Term 2, Week 10 2023

Dear Families

In further staffing news, we welcome back from leave, Lauren Breeding, Sylvia Roussos and Paul O’Dea. Lauren will commence teaching in Year 5HB, Sylvia will work alongside Sharee Grimshaw in Year 6 and Paul will return to the PE and Sport coordination role. 

We thank Jodie Hamilton for her work with Year 5HB throughout the first semester. Jodie will remain at the school in Weeks 1-3 of Term 3 as she covers leave for Dani Franklin’s Year 5 class. We also appreciate the efforts of Mary Murray, Kate McKeough and Sophie Koster who have all taken on roles in sport coordination or PE teaching this term in Paul’s absence. A great team effort! 

Sophie Koster has been appointed to the role of Reception teacher for the mid year intake. Sophie is an experienced early childhood educator, having worked in kindergarten and school settings. We look forward to welcoming our new Reception class to the school next term. 

Semester 2 Timetable
Due to continued enrolment growth (and static space), for Semester 2 2023 we will revert to a split timetable for both recess and lunch play (Splits will be Reception to Year 3, Year 4 to Year 6). Currently we have a split recess, but lunch together. When the decision was made to bring lunch together, school enrolments were around 330. Next term we will nudge 370. 

A number of intiatives have been introduced- Games Club, Minecraft Club, a ball free lunch for the R-2 students. The school has also added more staff onto the duty roster. However, to assist the children to play with space we will revert to the split timetable once again. This was last in place during the 2021 school year. 

This will be reviewed when the development of the new land is complete. 

Building Opening  
As previously communicated, the official opening of the new building is to occur on Tuesday 1st August at 10:00am (Week 2 of Term 3). The official Opening and Blessing will be presided over by Archbishop O’Regan and the plaque will be unveiled by Blair Boyer, MP- Minister for Education, Training and Skills. This is a significant celebration for the school community. Parents are most welcome to attend and join this special occasion. 

As this is the final newsletter for Term 2, we would like to thank everyone for their support during this term. Students will conclude the term on Friday 7th July at 3:00pm and we look forward to welcoming all students back to school for Term 3 on Tuesday 25th July. 

NCCD Data Collection
Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) and the Disability Standards for Education 2005  (the Standards), Australian students with disability must be able to access and participate in education on the same basis as their peers. To ensure this, students with disability may receive adjustments to access education, based on the professional judgement of teachers, in consultation with the student and/or their parents, guardians or carers.

The Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD) gives Australian schools, parents, guardians and carers, education authorities and the community information about the number of students with disability in schools and the adjustments they receive. The Australian Education Regulation 2013 requires all schools to report the data collected for the NCCD to the Australian Government on an annual basis.

The NCCD collects data about school students with disability who are receiving adjustments in a consistent, reliable and systematic way. It enables us to better understand the needs of students with disability and how they can be best supported at school.  Please find the link here for further information regarding NCCD.

Enjoy a restful term break! 

Best wishes, 

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

Do you have a child due to start in Term 3, 2024 or 2025 - if so, sibling enrolments are now overdue.

Please contact the front office on 8218 3300 or download a copy of the enrolment form here.

St John the Baptist Feast Day
Our feast day for St John the Baptist was celebrated last Monday 26^th June. After participating in Mass, the students enjoyed spending time with their buddies and making their own ‘Cup of Courage’. The students engaged in some rich discussion across all year levels on the topic of the things that makes them feel most courageous. You will find some photos of children creating their Cups of Courage on Facebook.

Beanies for Vinnies
We had a successful Winter Appeal drive with each class generously donating long life foods to Vinnies. There was a great atmosphere as students wore their beanies to school on Tuesday 27^th June to support the cause.

We are greatly appreciative of your generosity and support towards this cause. Your contributions will provide support those people doing it tough, especially this winter.

Poster Making Session
Yesterday we had our Poster Making Session for the children in the Sacramental Program in the school hall at 6:00pm. It was a fun night for the children and their families as they enjoyed a pizza dinner and created posters of their chosen Confirmation saint. We keep the children in our prayers as they continue preparing for their Sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation in August.

A last note to say another big thank you for another eventful term. Wishing you and your families an enjoyable and restful term break. Stay warm and take care during this cold Winter season!

Amanda Razon
APRIM

Qkr! After School Sport Payments
Could you please ensure that all after school sport payments are finalised as soon as possible.  An email went home from Mary Murray with instructions on how to complete your transaction.

Change of Circumstance
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

Statement of Accounts
Can you please ensure your current method of payment will see your account paid in full by 24th November, unless previously arranged.  If you have changed your address, please advise the office as soon as possible on info@stjohnpl.catholic.edu.au

School Card
Please follow the link below to apply for the 2023 School Card Scheme. Once we have received the eligibility report from School Card the remission will be applied to your account.

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

Eligibility 

School Card is available to: 

• families with children aged four years and over who attend a school full-time 
• independent full-time students studying year 10, 11 or 12 
• adult re-entry students undertaking subjects to complete their SAC 

https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/education-and-learning/financial-help-scholarships-and-grants/school-card-scheme 

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any queries regarding the above.

Pam Marks 
Bursar/Finance Officer 

Monday 24th July (Term 3) is a Pupil Free Day for Staff Development.

Congratulations to Fateh's (3WD) family for becoming Australian Citizens!

SAPSASA Netball Carnival
The SAPSASA Netball Carnival was held on Monday at Netball SA.  Over 100 of our Years 4-6 students participated in a fabulous, fun, and dry netball carnival.  Each team played about six, 17 minute games, against various Catholic schools throughout the day.  Our fabulous parent helpers supported the children on the court and provided ideas during the games. 

Here are what some children in Year 4 have said about the carnival:

A good day, I love playing sport. Lenny

The greatest experience. Ayen

The day helped me to be a better netballer. Tonti

It was a good experience, now I know a lot more about netball.  Usually, I just watch my sister. It was good playing myself.  Alfie

I loved it because my Dad was the coach. Suyogya

Thank you to the Parent helpers and teachers who looked after the children and organized them during the day. 

Cross Country
If your child is interested in participating in the SACPSSA Cross Country carnival, trials will occur early next term.  For your children to participate in the carnival it is expected they can run 2km. During the holidays is a perfect time to practice their 2km run.

Term 3 Sport Carnivals

Both carnivals will require parent helpers.

SACPSSA Cross-Country Carnival – Thursday 10^th August (Week 3)

SACPSSA Touch Carnival – Friday 8^th September (Week 7)

Mary Murray

Co-curricular Sport Co-ordinator

sport@stjohnpl.catholic.edu.au

Mary Murray
Co-curricular Sport Co-ordinator
sport@stjohnpl.catholic.edu.au

Happy 3rd Playgroup Birthday

We enjoyed another fun filled term in Playgroup.

This week we celebrated our 3rd birthday. We held a birthday party on Wednesday with our playgroup community.  

We look forward to another great semester of building, reading and creating together after the holidays. 

We hope you all have a safe and enjoyable mid year break  

Karina Overall
Playgroup Coordinator

Practical tools for separated, divorced and blended families
Isolina Ricci, Ph.D, is the author of the enduring classic for parents Mom’s House, Dad’s House, the book for kids and parents, Mom’s House, Dad’s House for KIDS, and The CoParenting Toolkit, the award winning finalist in both the USA Best Book Awards and now the International Book Awards. Her work has inspired and supported two generations of parents. Her work has been cited in courtrooms, classrooms, and legal publications. 

The parent section of the website has some excellent articles to provide parents with ideas on supporting children and co-parenting. Her article about "13 things kids want parents to know" provides a really good insight into how children feel before, during and after parent separation. https://www.momshousedadshouse.com/articles-and-parenting-tips/

www.Coparentingtoday.com 

Sarah Byrnes
Centacare Counsellor

The Premier’s Reading Challenge is a literacy engagement program that was introduced by the Premier in 2004 to encourage students to read more books and enjoy reading and to     improve literacy levels.

The Challenge requires students to read 12 books before the challenge finishes on the 8^th September.

If students need help with choosing books that interest them we will gladly assist.

The Library Team

We are well underway with preparations for our whole school concert and it’s great to see students very excited! Our concert theme for this year is...

"AUSSIE AS..."

You will have received a note from your child's class teacher about what your child requires for their concert costume. Please see your class teacher for this information. 

In the first week of Term 3, a note will be sent home about the purchasing of tickets for the concert. This will be done via the Qkr! app.

Thank you,

Nat Weber
Expressive Arts Teacher

All orders for both recess and lunch are to 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

Term 2

Friday 7th July - Jo & Stacey Arnold

Term 3

Monday 24th July - Pupil Free Day

Tuesday 25th July - Jo

Wednesday 26th July - Julie

Thursday 27th July - Jo

Friday 28th July - Jo & TBA

Monday 31st July - Julie

Tuesday 1st August - Jo

Wednesday 2nd August - Julie

Thursday 3rd August - Jo

Friday 4th August - Jo & TBA

Monday 5th August - Julie

Tuesday 6th August - Jo 

Wednesday 7th - Julie

Thursday 8th August - Jo

Friday 9th August - Jo & TBA

Thank you to everyone who has volunteered this term.

Julie Henschke & Jo Fitzgerald

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 or email Francis Schulz on fschulz@stjohnpl.catholic.edu.au .

Hamra Library currently offer the following drop-in activities:

• A monthly writers' group (4:30-5:30pm every second Wednesday of the month)
• A monthly book club with no set text, just a place to come and talk about books! (4:30-5:30pm last Wednesday of every month)
• Homework club for all-ages study assistance every Monday during term, 4pm-6pm.
• 24/7 access to Studiosity for additional support if they have a West Torrens library card!
• The Australian Refugee Association offers homework support to students from refugee backgrounds who have been in Australia for 5 years or less every Thursday of term - 4pm-6pm
• Lego Club (every 2^nd Monday during term time, 3:30-5pm)
• "Sign Squad" for 12-25 year olds to learn Auslan from a Deaf tutor (Friday 5-6pm in weeks 1, 4, and 8 of each term)

None of these activities require bookings but further information is available via the Hamra Library website on the Activities and Events webpage:

https://www.westtorrens.sa.gov.au/Hamra-Centre-Library/Activities-and-event

Tennis Masters is running a massive HOLIDAY CLINIC coming up in July & you’ve been invited!

Date: 10^th – 13^th  July
Time: 9:30am - 12:00pm 
Venue: 31 Robe Terrace, Medindie. 5 minutes from Adelaide CBD

BOOK ONLINE

https://www.tennismasters.com.au/upcoming-holiday-clinics/p/medinde-holiday-clinic

Busy on a few of the days? Let Tennis Masters know which days you can attend & they can book you in manually.

Contact Tennis Masters:  0449 257 441 / info@tennismasters.com.au

Looking for a fun and FREE activity these school holidays? Then dust off your bat and glove and come to our Angels School Holiday Junior Clinic!

Aimed at girls and boys, aged 5-12 years, our clinic will be held from 9:00-11:30am on Thursday 20 July 2023, at the Angel’s home ground, Weigall Oval Plympton.

Lead by Senior Angels ‘A Grade’ players Ben and Chris, the session will include skills training, drills and a mini-game, in a fun environment.

Beginners and players from all clubs are welcome.

Note if you don’t have your own equipment, this can be supplied by the club.

Register now at: https://www.adelaideangelsbaseball.com.au/events/194538/

and for more details please contact the Junior Coordinator.

Email: junior.adelaideangels@gmail.com

United Gymsports is again hosting school holiday gymnastics sessions in July!  We operate out of Western Youth Centre on Marion Road, Cowandilla.  

Our sessions are for participants ages 4 and up, no experience necessary.  Our holiday gymnastics sessions are at 9:30 am and 11:00 on Monday 17^th and Tuesday 18^th July.  

We are also hosting a new program - Come and Try Tumbling on Monday 17 July at 11:00 am for children aged 7+.  

Each session runs for 75 minutes hosted by experienced coaches qualified with Gymnastics Australia.

St Michaels All Angels Netball Club invites all 5-10 year olds to our netball skills development program.

This is a great introduction to netball, developing fundamental skills in preparation to play or just for fun.

Sessions will be run by specialised coaches and is a great opportunity to learn new skills, co-ordination and the rules of netball whilst having fun and making friends.

The total cost is $60 and includes a 6 x 1 hour training sessions with specialised coaches, plus a SMAA water bottle and ribbon.

The specialised sessions will be held at the SMAA Netball Club at 3 Military Road, West Beach on Sunday mornings on the following dates:

August 6^th, 13^th, 20^th and 27^th

September 3^rd and 10th

5-7 year olds – 9am-10am

8-10 year olds – 10am-11am

Any enquiries please email Smaa.secretary@smaanetballclub.com.au

If it is possible to include links or QR Codes in your school communication please add the following:

To book, please click on the link below.

SMAA Netball Club | SMAART Starts registration

Or scan the QR Code below

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.