ST JOHN S PRIMARY SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

Transcription

1 ST JOHN S PRIMARY SCHOOL NEWSLETTER 20 August 2014 Edition From the Principal Dear Parents, Perfect joy is the ability to return peace and love to those who cross us. That is indeed the path to sainthood, and few of us manage to walk it perfectly. from Pope Francis - Our Call to Joy It really has been a remarkable term. As mentioned in a previous Newsletter, the vibrancy around the school has been quite energetic and it really is a great place to be. Since last week s Newsletter for instance, we have had the Anointing of the Sick Mass with Year 6 children hosting a lunch for those Parishioners who attended; we also had a whole-school Mass for the Feast of the Assumption, senior school hoop-time Ivanhoe Districts basketball competition, Year 3/4 Hoop-Time Trials, Book Week Parade and activities, Kym Lardner, a great sharing of poetry at this week s Assembly and the Year 1/2 s attending an excursion to Edendale Farm yesterday. No wonder it feels busy!! PRINCIPAL S CONFERENCE AND LONG SERVICE LEAVE I will be away from St John s from next Monday, 25 th August and will be returning to St John's on Tuesday, 9 th September. Next week I will be attending the North Eastern Zone Principal s Conference with a focus being on Sustainability and the Environment. I have also decided to add a week s Long Service Leave to the Conference. In my absence, please refer any urgent matters to my Deputy, Mrs Carmel Armiento. SCHOOL CLOSURE DAY THIS FRIDAY, 22 nd AUGUST OSHClub A reminder that it is a school closure day this Friday. The day will be focusing on Coaching and will be facilitated by Gray Ryan. An overview of the day has been published in previous Newsletters with a detailed summary of the purpose of the day published in the 6th August Newsletter. OSHClub will be operating if enough children are enrolled, so I encourage you to register immediately if you intend to use their program. OSHClub have planned what looks to be a fun day of activity. 55 Cape Street, Heidelberg Vic 3084 Ph E. office@sjheidelberg.catholic.edu.au

2 PARENT OPINION SURVEYS - MUST BE COMPLETED BY FRIDAY, 22nd AUGUST! All families should have received the SRC SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT SURVEYS last Friday. These surveys are an integral component of our School Improvement Planning. Your responses are collated by SRC and then returned to the school. I cannot emphasise just how valued your responses are, and I encourage you to either complete the hard copy or the on-line survey as explained in the correspondence that went home with the surveys. Those parents who are completing the Survey 'on-line' must complete this no later than Friday, 22nd August, all hard copies MUST BE RETURNED BY NO LATER THAN MONDAY MORNING, 25th AUGUST. Please note that all hard copies MUST be returned in the envelope provided or another sealed envelope. SCHOOL UNIFORM I really appreciate the effort that has been made since last week regarding the school uniform. There really has been a marked improvement this week. Thank you. MASS FOR THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK I was really honoured to be part of last Thursday s Mass and equally thrilled by the way the Year 6 children hosted the parishioners in St Monica s afterwards with lunch. I would like to provide you with a report by Marie Sheahan, one of our Parishoners who attended the Mass and Lunch. Following the Anointing Mass that was celebrated by Fr Mario for the sick and elderly Parishioners last Thursday, August 14, we were warmly invited and escorted by Year 6 students to Lunch in St Monica's. What a joyous occasion it was - beautifully decorated tables, delicious food, and very attentive students who looked after us brilliantly and also shared the meal with us. On behalf of all the Parishioners present on the day our sincere thanks to Fr Mario, Parents, Teachers and Year 6 students for their great efforts in treating us to such an enjoyable meal. Marie Sheahan I also would like to extend my thanks to our Religious Education Leader, Miss Williamson for the coordination and preparation for this wonderful opportunity of our children linking in closely with our Parishioners. 2

3 WITCHES, FAIRIES, PRINCESSES, SUPERHEROES, FAIRY-TALE CHARACTERS, MOVIE and TV STARS and HARRY POTTERS EVERYWHERE! Were you wondering why you didn t see any of these characters around the Heidelberg area on Monday? The reason that you didn't was because they were ALL at the St John's Book Week Parade! Even WALLY was there!! What a joy it was to be part of the exciting Book Week Parade to kick off our BOOK WEEK. The children had a wonderful time, parading their costumes and watching everybody else show off their outfits. There were lots of cheers, clapping and hi fives all round as the children walked around feeling very special. Teachers and staff got into the spirit of the day and were almost as fabulously dressed as the children. A very big thank you must go to staff Student-Well Being Team for preparing and coordinating the day. Special thanks also to Mrs Armiento and Mrs Walsh for their contributions. The Parade was followed up with children writing Poetry and being entertained by the wonderful Australian children s author and story teller, Kym Lardner. Book week continues with the Book Fair taking place in the L.R.C. tomorrow (Thursday pm) and next Monday ( & pm). More detailed information is included in this newsletter. THINGS ARE CHANGING - PARENT/CHILD NIGHT - TOMORROW NIGHT, THURSDAY, 21st AUGUST A reminder that for those children who are in YEAR 5 and YEAR 6 and their parents; the 'Things Are Changing' evening will be on tomorrow night commencing at 7pm and will take place in the Hall. CHILDREN NOT RETURNING TO ST JOHN'S. We have recently commenced planning our class structures for Apart from our current Year 6 children, it is very important that you inform me immediately if your child is not returning to St John's next year. Our planning takes in a number of criteria and considerations in determining class structures so it is imperative that we have this information. SPORTING SUCCESS I encourage you to read the regular School Sports Report in our Newsletter as it provides you with an insight into the great sporting successes we achieve. For a medium sized school we clearly have excelled well above what one would expect for a school of our size. In the Senior School Hoop Time Basketball competition held last Friday, the boys missed out on the finals just on percentage - a great effort. 3

4 The senior girls went through the event undefeated and were the Premiers!!. My thanks to Neil Edgar, one of our parents, for doing such a great job of coaching this team to the premiership. Congratulations to both of these teams for their great efforts. I particularly wish to thank a former student of St John's, Daniel Di Paola, now a Marcellin student, who came along for the day and coached the boys. A great job Daniel and thank you so much! FATHER S DAY STALL - THURSDAY, 4th SEPTEMBER One of our wonderful parents, Julie Thorn, is coordinating a Father's Day Stall for Thursday the 4 th September. It would be great if you would be able to support her in running this special event. Julie would love to hear from you if you can assist with volunteering on the day, donate items and/or if you can come along to the Gift Wrapping Day on Tuesday, 2nd September. Julie can be contacted on Further details are in this Newsletter. YEAR 1/2 EXCURSION TO EDENDALE FARM The Year 1 and Year 2 children had a wonderful day yesterday full of great real-life and 'hands-on' experiences at Edendale Farm. A report will be in next week's newsletter. CONGRATULATIONS - ITS A BABY BOY!! On behalf of our community I'd like to extend our congratulations to both Hayley and Matthew Laing on the wonderful arrival of a beautiful son Jude and a wonderful baby brother for Jack (1/2T). We are all so thrilled by the news! WANTED! A COORDINATOR FOR SAUSAGE SIZZLE on FOOTY COLOURS DAY. One of our great traditions at school is our Footy Colours Day Parade and special lunch. This takes place on the last day of Term Three, 19th September. We will require someone to coordinate the organisation for our Footy Colours Day Sausage Sizzle. If you are interested in taking on this role could you please the office: office@sjheidelberg.catholic.edu.au We have documentation that can support you in this role and also put you in touch with previous coordinators. Thank you in anticipation. Yours sincerely, Nick Marinelli Principal 4

5 RE News - Elizabeth Williamson, Education in Faith Leader Thank You Thank you to all families who sent along a flower as part of our celebration of the Assumption. Anointing Mass and Luncheon Last Thursday two of our Year 6 classes attended the Anointing of the Sick Mass with some of our elderly parishioners. Following mass the children hosted a luncheon for them in St Monica's. This was an extension of the Confirmation programme in that the children had the opportunity to reach out to others.. Class Masses Term Date Class Thursday August 28th Year 5/6B, Year 5/6J, Year 5/6C and Year 5/6S *These dates are subject to change Offertory Gifts Roster Saturday August 23rd/Sunday August 24th Saturday August 30th/Sunday August 25th Saturday September 6th/Sunday September 7th Saturday 6.00p.m. Conte Fraser Sunday 8.30a.m. Chiara Neuchew Pepper Sunday 10.30a.m. Stone Rothmund Stefanetti Sunday 5.00p.m. Law Lloyd Mandarano God bless you and your family. Elizabeth Williamson (Education in Faith Leader) 5

6 Literacy News - Carmel Armiento, Literacy Coordinator Book Week 2014 What a wonderful display of colour, creativity and excitement as the children and teachers walked into school on Monday wearing their favourite book characters costume. As part of the Better Buddies Book Week celebration we received a special visit from the wellknown author and storyteller Kym Lardner. Famous for books such as, The Naked Penguin and Arnold the Prickly Teddy, Kym is not only a highly entertaining writer, but talented illustrator and storyteller. He shared some very creative drawings and stories, inspiring a love for story in our community. We hope he will be back to visit soon! You can see Kym s drawings in LRC. We also read poetry, listened to poetry, wrote poetry and shared our work at Assembly. Here are some examples of poetry based on our Better Buddies Values. Responsibility is a major key to Respect Even when you re upset Speak nicely to others People are kind, when you re kind to others Everyone at St John s is respectful Caring and being kind is great Teachers at St John s are awesome and nice By Eden & Jacque Imagine if I had the perfect Buddy If I had the perfect buddy he would be funny All he said made me feel nice He would be kind in every word he said He would respect everyone in every way He would encourage me to be brave My buddy is the best!! By Oliver Respect Some children like to cross the line, but we think that was so behind times! Some children like breaking the rules, but we think that is so uncool! Some children never give up their seat, but we think it s nicer to just be sweet! Some children always like to reject, but we think that is so incorrect! Some children are rude to the old, but we think it s nicer to do what you are told! By Charlotte & Alannah Confidence! Not scared, bright Can take over, spotlight, sunshine Not sacred of anything CONFIDENCE! By Sierra 6 Friends Respect each other In time of need. Never Disrespect your friends Love them, Include them. Never Ever Say hurtful things to make them Sad. By Amelie & Isabella Resilience Keep trying, don t give up Try, confidence, keep going If you keep trying you will succeed Keep going Rosie Resilience. By Millie, Angelina & Alyssa Friendliness is Yellow It sounds like birds chirping It smells like a rose It tastes like a warm hot chocolate It looks like sunshine Friendliness feels like a warm fluffy blanket!! By Charlotte, Joel, Matthew & Siobhan

7 The book fair is coming to LRC! When: Thursday 21 st August Monday 25 th August Come and view the collection with your child and support their reading with a book of their choice. There will be three opportunities to view and buy books. Please check the table below for Book Fair details. Thursday 21 August Monday 25 August SCHOLASTIC BOOKFAIR Viewing & Selling Time pm SCHOLASTIC BOOKFAIR Viewing & Selling Time am pm Ordering Books Children have received a leaflet illustrating a selection of books that will be available at the Bookfair. If you are unable to attend the bookfair you may wish to send your order and payment to the office using the order form on the reverse of the wishlist or leaflet. All orders can be placed on the viewing and selling days. (eftpos will be available.) Viewing and Selling Times Thursday 21 August - AFTER SCHOOL 3.20pm-5.00pm Monday 25 th August - BEFORE SCHOOL am-8.45am AFTER SCHOOL pm-5.00pm Money raised through the Bookfair sales will allow further purchases for our Prep-2 take home book library. 7

8 Numeracy News - Inez Barette, Numeracy Coordinator The following grid will provide parents with the Maths unit each year level is currently working on. It includes the focus and ideas to assist with connecting Maths with home activities. YEAR LEVEL PREP YEAR 1/2 UNIT /FOCUS Graphing The children are answering yes/ no questions to collect information Representing data with objects & drawings where one object or drawing represents one data value Measurement Time The children are describing the duration of time using months, weeks, days & hours Focus on naming & ordering the months & seasons Using a calendar to identify the date & determine the number of days in each month ASK YOUR CHILD What does a picture graph look like? What sort of information can a picture graph tell us? To draw a picture graph? To graph the eye colour of everyone in the family. About the cycle of the seasons and the order. Explore when family member s birthdays are on the calendar. What season is their birthday in? Play games with sequencing the months of the year & the seasons YEAR 3/4 Multiplication Children are continuing to make connections between multiplication & repeated addition Automatic recall of multiplication facts of single digit numbers is a great starting point. Being able to explain what that fact represents and what it looks like in an array About the different multiplication strategies they used to problem solve. Whether they used MAB materials, open arrays, extended notation or the Lattice Strategy. To model how to use their favourite / preferred strategy. Whether they were able to apply known facts to assist them to solve unknown material. For example how can 3 x 6 =18, help you work out 6 x 6? YEAR 5/6 Fractions The children are exploring fractions making & representing various unit fractions. Discussing the fractional parts of groups. Making connections between basic fractions, decimals & percentages. About - Equivalent fractions Fractions which are smaller / larger Ordering fractions from smallest to largest Converting fractions so that they have the same denominator. Adding fractions with the same denominator. Subtracting fractions with the same denominator. 8

9 Mathletics Congratulations to the children who achieved awards this month. These children have managed to accumulate 1000 points in one week. This great effort entitles them to a Bronze certificate. As highlighted previously, the system does not acknowledge points that are accumulated over several weeks. A Super Mathlete Achievement Award will be awarded to students who accumulate 1000 points or more throughout a given month. The following link explains how to earn points. Anthony B 3/4 K Campbell 3/4 P Ellena C 5/6 J Lily B 3/4 K Edward C 3/4 P Ellie S 5/6 J Timothy B 3/4 K Isabella C 3/4 P Hamish S 5/6 J Claudia C 3/4 K Alessio C 3/4 P Luke B 5/6 C Jessie C 3/4 K Amy C 3/4 P Anthony C 5/6 C Cristian C 3/4 K Amelie C 3/4 P Donato C 5/6 C Alexander C 3/4 K Miller F 3/4 P Adrian M 5/6 S Madeleine D 3/4 K Jakson H 3/4 P Vincenzo P 5/6 S Madelien E 3/4 K Alec I 3/4 P Lucy C 5/6 B Zoe F 3/4 K Siobhan K 3/4 P Tristan D 5/6 B Benjamin F 3/4 K Grace M 3/4 P Alice P 5/6 B Anton G 3/4 K Alicia N 3/4 P Annie R 5/6 B Felix M 3/4 K Tom R 3/4 P Kiran T 5/6 B Mikaela M 3/4 K Alexandra R 3/4 P David M 3/4 K Matthew R 3/4 P Oliver M 3/4 K Savina T 3/4 P Ebony P 3/4 K Danica W 3/4 P Alexander S 3/4 K Luca A 3/4 W Callum S 3/4 K Ella C 3/4 W Stacey S 3/4 K Jamie D 3/4 W Madeleine T 3/4 K Daniel D 3/4 W Yasmin V 3/4 K Massimo F 3/4 W Mathilda W 3/4K Alastair M 3/4W Well done to all the students. A special acknowledgement to Danica W- 3/4P for achieving 11,814 points. Congratulations on an amazing effort. Congratulations Gemma M 1/ 2 K & Adrian M 5/6S for completing the home activity in last week s newsletter. Their work will be on display in the corridor for all to see. These Mathematicians were able to list numerous ways to get 10 as their answer and problem solve how to get 261. They took the challenge and used addition, subtraction & multiplication problems to find the answer. Well done! 9

10 Student Wellbeing - Carolyn Walsh, Student Wellbeing Coordinator Better Buddies: On Monday the whole school participated in our Better Buddies Book Week Celebration Day. As the day launched our celebration of Book Week the focus was on promoting the enjoyment of reading and literature. It also provided another opportunity for the buddies to communicate and enjoy each other s company in a non threatening way and to practise the Better Buddies christian values of caring for others, friendliness, respect, valuing difference, including others and responsibility. The children were divided into multi-age groups and participated in a number of different activities which included: a book character parade, poetry reading and writing, a very humorous session with the visiting author Kym Lardner and an afternoon assembly where each group presented the poetry that they had written during the day. The standard and variety of poems presented was remarkable the children had put a lot of thought into the content, as each one highlighted one of the Better Buddies values in some way. Congratulations to all the Better Buddies at St John s (students and teachers). It was a fantastic day! 10

11 Sport News - Steph Doutre, Physical Education & Sport Hoop Time Last week the year 5/6 girls and boys team competed at the Ivanhoe District Hoop time basketball tournament. Congratulations to all children who participated. Well done to the boy s team who won three games and lost two games. Each game was a close game and the boys demonstrated great team work and skill throughout each game. A big thank you to Daniel D for coaching the boys on the day. Congratulations to the girls team who won the tournament and will move forward to the division basketball championships later on in the year. The girls had a tough semi-final and managed to win by one point, they went on to show excellent skill and composure in the grand final. Well done girls! Thank you to Neil Edgar for coaching the girls to victory. Thank you to all parents who came down to support the children and who helped with scoring. Your help and support is much appreciated. District Athletics District athletics trials will be held this week and next week. Children are allowed to trial for three events but can only make two individual events and one relay. District athletics will be held at Meadowglen Athletics Track on Friday September 5 th. Year 3/4 Hoop Time Year 3/4 hoop time will be held at Mill Park basketball stadium (Redleap Reserve) on Thursday August 28 th from 9am-3pm. Good luck to all students who are participating. Any parents who will be coming down to watch and are able to help with scoring on the day your assistance would be greatly appreciated. Uniforms A reminder to please bring back any St Johns uniform back to school as soon as possible. LOST Prep Wool School Jumper marked KLEIN If found please return to the school office Thank you BIRTHDAYS FORTHCOMING EVENTS Aug 20 Ava S 5/6S Aug 21 Matisse N, Giselle N PV, Oscar P PN Aug 23 Sierra D 1/2F Aug 24 Alana H 3/4P Aug 26 Alex D 5/6C, Stacey S 3/4K Thursday August 21 Christian Education in Sexuality Yr5/6 7.00pm Friday August 22 School Closure Day 11

12 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 all enjoying your week so far! We are running an all day program on the school closure day Friday 22 nd August. Weather permitting we will be walking down to Heidelberg Park and having our lunch and a play while there. We will be departing at 11am and returning to school by 2pm. Please allow time to read the excursion risk minimisation plan and sign the permission form when you drop your child/ren off. We ask that all children arrive by 10.15am to ensure all children are a part of the excursion discussion and can get their wristbands/vests. We will provide breakfast until 8.30am and afternoon tea as usual. Please ensure your child/ren have their lunch and a water bottle for the excursion and that they are wearing appropriate clothing/footwear. Last week we introduced a positive reward system for the children. The positive reward system is a treasure chest in which the children get gems for positive behaviour to earn the chosen reward. The children are currently halfway towards their first reward of a reward party where they have chosen the theme and food. The children also have their individual contributions to the treasure chest recorded and once they have contributed 10 gems to the treasure chest, they get a smaller individual reward. We are very impressed with their efforts and can see a huge change already. Congratulations and well done to everyone!!! Keep up the great work! Last week we had fun creating pop rockets using mini M&M canisters and alka seltzer tablets. The tablets begin fizzing when combined with water and a build up of carbon dioxide makes the top of the rocket fly! The children were very excited! Just a reminder about cancellations and bookings, you can only cancel or make your booking online up until midnight the night before. You will not be able to cancel or make bookings online on the day. All on the day cancellations and bookings can be made with either a phone call or text to the program number Please ensure your contact details are up to date in-case we need to contact you. Please ensure you have updated your emergency contact details to include people that are able to pick up your child/ren when you are unable to. 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 cancellations/bookings can be made with a phone call or text to the program number on 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 Huge Box Dragon Sherbet Box Trolls Charlie & the Chocolate Factory 12 School Closure Day Program School Closure Day Program Grass Caterpillars Green Thumb Acorn Creations Trash Monsters 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.

13 Father Mario s Sermon 17 August 2014 (Twentieth Sunday of Ordinary Time) Isaiah 56:1,6-7; Psalm 66:2-3,5-6,8; Romans 11:13-15,29-32; Matthew 15: Son of David, take pity on me! The story of the Canaanite woman we read in today s gospel is an interesting comparison to the story of Peter in last Sunday s gospel. Peter, one of the twelve disciples closest to Jesus, asks Jesus to be invited to get out of the boat and walk on water. Jesus invites Peter out of the boat and Peter starts walking until he feels the strong wind and his faith fails him: O man of little faith, Jesus rebukes him. By comparison today we are presented with a non-jewish woman who approaches Jesus with her own request. Some of the Israelites, who from their reading of the Torah knew to expect the Messiah, were rejecting Jesus and his teachings; so Jesus moves into the territory of the non-jews. The Canaanite woman addresses Jesus using a messianic title: Lord, Son of David. She clearly expresses her belief in Jesus, yet he does not answer her prayers and when pushed by the disciples Jesus throws an insult at her, comparing her to a house dog. She persists in her prayer, gains what she is asking for and is praised for her faith. I am sure we can easily identify with this woman. How often do we approach our Lord in prayer and our simple prayers seem to go unanswered? How often do we try to knock on God s door and get no answer? How often do we question why God does not answer us? While Peter s story last week teaches us to have faith in God and to keep our eyes firmly on the one who saved us; today s story teaches us humility and persistence even as we cry out for help. No one can deny that the woman s faith was very severely tested not once or twice, but three times. Yet she humbly accepts Jesus comment that it was not fair for house-dogs to eat from the food prepared for the children! She is happy even to feed off the scraps that fall off the table. How do I approach God in prayer? Is my faith strong enough to keep on trusting in God even when he does not seem to be answering my prayers? Do I approach God with pride or do I come in humility accepting the gifts from God s hands? Am I persistent in my relationship with God or do I only approach God when I am in some sort of need? Prayer, faith, relationship with God requires a strong commitment. As disciples we are invited to place all our trust in our God even when it seems that he is not answering our prayers. Jesus lack of response does not turn the Canaanite woman away from him but rather strengthens her resolve and her faith because she knows that he can give her what she is asking for. This is why she deserved to be praised as a woman of great faith. It is this deep faith and trust in God that needs to nourish our discipleship of Jesus, our prayer life and our faith in God. I come to God in prayer not because I deserve to receive what I am asking for but because I firmly believe that without God I am nothing and only God can satisfy my deepest needs. When I have this strong and deep faith then I can approach God and pray that His will be done, because I then know that His will is the best that can happen to me. With this total faith and trust in God I can walk on water and I can move mountains and no length of waiting will turn me away from my God. Fr Mario 13

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16 Community News Eaglemont Village Spring Fair Saturday August 30 11am to 4pm Free Entry and $10 unlimited ride - wristbands available Abseiling wall - Animal Farm - Inflatable Shark Slide - Jumping Castle - Face Painting - Cup and Saucer Ride - Roving Balloonist - Speciality Food and Wine Live Music - Fathers Day Gifts - Exquisite Market Stalls - And Much More!!!! Spring Fair Colouring Competition - Entries available from the School Office Rosanna Little Athletics Club Sign up Day - Saturday September 6 10am to 2pm Yallambie McDonalds Details Time: Saturday mornings (and some Friday evenings) starting Saturday 27 September Place: Willinda Park Athletics Track, Greensborough Events: Running, walking, Throwing and jumping! - all abilities Rosanna Come n Try Days Saturday September 13 & Saturday September 20 Starting at 9.00am to 11am, Willinda Park, Greensborough Season starts Saturday September Australia s largest multi-sport & exercise program for pre-schoolers aged years Soccer * Tennis * Hockey * AFL * Cricket * Athletics * Basketball * Rugby * Golf * T-Ball 16

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