Term 2, Week 4 2024

Dear Families

Empowering Parental Engagement: Nurturing Open Communication
As we enter the middle of Term Two, it is often a time children need extra support, strategies and empathy as they continue to navigate and learn to manage their friendships and relationships with peers. In our shared responsibility of nurturing and guiding our children, communication stands as the cornerstone of understanding and support. Understanding that incidents at school often have multiple perspectives is crucial in fostering empathy, problem-solving, and effective communication.

By acknowledging that there are often two sides to every story, parents can support their child in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the situation. Encouraging open dialogue and asking open ended questions, allows for a more holistic view of the incident, enabling parents to support them more effectively.  We encourage parents and guardians to be in communication with their child’s classroom teacher and contact them if there are any ongoing issue or concerns.  Addressing this early is proactive and working in partnership with the school provides an opportunity for ‘wrap around’ pastoral care processes to be implemented as required.

At St John the Baptist Catholic school, staff use Restorative Practices to address conflicts and support children in building healthy relationships with their peers. These processes emphasise accountability, empathy, and understanding, allowing all children involved to learn and grow from their experiences. Each stage of a child’s development is acknowledged, and strategies are developed to support this.

Asking open ended questions provides a great opportunity to hear about different aspects of your child’s day and build a positive mindset towards school and their friendships.  Below are a list of questions you may like to ask at the end of each day:

• Tell me about the best part of your day.
• What did you enjoy the most during lunchtime?
• Can you share something interesting that happened in class today?
• What was the most interesting thing you learned today?
• Can you describe a challenge you faced and how you overcame it?
• What made you laugh the hardest during recess?
• Did you notice anyone being kind or helpful to others?
• Is there something you wish you could have done differently today?
• What was the highlight of your day today?
• Did you make any new friends or have positive interactions with classmates?
• Did you participate in any fun activities or games during recess?
• Did you feel proud of something you accomplished today?
• What made you laugh or smile today?
• Who was kind to you today?
• Was there a moment where you felt particularly happy or excited?
• Did you have any memorable conversations with your teacher or friends?
• Did you help anyone or receive help from someone today?
• Did you enjoy any books or stories that were read in class?
• Did you feel challenged by any lessons today, and how did you handle it?
• Did you try anything new or different today?
• Who did you look after or care for today?
• What subject did you enjoy the most today, and why?
• Did you use any creative or innovative ideas during class projects?
• Was there anything that made you feel curious or sparked your interest today?
• Did you feel appreciated or recognised for your efforts by anyone at school?
• Did you feel a sense of accomplishment in completing any tasks today?
• Did you ask any questions or share your thoughts and opinions in class?
• What are you looking forward to doing tomorrow at school?
• What would you change or keep about today to make tomorrow a great day?
• Is there anything you'd like to share with me about your day that made you feel happy or proud?
• What are you most grateful for today?

These open-ended questions encourage your child to articulate their thoughts and feelings more comprehensively, fostering trust and openness. 

Great tips: Use 3 of these on the car ride home or write them on to paper strips and put them in a container so children can pull them out at dinner time or before bedtime.  It is a great way to share your thoughts and feeling about your day also.

Catholic Education SA Awards
The annual Catholic Education awards were held on 16th May at the Hilton Hotel and St John the Baptist Catholic School and Parish Office were the recipients of  ‘Innovative Program’ Award category.  The award recognises the deep interactions and collaboration between the school and parish staff and the positive impact on the wider school community. Fr Dennis and Todd accepted this award on behalf of the school and parish.  It was a wonderful night with representation of the parish and staff in attendance.

A reminder to everyone of our school's morning routine. 
Our school gates will open promptly at 8:30am each morning to ensure a calm, safe and organised start to the day.

For the safety and wellbeing of all our students, we kindly request that children are not left unsupervised before this time. We understand the morning rush can be hectic, which is why we offer Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) services from 7:00am until 8:30am for families requiring early drop-off options.

By adhering to this schedule, we can provide a safe and secure environment for all our students as they begin their day. We appreciate your cooperation in prioritising the safety and welfare of all students.

Students Walking to School
Just as a reminder, if your child walks to or from school without an adult can you please talk to them about being wary of approaches from strangers. If they are approached, students should not respond and should not accept offers of rides or gifts.

Students should seek the assistance of other nearby adults if they feel unsafe and should report the event to a trusted adult (parent or school staff member) as soon as possible.

SAPOL advises that taking out a mobile phone and calling police can deter the offender and they recommend the student making a formal report to their closest police station.

Best Wishes

The Leadership Team

Pentecost & Marian Procession
On Sunday 19 May, the Church celebrated Pentecost Sunday, when Christ promised to send down the Holy Spirit, the helper upon his apostles. This is a significant day in the Church because it was the birth of our Christian faith, being spread throughout the world.

The 75^th Marian Procession was also held on Sunday at Victoria Park in honour of Mary, Mother of God. It was an occasion that represented the many groups and parishes across the Adelaide Archdiocese.

Sacramental Program
Last Wednesday 15^th May, the candidates in the Sacramental program had their first Reconciliation at St John the Baptist Church. They were joined by their families on this special occasion.

Upcoming dates for the Sacramental Program:

• First Holy Communion and Confirmation Information Session: Wednesday 12th June 2024 at 6:00-7:00pm
• First Holy Communion and Confirmation Rehearsal and Preparation Session: Wednesday 7th August 2024 at 6:00-8:00pm
• First Holy Communion and Confirmation: Sunday 18th August 2024, during the 10:00am mass. 

Catholic Education Week
This year’s theme for Catholic Education Week was Awe and Wonder for God’s Creation. We celebrated this through the provocation, ‘Imagine what you can do with…’

The House leaders from MacKillop, Tenison, Callista and Beovich selected a piece of nature (i.e. stick, rock, leaf and bark) for students in their team to use for this provocation. The result was a wonderful collection of imagination and creativity from all the year levels.

Laudato Si Week
Following Catholic Education week, we marked the annual ‘Laudato Si Week’ with a set of challenges for students to do at school and/or at home. The purpose is to raise awareness and promote action in taking care of our earth.

Amanda Razon
APRIM

If you are due to renew your Working With Children Check and your Catholic Police Clearance this year, please note that there is a high volume of renewals due.  To avoid disappointment it is advisable to do your renewal earlier as there is currently a delay in processing them.

Thank you for your anticipated support.

The updated RRHAN-EC courses were released on plink on Monday 29 April 2024 and, for most of us, completion of the online update will need to be done before 31 December 2024 when our current certificate expires. You need to complete the new RRHAN-EC online update unless you already have a current certificate with an expiry date of 31 December 2027.

To access the online update please use this link to login as ‘Non Department for Education staff login’ OR if you don’t already have a plink login, register here.

If your RRHAN-EC has already expired or you are new to education, please refer to the following guide which will help you to determine which course you need to do.

Which course is right for you?

My certificate expires on 31 December 2024 – do the online update only (takes about 2 hours).

My certificate is expired – start with the fundamentals.  If you also work directly with children and young people, do the masterclass after you’ve finished the fundamentals course.

School fee statements were posted out recently to those who have a balance.  If you have not received yours please let me know so I can check the address we have on file and resend one.  Thank you to the many people who have paid in full, set up regular payment plans or paid the first instalment in Term 1.  If you have not yet made your instalment for Term 1 please do so ASAP, a friendly reminder was sent with your statement. If your account is in credit due to the 5% discount or Basketball refund this will be carried forward until next year. I have posted out your account this term so you know you have a credit, but will not post a credit account each term as this amount should not change. 

Statements are posted out each term so those with payment plans can see the payments allocated to your account and as a reminder that the current terms instalment is due soon.

Online School Card applications for low income families have now been processed and applied to all approved accounts.  If you still need to apply, please do so now via this link or come in and see me as it only takes a few minutes. 

Please remember School Card needs to be applied for every year as circumstances do change:

Form A (Income Assessment)

https://online.forms.sa.edu.au/content/forms/af/public/application-for-school-card.html

Form B (hardship, change of circumstances or self-employed)

https://online.forms.sa.edu.au/content/forms/af/public/form-b-hardship-or-circumstance-or-self-employed.html

If accepted, this will allow us to reduce your tuition fees, so please apply and let me know you have done so ASAP.  If you need help applying please come in and see me.

As always if you have any queries or if you are having trouble making payments please email me on accounts@stjohnpl.catholic.edu.au, phone me on 8218 3304 or come in and see me Monday to Friday 8.00am to 4.00pm.

Qkr! Instructions
Please find below the Qkr! installation instructions.  We use Qkr! for all payments at school including fundraising and canteen.

Jodie Veldhoen
Finance Officer

Do you have a child who is due to start school in 2026 and have not yet submitted an enrolment form?  

Enrolment Forms can be collected from our school office or downloaded via our website www.stjohnpl.catholic.edu.au

If you have any queries, please contact our office on 8218 3300.

Dear St John’s Community,

We have had a busy few weeks with Sport around the school which is very pleasing. I am always very proud of our students and their willingness to give different Sports their best efforts. One thing we have spoken about recently is Sportsmanship and what that looks like both on and off the field.

On Monday 13^th May we took 18 keen runners to Barratt Reserve, West Beach to compete in the SAPSASA Cross Country event. Each age group had approximately 90-100 runners, so placing amongst the top runners is a fantastic achievement. Well done to all of our runners, but special mention to Eloise Sadler (6P), Xavier Fontanot (4W) and Will Keegan (4P) who placed within the top 6 runners for their age group. These three students have now been selected to attend the SAPSASA State Championships Cross Country Day to be held at Oakbank Racecourse on Thursday June 6^th. We wish these students all the best for their run on this day.

On top of this we would like to congratulate Will Francis (6RC), Ashley Wilson (6P) and Mason Powell (6RC) who all successfully made the Airport District SAPSASA Football Team. These boys will represent our school on Monday May 27^th – Wednesday May 29^th. We wish them all the very best with this.

Last Monday the 20^th May our Year 5/6 Students all attended the SACPSSA Lacrosse Carnival at Barratt Reserve, West Beach. The students have certainly worked hard on this Sport and have shown outstanding improvement and ball control over the course of the year. Many of our teams went through their matches undefeated which was very impressive. Sportsmanship was high on the agenda for the day and students are to be commended on this. I witnessed many smiling faces, heard lots of encouragement and positive words throughout the day.

SACPSSA is introducing a Basketball Carnival and has offered limited teams for the inaugural event. Therefore, we will be taking 2 x Year 6 teams to this carnival. The carnival is to be played on Thursday 13^th June. Students have registered their interest with me and trials will be held for this in the coming days. More information regarding this carnival will be sent individually to those students who successfully make the team.

As a school our next SACPSSA Carnival is Netball and that is scheduled in for Week 10 of this term (Tuesday 2^nd July). This carnival is always a big one that is very well attended and we look forward to getting involved with this.

I hope everyone is busy recording their Physical Activity for the Premier’s Be Active Challenge. Once you have recorded your total of 10 weeks, these cards can be returned to your classroom teacher. I have been very impressed hearing about how busy you all have been with this.

Yours in Sport,

Sam Putland
SPORT COORDINATOR

National Simultaneous Storytime Wednesday 22^nd May
This week we will focus on the story Bowerbird Blues by Aura Parker.

National Simultaneous Storytime is an annual campaign that aims to encourage children to read and enjoy books as well as teach them the value of literacy.

It is now in its 24^th year.  Last year 2.3 million participants read at over 59,000 locations!.

HELPERS NEEDED!

If you are able to assist us with the covering of some new library books please email me at

mfrench@stjohnpl.catholic.edu.au  

All materials will be provided and you are welcome to take them home to cover at a time that suits you.

Thank you

Maria French
Library Coordinator

The Parents & Friends are having a Hot Chip Day on Thursday 6th June to raise money for the new BBQ!

Cost is $4 per bucket and $1 per juice box.

Orders are to be placed on Qkr! by Monday 3rd June.

School Disco
The School Disco will be held on Friday 14th June.  

The Parents & Friends require volunteers to help on the night.  If you are able to help, please let your year level class representatives know.

Helping Parents and Caregivers Understand Children's Mental Health - Thanks to Emerging Minds.

"Some people and organisations use the term 'mental health' to mean mental illness. But mental health is something everyone has, including babies and children. A child's mental health can change, depending on what's going on in their life, and is shaped by many different things" (Emerging Minds). 

Watch the animation video to help get a better understanding of what mental health is from a child's perspective. You will find many resources that can support you, to help your little loved one, on their journey of learning about their own mental health. Knowledge is power, and you can be a powerful influence in the eyes of your child. 

Understanding and supporting children's mental health - Emerging Minds

Sarah Byrnes
Centacare School Counsellor 

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 24th May - Jo & Jo Rowett

Monday 27th May - Julie

Tuesday 28th May - Jo

Wednesday 29th May - Julie

Thursday 30th May - Jo

Friday 31st May - Jo & Megan Spokes

Monday 3rd June - Julie

Tuesday 4th June - Jo

Wednesday 5th June - Julie & Maria Esteban

Thursday 6th June - Jo

Friday 7th June - Pupil Free Day

Monday 10th June - Kings Birthday Public Holiday

Tuesday 11th June - Jo

Wednesday 12th June - Julie & Julian Thompson

Thursday 13th June - Jo

Friday 14th June - Jo & Cara Finneran

Canteen News & Feedback

As of Week 5 on Tuesday, we have changed the following menu items:

Recess – replaced the Banana and Blueberry smoothie for the Warm Hot Chocolate

Lunch – replaced the Beef Burrito Box for Pumpkin Soup

We would also love your feedback regarding the canteen.

Is there anything that you would like to see on the menu that we may be able to consider adding on?

Please send you feedback to jfitzgerald@stjohnpl.catholic.edu.au

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 and have completed the volunteers application package.

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 .

                                               

Insights may be discussed at future School Advisory Board meetings or you may be contacted personally for further follow up!

Please find link here for your suggestions.

We are having a community shared lunch from 11.30am on Sunday 2^nd June in the John the Baptist Centre.

Everyone is invited as we bring together families from the many diverse cultures that make up our parish & school community.    It will be a BYO shared lunch, and we ask you to bring a plate of food to share from your own cultural background or a family favourite.

Tea, coffee, soft drinks, plates, serviettes and cutlery will be provided.

EVERYONE WELCOME!

Look no further than the Australian Girls Choir (AGC) because we encourage, challenge and inspire girls as they learn to sing, dance and perform. School aged girls are invited to come along to our June Open Day to try our fun and inclusive class and learn more about being part of the AGC! Please visit our website to register to attend our free Open Day: ausgirlschoir.com.au/joinagc

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.