Term 1, Week 4 2022

Extracurricular events and new school initiatives

As restrictions are eased and SA Health provide updated directives regarding school activities many new and previously offered activities will begin to take shape.  We are excited to provide a list of the initiatives that will be on offer to students at St John the Baptist Catholic School throughout this year.  Information about each of these will be sent as activities begin.

Arch D Radio

In 2021 we applied to be a part of the Arch D Radio project.  This interactive and exciting initiative will be provided to students in Year 6.  Students will be involved in every aspect of designing, creating, interviewing and producing their own podcasts.  Arch D will work with teachers and students to understand all that is involved in the radio production process.  The student created podcasts will be aired on a variety of media channels including Spotify and iHeart Radio.

Playgroup

Play group will continue in the SJB Hall each Wednesday at 9.00am.  All families with children aged 0-5 are welcomed to attend.

Playgroup Volunteers Year 5

Leadership development will begin for students in Year 5, as they will be supporting in the set up, play experiences and pack up of playgroup each week.  Small teams of students will attend playgroup and be encouraged to lead the play experiences for the younger children.

Childcare Kindy Visits Year 6

As a follow up to the Playgroup leadership, Year 6 students will be rostered in small groups to visit our local Childcare and Preschools.  This was a valuable experience last year for students, who joined in many of the activities with the children at the centres and promote the school in a positive manner.

Art Club

This year commencing late in Term 1, we will be trialling an Art Club for Year 2 students.  This will be offered after school on a Monday afternoon.  Information about this initiative will be provided to our Year 2 families in the coming weeks.

Run Club

Run Club in 2022 will commence on Fridays from the 18th March.  For those who wish to join Run Club please meet at Plympton Oval from 8.00am.  All fitness levels and families welcome.

Homework Club

Year 5 & 6 students are invited to join Homework Club each Tuesday afternoon until 4.00pm. Students are able to receive guidance to complete weekly homework tasks, ongoing projects and/or assignments and seek assistance to help understand subject content.  This is an extra-curricular opportunity for students to work in a quiet, supervised environment, with guidance and assistance from a teacher.

School Camps

Years 3 – 6 students will have an opportunity to attend a variety of camp experiences during their time at St John the Baptist Catholic School.  These experiences have been designed to compliment curriculum areas, support student’s development and independence, while providing a range of outdoor learning opportunities for our students.  Information, permissions and notes appropriate to each will be sent home closer to each camp date.

Reception to Year 2 students will have a range of school based and evening events throughout the year and these will also be communicated as they are able to proceed.

The Green Play

It has been wonderful to see the children at play as they begin to use the new spaces throughout the school.  ‘The Green’ area near the Reception classrooms is fast becoming a well loved space for quiet play, craft and drawing.  Play boxes have created opportunities for imaginary play with cooking, animal worlds, dinosaur worlds and car play.  These play boxes are the first of a series of play options for the children.  New play boxes will be added over the coming terms.  The craft book box is also provides for students that may wish to draw, colour, write and make during lunchtime.

Lunch Play

As the building works have now ceased and the school has more space than it has had in the previous couple of years, there is an opportunity in part for the children to be able to come together R-6, at least once in the school day. This has many benefits around relationship building amongst the students across the school, as well as the opportunity for siblings to interact and see each other within a school day.  Therefore, the school has implemented a new timetable from the beginning of this year, which has been outlined in the Parent Handbook.   In support of the opportunity to access spaces fairly, the oval and courts are rotated daily over an Odd and Even play week.  This has been shared with students this week.  The library is open each day at lunchtime for students to read quietly and play games.  Handball has made a return in popularity with many students playing at recess and lunch also.

Camp Australia

It is with mixed emotions that we farewell Diane our OSHC Director.  Over the past two years Diane has demonstrated significant leadership in developing and maintaining a well used and positive environment for students before and after school.  Once a new Director has been appointed by Camp Australia, we will share this information with the wider school community.  Jordan will continue to remain a constant staff member for the students.  We wish Diane all the best as she begins her new venture.

Blessings
Todd LaForgia, Jo Livingstone, Michael Cimarosti & Amanda Razon
Leadership Team 

Please find outlined below information regarding several upcoming events in the weeks ahead. 

Sacraments 2022
As mentioned in the previous newsletter, please make note that those children and families who would like to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Holy Communion this year are encouraged to bring their enrolment forms into the Parish Office as soon as possible.

Shrove Tuesday - 1^st March
As you may know, Shrove Tuesday is a day for people to prepare for the Lenten season, which begins on Ash Wednesday. To celebrate, each class will be able to enjoy pancakes topped with maple syrup which will kindly be organised by the P and F Committee. Pancakes will be cooked and then delivered to individual classrooms for the teachers to serve to the children.

Ash Wednesday - 2^nd March
Marking the beginning of the Lenten season, we usually observe Ash Wednesday with a liturgy or Mass. This is when an ash cross is placed on our forehead as a symbol to represent that we are ready to draw closer to Jesus through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. As this is a special day for the Christian community, each class will participate in a class liturgy that will be facilitated by their class teacher. 

Commissioning Mass
Our community will be celebrating the commissioning of our staff on Sunday 20^th March at the 10am Mass within the St. John the Baptist Church. This Mass serves as a reminder that the staff of our school take on the challenge in making a positive difference to our community and in our world.  

Presentation Mass
The children who will be preparing for and celebrating their Sacraments this year will be presented to the community at the Presentation Masses on Saturday 26^th at 6pm and Sunday 27^th March 10am. This is a significant event because it celebrates and acknowledges that the children will be fully received into the Christian community and will become more immersed in the life and mission of the Church.

Have you ever wondered…?
There are so many things to explore in the Catholic faith, check out Faith Fact to explore this week’s topic. It could be something you’ve pondered and would like to know more about!

Amanda Razon
REC

Statement of Accounts 

Please note billing for the 2022 School Year is occuring in Week 4 and statements will be posted on Friday 25th February.  

Whether payment is by Direct Debit, Scheduled Transfer etc, could you please ensure that instalments made will result in your account being at a zero balance by the end of Term 3 2022.  

If your address or any other details have changed, please notify the front office as soon as possible.   

Fee Remission 

Families who have previously received fee remission will be required to complete a new fee remission form with the following documentation attached: 

• Your most recent tax return(s) – private and/or business as applicable 
• Your most recent pay advice(s) and /or other form of income if applicable 
• Your Centrelink statement receiving Centrelink or other special benefits 
• School Card approval (if applicable) 

Please contact Pam Marks, Finance Officer, for the above form or arrange a time to meet. 

School Card 

Please follow the link to apply for the 2022 School Card Scheme. 

The School Card Scheme provides low income families attending a non-government school with financial assistance for school fees (materials and services charges). 

We ask those families whose circumstances may have changed or are experiencing difficulties to please contact Todd LaForgia or myself at your earliest convenience via email: pmarks@stjohnpl.catholic.edu.au

Pam Marks 
Finance Officer 

School Sport

All out of hours school sport is finally starting in Week 5 (next week).

There has been an outstanding response from the children to participate in their preferred sport/s.

Please find below the teams for the Term 1 season. We have:

• 8 x basketball teams playing at Wayville
• 2 x Master Blaster (Cricket) team playing at Glandore Oval
• 2 x Tee ball (Baseball) playing at Adelaide “Angels” Baseball Club
• 1 x Netball team playing (mostly) at Cabra College
• 1 x Volleyball team playing at Westbourne Park Community Centre

Information regarding sports teams will also be sent out to families via SEQTA email.

Teams requiring a coach –

• Basketball        
  • Year 3/4 Boys   STJB 36ers
  • Year 2/3 Mixed  STJB Jazz
• Tee Ball              Pelicans
• Cricket                Year 3 Master Blaster Cricket

Unfortunately, if we cannot find coaches / managers for these teams I will have to withdraw them from their competitions! It is very important that parents who do volunteer have completed the necessary paperwork. The volunteer packs are available from the school front office.

Please note – to be able to coach / manage a school team this ALL must be completed. Otherwise, the children will NOT be able to compete. If you have any questions, please talk to Bernadette O’Reilley at the Front Office or email - info@stjohnpl.catholic.edu.au

Physical Education

PE lessons have been focussed on the activities that the children will be competing in at the St John the Baptist Catholic School Sports Day.

St John the Baptist Catholic School Sports Day will be held at Sacred Heart Senior School on Friday 11^th March (Week 6).

The day will follow a similar format to previous sports days.

Sport Carnivals

The following carnivals / trials will occur this term –

SACPSSA Swimming trials Yr. 3 - 6                 Friday 4^th March (Week 5)

SACPSSA Cricket Carnival Yr. 5 & 6                Wednesday 9^th March (Week 6)

SACPSSA Swimming Carnival Yr. 3 – 6           Wednesday 23^rd March (Week 8)

SAPSASA Lacrosse Carnival Yr. 4 - 6              Friday 25^th March (Week 8) Change of date

Kind regards,

Paul O'Dea
PE & Co-curricular Sport Co-ordinator

podea@stjohnpl.catholic.edu.au

Please be reminded to update your Qkr! app in order to update your child's class.

Currently due to COVID restrictions no cash will be taken over the counter at the canteen for iceblocks.  Iceblocks can still be ordered via our Qkr! app.   

Canteen orders close each canteen day (Monday, Wednesday & Friday) at 9.00am.

Healthy Canteen (Tuesday & Thursday) orders close on Mondays at 12pm.

Canteen Roster

     Friday 25th February - Megan Kloeden & Julie

     Monday 28th February - Julie

     Wednesday 2nd March - Julie

     Friday 4th March - Joanna Rowett & Julie

Julie Henschke & Jo Fitzgerald

NAME:  Phillis Johnston

ROLE AT ST JOHNS & YEARS OF SERVICE: This is my first year at St John’s and I am teaching Year 2.  

FAVOURITE COLOUR: Green and Purple 

FAVOURITE FOOD: Italian

SPORTING TEAM YOU SUPPORT:   I don't watch a lot of sport except for Formula 1 sometimes 

HOBBIES & INTERESTS:  reading, cooking, listening to music and spending time with family 

PRIMARY SCHOOL I WENT TO:  Parafield Gardens Primary School 

HIGH SCHOOL I WENT TO: St Mary's College

PETS: A very spoilt King Charles Cavalier named Trixie who my family and I love very much! 

3 WORDS TO DESCRIBE ME: Friendly, caring, funny

BEST ADVICE I’VE BEEN GIVEN:  Be the best person you can be

FAVOURITE HOLIDAY SPOT: I like to go to the beach or the river. Bali is also a favourite holiday spot. 

FAVOURITE SEASON: Autumn– I love the warm days and cool nights! 

NAME:  Sienna Huish

ROLE AT ST JOHNS & YEARS OF SERVICE: ESO - 1 year

FAVOURITE COLOUR: Bllue

FAVOURITE FOOD: Pasta

SPORTING TEAM YOU SUPPORT:   I don't have a favourite team 

HOBBIES & INTERESTS:  Painting, drawing, music & the beach

PRIMARY SCHOOL I WENT TO:  St Leonards Primary School

HIGH SCHOOL I WENT TO: Brighton Secondary School

PETS: My dog Fitsy!

3 WORDS TO DESCRIBE ME: Artistic, Compassionate & Fun

BEST ADVICE I’VE BEEN GIVEN:  A good day comes from a good mindset!

FAVOURITE HOLIDAY SPOT: No particular place!

FAVOURITE SEASON: Spring/Summer

We are looking for students to participate in the Catholic Schools Music Festival Choir (CSMF).  If your child is in Years 5 or 6 and would like to participate please contact Antonietta Caruana on acaruana@stjohnpl.catholic.edu.au for further information.

Antonietta Caruana
CSMF Choir Trainer 

St John the Baptist School provides a safe environment for all while valuing the partnership between school and home.

As a Catholic community, we welcome and value volunteers. To be able to volunteer, and/or attend at other times throughout the school year, we ask that you hold a current Catholic Police Check (parents/caregivers attending excursions, reading in class, helping in class, attending community events), a current Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect in Education and Care for Volunteers certificate, have completed the volunteers application package and your COVID vaccination certificate.

A Catholic Police Check for volunteers is free for our current parents and caregivers. Application Forms are available in our school office.

This process ensures we maintain a child safe environment. To avoid disappointment, we encourage you to apply for a Catholic Police Check through the school office as soon as possible.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at the school office on 8218 3300.

If your child will be playing an after school sport and then going to OSHC kindly let us know so we know where your child is and when to expect them back into OSHC.

It has been beautiful weather lately and with that in mind we would like to remind all families to ensure the children have hats to wear especially in the afternoons to keep them safe.

We have moved our play space from the nature playground to the courts and handball squares this is partly to make it a quicker process to open the door when parents ring the bell at pick up time, and to provide more running around space for the children.

If your child will be absent from a session please let me know either by telling me or by emailing this way I'm not ringing you when yur busy to find out where your child is.

Lastly, Jordan and myself are looking forward to another fun filled Sports Day, which is a little early this year and we hope to see as many parents, grandparents, aunties uncles etc there as possible.

As always, any questions or suggestions come in and see us.

Diane and Jordan

sastjohnbaptist@oshccampaustralia.com.au

040 5436 293 ( During OSHC times)

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