Term 4, Week 6 2022

Dear Families

This time of term is always such a busy one. From the teaching, learning and assessments happening in classrooms, to the excursions and other events, and the forward thinking and planning for next year on top - there is a lot going on. We know the next few weeks will pass quickly so we look forward to enjoying these as much as possible.

Student Learning 2022
Each year, students are provided with a variety of learning opportunities for them to develop their understanding and skills in all curriculum areas. As each child is unique, so too will be their own highlights, challenges and memories. What one child may find challenging, will be a strength to another. When reflecting across the year, it is important to look for areas of growth that are relevant to the individual child. This could be an academic improvement or something they have improved socially or emotionally. These are the areas that are to be celebrated. In addition to the learning opportunities in the classroom, what often makes the school year notable for students are the additional experiences from their ‘ordinary’ day. These can range from incursions, Masses, guest performances, excursions, camps, sporting carnivals, choirs, clubs, special events and other extra-curriculum activities. It is the combination of the day-to-day learning and these experiences that make the school year a busy, yet memorable one. We are grateful and say thanks to the staff who every day, plan and provide these experiences in and out of the classroom.

Staff Professional Learning 2022
Over the year staff have continued their professional learning on our spelling and reading teaching as we develop ways to align to research-based best practices. A considerable amount of time has been spent by teachers embedding these into their daily teaching. Some of the highlights we have seen include the explicit teaching of phonology and morphology into classrooms, partner fluency reading, daily practise to read and write a word, sentence and passage level, daily review drills, dictations, and phonological awareness activities. Next year, we will continue our professional learning in literacy as we broaden this by looking at enhancing our grammar and punctuation and text construction.

On Wednesday evening, some of our staff attended a Literacy Network meeting which was for schools from Catholic Education SA (CESA) who have had a focus on literacy improvement this year. It was an opportunity to spend time sharing the journey and successes of each school, and to build connections to form a stronger network of Literacy support. It was great to have our school represented and share the growth we have had this year.

This year we have also continued to work on collecting, analysing and using data to inform our teaching and learning programs. This has included spending time in staff meetings and planning time to recognise what the data tells us and more importantly where do we need to take our learners next to help them improve. Staff will continue to focus on this next year.

Reports and Assessments
Over the coming weeks you will again receive information on your child’s learning through the rubrics and assessments their teacher will post on Seesaw. These are evidence of individual achievements in different learning areas. These rubrics are constructed against the learning outcomes prescribed by the Australian Curriculum and provide information on what has been achieved and areas for future growth.

Following these assessments, end of year reports will be sent home. This semester, the report will look different to previous years. We have been a part of a trial for CESA, looking at different reporting documents. The new report will contain all the information our previous reports did but will also contain some new elements and look different. Additional information contained in the reports will include the student’s ‘Approach to Learning’ in each subject and our Learning Dispositions. The end of year reports will be sent home via hard copy, on Friday of Week 8.

Sports Day 2023
Thank you to all parents who provided feedback about this years Sports Day at Bowker Street.  Taking all of the feedback into consideration, including the new multi-million dollar upgrade at SA Athletics Stadium we have decided to continue with the pre booked date for 2023, at Mile End on Friday 20 October, Week 1, Term 4.  We look forward to another great community building event next year.

2023 Calendar
Providing a yearly calendar for families, that includes all major events and activities throughout the year had been a major focus for the leadership team this term.  Our aim is that in the first few weeks of 2023 each family will receive a yearly calendar so that planning ahead is made clearer and easier.

Touch of Christmas & Year 6 Christmas Markets
Friday 2nd December will be an opportunity for students to wear a ‘Touch of Christmas’ to school as a way to celebrate the Christmas season.  Students may wear a Christmas item with their school uniform such as, headbands, earrings, socks, hat etc.

At the end of the school day the Year 6 students will host a Christmas Market, where small groups of students have each made Christmas items to sell.  The students have used this project to research a item, cost the purchasing of the things needed to make it within a budget and then make all of the items to sell.  All profits made will go towards Backpacks for Kids charity.

Volunteers Afternoon Tea
At St John the Baptist Catholic School we are grateful to the significant number of parents, grandparents and friends that support the school by volunteering their time in so many ways; from coaching sports teams, attending excursions, listening to reading, cooking BBQs, being a parent rep or a member of the P&F and the list goes on..... 

We would like to thank all volunteers by hosting an afternoon tea on Friday 2 Dec at 2.15pm in the SJB Hall.  At the conclusion of this celebration the Year 6 Christmas Markets will be held on the Courts at 3.00pm which you are most welcome to attend.

Best Wishes

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

Advent
Sunday 27^th November marks the first week of Advent. Advent is the season of preparation before Christmas, the day of Jesus’ birth. In this season, as a Catholic school we make effort to acknowledge that it is a time for giving and making a conscious effort to help others. The Catholic virtue of charity means to love our neighbour as we love ourselves for the love of God. This is why we donate to charities especially as Jesus modelled his life in giving to others.

Fundraising for Backpacks 4 SA Kids
This week we had a couple of events lined up in support of our fundraising for Backpacks 4 SA kids. On Tuesday Suzie, the School Liaison for Backpacks for SA Kids visited the school at assembly. She spoke to the students about the organisation and how our contribution supports children who need to leave home. We also had our Coin Line on Wednesday where each class had the opportunity to bring in gold coins and see how long their line of coins measured up to the rest of the classes.

Archbishop Visit
On Saturday 26^th November, Archbishop Patrick O’Regan will be celebrating Mass at 6pm in St John the Baptist church. All are most welcome to attend and we look forward to seeing you there!

Sacramental Program 2023
We are now accepting enrolments for the Sacramental Program in 2023. This is the preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and Holy Communion. For more information on receiving the Sacraments please contact the Plympton Parish on 8293 6600.

If your child or children are aged 8 years or over, or will be turning 8 before August next year, and you believe them to be ready to be involved in the program, please complete the form using the link below:

https://forms.office.com/r/DNwX228htZ

Hard copies of the form are also available from the Parish Office or School Office.

Faith Facts
Have you ever wondered what is Advent? Click here and here to find out more.

Advent Calendar 2022
The Family Faith Formation team have an Advent calendar for families to use in preparation for Christmas. Please find link here.

We hope you have a blessed Advent and Christmas season!

Amanda Razon
APRIM

From next week the students and our wider community can purchase a $2 ticket to win a beautiful handmade gingerbread house.  The raffle will be drawn on Monday 12th December.

All monies raised will go to Backpacks for SA Kids.

Julie Henschke (Staff) welcomed a new grandson - Alfie Paul. Alfie is Julie's third grandchild. Congratulations to Julie and her family.

After School Sport
Please finalise any outstanding after school sports payments via the Qkr! app.  Shields for new students (who have not received a shield previously) to sport and plaques for existing students (who have played previously and received a shield) are now available to pay.

Camps 
Please finalise any outstanding Camp fees as soon as possible as they are now overdue.

Statement of Accounts
A statement of accounts has been sent home this week 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.

School Fees
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.

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 

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

2023 Term 1 After School Sport
The 2023 Term 1 Registration form for School Sports Teams is now available.

We encourage children to take part in out of hours school sport.

You only need to register your child once. You can register for multiple sports if you wish.

As always, every team will require an adult coach / manager. You must have completed the appropriate Catholic Police Clearance and Volunteer paperwork. This is available from the school Front Office.

Click here to access the Term 1 Registration form.

2022 ACPHER SA Physical Education Week Dinner & Awards Night
On Friday 18^th November Michelle Politis and Tanya Rafanelli were presented with a certificate acknowledging their contribution to the St John the Baptist Catholic School’s After School Sports program.

They were presented their certificate by Jess Stenson (Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist). Congratulations to both Michelle and Tanya.

Sport Carnivals - Term 4 Results

SACPSSA Come & Try Day 
Held Tuesday 15^th November (Week 5) for all Year 2 students.

SACPSSA, in collaboration with ACHPER (SA), conducted a Come and Try Day during PE Week focused on mass participation for Year 2 students in Catholic primary schools.

Students enjoyed a variety of different sports and activities which focussed on movement, fun and the joy of learning through physical activity.

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 Playgroup families please join us for morning tea for our last session for this year on Wednesday 30th November.

Thank you for all your support this year.  We look forward to next year.  Playgroup will resume on Wednesday 8th February from 9am - 10.30am.

Karina Overall
Playgroup Coordinator

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 25th November - Jo & Melissa Gorgone

Monday 28th November - Julie

Wednesday 30th November - Julie

Friday 2nd December - Jo & Lucianna Introna

Monday 5th December - Julie

Wednesday 7th December - Julie & Toni Stevens

Friday 9th December - Stacey Arnold

Monday 12th December - Julie

Wednesday 14th December - Julie, Maria Esteban, Dove Lin & Neeta Saldanha

Julie Henschke & Jo Fitzgerald

We have a large volume of lost property in the office.

Please be reminded to check the boxes in the front office should your child/ren have lost jumpers, hats, containers, drink bottles and any other items.

A table with all lost property items will be in the courtyard in Weeks 8 and 9. 

Lions Christmas Cakes and Puddings are now available in the Front Office.

1.5kg Cake - $19.00
1kg Cake - $15.00

Pudding - $15.00

Please contact Bern if you require any further information on 8218 3300.

Bake Sale
Thank you to the Year 2 children and their families for donating and helping with the sale of delicious treats at the Bake Sale on Friday the 18^th of November.  Despite the weather, it was a great turn out and there were many smiling faces in the school yard.  A big thank you to our school community as $724.50 was raised toward the new playground! 

The word Resilience has become somewhat of a buzz word over the last couple of years, with the expectation that everyone needs to accept and move on from the effects of Covid-19 and all that is happening in the world. But how do we build resilience within ourselves and our children to do that?  Attached here is a poster that has 10 ways to build resilience in children and teens. For some people, being resilient comes easily, for others it is a harder process. Whichever way it is for you and your child, this poster may give you some simple ideas to teach ways of coping during stressful times.

Sarah Byrnes
Counsellor

Thank you for encouraging and supporting your students with their reading.  

When you have finished reading your library books please return them to the school library by this Friday 25^th November.

No borrowing will be available to students after that date so that we can complete end of year tasks.

Best wishes
The Library Team

If you or someone you know (like a grandparent, aunt, uncle) 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.

About the program:

We run a multi-sport program that focuses on building children's self-esteem, social skills and physical movement through fun and inclusive activities.  Our activities range from a modified approach for younger children to introduce them to different sports, and a more structured approach for older children. Each day of our program features 1-2 main sports, along with other games and activities as well as team building exercises.

Dates:

• Week 1 – Monday 12^th – Friday 16^th December
• Week 2 - Monday 19^th – Friday 23^rd December
• Week 3 – Tuesday 3^rd – Friday 6^th January
• Week 4 – Monday 9^th – Friday 13^th January
• Week 5 – Monday 16^th – Friday 20^th January
• Week 6 – Monday 23^rd  – Wednesday 25^th

Time:
8:30am – 5:00pm

Location:

Graduates Clubhouse – 155 MacKinnon Parade, North Adelaide

Age:

5-11 years

For further information please see the program website below so you can see more about what we offer. 

School Holiday Program - Adelaide University Sport & Fitness (adelaideunisport.com.au)

The Adelaide 36ers Summer Holiday Clinics supported by HomeStart Finance are back. Hosted by Hall of Famer’s Brett Maher and Scott Ninnis, these clinics are the perfect way for children to develop skills, make new friends and learn from some of the biggest stars of the game these school holidays. These school holidays all purchased allocations will receive a double pass to an Adelaide 36ers home game. Allocations are going quick so secure your child a spot here:

December Clinic:
Wednesday 22^nd – Thursday 23rd December, 9am-3pm Daily.

Location: St Clair Recreation Centre

January Clinic:
Tuesday 17^th January – Wednesday 18^th January, 9am-3pm Daily.

Location: St Clair Recreation Centre

Link to Clinics:  https://www.adelaide36ers.com/pages/holiday-clinics

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.