St Johns Newsletter - 1 November 2023

Principals Report

Dear Parents/Carers, 

Last Friday, we celebrated World Teachers' Day.  It was a chance to recognise and celebrate the teachers who are making, or have made, an impact in our lives. Thank you for the well wishes we received and for the yummy treats we shared.

Lions Regional Junior Public Speaking Competition: Congratulations to both Charlotte & Lachlan for their wins at the Regional final  in Warragul last Saturday.  The talent and confidence of the speakers was of an extremely high standard.  Thanks to the Local Lions Club for their encouragement and support.

Halloween: Much of the significance and meaning of the feasts of All Saints and All Souls has been overtaken by the celebration of Halloween. The feast of All Saints was also known as All Hallows Day – in the Old English language hallow means to sanctify or make holy. The day before, October 31, was All Hallows Eve(ning) and the name over time became shortened to Halloween. In early Christian tradition, it was believed that souls were released from purgatory on All Hallows Eve for 48 hours and the dressing up and celebrations were to both placate and confuse the wandering souls.

Parking near the school crossing: I would like to remind parents/carers that parking within the crossing area while the flags are displayed, is illegal.  Please also note that the parking zone between the student crossing and the opening to our carpark is only for 2 mins during crossing times. Infringements of either of these regulations can attract a fine from Council.

Georgia Tanner will be taking Parental Leave commencing Monday 20 November until the end of the school year. During this period Raelee Browning will be working full-time in the F/1W classroom; 

I would like to thank Raelee for stepping into this role and ensuring that there will be minimal disruption for the children.  Louise Hennessy will be teaching in 1/2D on Fridays until the end of the year to replace Raelee.

I take this opportunity to wish Georgia and her husband Andy all the very best for the safe birth of their first child.

Friends of St John's Art Show Raffle: Extra books are available at the office -call the office or send us an email if you would like extra books sent home. See prize list below. Raffle books are due back by Wednesday 8th November or as you sell the book. 

St Johns Art Show: We are looking forward to our Art Show next Thursday evening, bring the family and enjoy the atmosphere with food trucks and music to enjoy. Children's art work on display, class artwork auction and much more. See flyer below ofr full details. 

Grandparents Day will be held next Friday 10 November, this is one of the most enjoyable extra-curricular events on the St John's calendar. Please see the schedule of events and sausage sizzle ordering information below - a reminder that orders close 12noon, Friday 3 Nov to allow for ordering.  

Container Deposit Scheme Victoria: From 1 November, eligible drink containers can be exchanged for 10 cents. The Student Representative Council (SRC) sees this as an opportunity to make a positive difference for our community and our environment.  Many of the fruit drink boxes children bring to school, including the ones sold through the canteen, are eligible to be collected.  Therefore, the SRC have proposed that a bin be placed near the canteen for the collection of any eligible drink containers.  The money raised can go towards maintaining our garden areas.

Melbourne Cup Long Weekend: A reminder that school will be closed on Monday 6 and Tuesday 7 November.  Monday is a Time In Lieu day for staff and Tuesday is a Public Holiday.  

Regards

Chris Dortmans, Principal

Art Show ~ Thursday 9 November

Art Show Raffle

Grandparents Day - Fri 10 November

Religious Education News

In classrooms students are learning about how they can serve others. Some ways classes have been investigating this topic is by looking at some Catholic organisations and how their work relates to the life of the Church. In the junior school, students have been learning about St Vincent de Paul and how his actions inspired the mission and values of the St Vincent de Paul Society; respect for others, sharing hope, and dignity of the human person.

In the senior levels, students have been investigating other Catholic organisations such as Catholic World Mission, Brigadine Asylum Seeker Project, and Cabrini Outreach. Over the next few weeks, they will research how these organisations demonstrate the values of compassion, forgiveness, love of God, and support social justice in communities around the world.

Alycia Matthews

Religious Education Leader

Upcoming Events

School TV -A SPECIAL REPORT: Discussing War & Conflict

Children are frequently exposed to distressing news through the 24-hour news cycle and social media. These experiences can provoke anxiety, especially in young minds still forming their worldviews. Parents and caregivers should be mindful of overexposure to such content as it can lead to symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress disorder. Children’s responses to trauma can vary, from being strong emotional reactions to being indifferent. It can leave an emotional imprint that can affect a child's behaviour and perception of danger.

Children need reassurance about their safety as they navigate uncertain times. Tailor conversations to your child's age and emotional maturity. Younger children benefit from simplified explanations focusing on peace, empathy, and cooperation, whilst older children can delve into historical events, root causes of conflict, and the complexities of international relations.

Before discussing these topics with your child, it is also important to assess your own emotions and comfort level. By staying calm and providing physical comfort will help your child regulate their own emotions. In challenging times, compassionate adults play a crucial role in helping children cope with anxiety and providing hope and understanding in our complex world.

This Special Report provides guidance on how to tackle this difficult topic and helping children understand there is still hope in our complex world.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your special report:

https://stjohnskwr.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-discussing-war-conflict

Friends of St Johns - Lawn Bowls - 20 Nov

OSHC (Out of School Hours Care)

After School Hours Care operates out of the St Johns hall before and after school.

Please contact OSHC directly for all enquiries:

• 1300 946 337
• EnrolmentsOSHC@windermere.org.au

Alternatively you can visit them in the hall before or after school to enquire. 

Koo Wee Rup Catholic Parishes in Partnership