Term 2, Week 4 2022

Dear Families

Welcome to Week 4.There has been lots of fantastic teaching and learning happening across the school and children engaged in a variety of learning experiences.  Over the past two weeks our Year 3 and 5 students have completed their first NAPLAN tests. They should all feel proud of their efforts. 

Learning Conversations
It was wonderful to be able to welcome parent and guardians into the classrooms for our recent Learning Conversations last week. We know that staff valued the opportunity to meet and discuss each child and their learning. If you were unable to make a time, we encourage you to contact your child’s teacher to arrange an interview in the coming weeks. These meetings are one of the ways we report to, and work alongside families to support each child’s growth.

Literacy
This year staff have continued to work on developing our literacy practice and teaching of reading and spelling. We have again engaged Linda Clune, a literacy coach, who continues to provide her expertise and guidance. It is such a valuable tool having Linda as our knowledgeable other supporting the learning and teaching of literacy here at St Johns. With this focus on Literacy, there has been some new language across the school. The following provides some insight into some of the changes we have implemented and the common language we are beginning to use across the school. We hope this may be beneficial when discussing your child’s learning with them at home.

• Decodable Readers: These readers contain words created with the letter/sounds that have been taught from a sequential program. They also contain some irregular high frequency words (heart words). There are no words children need to guess in these books, as they can use their knowledge of letter/sound relationships to blend the sounds together to read the word. As children learn more of these letter/sound relationships the complexity of words in these readers increases. Once a child ‘knows all the code’ they move off these readers to reading items of their choice. These are not the only books children are exposed to in their literacy learning – they make up a small, but valuable part for beginning readers.
• Systematic Synthetic Phonics: An approach to the teaching of phonics that is explicit and systematic that teaches the relationship between the grapheme (written letter) and the phoneme (the sound it makes in English). In this approach we begin with the most common relationships (single letter) building up to more complex multi-letter.
• Heart Words: These are words in the English language which are phonically irregular (eg. was). These words have parts which need to be learnt by ‘heart’. High-frequency, sight words, magic words are some other names you may have heard for these words. These words are used so frequently in reading and writing, that they need to be taught explicitly so they are learnt to automaticity.
• The Big 6 of Reading: When teaching reading, we look to include all these six elements; phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and oral language. Depending on the child, a larger focus may be evident in their learning program (eg. stronger phonics in early years teaching).
• Heggerty: This is a daily phonological and phonemic awareness program. It is a systematic and sequenced program that focuses on orally manipulating words and sounds in words to develop specific skills that form underlying foundations in literacy learning.
• Morphology: This relates to the study and exploration of words as they are broken down into their meaningful parts. This includes prefixes, suffixes, base words, and root words. This begins in Reception for example, when looking at what adding ‘s’ or ‘ed’ does to a word. It continues all the way through to Year 6, where less common and more complex word parts are explored.
• Etymology: This is the study of words in relation to their origin and how words and meanings have changed over time. Looking at the origin of words gives explanation as to why certain words are spelt certain ways.  

If you would like further information about your child’s literacy learning, please do not hesitate to contact their teacher. The following website also has lots of information about the teaching of reading. Five from Five https://fivefromfive.com.au/. We will look to continue to provide more information about our learning programs throughout the year.

A thought to leave you on, did you know the letters ‘ough’ can make 9 different sounds in English words; rough, plough, through, thought, thorough, cough, hiccough, lough. Reflect on how challenging this must be for a school aged child to master!

Staffing
We would like to advise that Grantley Crawford has tendered his resignation as the WHS Coordinator at the school. Grantley's last day at the school will be Tuesday the 28^th of June.

We thank Grantley for his commitment and contribution to the school over the past 15 years. We wish Grantley all the best for his future endeavours as he finishes his time at St Johns.

Run Club
Due to low to no numbers in attendance at Run Club this year, the decision has been made to indefinitely postpone Run Club. We would like to thank those families who have taken the time and opportunity to participate in Run Club over the past year. Your community support was greatly appreciated.

Best Wishes

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

Easter is a season in the church which doesn’t just begin and end on Easter Sunday. In fact, we are still within the season of Eastertide which is time for joy and celebration of the risen Jesus. I thought it would be fitting to write a quick note to align with this theme of Easter joy, particularly as I have recently been given the appointment of APRIM at St. John the Baptist Catholic School. I am altogether thrilled to continue being part of this community and cannot extend my gratitude to you all - staff, parents, students and the parish as you make St. John’s the lovely place that it is. I look forward to the continued journey in working in collaboration with you all.

Reconciliation
The children who have been preparing for their Sacraments participated in their first Reconciliation on Thursday 12^th May. They are now on the next step of their sacramental journey towards Confirmation and First Holy Communion. We keep the children and their families in our prayers throughout this exciting time of preparation.

Feast of the Ascension
We celebrate a special day in the Church called the ‘Ascension’ this Sunday 29 May. To learn more about why Catholics believe Jesus ascended into heaven click here.

Sustainability & Laudato Si Week
In Week 3, the school celebrated Laudato Si Week by taking on small challenges that would contribute towards caring for our common home. Classes from Reception to Year 6 held a lights out/ devices off hour and took a more conscious focus on recycling paper and plastic, as well as reducing the amount of waste (i.e. wrappers and plastics) in our school. Our Sustainability Year 6 captains have led the way in also promoting the recycling of soft plastics and depositing them into the Coles REDcycle bins together with Mrs Matthews. We are pleased and proud of the ecological action our Sustainability Captains are leading.

Call to Care 
As our focus is on the care of others this year, the school has made monetary donations towards Aid to the Church in Need which is a Ukraine emergency appeal. This appeal goes towards those who are on the ground supporting people in the cities who are in need of immediate help. The school community has also made a financial contribution to the Vinnies Winter appeal. This donation will provide support to individuals and vulnerable families who experience the hardship of homelessness- particularly women and children.

Faith Facts
Have you ever wondered about what happens in the Sacrament of Reconciliation? Click here to find out more

Amanda Razon
APRIM

A great activity for siblings/friendships here that parents can print for their children to make at home as well as a podcast (through Big Life Journal) can be found here. 

"Dare to Share" is a website through the Child Mind Institute, it is an American based organisation but they have a lot of celebrities, adults, and children talking about their mental health this month.  If you would like to have a look, please find the link here.

Thanks 

Sarah Byrne
Centacare School Counsellor

Statement of Accounts
Please note a Statement of Accounts for this term has been posted out on Tuesday 24th May. Could you please ensure that your current method of payment is sufficient so that your account will be in a zero balance by the final payment date of the 25^th November 2022.

Online payments
When making payments online could you please ensure you list your reference number from your Statement of Accounts eg 9063…….. followed by your child’s surname.

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.

Term 1 Sport Carnivals
If you participated in the following Sport Carnivals, you wil need to pay via the Qkr! App as soon as possible.

SACPPSA Swimming Carnival                  $15.00

SAPSASA lacrosse Carnival                      $15.00

SACPPSA Yr 5/6 Cricket Carnival              $13.00

Term 2 After School Sports 
Term 2 after school sports costs will be available to pay via Qkr! shortly - further information on when it will be available for payment will be emailed.

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 
Bursar/Finance Officer 

School Sport
Basketball, Tee Ball and Netball have now started.

Soccer will start this Saturday, May 28th.

Terms 2 & 3 Sport Teams 
Basketball / Coaches

• Year 3/4 BOYS             STJB 36ers                      COACH: Filomena Francis
• Year 3/4 GIRLS            STJB Bulls                       COACH: Lucianna Introna      
• Year 5/6 GIRLS            STJB Clippers                 COACH: Tanya Rafanelli
• Year 2/3 OPEN             STJB Jazz                        COACH: Megan Spokes
• Year 2/3 OPEN             STJB Magic                     COACH: Michelle Politis
• Year 2/3 OPEN             STJB Lakers                    COACH: Tom Burgess

Netball              

• Year 2                           STJB Allstars                 COACH: Michelle Politis

Tee Ball

• Rec – Year 3                 STJB Seagulls               COACH: Melissa Watters

Soccer

• Under 7 PHEONIX                   COACH: Dan Henwood
• Under 8 GLORY                      COACH: Ben Klingberg
• Under 8 JETS                          COACH: Mark Seiffert
• Under 9 UNITED                      COACH:  Nick Heuzenroeder
• Under 10 ROAR                       COACH: Sava Politis
• Senior WANDERERS              COACH: Gregor Dingwall
• Senior VICTORY                      COACHES: Peter Parini / Tanya Matic                              

I would like to thank all of these parents. Without your support the children would not be able to participate in all the teams.

In total, there are 150 children participating in St John the Baptist Catholic School sport teams this term. Many of the children are playing in more than one sport.

Sport Carnivals

Congratulations to

• William d’A (6B)                            12-year-old boys
• Amelia P (6R)                                12-year-old girls

William and Amelia will be representing the Airport SAPSASA Cross Country team which is competing in the State Championships on 9th June at Oakbank Racecourse. 

Carnival Calendar

• SACPSSA  Lacrosse                   All Year 4 - 6                   Friday 17^th June Week 7

• SACPSSA  Netball                      All Year 4 - 6                   Tuesday 5^th July Week 10

Kind regards,

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

Congratulations     Gisele G (5C)

Gisele has been competing at the Australian Gymnastics Championships 2022 in Queensland representing South Australia. We are very proud as school community to inform everybody that Gisele won –

• Silver medal in her Level 5 Synchro Routine and

• Silver medal in the Individual Level 5 Female Trampoline. 

On Wednesday 25th May, many of our classes joined in National Simultaneous Storytime 2022.  It is held annually as part of Library and Information Week.  Every year a picture book,  by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes and many other places around the country.  Now in its 22^nd successful year, it is a colourful, vibrant, fun event that aims to promote the value of reading and literacy, that explores age-appropriate themes.   

The book has to have a positive storyline; to appeal to a modern and diverse audience; be suitable for read-aloud (language and length). and lend itself to craft and other activities.   The book chosen this year is FAMILY TREE by Josh Pyke & Ronojoy Ghosh.

It is also -  The Year of the Family which concludes on June 26, 2022, on the occasion of the tenth World Meeting of Families in Rome with the Holy Father. Pope Francis established the Year of the Family to help strengthen faith and live God's joy more fruitfully in family life.

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, 30th May - Julie

Wednesday, 1st June - Julie

Firday, 3rd June - Johanna Rowett & Julie

Monday, 6th June - Julie

Wednesday, 8th June - Julie

Friday, 10th June - Lucianna Introna & Julie

Monday 13th June - Public Holiday

Wednesday 15th June - Julie

Friday 17th June - Daniel Stephenson & Julie 

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.

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.