St Johns Newsletter- 12 June 2024

Principals Report

Over the last couple of weeks, we have been focusing on Reconciliation and our WALK value of Respect. The students grew to recognise that a principle, though stated in different forms, can be found in all religious traditions, known as the Golden Rule. This principle simply urges people to treat others the way they themselves would like to be treated.

A few of the verses include the following:

Christianity: “Do to others what you want them to do to you.”

Islam: “None of you believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.”

Judaism: “That which is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow. That is the whole Torah; the rest is

commentary.”

Buddhism: “Do not hurt others in ways you yourself would find hurtful”

Hinduism: “This is the sum of duty: do nothing to others that would cause you pain if done to you.”

This message came across strongly at our Reconciliation Mass and classroom discussions.

STEM Showcase: It has been lovely to see the childrens STEM work on display for all to see today, a reminder that the showcase is open again tomorrow between 8:30 and 9:30am in the hall. Thanks to Mrs Taylor for organising the showcase. 

Pie Drive order collection: A reminder that Pie Drive orders are to be collected on Thursday 13 June between 2:45 and 3:45pm from the rear of the hall. Thanks to our families for the continued support of this fundraiser and to our Friends of St John’s volunteers for their organisation of fundraising and events. 

Blessing & Opening Friday 21 June: An open invitation has been emailed to families for the Blessing and Opening of the Senior Learning Area & Library on Friday 21 June starting at 11:30am in the church. If you are attending please advise numbers via the google link below to assist with catering: https://forms.gle/VVSJ6WLGZrw7PTxv8

School Disco: The Friends of St John's School Disco is on Friday 21 June from 4-6pm, tickets are available via CDFpay until Thursday 20 June. See flyer below for full details. 

St John the Baptist Feast Day: We will be celebrating this important day in our calendar on Thursday 27 June with a Whole School Mass at 9:15am, families are invited to attend. Students will also be provided a sausage sizzle lunch as part of our celebrations. The canteen will be closed on this day.

End of Term: A reminder that Term finishes on Thursday 27 June at 3:10pm. Friday 28 June is a student free day for the purpose of staff Professional Development. 

I will be taking leave for the last week of this term and first week of next term. Mrs Jacki Taylor will be Acting Principal in my absence. I therefore wish you all a safe and restful mid-year holiday break.

Regards 

Chris Dortmans, Principal

Religious Education News

The theme of 'Belonging' is at the heart of our Religious Education curriculum this term. Across the school, students are delving deep into what this means for themselves and others in our world.

Junior students have been looking at what it means to ‘Love thy neighbour’ by investigating what happens when others are not treated fairly, in light of our knowledge that God created us and loves us equally. Students have been learning ways in which we can make the world a better place.

Senior students in Grades 3 to 6 are working together on an exciting project to explore this theme more deeply by researching the main religion of a chosen country. Students in Grade 5/6 are collaborating with the Grade 3/4s to teach each other new skills and work to the strengths of others. This teamwork is helping them understand the value of belonging and how they can support each other. The project will end with a 'World Religion Fair' where each group will present their research in fun and creative ways.

Through this great learning happening across the school, our students understand that belonging is more than just being part of a group. It’s about sharing, helping each other, and understanding different beliefs and cultures through a Catholic lens.

Alycia Matthews, Religious Education Leader

Upcoming dates

Thursday 13th June: Senior Class Mass (Grades 3-6) @9:15am 

Thursday 20th June: Junior Class Mass (Grades F-2) @9:15am 

Friday 21st June: Blessing and Opening of the Senior Building Liturgy @11:30am 

Thursday 27th June: St John the Baptist Feast Day Mass @9:15am 

Pray Together

STEM Showcase - 12 & 13 June

Friends of St Johns - School Disco

St John the Baptist Feast Day - Thursday 27 June

SchoolTV

Explore SchoolTV today! 

https://stjohnskwr.catholic.schooltv.me

Because parenting doesn't come with instructions, SchoolTV is a wellbeing resource that has been implemented at St John’s to help support you in the challenges of modern-day parenting relating to youth mental health and wellbeing. Parenting is a learning journey and SchoolTV supports families by providing credible information from trusted sources with practical strategies to help alleviate some of the challenges being faced by young people today.

Watch video interviews with leading wellbeing specialists and browse a library of resources. Each topic is accompanied by factsheets, podcasts, books, articles, apps and other videos.

Upcoming Events

Koo Wee Rup Catholic Parishes in Partnership

OSHC Holiday Program - Bookings close 14 June

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