Newsletter - 11th September 2024
Today, I had the pleasure of opening the new prayer space and yarning circle in the centre of our grounds. We were extremely fortunate to have Laine Brooks come and educate our students about his people, the Mandandanji people, and conduct a smoking ceremony.
The prayer space and yarning circle form a sacred and serene space, which is a testament to our commitment to our students' spiritual and emotional well-being. In the hustle and bustle of a school day, with the pressures of academic pursuits, it is essential to have a haven for quiet contemplation. In this place, young minds can seek solace and reflect amidst their educational journey.
It offers a retreat for students to pause, meditate and rejuvenate, fostering mental clarity and emotional balance. It is a place where the world's noise fades away, allowing for introspection and nurturing inner peace. This, in turn, enhances their capacity to learn, empathise, and engage with the world more meaningfully.
Establishing a yarning circle within our school is a profound step towards honouring and integrating the rich cultural practices of First Nations students. Our deepest gratitude to Tracey Reagan, Rodney Landers and the First Nations students of St John's who had a dream of establishing this yarning circle and worked to make it a reality. This circle is not merely a physical space but a symbolic gesture of respect for the ancient traditions of storytelling, listening and learning from one another. It provides First Nations students with a familiar ground to express themselves, share stories and sustain their cultural heritage. This initiative supports the emotional well-being and cultural identity of First Nations students, contributing to a more inclusive and understanding school environment for all.
I would like to extend my thanks to Belinda Hayward and Tim Tiley who's collective efforts through funding and construction have created a sanctuary of calm and a circle of dialogue that will enrich our school's culture for years to come.
Cheers,
Mark
Year 12 Religion and Ethics Shine at Neon Disco, Raising $2000 for Charity
In Week Eight, the Year 12 Religion and Ethics students ran a vibrant Neon Disco for the entire school community. The event saw students from all year levels attend, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere.
The disco was not just about fun; it had a noble cause behind it. Through entry and proceeds from the canteen, the event successfully raised close to $2000!
Year 12 Religion and Ethics students worked tirelessly to organise the event, from decorating the venue with glowing decorations to curating a playlist that kept everyone on their feet. Their hard work paid off, as the night was a resounding success, leaving everyone eagerly anticipating the next school disco.
Trisha Parker and Cassie Shields
This term in Senior Legal Studies, students have been working hard to prepare for their mock exams (Year 12) and FIA4 (Year 11). They have focused on the topics of Human Rights and Human Rights in Australian Contexts. To prepare for the exams, a range of tasks has been completed. Students have been working on writing practice answers to both short and extended response questions. They have also enjoyed playing revision games, such as Millionaire Hotseat, to make revision fun! Students sat their exams on Tuesday of this week and are ready to enjoy a break before external exams in Term Four!
Year Eights Dive into the World of “Romeo and Juliet”
Over the past ten weeks, our Year Eight students have embarked on an exciting journey through one of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays, “Romeo and Juliet”. This timeless tale of love and tragedy has captivated the students, sparking lively discussions and deep reflections. The enthusiasm and dedication shown by our Year Eight students have been truly inspiring. Their exploration of “Romeo and Juliet” has not only enhanced their appreciation for literature but also fostered a deeper understanding of human emotions and relationships.
This term, students have been very busy learning their class songs for Eisteddfod and focusing on the art of performance both individually and as a whole group. The process of learning songs as a group is quite a big one! Each week, we have looked at different elements of a performance: how to stand, use our face and voice for expression, sing as a group, convey meaning and also the importance of watching their conductor. Along with this, students have worked very hard on pitch and rhythm and dynamics which enhances their overall performance. We look forward to sharing our music with the community at the Eisteddfod next term!
This term, students have been busily and cleverly engaging in Design Technology and Art tasks. It is wonderful to see students creatively expressing themselves and ‘thinking outside the box’ to produce masterpieces!
Year One – Creating Aussie Animals using watercolour paint, collage and crayon to display on our Book Week doors.
Year Two – Exploring the world of Design Technology by designing our own apps, picture books and directional maps on the design program Book Creator.
Year Three – As culminating tasks to our Food and Fibre unit, we have designed and built working water irrigation models to water a fictional school vegetable patch. We are currently exploring chicken egg production methods and designing a dream Hen House to ensure happy and healthy chickens – our ideas are very creative!
Year Four – Experimenting with the seven Elements of Art and creating artworks demonstrating our understanding of these elements.
Year Five – Using the 3D design program, Tinkercad, to complete a series of design challenges, including a turtle bridge and nest protector, aimed at sustainable protection of our marine turtles. We are currently building our Tinkercad nest protector designs into 3D models.
Year Six – Learning about the Australian artist Sidney Nolan and producing our own Ned Kelly style art piece, using Nolan’s work as inspiration. We are now exploring the Pop Art movement and creating our own Word Art and self-portraits, inspired by Roy Lichtenstein’s work.
The All Saints Sacramental Program is about to commence, offering an opportunity for children in Year Three or older to begin preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This will then lead into the celebration of Confirmation and First Communion next year. Children need to be baptised Catholic and willing to commit to the program. Notes about the program were given to students last week. If you would like more information or a copy of the note, please contact Toni Densley at Toni.Densley@twb.catholic.edu.au or the All Saints Parish office on 4622 1075.
Uniform Shop Hours:
Monday 2:00 - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:00 - 10:30 am
Online:
https://theschoollocker.com.au/schools/st-johns-catholic-school
Please note that the uniform shop is only open during the school term and closed on school holidays.
