St John the Baptist Ferntree Gully Newsletter

Monday April 24th 2023

Letter from the Principal, Kelli Johnston

Introduction

Dear Families,

Welcome back for Term 2.  We hope that everyone enjoyed a wonderful Easter break, as well as a restful break from routines, school and additional activities.  School holidays are always a lovely time to spend with family and friends, along with, operating at a slower pace and allowing everyone to rejuvenate to return ready for another term of great learning and busy wonderful times. Term 2 is set to be a busy term in a short 8 ½ weeks. We have much to look forward to throughout the term.

ANZAC Day April 25th - School Closure

God of love and liberty, we bring our thanks this day for the peace and security we enjoy, which was won for us through the courage and devotion of those who gave their lives in time of war. We pray that their labour and sacrifice may not be in vain, but that their spirit may live on in us and in generations to come. That the liberty, truth and justice which they sought to preserve may be seen and known in all the nations upon earth. This we pray in the name of the one who gave his life for the sake of the world, Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Amen.

Ode of Remembrance

They shall grow not old,

as we that are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them,

nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun

and in the morning

We will remember them.

Response:

We will remember them

Lest we forget

ANZAC Day Prayer Service

We welcome families to gather with us as a school at 9am on Wednesday morning for an ANZAC Day Prayer Service outside at the flag poles.  As a school we will gather to pay our respects to all those who have served and lost their lives in war.

Students are invited to bring flowers to lay at the base of the flag poles.  These may be flowers from their garden. 

Holy Week Prayer Service

On Wednesday 5th April our amazing Year 5/6 students led Holy Week Prayer Services for all year levels and the school community. Our Year 5/6 students were once again outstanding in the manner they presented themselves.  The students enacted the prayer services with enormous reverence and respect.  Students from Prep- Yr 4 were able to deepen their understanding of the events of Holy Week through the Year 5/6 enactment.  

We thank Mrs Marialisa Mandarino REL and the Year 5/6 team for the preparation and work involved in organising such a wonderful event. Easter is the most significant event within the Catholic Faith and  liturgical calendar. Once again our students demonstrated their growth as young people of faith through the level of respect, reverence and reflection modelled throughout each prayer service. Thank you and well done to all.

Easter Bonnet and Raffle

Congratulations to our amazing Prep - Year 2 students for their colourful Easter Bonnets and parade. Whether it was a skip, bunny hop or little dance whilst modelling your beautiful bonnets you were amazing and we thoroughly enjoyed celebrating all of your efforts!! 

Thank you to all families for your support of the Easter Raffle and students as we gathered together as a school to celebrate. Without a terrific sense of community such events do not occur.  We are extremely blessed to have such a wonderful community spirit.

Easter Bonnet Parade

Easter Raffle

Athletics Day

After being third time lucky we were most fortunate to have terrific weather for Athletics Day. It was wonderful to see students and staff embrace the day in both colour, spirit and sportsmanship. Everyone looked amazing in their outfits representing their house team.  The sportsmanship demonstrated by students encouraging each other, having a go at something new or out of their comfort zone was an absolute credit to all.

Congratulations to Yellow House on winning the 2023 Athletics Day, followed by Blue House in second place.  Congratulations to Red House on winning the House Spirit Award for 2023.

Once again our School Leaders were outstanding as they presented speeches in such a mature and sporting manner. Well done to all.

Congratulations Jo Stoica - MACS Eastern Region Learning Diversity Consultant Appointment

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Jo Stoica on her recent appointment as MACS Eastern Region Learning Diversity Consultant.  

Jo has been a dedicated and passionate, long standing staff member of St John the Baptist School and Community. Jo commenced her teaching career and journey at SJB in January of 2001.  Throughout her tenure at SJB, Jo has been an incredible model as a learner and leader to all. She has continually developed as a professional, taking on numerous roles such as classroom teacher, literacy intervention teacher, Learning Diversity Leader and in 2022 she supported Ursula DeCorrado by taking on the role of Acting Deputy Principal.

The SJB community have been most fortunate to have Jo’s love of nurturing students to flourish and expertise as a teacher and leader throughout the last 21 years.

Whilst it will be sad to farewell Jo, we are most proud and excited to see her further develop and share her many skills and talents in the role of Learning Diversity Consultant in the Eastern Region. This is a wonderful achievement and opportunity for Jo to further develop her expertise in Learning Diversity, as well as, having a positive impact across a number of schools and students in the Eastern Region.

Over the coming weeks we will certainly take the opportunity to congratulate, celebrate and farewell Jo.  We will take the opportunity to celebrate and reflect on all the positive impact that she has had in her time at St John the Baptist School. Jo will conclude her full time tenure with SJB on Friday 19th May. 

Congratulations Jo, you are so well deserving and we know that you will be amazing in your new role.

St John the Baptist Open Day for 2024 Prep Children

We have one final Open Day for this year:  Thursday 11th May

Families with siblings commencing school in 2024 are asked to submit enrolments as soon as possible to assist with confirmation of student numbers for 2024.

Enrolment letters of acceptance will be distributed in the first week of June.

Staff Professional Learning Closure Day - Monday 24th April

The SJB staff engaged with MACS Faith in Education Consultant, Steve Nash on a Professional Learning day that focused on Recontextualisation.  The day provided an opportunity to reflect and engage upon how we can make explicit connections with the Catholic faith and tradition in today’s world.  The staff further considered how this is transferred into our Religious Education units of work, as well as, making connections across the curriculum to provide students with rich learning opportunities in Faith in Education. 

Playground Naturescape

The new playground and naturescape has certainly been moving along throughout the holidays and is looking fantastic. The team has been hard at work installing equipment and landscaping the area.  At this stage the area is on track to be open in early May.  We thank Richard Bellemo and his team for all of their terrific work.  We know that the students will thoroughly enjoy the naturescape once it is open.

Term 2 Winter Uniform Transition

Term 2 is usually the time when students transition to their Winter Uniform. Over the first couple of weeks if the weather presents as being warm families are able to make an informed decision in regard to uniform selection.  Once the weather has changed and becomes cooler we will request that all students transition to Winter Uniform. Students are not required to wear hats at play in Term 2 and Term 3. We do ask that students are dressed in the correct uniform at all times, this includes the correct socks and shoes, along with Sports Uniform only being worn on designated days.

Lost Property

We have a number of school uniform items, particularly school jumpers of various sizes, in the lost property area. Families who may be missing a school jumper are asked to check lost property.

Prime Drinks

Prime drinks were introduced to Australia earlier this year with the sports drink's popularity immediately skyrocketing.

The interest in the drink, specifically among children, has parents, schools and health experts concerned with the impact it could have on children.

It's the brand name for three products which are being marketed as sports hydration drinks.

Breakdown of the different products: 

  • Prime Hydration: A still, coconut water-based electrolyte drink that claims to be fortified with "BCAAs and vitamins". It is available for purchase in Australia through retailers and bottles have a disclaimer outlining it is not suitable for children aged under 15

  • Prime Energy: A carbonated drink that contains 200mg of caffeine per 355mL can – double the Australian legal limit of caffeine per 100mL. This product is not available to purchase through retailers in Australia but can be bought through online marketplaces and resellers. The Prime website outlines it is not suitable for under 18s

  • Prime Hydration+ Sticks: A powdered version of Prime Hydration that consumers reconstitute with water. This product is also not available for retail purchase in Australia.

A can of Prime Energy — the drink which isn't available at supermarkets — contains almost double the legal caffeine limit.

Griffith University sports dietitian Professor Ben Desbrow said the consumption of highly caffeinated drinks had a range of physiological and cognitive effects, including insomnia, increased breathing and heart rate, and restlessness.

As a school we endorse that the only drink students require is water.  Water is the best option for hydration and health.  We request that students consume Prime drinks at home only in an environment where parents are able to supervise and monitor.  

School Photo Day

We look forward to School Photos for 2023.  Students are reminded to be dressed in full winter uniform for the day. This includes correct socks and school shoes. Students are not to wear runners or sports uniform on school photo day.

Mother's Day Stall

Students will be able to purchase a gift for Mum/Special Person for Mother’s Day.  Gifts will be available for $5.00. This is a great opportunity for students to purchase something in preparation for Mother’s Day on Sunday 14th May.

Parent Information and Helper Session - Thursday May 4th

Would you like to know more about how to help your child/ren with their reading and writing development? Are you interested in being a classroom helper?

We warmly welcome all parents to join one of the Literacy information/parent helper sessions.

Session 1: 9:00am

Session 2: 2:15pm

These sessions will be held in the area between Prep B and 1/2JM classrooms and led by Mrs Jo Stoica.  This is a terrific opportunity to gain an insight into how children learn and how as adults you can assist children in their learning.

You will receive information via Operoo later in the week. If you are able to join one of the sessions please respond via Operoo.

Operoo

Operoo has arrived!! As a school we have undertaken professional learning in how to use Operoo. In Term 2 permission slips will now be moved online and will be paperless.  We ask that families follow the steps required to commence with Operoo.

How to get started?

  • When you receive an email from the SJB Operoo system asking you to sign up or create an account - please follow the step.
  • Follow the instructions to create your account - now you can respond to forms and receive messages from SJB on any device
  • Optional - Download Operoo Central App from Apple App Store of  Google Play
  • For further assistance families can access the Operoo site:

    Operoo - Introduction for Parents

    Mother's Day Afternoon Tea & Picnic

    Save the Date!

    Child Safe Practices - Working with Children Checks

    St John the Baptist School is committed to providing a child safe environment and takes active steps to ensure any person authorised to conduct ‘child connected works’ does not pose a risk to their safety or welfare. To achieve this, the school implements screening processes, including Working With Children Checks (WWCC), to assess and verify their suitability. 

    St John’s School ensures that non-teaching staff, contractors, volunteers and visitors are of suitable character and do not have a relevant criminal record that poses an unjustifiable risk to children. 

    Teaching Staff & Casual Relief Teachers who are registered with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) undergo criminal record checks via their annual registration.

    Volunteering to Assist with School Programs- WWCC

    Parents would be aware that to assist with any of our school programs that all volunteers, parents/guardians/family members are required to have a current Working With Children Check on our school records.

    Family members are to provide a copy of the WWCC to the school office.

    Term 2 here we go!!

    We are looking forward to a wonderful Term 2 with many events and activities throughout the school.

    Welcome back to everyone on Wednesday morning.  We are looking forward to seeing you all.

    Kelli Johnston

    Parents & Friends News

    Social Event for Parents

    Saturday May 6th!!!! Details to come for our Grown-Ups Only social event at the Upwey RSL. Book your babysitters.

    Mother's Day Stall and pre-sale tokens

    As we did last year, we will be selling tokens for the Mother’s Day stall.  Please keep an eye out for announcements.

    Shhhh, don't tell Mum!

    The above form was sent home last term, please make sure you send it back to the office if you are able to help.

    Parents and Friends Meeting

    Wednesday April 26th at 7.00pm in the staffroom.  School Leadership will be in attendance. Please come along and help us prepare for Mother's Day Stall and plan our next events.

    Bunnings BBQ and Cake Stall

    After our very successful practice run last Saturday, we are lucky to have been offered Saturday 13th May at Bunnings for a BBQ and cake stall. This is the day before Mother’s Day. Please consider helping us on the day or in the lead up. Keep your eyes peeled for the volunteer sign up. 

    Term 2 Dates for the Diary

    April

    24th     School Closure Day - Faith in Education Focus

    25th     ANZAC Day - School Closure

    26th     Term 2 commences

    26th     P&F Meeting at 7.00pm

    May

    1st    Inform and Empower Year 1/2 Online lesson

    2nd     School Photos - Full Winter Uniform

    2nd     Inform and Empower Year 3/4 Online lesson

    4th     Parent Information & Helper session - 9.00am & 2.15pm

    5th     First Friday Mass

    8th     Inform and Empower Year 5/6 Online lesson

    8th     Assembly 3/4D

    9th    Mother's Day Stall

    10th    First Eucharist Family Evening

    14th     Mother's Day

    15th    Lighthouse Program

    17th     School Advisory Council Meeting

    20th    Term 2 Working Bee

    22nd    Lighthouse Program

    24th     National Simultaneous Storytime

    26th     District Cross Country

    28th     Pentecost Sunday

    29th     Lighthouse Program

    June

    2nd     First Friday Mass

    5th     First Eucharist Reflection Day

    6th     Division Cross Country

    8th     St Joseph's Lighthouse Program Presentation Evening

    Canteen News


    Canteen orders can be placed via www.flexischools.com.au

    Orders must be placed no later than 7.30am on the Wednesday or Friday.

    Helpers Needed Please

    Calling for Volunteers

    More helpers are required in order for the Canteen to stay open.  It is very easy, and there is no cooking involved.  It is only 2 hours (9.00-11.00am) and if we get enough helpers you will only be rostered once a term. You can even request to be rostered on with a friend.

    Canteen Roster


    Wednesday April 26th Friday April 28th 
    Alyson Whitnall

    Carolyn Lonsing

    Leanne Nugent

    Helper Needed

    Wednesday May 3rd Friday May 5th 
    Jessie Stephens

    Ros Davies

    Lauren Wearne

    Fleur Dow

    Shamindri Aponso


    Uniform Shop News

    Community Notices

    St John the Baptist Ferntree Gully