St John the Baptist Ferntree Gully Newsletter

Tuesday February 21st 2023

Letter from the Principal, Kelli Johnston

Introduction

Last week our Year 5/6 students enjoyed three fabulous days at Camp Rumbug. Our students were fabulous. They represented St John’s and themselves in a wonderful manner.  As a school we are exceptionally proud of the way in which the students gave everything a go, the way they supported each other and for making the most of their camp experience.  Camp is a great way for students to try new activities that they previously may not have had a go at, to build new friendships and to learn things about themselves outside of the school setting.  As a staff it is equally great to see our students through a lens outside of the classroom and build relationships with the students.

The staff at Camp Rumbug were absolutely terrific and were a great support to the students throughout the three days. We thank the Year 5/6 team, along with John Mitchell and Sue Davey for the care of all students whilst on  camp.

Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday

This Tuesday is Shrove Tuesday or otherwise known as Pancake Tuesday the day before Lent begins. The idea of Pancake Tuesday was to celebrate the eve of the Lenten Fast. This gathered momentum with pancake races and pancake tossing, a tradition that remains in some places across the world today.

The season of Lent commences the following day with Ash Wednesday. As a school we will attend Mass at 9:15am. We welcome families to join us as a community at Mass.

The season of Lent is significant within the Catholic faith. The season of Lent is a liturgical season consisting of 40 days commencing on Ash Wednesday and ending on Holy Thursday.  The liturgical colour of the Lenten season is purple.

During Lent some things families may like to do with their children include:

  • Entering in prayer - quiet meditation, prayer of thanks, songs.

  • Give up or do something kind for 40 days

  • Read stories about Easter

Athletics Day Rescheduled

Athletics Day was due to be scheduled for Friday 24th February.  After keeping a watchful eye on the weather and Friday being predicted as a day of extreme heat, the Athletics Day has been rescheduled to Monday 27th March.

This week we are scheduled to have several days of high temperatures. The safety of students and staff is always paramount.  We look forward to a day of weather conditions suitable for athletics.

Mr Mitchell is keen to hear from any parents who may be available to assist with events on the day. Parents who are available to assist on the day are asked to contact John Mitchell via email at 
jmitchell@sjferntreegully.catholic.edu.au 

 We are looking forward to a day of colour and fun on Monday 27th March!!

Parents and Friends

Thank you to our Parents and Friends Committee for a productive meeting on Monday evening.

We warmly welcome new members and encourage any parents wishing to join to come along to the next P & F meeting that is scheduled for 20th March at 7pm.

Open Days for 2024 Prep Children

St John the Baptist Open Days for 2024 Prep Children

Let your neighbours, friends and relatives know St John’s School Open Days are set.

School Open Days will be held on:

Wednesday 8th March

Thursday 16th March

Thursday 11th May

Alternatively families can book tours by phoning the office or through the school website.

We request that parents already with children in the school enrol as early as possible.

Preps Full Time

 This week our Preps will commence school on a full time basis. 

The Preps have had a wonderful start to the year and we look forward to having them onsite on a full time basis. 

Prep Family Welcome Mass

We warmly welcome all Prep families to attend the Prep Family Mass on Sunday 5th March at 11:00am. This is a great opportunity for our Prep families to come together and celebrate their child’s start to their school journey with the Parish community. We look forward to seeing everyone.

Working Bee - Saturday March 4th - 1.30-4.00pm

We look forward to welcoming parents to the first working bee of the school year on Saturday 4th March from 1:30pm. Families can register for the Working Bee by completing the reply slip below or emailing office@sjferntreegully.catholic.edu.au

Working Bee Reply Slip

Download

Dropping Off and Picking Up Children/School Car Park

School drop off and pick up points and car parks present challenges for all school communities. At St John the Baptist we are most fortunate to have significant spaces for dropping off and picking up students. At the forefront of school drop off and pick up spaces is always child safety.  We ask families to familiarise themselves with the following expectations when dropping off and picking up students.

  • Families can either park or access kiss and drop zones from either Forest Road or Selman Ave

  • Families walking to school can access the grounds through the gate on Selman Ave or through the walkway between the Parish House and the Church.

  • Families riding to school can access the grounds through the gate on Selman Ave or through the walkway between the Parish House and the Church. All bike riders are required to dismount their bikes once on the school grounds and walk their bikes to the bike area.

  • There is strictly no parking in the staff car park or walking students through the staff car park.

  • The driveway of the church is not a kiss and drop zone

We ask all families to respect the outlined drop off and pick up requirements as a matter of safety to all.

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.

The Preps Sunflower Journey

Student Awards

Prep B

Anastasia H - for being exceptionally kind to her peers and inviting them to play with her if they have no one to play with. You are a star, Anastasia!

Franke G - for being a kind friend and always looking out for his peers. You have had a wonderful start to Prep Franke! You are a star, Franke!

Prep BM

Snow S - for always showing respect and a helpful attitude. You are a star, Snow! Thank you for caring for your new friends in Prep BM.

Tom B - for always showing respect and a helpful attitude. You are a star, Tom!

Year 1/2B 

Ethan N - for making a great start to the new year and trying your best with your school work.

Neve S - settling in so beautifully to your new classroom and trying your best with your school work.

Year 1/2D

Fletcher B - for displaying a positive attitude when receiving feedback during writing sessions. The improvement you have made with your letter formation and use of the dotted thirds is impressive! Well done Fletcher!

Pippy R - for being a positive, friendly and helpful member of the class, always looking for ways to help her teachers and peers. Keep smiling Pippy!

Year 1/2JM

Kayden C - for your attention to detail in your handwriting. You have made a very positive start to the year. Well done Kayden!

Isla P - for your kindness towards others and willingness to welcome them into your play. Well done Isla!

Year 1/2KC

Jacob N - for being a positive learner and a good listener. You are a star Jacob!

Spencer L - for excellent 'Whole Body Listening' and for being so respectful and hardworking, every day. You are a star Spencer!

Skye W - for making a wonderful effort to join in discussions and participate respectfully in every activity. You are a star Skye!

Terrence T - for showing kindness to others and for working hard during Writing lessons You are a star Terrence!

Year 3/4D

Archer C - for a fantastic start to the year and a commitment to giving his best effort.

Amelia G - for thoughtful and well structured writing, always presented in a neat manner.

Year 3/4G

Sophia A - for being a supportive friend to all her peers and for her determination to extend her skills in all areas of the classroom.

Year 3/4SC

Gabi C - for sharing her enthusiasm for learning and leadership with our class. Gabi is a wonderful friend to all and demonstrates how we can follow in Jesus' footsteps.

Bryce S - for demonstrating polite and inclusive behaviours. Bryce has accepted the challenge of being a Middle School student, and shows initiative in preparing himself for each learning experience.

Year 5/6FJ

Toby P -  for noticing and responding to a teacher in need on camp. You saw the bus needing loading of bags and did not hesitate to step in and load the bus with heavy bags. Your efforts did not go unnoticed.

Ember H - for your give it a go attitude with camp activities. You were courageous at raft building and canoeing. Thank you for the wonderful photos you took at some activities and for looking after Sparkles, our mascot.

Emily S -  for being brave on the Giant Swing at Camp Rumbug. You knew you wanted to overcome a small fear and you managed to find “just the right height” to participate. I am very proud of you and hope that you continue to face your fears.

Year 5/6RJ

Shakira A-B - for being adaptable and open to change, ensuring all your friends were happy at camp. Also, for your ‘have a go’ attitude at Camp Rumbug trying all the activities and working really well with your group members. 

Lilly N - for a terrific start to Year 5 and for your ‘have a go’ attitude at Camp Rumbug trying all the activities and working really well with your group members. Thanks for looking after ‘Sparkles’, our mascot. Well done.

Christian T - for participating in all the activities on camp and being very brave on the giant swing at Camp Rumbug. You challenged yourself to go higher on the Giant Swing and you certainly faced this challenge. Well done Christian, we are really proud of you. 

Sustainability News

COVID-19 Settings for Term 1, 2023

Please note the updated COVID-19 settings for Term 1, 2023:

It is recommended that rapid antigen tests (RATs) are used by students and staff if they: 

  • have symptoms of COVID-19 infection, no matter how mild 

  • are a household or close contact of someone who has COVID-19  

  • are a social contact of someone who has COVID-19

  • The Department of Health recommends that all Victorians report their positive RAT result via the online form or by calling 1800 675 398.

Wishing everyone a terrific week ahead.  

Kelli Johnston

2023 Annual School Fees & Levies

The 2023 school fee statements are coming home today with your eldest child.

Fees for the 2023 school year are as follows:-

School Fees - $1,510 per family

Capital Fee - $80 per family

Maintenance Levy - $100 per family (deducted if you attend two working bees)

Levies

Prep - 2

Levy - $245 per student

Swimming - $115 per student

Book Levy - $75 per student

Years 3-4

Levy - $245 per student

Camp - $195 per student

Years 5-6

Levy - $245 per student

Camp - $385 per student

Fees can be paid via three instalments - Term 1 - $530 / Term 2 - $530 and Term 3 - $530. Alternatively, if you wish to pay the entire balance owing by the end of Term 1, 2023 (Thursday April 6th, 2023) you will receive a $50 discount.

Parents & Friends News

P&F Meeting

Thank you to all those who attended our first P&F meeting for 2023.  It was a great turn out with nine members plus our Principal and Deputy Principal attending and five apologies. We covered quite a bit and really set out our calendar for the first two terms.  We will be continuing our theme around sustainability, healthy body and healthy minds while supporting local businesses within our community.

Vision: To create a positive community supported by the school leadership group through social engagement and fundraising events that enhance and enrich our children's time at St John the Baptist.

Mission: To embrace, encourage, include, connect and grow all members of our school parish community.

Easter

We will be once again doing our Hot Cross Bun Drive supported by Glenfern Bakery and our Easter Raffle, so keep a lookout in the newsletter, Skoolbag app and our FB page for all the info in the coming weeks.

Skoolbag App

Skoolbag app is a simple and effective way to communicate school information with families.

As a school we will use the Skoolbag app to communicate reminders and events occurring throughout the school.

We ask that families install the Skoolbag app on their phones and then add St John the Baptist School. Information on how to add the Skoolbag app and St John the Baptist School can be found below.

Wishing all our students and families a wonderful year ahead at St John’s.

Term 1 Dates for the Diary

February

21st      Shrove Tuesday

22nd      Ash Wednesday Mass 9:15am

22nd    School Advisory Council at 7.00pm

March

1st    Emmaus College visit Year 4 & 5 students

1st      First Reconciliation Family Night

2nd     Clean Up Australia Day

3rd     First Friday Mass Yr 3/4  - 11am

4th      Term 1 Working Bee 1:30-4:00pm

5th      Prep Welcome Mass

6th      Assembly - 5/6FJ

8th      School Open Day Tours

10th     Division Swimming

12th     Labour Day School Closed

12th     Catholic Education Week

15th     NAPLAN commences

16th     School Open Day

17th     St Patrick’s Day

20th     P & F Meeting 

21st     Harmony Day

22nd     School Advisory Council

25th     Parish Trivia Night

27th     Athletics Day

30th    Sacrament of Reconciliation

April

2nd     Daylight Savings Finishes

3rd    Assembly 3/4G

6th    Term 1 Concludes

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.

Canteen Roster


Wednesday February 22nd Friday February 24th 
Jacinta O'Dowd



Wednesday March 1stFriday March 3rd
Helper Needed Please

Melinda Price

Katrina Horne

Carrie Canton


Uniform Shop News

Parish News

SJB Netball Club

Community Notices

St John the Baptist Ferntree Gully