St Johns Newsletter - 13 March 2024

Principals Report

Dear Parents/Carers

This week, all students have had the opportunity to take part in a KidsROAR session

ROAR Australia is committed to providing abuse prevention education to children based on the two Protective Behaviours themes,

           ‘we all have the right to feel safe at all time’ and

           ‘we can talk to someone we trust about anything, no matter what it is’.

The ROAR programs provide tools and strategies that support parents and empower children, to help reduce their vulnerability to abuse, neglect and unsafe situations. 

A parent webinar session was held last week and on Monday, the ROAR team provided our staff with Professional Development on mandatory reporting, and ways to support students.

Current Australian statistics suggest that 1 in 4 children will be exposed to abuse before their 16th birthday. Something that could impact all of us and should not be ignored. Please take this opportunity to have this vital discussion with your child/ren.

Project Compassion 2024: We're now over the halfway mark of Project Compassion. A few weeks ago, all families received a Project Compassion Box to collect change for Caritas.

With your support, Caritas Australia will be able to assist communities around the world with clean water and sanitation, food security, education and disaster risk reduction programs.

Project Compassion reminds us that the good we do today will extend and impact the lives of generations to come. Together, we can help vulnerable communities face their challenges today and build a better tomorrow. Please consider how your family can help.

Stations of the Cross: As we move towards Holy Week and Easter, the school will come together on Thursday 28th March at 11:30 for the Stations of the Cross, where the children will take part in acting out the events of Holy Week. We invite all families and parishioners to attend.

Parking: Some important reminders in regard to parking in and around the school: 

• Car Park Quick Drop Off Zone - a reminder that the drop off zone on the netball courts is for quick drop off only, if you need to get out of your car please park in one of the areas designated for this. 
• 2 Minute Zone - alongside the Hall (near crossing) - a reminder that these are parks are 2 minute parking only, if you need to park and come into the school grounds please use the car parks behind the hall or on the netball courts behind the shed. 

End of Term Dismissal Time: Students will be dismissed at 2:30pm, buses will run at this earlier time. Please note this is a change from our previous practice as recommended by the Department of Education and Cardinia Shire to dismiss in line with School Zone times. 

Internet User Agreement: In order to access the internet during the course of their classes students must be aware of the rules surrounding this privilege. The Internet User Agreement has been provided to parents for all students via a Connect Field in PAM (Parent Access Module) - we ask that all parents action this request before Monday 18 March. 

Enrolments for 2025: Enrolments for 2025 are now open, enrolment packs are available from the office, can be downloaded from our website or emailed upon request. 

For all enrolment enquiries please call the office or email enrolments@stjohnskwr.catholic.edu.au 

We are holding an Open Day for prospective families on Monday 25 March - see flyer below for full details.

Regards

Chris Dortmans, Principal

St John's Open Day - Monday 25 March

Families interested in enrolling for the 2025 school year and beyond are invited to attend our Open Day, details below. 

Religious Education News

While we’re in the midst of the Catholic season of Lent, students will be learning the significance of other traditions. Over the long weekend, Ramadan, the holiest season for Muslims, began. Even though they're different, both Ramadan and Lent share similar themes like fasting, praying, reflecting, and being part of a community. For Catholics, Lent helps prepare for Easter by thinking about life, saying sorry, and giving to others. Ramadan is a time for Muslims to focus on being closer to God, praying more, and helping others. Both show how important it is to be together, kind, and caring.

During Lent, we think about how similar our beliefs are to others'. By acknowledging the similarities, we deepen our appreciation for the diversity of religious expression and strengthen bonds of empathy and respect with others. We embrace this opportunity to learn from one another, fostering a spirit of unity, compassion, and solidarity.

Alycia Matthews, Religious Education Leader

Upcoming dates

14/3: Grades F/1/2 Mass @9:15am

21/3: Grades 3-6 Mass @9:15am

28/3: Whole school Stations of the Cross @11:30am

Pray Together

Easter Raffle & Free Dress Day Fri 15 Mar

Easter Raffle tickets will be sent home with the eldest child in each family on Thursday 14 March. 

Harmony Day - Friday 22 March

Upcoming Events

Uniform Shop & Canteen - Please Note Upcoming Closure Dates

Canteen

Our canteen is open on Mondays and Thursdays for lunch orders, all orders must be placed via CDFpay prior to 8:45am on canteen days.  Please Note: Late orders cannot be accepted. 

Canteen Closures Term 1 -  Thurs 21 March until end of Term 1

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

Uniform Shop 

The uniform shop will operate in a limited capacity for the last two weeks of Term 1 - orders will be processed on Thursdays only during this period.  Please ensure the bulk of your winter uniform ordering is processed by 18 March.  

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. 

Koo Wee Rup Catholic Parishes in Partnership

St Francis Xavier College Open Day

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. 

Container Deposit Scheme

St Johns has registered to fundraise through the Victorian Container Deposit Scheme. 

If you wish to donate your refund to the school please either: 

• Search for -St Johns School Koo Wee Rup, or
• Use the code above