Newsletter - 17th February, 2023

 Dear Parents and Friends of St John's,

Last Friday 3rd February was an opportunity to recognise two groups of students at our Leadership Mass. The Year 12 student cohort received their Senior badges, ties and cravats, symbolising their ascension individually as leaders, whilst Student Council Representatives from Years 5-9, received badges anointing their election.  Fr Tom Duncan described how we should aspire to be the ‘salt of the Earth in our dealings with others. I look forward to witnessing the contributions of our Year Twelve and Student Council Representatives in 2023.

Students from P-12 were also recognised for their efforts and academic achievements from Semester Two, 2022. Students in Years P-12 who achieved 85% As, 70% As, or 60% As with a combination of Bs received similar awards, respectively.  These awards are recognition of sustained effort and learning over a six-month period and I commend all students who attained such high academic standards. Excellence Awards were presented to over 300 students who demonstrated a consistent high level of effort, behaviour, homework and attendance standards. The highly prestigious Veritas Awards were presented to students who demonstrated exceptional diligence towards their studies combined with a significant contribution towards the Religious Life of the School.  A list of recipients and photos follows in this newsletter. I thank Mrs Melissa Irwin, Ms Cathy Cooper and assisting staff who co-ordinated the ceremony where over 500 students were recognised.

Congratulations to all students who have participated in the Roma and District Tennis (13-19), Touch (12, 15, 18), Netball (15, 18), Cricket (10-12) and Swimming trials over the last few weeks.  It was pleasing to see so many students experience success.  I thank all staff and parents who have assisted with the running of these events.

Congratulations to Mia Haylock (Year 9) who competed in the State Lawn Bowls Championships over the recent holidays. Mia took out the individual title for under 15 and was third in the teams’ event.

I remind all families that supervision of students does not commence until 8.10am each morning.  This means that there is not any supervision by staff.  Industrial agreements prevent staff from being rostered any earlier, accordingly students should not be on site prior to the above time. Whilst I acknowledge the pressures of working lives in our families, I am concerned when I see very young students being dropped off sometimes as earlier at 7.40am. I appreciate your assistance in keeping our young people safe.

The Parents and Friends Association is seeking parents who are looking to make a tangible contribution to supporting the school. The meetings provide an opportunity to meet other parents and serve as a forum to gain further insight into St John’s School. Meetings occur every third Wednesday of the month, commencing at 5.30pm at the White Bull Tavern Function Room. Parents are sometimes concerned they will be given a job if they attend. Please be assured you can contribute as much as you wish. In my three years as Principal, I have found the P and F meetings to be collegial, supportive and a tremendous way to become immersed in the St John’s Community.

 God bless.

Jim Brennan

Year Six Investigates!

It is all systems go in Year Six as our students kick off their final year of Primary school!

In Science, we have been exploring the world of micro-organisms, investigating the properties of yeast and looking at the conditions that create the perfect home for microbes to grow.

Decimals, decimals and more decimals … Maths has been full of place value problems and decimal dilemmas.

We’ve been learning about visual literacy techniques in English and exploring the work of Gary Crew through his book, ‘The Water Tower’. He has left us with more questions than answers! This book has also been our focus in Art where we are using colour and line to convey meaning, just like the illustrators in the books.

The liturgical year has been our focus in Religion. We are busy planning our own prayer tables and choosing symbols and colours to represent important people and days in the Church calendar.

We’ve had a busy start to the term, with lots more fun to come!

Dear Parents, Carers and Families,

Welcome back to St John’s for 2023. This year, Lee Nolan and Sarah Clear are your school counsellors. Lee works at St John’s on Wednesday, Friday and every second Thursday. Lee also services our schools in St George and Mitchell on her other days. Sarah works at St John’s on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Lee has many years of experience working in schools and joins us from Roma State College. Welcome to the team Lee! Sarah is returning after taking a year’s Maternity Leave in 2022 to welcome her son.

The focus of the school counselling service is to support students with their social emotional well-being specific to the school and learning environment. Unfortunately, we do not provide personal counselling services for problems that do not impact the students’ well-being in the school environment. To access the school counselling service, please talk to your child’s teacher as the first contact, to discuss referral options.

We also have a website called School Counsellor Connect. The aim of this resource is to support you and your child’s social emotional well-being in the comfort of your own home. We invite you to scroll, click and explore. https://sway.office.com/Fcp1uabG1jAYyfbD?ref=Link

Wishing you health and happiness in 2023,

Your counsellors Sarah-Lee ?

Sarah Clear and Lee Nolan

St John’s School Counsellors

Uniform Shop Hours:

Mondays - 2pm to 4.30pm

Wednesdays -  8am to 10.30am

Online:

https://theschoollocker.com.au/schools/st-johns-catholic-school