigi Zucchini. The children and teachers thoroughly enjoyed the comic antics and magic show. A huge thanks to Mrs Simone Vanderputt and Mrs Belinda Scamporlino for all their organisation and preparation.

Athletic Sports: On Monday we had our St John’s Athletic Sports Carnival. Well done to all the students for competing hard and trying their best. Results of the senior events will be used as a means for qualification for the upcoming District Athletic Carnival. Thanks to Ms Jess Gridley for her organisation of this event.

100 Days for Foundations: This Friday marks the 100th day for school for our Foundation students. It’s amazing how quickly the year has gone and how well they have settled. Please see information on SeeSaw in regard to this day. 

Uniform: One of our ‘Walk with St Johns’ key pillars is to be respectful. This respect includes following the policy and procedures that we have in place. Wearing our school uniform correctly is one of those and we expect all families to adhere to this. Currently there are a number of students regularly not in school uniform, please let’s work together to respect our great school. We understand (especially in winter) that getting uniforms dried etc. can be difficult, if your child does need to be out of uniform for a day a simple written note to your classroom teacher is required. 

No Pets on School Site: For the safety of all our students a reminder to all families that no pets are permitted on the school site. The only exception are assistance animals or if you have made a pre-arranged time for show and tell with your child’s teacher. 

Car Park and Drop off area: For the safety of all, the ‘Drop-Off’ area along the yellow bollards is only used in the morning.  When using the drop-off area, children need to be ready to hop out of the car by themselves. Preferably on the passenger side. Doors opening on the drivers side is strongly discouraged for safety reasons.  If a parent/carer needs to help their children get out of the car,  they are asked to park their car in one of the parking areas first. This will also allow for a smoother flow of traffic.  Thank you for taking these safety procedures seriously. 

Winter Sports: Last week we played against Trinity. The scores were:

Football: StJ 27 points  to Trinity 66 points       Newcomb:  St J 0 Sets to Trinity 3 Sets

Netball A: StJ 4 goals to Trinity 4 goals        Netball B:  StJ 8 goals to Trinity 9 goals

This Friday, we play St James at home and the following week will be at St Brigid's Officer. Both weeks commencing at 1:00pm.

School  Camp Survey: Earlier this year we provided an outline of proposed changes to our camp structure from 2024 onwards. As we look to finalise this the School Board has asked that we present two options for families to consider in relation to future camp structures. I invite ALL families to complete the short survey (link below) in order to assist the Board in making its final recommendation. The survey will close on Wednesday 16 August. 

Sacrament of Confirmation:  This term a number of our Grade 6 students will be making their Sacrament of Confirmation.  This is a very exciting time for them and we ask that you keep them in your prayers.  Please see the PAM calendar or Upcoming Events below for important dates in relation to Sacraments.

Book Week: We will celebrate Book Week from Mon 28 to Fri 1 September with a number of activities throughout the week. Please see flyer below for details. 

Enrolments for the 2024 school year will be closing soon, please ensure all enrolment forms and supporting documentation are handed to the office ASAP. Planning for next year is already underway.

Regards

Chris Dortmans, Principal

Religious Education News

This past weekend, many of our Grade 6 students attended the Commitment Mass for the Sacrament of Confirmation. The Sacrament of Confirmation is a significant and sacred rite within the Catholic faith, marking a pivotal moment in a young person's spiritual journey. It is a sacrament of initiation, where individuals receive a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This sacrament empowers young people to deepen their relationship with God and embrace their role as active members of the Christian community.  It serves as a reminder of the ongoing growth and transformation that accompanies a life devoted to faith and service, inspiring young minds to embody the teachings of Christ and contribute positively to the larger community. Please keep these students in your prayers during this special time over the next few weeks as they prepare for their Confirmation.

Alycia Matthews, Religious Education Leader

Upcoming dates

17/8: Whole school Mass - Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

27/8: Confirmation Learning Mass

31/8: Confirmation Workshop

Pray Together

School TV -In this edition of SchoolTV - NEURODIVERSITY

Neurodiversity emphasises the natural variation in how an individual's brain functions and how they perceive and interact with the world, leading to diverse ways of learning and communicating. While most young people are neurotypical, some exhibit variations in brain development, such as ADHD, autism or dyslexia, making them neurodivergent.

Embracing neurodiversity involves accepting, celebrating, and supporting neurodivergent children and adolescents without attempting to change or treat their differences. Using respectful language, challenging unhelpful attitudes, avoiding assumptions, and actively promoting inclusivity can help embrace neurodiversity effectively.

Acknowledging the unique ways neurodiverse young people do things and then adapting tasks and activities to ensure their full participation will encourage them to develop strategies that feel natural to them. It will help improve their mental health, wellbeing and sense of self. By recognising and nurturing their strengths, parents and caregivers can contribute to building an inclusive and compassionate society where all young people can thrive.

Learning more about neurodiversity, equips caregivers with insights into effective communication techniques, educational strategies, and parenting approaches tailored to the specific needs of their neurodivergent child.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to the Neurodiversity edition of SchoolTV
https://stjohnskwr.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/neurodiversity

St Vincent De Paul - Winter Appeal

OSHC Spring School Holiday Program - Enrolments close 1 Sept

Cardinia Shire - Crossing Notice

Upcoming Events

Uniform Shop

Uniform orders are processed on Monday & Thursday, orders must be placed by 2pm on these days via CDFpay (uniform shop is online only please follow the link above to access CDFpay). 

For exchanges or general enquiries in regard to sizing, second hand uniform etc please email Belinda: 

uniform@stjohnskwr.catholic.edu.au 

Exchanges: After emailing the details of your exchange requirements please drop the item at the office with your name attached, exchanges will be processed on the next uniform shop day. 

Please note: All items being exchanged MUST be unwashed with tags still attached. 

As we are a ‘Sun Smart School’ we also require the children to wear a school hat from September to April with the ‘No Hat-No Play’ policy strictly enforced during 1st and 4th terms. 

School uniform guidelines are in the process of being updated and will be available shortly.

Canteen

Canteen is open on Mondays and Thursdays for lunch orders all orders must be placed via CDFpay prior to 8:45am on canteen days. 

If you have any queries in relation to canteen please email canteen@stjohnskwr.catholic.edu.au

Koo Wee Rup Catholic Parishes in Partnership