Newsletter - Wednesday 15 March
Principals Report
Dear Parents/Carers,
Last Friday, the school celebrated Harmony Day, focusing on inclusiveness and respect for everyone's differences with the theme 'Our past: Our future’. Some students chose to do this to show their support of the day, others went the extra mile and chose to wear outfits to represent a particular culture, either one they were familiar with or one that played a role in their own identity and personal story. After recess, students gathered in House Groups to focus on different aspects of our multicultural community. Each House group completed activities which are displayed around the school.
Reconciliation: Over the past month, 16 students from Grades 3&4 have been preparing for the sacrament of Reconciliation and this Thursday, they will be making their First Reconciliation. We congratulate them and commend them on their efforts.
Project Compassion: Please ensure all Project Compassion donation boxes are returned to your child’s classroom before the end of Term 1.
It is with great sadness that I inform you of the passing of Ron Payne, from Koo Wee Rup Lions Club. Over the years, Ron was extremely supportive of the local public speaking contest. On many occasions he would visit the school to help with judging and to offer encouragement and advice to the children. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Staff Changes: I wish to advise that Mrs Jacqui Dennis has resigned from her position as a classroom teacher effective from the end of Term One. Mrs Dennis commenced with St John’s Primary School in 2007 as a graduate and over the past 16 years has made an enormous contribution to the school as both a classroom teacher and physical education coordinator. The outcomes for her students are reflective of her dedication and passion for teaching.
We are currently advertising for a replacement and will advise you of the outcome in due course.
On behalf of the St John’s community, I wish to sincerely thank Jacqui for her commitment to the students and staff and offer our best wishes for her future endeavours.
Last Day Of Term 1: Next Thursday 6th April, we will have our Easter Passion Play in the church at 9:30am. Parents and parishioners are welcome to join us. The Easter raffle will be drawn in the hall at 1:30pm - please ensure raffle tickets are returned via the classroom at your earliest convenience. There is no Canteen on this day. Please be reminded that school finishes at 2:10pm, an hour earlier than usual.
Start of Term 2: A reminder that Term 2 starts for all students on Thursday 27th April.
Term 2 Uniform: A reminder that Winter Uniform is to be worn by all students in Terms 2 & 3, the final uniform shop day for this term is Thursday 6 April (Please place orders by 1pm to ensure your order is processed and delivered to your child). Uniform shop Term 2 - the first afternoon orders will be processed for Term 2 is Thursday 27 April.
Canteen Helper Requests for Term 2: This information will be collected via a survey within your PAM account, a notification will show via the bell in the top right corner once the survey opens at 5pm tonight. Please only complete it only if you wish to assist in the canteen and have the appropriate WWC and volunteer paperwork in place. If you wish to apply for a Working With Children check please see the link below for more information.
It’s hard to believe that the first term has come and gone so quickly and on behalf of all the staff we hope you have a happy, holy and safe Easter and holiday period with your families.
Regards
Chris Dortmans, Principal
Harmony Day
Religious Education News
Last week our Social Justice Leaders launched the St Vincent de Paul ‘Tinnies For Vinnies’ Winter Appeal. This is an annual campaign organised by the St Vincent de Paul Society, who work tirelessly to help those in need in our community. This appeal takes place during the winter season when vulnerable individuals and families often face additional challenges due to harsh weather conditions. The Tinnies For Vinnies Winter Appeal aims to alleviate the hardships faced by these individuals and ensure they have access to basic necessities, such as food, shelter, warm clothing, and heating facilities.
As part of the St John’s approach to the Catholic Social Teachings of Dignity of the Human Person & Preferential Option for the Poor, we are asking families to consider giving to the appeal this year by donating non-perishable food items, non-food items, and winter woollies. A list of example items is shared further in this newsletter. Each classroom has been provided with a donation basket and donations can be made up until the end of August.
We thank you for your support during this campaign as we aim to bring hope, warmth, and a sense of belonging during a time when it is needed most in our community.
Alycia Matthews, Religious Education Leader
Pray Together
Easter Raffle, Free Dress Day, Harmony Week & Cultural Diversity Week
Foundation Open Morning - 2024 Enrolments
Families wanting to enrol for 2024 are invited to attend our Foundation Open Morning.
Enrolment packs are now available from the office or can be accessed electronically via our website: https://www.stjohnskwr.catholic.edu.au/enrolment-information/enrolments/
If you would like an enrolment pack sent home please call the office or email office@stjohnskwr.catholic.edu.au to request this, interviews will be booked when completed enrolment forms are received.
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
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.
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:
Alternatively you can visit them in the hall before or after school to enquire.
Community News
Koo Wee Rup Catholic Parishes in Partnership
