St John's School Roma eNewsletter

Principal's Address

Dear Parents and Friends of St John's,

During this term, students and staff have been focusing on the value of compassion. A major project associated with this value has been the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. Students and staff have been bringing in non-perishable food items which will be utilised by St Vincent de Paul to support individuals in need over the Christmas period. This project has been held yearly within the school and provides an opportunity for students to experience service-based learning. I encourage all families to contribute if possible.

Toowoomba Catholic Education Office is currently advertising for the position of Principal at St John’s School. Applications for the position close on Sunday 19^th November with shortlisting and an interviewing process to occur shortly after applications close. The office recently emailed the school community with a survey link to obtain feedback on the attributes and qualities of the principal sought by parents and staff. I encourage parents and staff to provide feedback to inform the recruitment process.

This Friday, St John’s School will hold our Moonlight Fair. This community event will commence at 5pm on the school oval with plenty of entertainment, food, drinks and produce stalls. Whilst this is a significant fundraising event, it is also a community-building opportunity and I encourage everyone within the Roma Community to attend.

Sunday 19^th November will be an opportunity to recognise the significant contributions that Anita Crawford has made to the St John’s School Community. Anita concludes her time as the President of St John’s Parents and Friends, and we are looking forward to acknowledging her efforts. A gathering will be held at Western Queensland Spirit Distillery commencing at 12pm.

In other staffing news, I wish to announce that Ms Emma Wilkes will move into the P-6 phase of schooling in 2024. Emma taught in primary school prior to joining St John’s. During 2023, Emma has taught Food Studies and Hospitality as she holds a Certificate III in Kitchen Operations. Emma has made a wonderful contribution in this teaching area, and we look forward to enjoying the contributions she will make in P-6. Mrs Carmel Treasure and Mr Matt Creeley take up the positions of Cultural/Performing Arts Coordinator and 7-12 Sports Coordinator respectively in 2024. The Cultural/Performing Coordinator is a new position which will help facilitate the growing numbers of extracurricular events on offer at St John’s. Carmel has extensive experience in delivering a range of events both within and outside the school and can draw on a wide network of community support and resources. Matt has been actively involved in multiple school and community sporting events, including the school strength and conditioning program. He replaces Sam Valentine who is relocating in 2024.

Over the last two weeks, I had the opportunity to address parents through our Kindy to Prep Transition meetings for parents and students. This forum is an opportunity for parents, students and staff to get to know one another. At St John’s, we pride ourselves on knowing each child as we fashion an academic and spiritual journey in collaboration with parents. I am looking forward to welcoming all our new Prep students in 2024. Thank you to Mrs Natalie Beattie, Chloe Barwick, Abby Evans and Katelyn Redinger who organised these transition days. I remind all parents of current Year 6 students that our Year 6 into 7 transition day will be held on Thursday 23rd November (8.25 – 3pm) followed by an information evening for transition from Year 6 into 7 in the Parents and Friends Multi-Purpose Centre commencing at 5.30pm.

Year 12 students complete their final assessments as part of the state-wide external exam period next week. All Year 12 students will return to school on Wednesday 15^th November for the final week activities which will culminate with their graduation and walk out on Friday 17^th November. All Year 12 students are required to be in attendance for the final week including the last day, to meet Department of Education attendance policies. I know staff have prepared a highly engaging range of activities to prepare students for life beyond school and we look forward to celebrating this week with them.

A reminder of the school awards celebrations next week

Years 5-12 and Perpetual Award Recipients – Tuesday 14^th November commencing 6pm at the Cultural Centre

P-4 classes – Wednesday 15^th November at 9am commencing at the school P&F Multi-Purpose Centre

God bless,

Jim Brennan

Prep

Prep

Year Six

In Year Six English, our students are diving into the fascinating world of literary devices. They are sharpening their skills to understand and interpret sound devices such as rhyme, repetition, onomatopoeia and alliteration. Through engaging activities and creative exercises, they are exploring the magic of words and how they can create rhythm and imagery in written and spoken language. Additionally, our young wordsmiths are unlocking the power of imagery, delving into similes, metaphors, personification, and hyperbole to add depth and vividness to their writing. Year Six is an exciting time for our students as they discover the art of language, making their communication more captivating and expressive.

Year Eight

Marian

All Saints Sacramental Program

Recently, the All Saints Parish Sacramental Program commenced. Sixteen St John’s students from Year Three to Year Five started preparing for their First Reconciliation. Under the guidance of Father Tom, the students meet once a week to learn all about what Reconciliation means and how they can become closer to God. The students will participate in their First Reconciliation on Saturday 25^th November.