Term 1, Week 8 2022

 Dear Families

Visible Learning
Between 2018 - 2022 staff at St John the Baptist Catholic School undertook significant professional development with leaders from Corwin University in Visible Learning.  Two areas of focus that have been embedded into our whole school practice are the Feedback and Learning Dispositions.

Feedback is one of the best ways to improve the progress and outcome for a student.  It increases achievement, student effort, motivation and can lead students to search for alternate strategies and new understandings.   

Throughout the year, you will begin receiving different forms of feedback about your child’s learning and personal development. These may come in the form of feedback rubrics, student self-assessments, visual or written reflections, Seesaw comments or assessment rubrics. Students will be encouraged to discuss their learning using ‘monitoring questions’ and will also be able to provide feedback to their peers and teachers.

The Learning Dispositions provide a whole school language about the characteristics of successful Learners.  At our school the 5 dispositions are Persistent, Resilient, Collaborative, Engaged and Reflective.  Each of these dispositions are explicitly taught throughout the year and feedback rubrics are included in assessment tasks.  The Dispositions each have a set of characteristics and an animal character picture connected to them.  The characters are displayed in each classroom and discussed each day as they relate to the learning tasks, the learning intention of the lesson and the success criteria.  Making these visible to students provides structure for success and growth.  At the end of this term, parents will receive a Learning Disposition Rubric for their child as feedback. 

This year we will be introducing Learning Disposition certificates that will be handed out at assemblies when they resume.  These certificates will recognise students that have been working hard to practice the dispositions and display them in their learning.

The Learning Dispositions listed below, along with the characteristics that accompany each, are familiar to our students.  Shared language between home and school will support students understanding of their importance and assist children in becoming a successful learner.  We encourage you to refer to the dispositions at home as often as possible. 

A bigger graphic of the characters can be found here.

Social Emotional Wellbeing
In 2021 staff were involved in a project with the Childhood Foundation and have been trained in Trauma Informed practices.  The project focus was to create and implement a whole school language around emotional regulation.  Each classroom has an emotional scale displayed.  This language is explicitly taught throughout the year and used in daily interactions between staff and students.  At the beginning of each year students identify the strategies that help them feel calm when they have big feelings.

This is a great tool to use at home and a consistent language for students when they need a strategy to calm down and make expected behaviour choices.

Blessings

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

Project Compassion
Since the beginning of Lent we have embarked on our journey of Project Compassion. In the Lenten calendar sent a home a few weeks ago you would have noticed the links to tune into five individuals’ stories. We have had the opportunity to learn of Anatercia & Biru’s story, and we will continue to meet several more throughout Lent. The beautiful aspect of Caritas is that through Project Compassion we know it makes a positive difference to the lives of vulnerable communities in different countries. This year we have the theme, ‘For Future Generations’ which sends a positive message of hope and setting a solid foundation for communities now and in the years to come. Already we have heard that Anatercia’s community now has access to clean drinking water through the support we give Caritas. In knowing this, we can aspire to contribute and be part of this change for future generations by donating to Project Compassion.

Class Mass/ liturgies have recommenced!
Over the past few weeks, the Reception classes have had their class liturgies or Mass in the church. Unfortunately, due to the current restrictions we have had our celebrations limited to individual classes. However, each of the Reception classes have prayerfully and wonderfully engaged in their first Mass or liturgy, celebrating the theme, “God Loves Me and I Am Special.’

Presentation Mass
We have officially begun our preparation for the Sacramental Program. We have a group of candidates who have started their preparation to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and the Eucharist. The presentation of these candidates will be held on the 26^th and 27^th March at the weekend Masses. Please keep the candidates in your prayers as they prepare for their Sacraments which will be celebrated later this year.

Alpha Ministries
Alpha is a series of sessions exploring the Christian faith. Each talk looks at a different question around faith and is designed to create conversation. Alpha is run all around the globe and everyone is welcome. It runs online, in cafés, churches, universities, homes—you name it! No two Alphas look the same, but they generally have three key things in common: hospitality, a talk and good conversation.

Alpha is coming to Plympton Parish and further details will be provided in the weeks to come.

The contact for Alpha within the Plympton Parish is Carlien Bannister and you can ask for more information through the parish on 8293 6600. 

Faith Fact
​​​​​​​Have you ever wondered about Holy Week? Find out more in this week’s Faith Fact.

Amanda Razon
REC

Our prayers are with those who have recently lost loved ones.

May God keep them close.

To the family of  Mrs Lyn Dyer (Staff) for her Grandmother Clare

"Eternal Rest grant unto her O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. 

May she rest in peace."

Statement of Accounts 
Please note billing for the 2022 School Year has occured and statements were posted.  If you have not yet received your statement please contact me via email pmarks@stjohnpl.catholic.edu.au.  

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). 

Once School Card has been approved the discount will applied to your account, previously this has been at the end of Term 1.

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 

Our school sport teams are now up and running, with every team competing.

Please find below the teams and coaches for the Term 1 season:

•  7x Basketball teams playing at Wayville
  1. STJB Warriors coached by Matt Wilson
  2. STJB Clippers coached by Tanya Rafanelli
  3. STJB Wizards coached by Hilary Sadler & Sam Hastwell
  4. STJB Bulls coached by Lucianna Introna
  5. STJB Jazz coached by Megan Stokes
  6. STJB Lakers coached by Tanya Rafanelli
  7. STJB Magic coached by Michelle Politis
• 2 x Master Blaster (Cricket) teams playing at Glandore Oval

1. Year 2 Master Blaster coached by Warren Mitchell
2. Year 3 Master Blaster coached by Michelle Politis

• 1 x Tee ball (Baseball) playing at Adelaide “Angels” Baseball Club - Seagulls coached by Adam Keegan
• 1 x Netball team playing (mostly) at Cabra College - Allstars coached by Michelle Politis

Terms 2 & 3 Sport 
Terms 2 & 3 Sports Registration is available now; an email was sent home to every family detailing the sports involved and how to register.

If you would like your child / children to be part of one (or more) of our school sports teams you will be able to register online. The sports available during the winter terms are:

• Basketball
• Volleyball
• Netball
• Soccer
• Aussie Rules Football

Please remember, we are always looking out for new coaches.  If you are interested, please contact me at the email address below. 

Sport Carnivals

The following carnivals / trials will occur this term –

SACPSSA Swimming trials Yr. 3 - 6    Friday 18^th March (Week 7)

• The Swimming Trials were held at Immanuel College last Friday with 43 children trying out for a place in the SACPSSA Carnival coming up.

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

• The Year 5 & 6’s competed in the SACPSSA Cricket Carnival at Karen Roulton Oval and Park 23, St John’s fielded 9 teams.

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

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

For your information:
SACPSSA stands for South Australian Catholic Primary School Sports Association.

SAPSASA stands for South Australian Primary School Amateur Sports Association

Kind regards,

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

podea@stjohnpl.catholic.edu.au

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

     Monday 28th March - Michelle Politis & Julie

     Wednesday 30th March - Julie

     Friday 1st April -  Stacey Arnold, Daniel Stephenson & Julie

     Monday 4th April - Davina Cimarosti, Angela Spiers & Julie

     Wednesday 6th April - Julie

     Friday 8th April - Lucianna Introna & Julie

     Monday 11th April - Maria Esteban & Julie

     Wednesday 13th April - Neeta Saldanha & Julie

Julie Henschke & Jo Fitzgerald

The Premier's Reading Challenge has begun this year.  Classroom teachers now have the Student Reading Records for each student.  A letter was sent home to Junior Primary students regarding how to complete the Challenge.  For further information please go to the Premiers Reading Challenge website for more information www.prc.sa.edu.au.  The Challenge finishes on 9 September 2022.  

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.

Term 1 of 2022 is off to a great start already and OSHC is looking forward to the year ahead!  A big thank you to all the families who continue to use the service daily/weekly and a warm welcome to all of our new families this year.

The service welcomes back Neetu on a daily basis who has been with us for around 15 months now. She usually works on our busy days where a second qualified educator is required. Neetu is a familiar face for all regular children, school holiday children and many of the parents as well as the school. We would like to thank her for coming in to provide the consistency for the school community in Diane’s absence until a new full time coordinator is appointed.

Until such time, should any parents need to contact OSHC to discuss the needs of your child in any way then Jordy will be here to help you as per usual. You can contact him on the OSHC phone number : 0405 436 293 or via the OSHC email address - sastjohnbaptist@oshccampaustralia.com.au.

A friendly reminder that the last day of term this year is April 14th. Regular morning OSHC service is from 7:00am until 8:30am however the afternoon OSHC starts at 12:00pm to cater for the early school finish time. Should you require OSHC on this day, please ensure you book as early as possible.

The school holidays are fast approaching and we are looking forward to a great school holiday break. The service will operate from 7:00am-6:00pm each day as per normal. We ask that you pack your child’s regular lunch as if it were a normal school day. Breakfast and afternoon tea are always provided to all children. The dates are 19th - 22nd (Week 1) and 26th - 29th (Week 2) of April. Please note that each week has a public holiday on the Monday and OSHC will not be available on these days. Excursions are back, the program is set and we are looking forward to an enjoyable fortnight for all!

Terms 1 and 4 are our sun smart terms. We would like to remind all families to please ensure your child brings their hat to school daily as OSHC currently spends most days outside until around 5pm (weather permitting) due to the current COVID situation. There are a few children that have mild reactions to some sunscreens so we would like to take this opportunity to remind parents if your child is one of these - to please send some sunscreen along with them that suits their skin.

2022 is looking to be an interesting year for all! We are taking every opportunity to utilise our outside spaces at OSHC on a daily basis to ensure the safety of all children in the service. During the hot/wet weather we will split the children between the OSHC room and the hall to ensure social distancing where possible. Should any parents have any questions or concerns relating to how we are using our spaces during this time please feel free to contact Jordy to discuss these.

Thank you,

Jordy

sastjohnbaptist@oshccampaustralia.com.au

040 5436 293 ( During OSHC times)

Please find information below regarding online safety tips and free parent webinars to support childrens positive experience online.  

One in five young people will experience bullying online.  Examples of cyberbullying include sharing photos of someone to hurt or humiliate them, sending abusive messages, creating fake accounts in someone else's name to trick or humiliate people and spreading rumours about someone.  For more information and support visit the eSafety website.  Everyone deserves to feel safe online.

Top tips to assist:

• Do not respond - often responding will make things worse
• Screenshot evidence - this can assist in reporting the matter to the police
• Report and block - you can report through the platform that you are using
• Talk to someone - reach out to friends and family for support along with many online support services.

Other resources regarding online safety for young people are available at:

• The Carly Ryan Foundation
• Think U Know
• Kids Helpline
• Headspace

Wednesday 1 June 10am & 7pm at the  Marion Cultural Centre, Domain Theatre

FREE, bookings essential via https://marion.online.red61.com.au/event/318:628/ or contact via email or phone on 8375 6855

Nunga Screen, held annually between Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week is a free short film showcase that shares and celebrates First Nations culture, stories and language, through film culture.  Formerly known as Black Screen, Nunga Screen features an entertaining program of independent short films for all ages from emerging to the more established film-makers.

Inspiring documentaries, compelling tales, dramas, animation, contemporary to traditional storytelling – this film event is dedicated to bringing communities together to share in culture and engage in conversation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The curated program of short films is rolled out across South Australia to more than 20 regional venues and communities from cinemas to country halls to outdoor theatres. A schools program is catered for with appropriate age and curricula day-time screenings.

Inspired by the National Film & Sound Archive’s Black Screen program, Nunga (Aboriginal people of southern South Australia) Screen is presented by Country Arts SA and the ‘Give up Smokes’ campaign from Drug and Alcohol Services of South Australia (DASSA), with support from the South Australian Film Corporation.

The links and information that are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only.  They do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by St John the Baptist Catholic School of any of the products, services or opinions of the corporation or organisation or individual.  St John the Baptist Catholic School bears no responsibility for the accuracy legality or contact of the external site or for that of subsequent links.  Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.