St John the Baptist Ferntree Gully Newsletter

Tuesday April 4th 2023

Letter from the Principal, Kelli Johnston

Introduction

Dear Families,

What a wonderful term it has been.  Last week we outlined the many achievements of our busy term.  We now look to finishing with the additional highlights of Holy Week Prayer Service and Athletics Day. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff for their terrific work throughout the term.  The passion and dedication of all staff at St John’s is something that we are enormously proud of and most fortunate to have. 

A reminder that Monday April 24th is a School Closure Day

Closure Day - Monday 24th April

The SJB staff will be working with MACS Faith in Education Consultant, Steve Nash on a Professional Learning day that focuses on Recontextulisation.  The day will focus on staff reflecting and engaging in how we can make explicit connections with the Catholic faith and tradition in today’s world.  The staff will further consider how we transfer this into our Religious Education units of work, as well as, making connections across the curriculum to provide our students with rich learning opportunities in Faith in Education. 

Holy Week Parish Services

Sat 1st/Sunday 2nd April - Palm Sunday

6pm Mass, 9am and 11am Mass - 11am Mass will commence with ‘Procession of Palms’ from outside the church

Thursday 6th April - Holy Thursday

8pm Mass - Mass of the Lord’s Supper

Friday 7th April - Good Friday

9am Meet at the St John the Baptist Car Park to begin Eucumenical Walk

9:30am Stations of the Cross (at Uniting Church)

3:00pm The Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion

Saturday 8th April - Holy Saturday

8:00pm Easter Vigil

Sunday 9th April - Easter Sunday

9am and 11am Mass

Open Day for 2024

St John the Baptist Open Days for 2024 Prep Children

Throughout the term a number of school tours have been led for families seeking to enrol their children for the 2024 school year. The school open days have been well attended.

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.

Sacrament of Reconciliation - Thursday March 30th

It was wonderful to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation with our students and families on  Thursday afternoon/evening. Father Thomas, Father Phillip, Father Anthony and Father Sabu were terrific in welcoming and supporting all students as they entered the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The sense of reverence and respect from all throughout the Sacrament was evident throughout the evening which all added to creating a memorable experience for our students.  Congratulations to all students.

Election Day - BBQ and Cake Stall

Thank you to the P & F for all of their work in organising the BBQ and Cake Stall for Saturday’s By-election day.  The BBQ and Cake Stall were a sensational set up. Such an event does not occur without a great deal of work behind the scenes.  Thank you to everyone involved. Your work is greatly appreciated and creates a wonderful sense of community at St John the Baptist.

Holy Week Prayer Services - Wednesday April 5th

All students will participate in Holy Week Prayer Services that will be led by our Year 5/6 students. We thank Mrs Marialisa Mandarino and the Year 5/6 team for their work and preparation of the students. The prayer service timetable and class attendance is outlined below. Families are most welcome to join any of the prayer services.

12:00pm - Prep B, Prep BM & 1/2JM

12:30pm - 3/4D, 3/4G & 3/4SC

2:00pm - 1/2KC, 1/2D & 1/2B

Easter Bonnet Parade and Easter Raffle Draw - Wednesday April 5th

We look forward to gathering as a school to cheer on our Preps - Year 2 students who will parade in their Easter Bonnets on Wednesday afternoon from 2:30pm. The Prep students have created their bonnets in class and the Year 1/2 students took home templates for hats to make. This is an opportunity for the junior students to make a hat and enjoy Easter. Families are not required to purchase items or bonnets. It is simply an opportunity for students to be creative and have fun.

Our Year 3/4 students will join the parade as an audience and parents of all year levels are welcome to attend as following the parade we will be drawing our P&F Easter Raffle.

We thank all families for their generous Easter Raffle contributions.  It is terrific to see so many donations. Exciting times as this Wednesday afternoon the Easter Raffle prizes will be drawn just prior to the end of the day.  Just a reminder that Hot Cross Buns that have been ordered by families can also be collected at this time.

Raffle ticket purchases are required to be finalised by Wednesday morning.

Good luck everyone!!

Athletics Day - Thursday April 5th

We look forward to a wonderful day of colour and competition. What a great way to complete our term with a fun day. At this stage it looks like third time lucky as the weather is looking perfect for the day. No doubt Mr Mitchell will be most relieved!!

Thank you to all families who have volunteered to assist with the running of the day. We greatly appreciate your support.

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.  

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 become 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.

ANZAC Day Dawn Service

ANZAC Day is an important day in Australia’s calendar. ANZAC Day is the national day of commemoration of Australia and New Zealand for victims of war and for recognition of the role of their armed forces. It marks the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.

We have been fortunate to have been invited by the Ferntree Gully Rotary Club to join the Dawn Service.  Please see the invite below from the Rotary Club.

On behalf of the Rotary Club of Ferntree Gully and FTG CFA we would like to invite all students, parents, teachers and friends to the Anzac  Dawn Service. If anyone would like to lay a wreath, if you could kindly let me know by Tuesday 18th April. We look forward to seeing our community come together on  this special  occasion.

Kind Regards

Christine Anderson

Any families who will be attending the dawn service could I please ask you to make contact with me. It would be lovely if as a school we could be present with the community and present a wreath at the service.  Please note the date of April 18th as the date of informing the Rotary Club that we will be in attendance.

ANZAC Merchandise

The following items have been delivered by Boronia RSL and are available to purchase in the lead up to ANZAC Day.

Badges - $2.00 & $5.00

Wrist Band - $3.00

Key Ring - $4.00

Bag Tag - $4.00

Pen - $5.00


Term 1 - Italian Learning

During this term, students have been given the opportunity to learn about the celebrations of ‘Carnevale in Venezia’. Lessons have included some background information on the history of this celebration and the famous tradition of wearing costumes and masks, or should I say, ‘maschere’. This cultural aspect of Italy has been complemented with learning some basic Italian conversation. Below is a sample of the conversations our children have been learning. They include a simple greeting, followed by questions like: ‘How are you?’ ‘What’s your name?’ ‘How old are you?’ ‘What grade are you in?’ ‘What school do you go to?’ You may like to continue practising some of these at home…

  • Ciao. Buon giorno.

  • Com’e stai oggi? Molto bene, grazie!

  • Com’e ti chiami? Mi chiamo…..

  • Quanti anni hai?   Ho …. anni.

  • Quale classe fai?  Sono nella …. Classe.

  • A quale scuola frequente?  Frequento la scuola di San Giovanni Battista.

  • Arrivederci!

Community Thank You

Thank you to Kylie Martin and Jason Cook for the generous donation of Super Doopers for all students after Athletics Day.  The students will thoroughly enjoy their treat!!

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

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

    School Photo Day

    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.

    Thank you to all

    I would also like to thank the staff, students and community for such a warm welcome to St John’s.  I have thoroughly enjoyed my first term and look forward to many more wonderful times ahead.

    It is now time for everyone to take a well deserved break, reset and come back ready for a fabulous Term 2. Wishing everyone a wonderful school holiday break and a fabulous Easter.  For those who are travelling we wish you a safe and enjoyable break.

    Kelli Johnston

    Sports News

    District Tennis

    Last week we had four boys go and play District tennis. Aiden A, Patrick C, Joshua and Lachlan Armstrong all competed. The boys were placed in pools of four players and played a round robin style format. Aiden and Patrick did their best and finished 4th in their groups. Whilst Joshua  finished 3rd in his group, Lachlan just missed playing in the semi finals placing 2nd in his group. We congratulate the boys on their efforts.

    School Athletics

    We are hoping to finally get our school athletics this Thursday 6th April. Thankyou to everybody for their patience in getting this event completed. We are still looking for parent assistance on the day. Please offer if you can. If you can fill in the permission forms in regards to helping that would be a considerable help for the day. 

    John Mitchell 

    PE and Sport Coordinator

    Student Awards

    Prep B

    Lucy C - for being a kind friend and taking care of those around her. Especially if someone is hurt or sick, you are the first to ask if they are okay. Great job, Lucy! You are a star, Lucy!

    Jade P - for trying her best during all learning tasks. Especially in writing when practicing writing high frequency words and CVC words. Well done Jade, keep up the great work! You are a star, Jade!

    Isla H - for having a wonderful start to her school journey. Isla is now on text (reading independently) and writing CVC words. Great work Isla and congratulations on a wonderful first term of school! You are a star, Isla!

    Prep BM

    Valentina N - for learning to read your Golden Words and demonstrating wonderful learning behaviours in Prep this term! Keep up the wonderful learning and dedication to demonstrating your best work.

    Liora M - for learning to read your Golden Words and Red Words! We are really impressed with the way you always try your best at writing time, too! Keep up the wonderful learning, Liora!

    Year 1/2B

    Aurelia G - for making excellent progress with your Narrative Writing to brainstorm ideas and think about interesting ways to begin your stories. Keep up the great work!

    Benji W - for making excellent progress in maths lessons and being a wonderful mentor to the younger students. Keep up the great work!

    Year 1/2D

    Olly L - for the persistence and enthusiasm you have shown whilst learning maths. You have made impressive progress this term and did it all with a smile and positive attitude! Well done Olly!

    Eli C - for creating wonderful, engaging and funny stories! You have worked so hard to include descriptive language and use your vivid imagination to entertain the reader! Super effort Eli!

    Year 1/2JM

    Xavier M - for working hard every day to do your best and for your dedication to your work. We are impressed with your ideas when writing Xavier!

    Sophie B - for doing your best every day and for your kindness towards other people. We love your positive attitude Sophie!

    Year 1/2KC

    Lacey H - for modelling inclusion and kindness every day, and for showing amazing enthusiasm and diligence, especially in new Maths learning. You are a 1/2KC star, Lacey!

    Keira D - for her inspirational enthusiasm for learning, especially in Maths lessons, and for taking on responsibilities, willingly and capably. You are a 1/2KC star, Keira!

    Quinn J - for being a gentle, kind friend, for trying her best to do whole body listening, and for putting in a wonderful effort during writing lessons. You are a 1/2KC star, Quinn!

    Sam M - for being a very helpful, hard-working and responsible class member and a very inclusive friend. You are a 1/2KC star, Sam!

    Year 3/4D

    Jeremy G - for great work in Maths, estimating and recording measurements and recording his results. Well done, Jeremy!

    Susie D - for an excellent News Report on disability services in Knox. Very well researched and written, Susie.

    Year 3/4G

    Judd P - for his continued efforts in his amazing writing and for showing so much enthusiasm towards his work.

    Indiana H - for showing her kindness and resilience with all her peers and for all her continued efforts in her writing.

    Year 3/4SC

    Olivia H - for having a positive mindset for every challenge she faces and her nurturing spirit, which makes her a supportive friend to all.

    Year 5/6FJ

    Skyla T - for noticing and responding to your own learning. You have been seeking further homework in maths which demonstrates great initiative. You have been working very hard in maths Skyla, you should be so proud. We absolutely are.

    Joseph W - for your dedication and positive attitude to your learning. You take on feedback and respond well to challenging problems in the classroom. You are a true learner and a positive role model in our classroom.

    Beau S - for showing more settled learning behaviours in class. You are a very capable student Beau and your results are improving each week with your applied knowledge and skills. Keep it up, you should be very proud of yourself.

    Year 5/6RJ

    Maryann S - for fantastic perspective writing to the text 'The Rabbits' and trying super hard with all of your work. Keep up the positive attitude towards your learning Maryann, well done.

    Isla S - for fantastic perspective writing to the text 'The Rabbits' and trying super hard with all of your work. Keep up the positive attitude towards your learning Isla, well done.

    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 yesterday, please make sure you send it back to the office if you are able to help.

    Hot Cross Bun Collection

    Available from 2.30pm Wednesday for collection in front of the office prior to the raffle draw.

    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. 

    Thank You!

    Thank you to all who have contributed this term, be it with boots on the ground or behind the scenes, our children will be reaping the benefits of all your efforts in Term 1.

    Happy Easter to all families, we look forward to supporting you in Term 2.

    Term 1 Dates for the Diary

    April

    5th     Holy Week Prayer Service

               Easter Bonnet Parade from 2.30pm

               Hot Cross Buns can be collected near the office

                Easter Raffle drawn 3.10pm by Father Thomas

    6th     Athletics Day

    6th    Term 1 concludes at 2.30pm

    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

    17th     School Advisory Council Meeting

    20th    Working Bee

    Congratulations

    Congratulations Jake F (5/6RJ) on winning your basketball Grand Final - All Stars Under 12s summer season.

    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.

    Hot Cross Bun Day in the Canteen

    Don't forget Hot Cross Bun Day in the Canteen tomorrow.  This is instead of normal Canteen.  Students will need to bring their lunch.

    Canteen Roster



    Wednesday April 5th Friday April 7th 

    Jessica Bagnoux

    Thank you to those parents

    that volunteered to help

    Good Friday


    Uniform Shop News

    Parish News

    Community Notices

    Knox Activities

    Click here for the full school holiday program 

    St John the Baptist Ferntree Gully