ST JOHN S PRIMARY SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

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1 ST JOHN S PRIMARY SCHOOL NEWSLETTER 22 October 2014 Edition From the Principal Dear Parents, As you know, the Parish is running a series of talks over the next few weeks with a focus on 'The Sunday Mass'. These talks will be conducted in the School LRC (Library). Facilitating these sessions will be Rev Dr Elio Capra SDB. The first session will take place tomorrow night. A reminder that these sessions are Adult education sessions. Session 1: Thursday October 23, 7:30 pm - Why do we celebrate Mass? CYBER SAFETY I am extremely concerned by the behaviour of many of our children in regards to the use of the internet, particularly applications involving social interaction. I have recently seen some conversations between children, and it is difficult to equate that the same children I know at school are the same children involved in the use of inappropriate language, the posting of images, and in some cases, being involved in hurtful communication about other children and the use of vulgar language. I would like every parent to take an active part in the supervision of your child's use of these applications. YOU ARE THE PARENT!! and to this end you must take some responsibility of knowing what your children are doing, particularly in the use of Social Applications that are geared for older teenagers than primary aged children! In the past week, I believe I have seen examples of harassment, defamation, angry messages and children being deceived into sharing 'secrets'. I am quite amazed that there is an element of a lack of inhibition due to this strange sense of anonymity whereby students who would not normally participate in such things, do so. In some ways, our recent CyberSafety Information should have been compulsory for ALL parents. Protecting your children from harm is just as important online as it is in the real world. As a parent, you can play an important role in helping children have safe and positive experiences online. I accept that the internet offers an exciting world of experiences for children and the whole family. It can be entertaining, educational and rewarding. However, using the internet also involves risks and challenges. Many of our children are now using mobile phones which provides easy access to the internet. This can provide an easy and often anonymous way for kids to be hurtful and intimidate other children or to circulate hurtful gossip or embarrassing photos. While these hurtful situations used to be restricted to contact at school; social apps, and instant messaging can be used to reach children anywhere including at home. 55 Cape Street, Heidelberg Vic 3084 Ph E. office@sjheidelberg.catholic.edu.au

2 Please consider undertaking the following immediately, Talk to your children and encourage them to let you know if they feel bullied or intimidated. Ignoring the problem won't make it go away, and there are steps that they can take to address the cyberbullying. What is most important is that they tell someone. As in the real world, encourage them not to respond when someone is being aggressive or hurtful online. This can only make it worse. Report cyber-bullying to school Again, I encourage you to visit the following site: The section on Social Networking under the "Parents" tab would be a prime page to visit ASAP. CHILDREN'S DISCO On a much happier note I want to comment on the fabulous disco night last Friday. It really was a great evening for all those children who attended. My thanks to all the parents who were involved especially to Mrs Liana Celotto and to Mrs Maria Peano for their tremendous work and coordination. 2

3 JUMP ROPE FOR HEART This Thursday, October 23 is Jump Rope for Heart Day at St John s. All children will need to wear their sport uniform as they will be participating in skipping activities during the day that will be run by the Sports Student Action Team. Children are asked to bring along a gold coin donation to the Heart Foundation. Yours sincerely, Nick Marinelli Principal 3

4 RE News - Elizabeth Williamson, Education in Faith Leader It is a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead. (2 Mac12:46) Memorial Cards Throughout the month of November Catholic Christians offer prayers to remember the dead and to thank God for their lives. November is known as the month of the Holy Souls. Last week an envelope was sent home to each family containing a couple of Memorial Cards. You are invited to write the names of loved ones who have died on the cards and return them to school by Friday October 31st in the envelope. The children may like to decorate the cards with something that reminds them of the person. These will be displayed and the children will pray for those named throughout November during their daily class prayer times. Additional memorial cards are available at the office. Thank you to those families who have already returned their cards. Why go to mass on Sunday? In the months of October and November Rev Dr Elio Capra will be leading three sessions in our parish to help us understand how to better participate in Sunday Mass. These meetings will be held in the LRC on Thursday October 23rd, October 30th and November 6th. All meetings start at 7.30p.m. ALL ADULTS WELCOME. Class Masses Term Class Year 3/4K Date Thursday October 23 rd Year Prep V and N Tuesday October 28 th Year 5/6J Year 1/2K Year 5/6B Year 3/4P Year 1/2F Year 3/4W Year 1/2D Year 5/6S Year 5/6C Thursday October 30 th Thursday November 6 th Tuesday November 11 th Thursday November 13 th Tuesday November 18 th Thursday November 20 th Tuesday November 25 th Thursday November 27 th Tuesday December 2 nd * Please note these dates are subject to change. 4

5 Scripture Programme Last term our Year 5/6 classes took part in a series of lessons on scripture facilitated by Father Mario. In these lessons the students gained a greater appreciation of particular pieces of scripture and how they relate to their daily lives. This Thursday the students will participate in a Liturgy of the Word to culminate the programme. These students now have the opportunity to choose to train as readers at parish weekend masses. Offertory Gifts Roster Saturday 6.00p.m. Sunday 8.30a.m. Sunday 10.30a.m. Sunday 5.00p.m. Saturday October 25/ Sunday October 26 McBrearty Mills Paonessa Piaia Saturday November 1/ Sunday November 2 Pizzati Roffey Van Oirschot Bongiorno Saturday November 8/ Sunday November 9 Brabender Cutinelli Gee God bless you and your family. Elizabeth Williamson (Education in Faith Leader) ewilliamson@sjheidelberg.catholic.edu.au Sport News - Steph Doutre, Sport & Physical Education Basketball Well done to the grade 5/6 girl s basketball team who competed at the second round of Hoop Time last week. Each game was extremely close with the girls working hard and playing as a team each game. Thank you to all the parents who supported the girls on the day and helped with scoring. A huge thank you to Neil Edgar who coached the girls on the day. The girls will compete in the Division Basketball this Friday at Viewbank Primary school where they will play Watsonia North and St Martins. Good Luck Girls! Athletics Congratulations to Rachel H 5/6C, Anthony C 5/6C and Josh H 5/6C who competed at the Regional Athletics Championships last week. Making it to that level is a huge achievement. Well done you three! Anthony and Josh finished in the top two and will move on to the last round which is the State Athletic Championships in November. Good Luck boys, a great honour and a huge achievement. 5

6 Walk to School A fantastic effort is being made by so many students to walk, scoot or ride to school. This is so wonderful keep it up! Health and Physical Education Week Last week was Health and PE week and we were lucky enough to have Hockeyroo athlete Rachael Lynch come and speak to the grade 5/6 s about being an athlete, work life, training life, nutrition, mental health in sport and resilience in sport. The grade 3/4 s had Baseball Victoria come out and run a clinic with them and the 1/2 s had Hockey Victoria run activities with them. Twilight Sports Twilight sports are coming up next month. If you are able the help on the day please sdoutre@sjheidelberg.catholic.edu.au Don t forget hat and drink bottles are to be brought to PE classes with you! October 22 Stella M 1/2D October 24 October 25 BIRTHDAYS Samuel K PN Bella M 3/4W Dante N 3/4P Samuel I PV Maia T 1/2D October 26 Matilda M 5/6S FORTHCOMING EVENTS Thursday October 30 Prep 2015 Info Night Friday October 31 Walking School Bus & Healthy Breakfast (See School Website for Details) Monday November 3 School Closure Day Tuesday November 4 Melbourne Cup - Public Holiday 6

7 Maths News - Inez Barette, Numeracy Coordinator What s happening in Mathematics at St John s in Week 3 The Walking School Bus is coming to St John s and the students are making an outstanding effort to prepare for the BIG day on FRIDAY October 31. Many students have been taking the healthy option of walking to school in preparation for the grand event. The following students were awarded for walking to school regularly. The student in each class with the highest amount of days are listed. The chart below displays how many days the following children have walked to school. CLASS STUDENT S NAME THE AMOUNT OF DAYS THEY WALKED PREP N Lara Will PREP V Charlie 20 1/2D Niamh 20 1/2T Sara Luca 1/2F Annabel Nari 1/2K Alexandra Charlotte 3/4 W Carla 21 3/4P Siobhan 20 3/4K Ella Cristina 5/6B Alice Alanna 5/6C Tom Luke 5/6J Patrick James 5/6S Sandra Edmond HOME ACTIVITY - This week we would like to ask the Mathematicians at St John s to assist us by calculating the answers to the following questions 1. How many students in total received a treat for walking to school the most? 2.Which student/s walked the most days? 3.How many days in total did the students in the 3/4 classes walk to school? 4.Which year level walked the most days? How many days? 5.In total how many days did the students walk to school? Please leave your answers at the School office and a treat will be given to all the Mathematicians who have a go at answering the questions. Congratulations to Adrian M 5/6S and Alessio C 3/4P for completing the Footy Challenge. They accurately calculated the goals, points and overall scores of each team. A football will be presented for their efforts. Well done boys!

8 REMINDER... All blue student portfolio s need to be returned to school as soon as possible. A Message from our Disco Organisers... We hope everyone had a great time at the disco. We would like to thank Nick Marinelli and all the teachers that attended and the mums for helping on the night; Melissa Mercuri, Michelle Chiara, Pina Cardamone and Dani Andros. We have enjoyed organising this event, but this is our last year at St John s. It is a great event to organise and if anyone would like to take on this role, we would be able to run through and give you some advice on how to organise the disco. From Liana and Maria Disco Committee Second Hand Uniform Stall Friday October pm Outside OSHClub REMINDER All order forms must be returned to the school office by Friday October 24 8

9 Hannah W PN For always trying her best to listen for sounds in words and to write neatly during writing. Excellent effort Hannah! Noah H PN For his excellent subtraction story in Maths. Well done Noah! Amelia C PV For your excellent use of reading strategies. Great self correcting and reading with expression. Giselle N PV For reading so confidently and with expression. Keep up the great work! Stella M 1/2D For the great effort you put into writing. I love how you take all advice and add more detail. Damien D 1/2D For your wonderful contributions in class discussions. Keep up your hard work. Angus G 1/2F For sharing his fun and interesting ideas with the class. Keep it up! Natalie G 1/2F For confidently sharing what she has learnt during whole class share time. Great job! Angelina V 1/2T For great sounding out when decoding unknown words. Daniel C 1/2T For great improvement in comprehension of texts read. Ella C 3/4K For her creative ways of thinking for our tuning in Inquiry. You have a vivid imagination Ella, it is wonderful to hear your thoughts. David M 3/4K For his complex maths skills when problem solving. You re a maths wizard David! Grace M 3/4P For being a wonderful help in the classroom. You can always be relied upon to get the job done proficiently and with enthusiasm, great work. Tom R 3/4P For being a very valued student by always following instructions, procedures and requests. You have a wonderful positive attitude Tom and you inspire others to do the same. Massimo F Margaret C Student Awards 3/4W For his 100% effort as a learner, his cooperation and his happy presence in our class. An excellent role model! 3/4W For sharing your deep thinking during our class discussions. You certainly help extend our thinking. Alexia M 5/6B For settling back into school life after an extended holiday in Europe. Its like you were never away Alexia. Great effort! Declan C 5/6B For completing an engaging piece of snapshot writing titled Last To Eat. Fantastic effort Declan! Taylor H 5/6C For always showing initiative in the classroom and being a very productive, enthusiastic and independent learner. You are an excellent role model! Keep up all the amazing work that you do. Domenic M 5/6C For displaying excellent mathematician skills by working out how to represent a remainder as a decimal and as a fraction when dividing numbers. Donato C 5/6C For displaying excellent mathematician skills by working out how to represent a remainder as a decimal and as a fraction when dividing numbers. Hayley P 5/6J For your attitude to your work in class. You always give 100% to everything. I love watching you when things are difficult - you are very resilient - a great trait Ella M 5/6J For your happy attitude at school. You engage so happily with your friends, have a great attitude to your work - you re a winner! Ella T 5/6S For the time, effort and dedication you put into every task. You are a role model and an inspiration for those around you. Matilda M 5/6S For your informed comments and interest in class discussions. You allow the classroom to hear your informative and passionate views, which is great. 9

10 Hours of Operation: Before Care 6:45am-8:45am After Care 3:20pm-6:00pm Staff: Chelsea Batten/Trent Harkom Hi everyone, We hope you are enjoying your week so far! Last week we decorated butterflies and other animals to add to our Belonging tree that is growing up the wall. The children were very creative with patterns that they chose to decorate their butterflies and animals. The children made salad wraps and chocolate/coconut balls for the cooking activities and enjoyed eating what they had made! Next week the children are looking forward to Halloween! We will be carving pumpkins to make Jack-o-lanterns and making them erupt, making a haunted house and many more spooky themed activities! Just a reminder to ensure your child/ren have a hat in their bag for OSHClub to ensure they can play outside. If your child has an allergy to the sunscreen we provide please ensure you provide an alternative sunscreen in their bag. OSHClub policy is no hat = no outside play If your child/ren are absent from school or other arrangements are made for them, could you please let us know that they will not be attending afterschool care. On the day cancelations/bookings must be made with a phone call or text to the program number on You will not be able to make online bookings or cancelations on the day. Online bookings or cancelations can be made up until midnight the night before. We hope to see you at OSHClub! Enjoy the rest of your week NEXT WEEKS ACTIVITY Before Care Activities After Care Activities Wednesday Thursday Friday Monday Tuesday Wonder Dough Making Slurpees String Balloons Cooking: Pizza Pinwheels 10 Growing Crystals Musical Instruments /Recycled Materials Stay Tuned Stay Tuned Stay Tuned Stay Tuned Parent Information OSHC program phone: Coordinator: Chelsea Batten Assistants: Trent Harkom OSHClub Head Office: All families must be enrolled to attend the program, remember this is Free!! Please create an account online at all bookings and cancellations can also be managed via your online account. For on the day bookings please contact the Coordinator direct at the program.

11 Father Mario s Sermon 19 October 2014 (Twenty-Ninth Sunday of Ordinary Time) Isaiah 45:1,4-6; Psalm 95:1,3-5,6-10; 1Thessalonians 1:1-5; Matthew 22: Give to God what belongs to God! When we reflect on the story of creation, in the first chapter of the book of Genesis, we read that God created man and woman in his own image and likeness (Gn 1:24). For this reason the people of Israel were prohibited from making any image of God; humanity was God s image and no other image could be better than this. The Romans had images of their idols, and the emperor, who declared himself to be the son of god, had his image carved on imperial coinage. For this reason many devout Jews refused to use these Roman coins. In today s gospel the Pharisees (who strongly detested the Roman occupation of their lands) and the Herodians (who supported King Herod who had been made king by the Romans), came together to trick Jesus. Does the Torah permit us to pay taxes to Caesar? they asked. This was a very well devised trick question aimed at giving the Pharisees grounds to accuse him. A simple yes or no answer would have upset too many people and played straight into their hands. Instead Jesus asks whose image was stamped on the coins that were used to pay the Roman tax, challenging them to return to Caesar what belonged to Caesar and to return to God what was rightfully God s! If the coin with Caesar s name and writing belonged to Caesar, then the corollary is also true: everything that bears the image of God has to be returned to God! Caesar, claiming divine sonship, claimed ownership over all the lands in the empire; the tax each adult Jew had to pay to the Roman treasury was a stark reminder of this belief. Yet all of creation, God s own handiwork, has been created by God and hence belongs only to God! There is no split between Caesar and God, politics and spirituality. Political leaders and government are necessary and no administration can survive without collecting money in taxes (as much as we hate paying them!) Politics itself, and our social and civil life, forms an integral part of our human existence. When God created us in his own image and likeness, he did not create our spirituality or our soul in his own image, but our whole being. When God took on the human nature in Jesus, he did not only take on the human spirit, but the whole human nature. Jesus was fully human. This means that we worship God not only when we go to Church on Sunday or when we say our prayers, but with every one of our actions, even the most minimal action. We live in God s image. Give to God what belongs to God! Our moments of prayer and our faith, the deep contemplative and personal relationship with God, are important moments in our living of God s image and likeness. But our whole life belongs to God and is a constant worship of God. We worship and give glory to God with each one of our actions; God lives in each one of our actions. Jesus s invitation is to give the respect that is due to our civil and political leaders, who have an important role to play helping us order our lives to God; while at the same time to give all our actions to God in whose image and likeness we are created! Fr Mario 11

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