Term 4, Week 2 2022

Dear Families

Welcome 
Welcome to Term 4. The beginning of a term is always a time of reconnection and excitement as we look forward to what lies ahead. As we commence Term 4, we would like to welcome two new students to the school. We warmly welcome Amelia W (2J) who is returning to the school after some time with her family overseas. We also welcome Ella L in Year 5F. We know from observations over the past week, that both girls have been warmly embraced by their peers. 

St John the Baptist Catholic School Colour Fun Run 
Thank you to the St John the Baptist Catholic School community for their great support of the Colour Fun Run held late last term. 

Thank you to everyone for your fundraising efforts. Collectively we were able to raise $5490 (before expenses) towards a new school playground. 

At our school assembly in Week 1, the draws for the Rebel Sport vouchers were conducted. We are pleased to announce that the following students walked away from the assembly with a big smile! 

$50 Voucher- Rowan A 

$100 Voucher- Lucas D 

$200 Voucher- Violet H 

Sports Day 
We wish to thank the St John the Baptist Catholic School community for their great support of the annual Sports Day held last Friday. It was fantastic to look out over the grounds and see the community coming together. Such a day is certainly not possible without the team effort of all! We would particularly like to thank the parents who volunteered their time to assist on the day. We also wish to acknowledge the efforts of Paul O’Dea for his work in ensuring the program ran smoothly.  

We congratulate Beovich (Green Team) on their victory and Callista (Gold Team) for winning the Spirit Award. All teams were ably led by their House leaders.  

Finally, a big thank you to all staff and students for their participation, which contributed to a wonderful day and a great sense of community.  

Arch D Podcasting Awards 
As you may be aware our Year 6 students have been involved in the Arch D Podcasting initiative this year. Each student has been placed in a team and the children have developed a podcast on the theme -’A moment in time.’ Each podcast is now uploaded to the ‘School Life’ podcast channel on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart Radio. 

Every year, Arch D Radio and Podcasting celebrates outstanding achievement by Catholic school students at the Arch D Awards in November. We are pleased to announce that two teams and a teaching staff member from St John the Baptist Catholic School have been nominated in an award category for Primary schools. Congratulations and good luck to the following: 

Podcast of the Year nominees - Lucas, Tomas and Zac for their “Three Amigos” podcast about fictional World War One experiences 

Podcast Team of the Year nominees - Ava, Lucy and Saskia for “The Crazy Campers” podcast 

Staffcaster Award nominee - Lauren Breeding 

COVID-19 Update 
From the 14th October 2022, it is no longer mandatory for those who test positive to COVID-19 to isolate at home. However, can we please emphasise that it is an expectation that students stay away from school if they display symptoms, as this is the most effective control against an outbreak within the school community.  

Can we also remind you that if a student does test positive to COVID-19 that you are required to notify the school. The school is still required to provide weekly reports to SA Health.  

Upon return to school it is recommended that a mask is worn whilst indoors until 7 days have passed since the symptons first started or since you tested positive (whichever is earliest).

Once again, we thank you for your support. 

Class Placements 2023 
We are currently planning for the 2023 school year, which includes class placements. Should you have any academic or social considerations (not teacher preference, as often there will be changes to teaching structures and personnel) which you think we need to take into consideration before placing your child into a class, please send an email to Kylie on  kmcbride@stjohnpl.catholic.edu.au prior to Monday 31st October at 9am. 

When an email is received, you will get a confirmation of receipt of email from Kylie.  If you do not receive an email with 48 hours, please make contact again. 
 
Over the coming weeks, the students will be given an opportunity to provide some names of students who they would like to be with next year.  This, along with the needs of all students will be considered when staff work together to form classes for the new year. 

Anzac Highway Properties - Update 
I convey the exciting news that the school has been able to secure the purchase of 334 Anzac Highway.  This is the property in the middle of the two demolished properties (332 & 336).  This will enable us to fully develop the scope of the Master Plan.  

Whilst design works for the development are currently with the architects, the broad plan for these properties is for additional play space for the children and car parking for our families and parish community. Exciting times! 

Best Wishes

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

Welcome to Term 4, there is so much to look forward to including the seasons of Advent and Christmas! Of course, there are also several exciting upcoming events in our school calendar too.

Plympton Parish & School Community Dinner
There is a special dinner at 6.30pm this Friday 28th October in the John the Baptist Centre.

Everyone is invited as we bring together families from the many different cultures that make up our community. It will be a BYO shared dinner, and we ask you to bring a plate of food to share from your own cultural background.

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

Playgroup and Parish
As we are a community which includes Parish, school and playgroup, we have recently endeavoured to build the connection between the Parish and Playgroup. This term our lovely Playgroup Co-ordinator, Karina Overall has planned some great activities and crafts which are being shared with the families in the Parish community. This is a growing space and we look forward to how it will evolve in the weeks to come.

Sacraments
A Sacrament is referred to as a "visible sign of an invisible grace.” - St Augustine of Hippo.

The Sacraments bring people into a deeper relationship with God and the Christian community. They are meeting points with God and one another. Sacraments are special ceremonies for the individual, their family and the Church community.

There are three Sacraments of Initiation into the Catholic Church. These are Baptism, Confirmation and First Holy Communion. For more information about the Sacraments please click here.

Sacramental Program 2023
Every year the parish and school offer the opportunity for children ages 8 years and above to participate in the Sacramental Program. The program supports children and families as they prepare to receive Reconciliation, Holy Communion and Confirmation. It is an enriching journey for the children and families as they learn to deepen their relationship with God. More information about the program will be sent to families this term. If you would like to know more or have questions you are welcome to contact the Plympton Parish 8293 6600.

Faith Facts
Have you ever wondered what is the meaning of Liturgical Season? Click here to find out more.

Amanda Razon
APRIM

School Fes
Great News! School Fees for the 2023 school year will remain the same as the current year.  Fees will be as follows:  

• Full Fee $3280
• Lower Income Fee $1795
• No charge for Reception children who commence school in Term 3 of 2023

Further information will be sent home in the forms pack later this term.

Camps 
All camps are now available for you to pay via Qkr!.  Please make payments as soon as possible or according to your payment plan.

Statement of Accounts
A statement of accounts was sent home recently via post.  

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.

If you have changed your address recently please inform the office as soon as possible.

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. 

Qkr! Notifications
Please ensure that you have your notifications on for Qkr!  Notifications are sent out when items are closing to ensure you don't miss out.  See instructions below regarding turning on notifications.

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 

Sports Teams for Term 4

• Basketball – 7 Teams
  • STJB Warriors - Coaches: Julie Hutchins / Renee Wilson
  • STJB Clippers - Coach: Tanya Rafanelli       
  • STJB Wizards - Coach: Hilary Sadler
  • STJB Bulls - Coach: Simon Croxton
  • STJB Jazz - Coach: Megan Spokes
  • STJB Lakers - Coach: Tom Burgess
  • STJB Magic - Coach:  Michelle Politis

• Netball – 2 Teams
  • St John’s Allstars - Coach: Michelle Politis
  • St John’s Thunderbirds - Coach: Dianna D'Cruz
• Tee Ball – 2 Teams
  • Seagulls - Coach:      Adam Keegan   
  • Pelicans                                                            
• Volleyball – 2 Teams
  • Storm - Coach: Beth Tamm
  • Thunder - Coach: Jason Thur
• Cricket – 1 Team
  • Year 2 MasterBlaster - Coach: Warren Mitchell

SPORTS DAY
St John the Baptist Catholic School Sports Day was held at Coastal Districts Little Athletics Centre, Bowker Street Reserve for the first time.

The venue provided a picnic type atmosphere for the children, parents and grandparents. The day was a great success.

All the children that competed did so with enthusiasm and respect.

I would like to acknowledge and thank all the parents / adults who gave of their time to help on the day.

The results for St John the Baptist Catholic School Sports Day 2022:

Sports Trophy

1. Beovich (Green)
2. Tenison (Blue)
3. Callista (Gold)
4. MacKillop (Red)

House Sport Award:

1. Callista (Gold)
2. Beovich (Green)
3. Tenison (Blue)
4. MacKillop (Red)

Just a reminder
Could all outstanding school soccer and basketball tops please be returned ASAP please.

Sport Carnivals - Term 4

SACPSSA Come & Try Day 

• All Year 2s - Tuesday 15^th November (Week 5)

SACPSSA Athletics Carnival

• Year 3 – 6 Squad - Wednesday 30^th November (Week 7)

SACPSSA
“The South Australian Catholic Primary School Sports Association aims to promote the philosophy of good sportsmanship, teach students how to win well and lose graciously, and foster companionship between competitors while promoting a healthy active lifestyle.”

Please note.

Hard copy permission / information notes will no longer go home for Sports Carnivals.

ALL notes will be online via the Qkr! App

In the Qkr! App you will be asked to –

• Give permission for your child to attend
• Volunteer to help at the carnivals (without your help the children would not be able to participate)
• Pay the costs for registration and transport and sign
• This is the only option available 

Paul O'Dea
PE & Co-curricular Sport Co-ordinator
podea@stjohnpl.catholic.edu.au

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 4

Friday 28th October - Jo & Dove Lin

Monday 31st October - Julie

Wednesday 2nd November - Julie

Friday 4th November - Jo & Daniel Stephenson

Monday 7th November - Julie

Wednesday 9th November - Julie

Friday 11th November - Jo & Johanna Rowett

Monday 14th November - Julie

Wednesday 16th November - Julie

Friday 18th November - Jo & Megan Kloeden

Monday 21st November - Julie

Wednesday 23rd November - Julie

Friday 25th November - Jo & Melissa Gorgone

Julie Henschke & Jo Fitzgerald

Scholastic Book Club
Classes have recently received the Scholastic Book Club Issue 7.  This is the last book club issue for this year and is a bumper issue.

 It is a good opportunity to look for gifts for Christmas.  

Orders need to be placed online by the 4th November Friday (Week 3) using your credit card. 

If you are able to spare a few hours a week to lend our head gardener, Bob, a hand looking after our vegetable garden and you have, or are willing to undertake a volunteer screening, please contact Kylie on kmcbride@stjohnpl.catholic.edu.au.

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.