St John the Baptist Catholic Primary School Clinton eNewsletter

From Our Principal ...

Dear Families

Nick Vujicic was born without arms and legs, but he hasn’t let that stop him from living a fulfilling life. He’s become a motivational speaker and author, inspiring millions with his message of hope and resilience.

According to Vujicic's autobiography, his mother refused to see him or hold him immediately after his birth; instead, she and her husband left the hospital. He was bullied at school because of his medical condition. At one point, Vujicic attempted to commit suicide by drowning himself but he was saved. While Vujicic's parents initially struggled with grief and confusion about his condition, he said, "they raised him to look at the bright side of life".

There are any number of inspirational stories about individuals who have faced tremendous adversity in life, but they refused to let it confine or define them. They used their experiences as fuel to achieve great things and make a positive impact on the world. Their stories are great examples of the power of resilience and determination.

A common thread throughout many of these stories is concept of self belief. The first step to overcoming adversity is believing that you can. If you believe in your abilities and your resilience, and know that you have the strength to overcome any challenge, you are well on the way to success. The way we teach our children to deal with problems and situations now is how they will respond as young adults in their own futures.

What is the message we give to our own children? Do we tell them to look on the bright side? Do we help them to find the positives in life challenges?

Have a great week and hug your kids.

Regards,
Jamie Emerick
Principal.

Teacher/Parent Communication

Our school revolves around correspondence between with parents/carers, students, other staff and other members of the school community. Much of this is conducted through electronic platforms.

The expectation of Catholic Education - Diocese of Rockhampton (CEDR) is that electronic communication should occur at a reasonable time and with an appropriate time frame. Staff do not monitor all electronic communication after hours or during school time.

If you need to make contact during the day or pass on messages, the first course of action should be through the school office. Also, staff are not in a position to consistently follow up email or Seesaw messages after hours.

The expectation of the Director is that there should be an initial response to all communication within a 24 hour time period. At times, this may occur quickly especially when the information is readily available to teachers. For more complex matters, the initial response may be an acknowledgement of receipt and commitment to follow up.

Regards,
Jamie Emerick
Principal.

Parent Teacher Interviews Term 1: Yr 4-6

In Week 9 (18 - 22 March) we will host our Term One, Parent Teacher Interviews for our Year 4 to Year 6 families. Prep – Year 3 Interviews have already been conducted.

Parent Teacher Interviews are imperative to ensure strong home and school relationships as well as providing a wonderful opportunity to discuss the progress of your child, celebrate successes and set goals for the coming year.

Interview times are OPEN for parents to book on Monday 11 March (Week 8) at 8.00am and will close on Thursday 14 March (Week 8) at 3.00pm.

All Parent Teacher Interviews MUST be booked via Parent Lounge within this timeframe. No bookings will be made from the office or via your child’s teacher.

Interview times can be reserved by accessing your Parent Lounge account via https://402sjg.rok.catholic.edu.au/parentlounge.

Volunteering at St John’s

We appreciate volunteers at St John’s.

If you wish to volunteer in any capacity (including changing reading books/reading groups in your child’s class), it is an industrial and insurance requirement that you have completed a St John’s Volunteer Induction Session prior to commencing. These sessions take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete, face-to-face, in a group, with one of our leadership team.

Several sessions have already been held this year, with more being offered in the coming weeks. Dates and times will soon be advertised on our App, on Facebook and in the school newsletter.

Combined Schools Musical "The Little Mermaid"

Book directly through Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre.

Congratulations PJ Marsh Team

Congratulations to St John's U10 Rugby League Team on their win of the PJ Marsh Cup last Friday. Congratulations also to our two other teams who competed fairly and strongly on the day.

Counsellor's Corner

This year, the school has begun offering a number of group counselling opportunities to support children through various challenges. Programs offer a unique opportunity for children to work collaboratively to build on and develop new skills to support them emotionally and foster a sense of belonging within our school community. Children will develop a toolbox of coping strategies they can use to help with emotional regulation. Each of the groups will explore the following:

Managing Anxious/Angry Feelings: emotional literacy, body awareness, reframing and challenging negative thoughts, problem solving.
Building Confidence and Self-esteem: emotional literacy, body awareness, positive character strengths, reframing and challenging negative thoughts, affirmations.
Drumbeat: a model of practice combining rhythmic music and cognitive reflection, with additional elements of Positive Psychology and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, designed specifically to meet the group’s needs.

While confidentiality is strongly encouraged within each group, it cannot be guaranteed due to the collaborative nature of the groups. If you would like your child to attend one of these group counselling programs throughout the year, please complete counselling consent forms at the office.

St John's Reach Out Group

‘Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience’ (Colossians 3:12)

Mrs. O’Brien needs YOU!

The Reach Out group needs a co-ordinator.

After many years, our beautiful Tracey is stepping down from the role. I would like to say a huge thank you to her for the generosity and compassion she has shown to others.

The Reach Out group has touched the hearts of many families. A kind word, card, flowers or simple meal can make a difference to the lives of people within our school community.

The co-ordinator works closely with Lisa O’Brien (APRE) to send out emails to members with possible requests. If you would like to find out more, please email Lisa or speak with her directly. People who want to join and help in some way can contact Lisa as well. lisa_obrien@rok.catholic.edu.au

Bless you all.

Project Compassion

During Lent, Project Compassion is a major focus for Catholic schools and parishes. This is led by Caritas, a Catholic service organisation. Project Compassion provides weekly stories throughout Lent. These always have a positive outlook and intent. The aim is to increase awareness of the circumstances of others and to walk in their shoes for a moment. The strength shown by people in other communities is always inspiring. Please take the time to view this 4-minute video and discuss it with your children, family and friends.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89bJV-w_wXk

Student Council Request

Therapy Dogs At St John's

Cara Hodgson is employed as a teacher assistant at St John’s with a unique role that encompasses student well-being, reading support and includes the company of her Golden Retriever dog Delilah. Delilah is a young dog at 2 years old who started her career at St John's in 2023 and quickly cemented herself as a valued member of our school community. Cara and Delilah completed their Therapy Dog’s Australia Community Companion Dog course in June 2022. They both complete an annual accreditation process involving rigorous obedience and temperament assessments. This ensures that Cara and Delilah continue to meet the exceptional standards that Therapy Dogs Australia hold of their graduates and gain the accreditation that is required for them to be suitable for work within the school environment.

One aspect of Cara’s teacher assistant role is to provide 1:1 support for several students to engage in reading and communication skills with Delilah. Students are met at classrooms by Delilah and Cara, where they will walk to the library for an individual reading session (approximately 20 mins). Cara’s weekly timetable also includes spending time in allocated classrooms across the school. These allocations may change each Semester to share this experience as much as possible. Classroom visits are low key and do not interrupt lessons, but compliment student engagement in lessons.

The school has completed and continues to review all necessary Risk Management procedures. As a part of the risk assessment, Cara will always be with Delilah. As continuing members of our school community, we already acknowledge and value the benefits of having Delilah (and Cara!) in the school setting.

If you would like to discuss our Therapy Dog Program at St John's, please feel free to contact either Kym McAndrew (Assistant Principal Curriculum) or Marcelle Bowden (Inclusive Education).

Parents & Friends Meeting POSTPONED

Due to unforeseen circumstances, this afternoon's Parents & Friends Assocation meeting has been POSTPONED until 5:30pm on MONDAY, 29 APRIL. The meeting will be held in the staff room.

ALL WELCOME!

Bookclub

All Things Cross Country...

Our Prep - Year 6 St John’s Cross Country is on Thursday 28th March for all students starting at 8.40am sharp.

General Information is as follows:

Prep – Year 1 to meet teachers in their classroom from 8.20am
Year 2-6 students are to put their school bags at their classrooms and move to their House Tents on oval from 8.20am. There will be NO Assembly.
Students to wear their school polo or choose a sun safe shirt in house colour, sports shorts, runners, sunscreen, school hat and a large water bottle.
The first race starts at 8.40am sharp (Year 1 Girls)
Prep – Year 1 students complete the Fun Run Track course (approx. 600m)
Year 2 and younger Year 3 students born in 2016 (only) compete the half course (approx. 1km).
Students born in 2015 - 2012 compete in their year of birth and complete the full course (approx 1.6km).
All students (P-6) receive a ribbon if they place 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, or 5^th
Students born 2012 - 2015 receive points towards Athletics Age Champion if finish 1^st, 2^nd or 3^rd
Students born 2012, 2013 and 2014 can be selected in the school Cross Country team to attend Port Curtis trials if they finish 1^st– 5^th.
All races finish at approx. 10.45am and students return to their normal school day.
All parent volunteers are always welcome! Please email Courtney McVean at Courtney_mcvean@rok.catholic.edu.au if you would like to help out.

Coloured Wrist Bands and Year of Birth

To help distinguish age groups per Cross Country race, we use both wristbands and date of birth on lower legs in some age groups.

Please note the following:

Coloured wristbands will be used for 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013 age groups and will be supplied at the start line. Wrist bands to be returned via classroom teacher at end of event.
Year of birth needs to be written on front of lower leg in marker pen, preferably at home prior to students coming to school for 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012. See example in photo:

Girl’s Year 1 Race	Neither required
Boy’s Year 1 Race	Neither required
Girl’s Prep Race	Neither required
Boy’s Prep Race	Neither required
Girl’s Year 2 Race	Neither required
Boy’s Year 2 Race	Neither required
Girl’s and Boy’s Yr 3 Race (born 2016 only)	Red Wristband - supplied at start line 2016 written on lower leg before arriving to school
Girls and Boys 2015 Race	Blue Wristband - supplied at start line 2015 written on lower leg before arriving to school
Girls and Boys 2014 Race	Green Wristband - supplied at start line 2014 written on lower leg before arriving to school
Girls and Boys 2013 Race	Yellow Wristband - supplied at start line 2013 written on lower leg before arriving to school
Girls and Boys 2012 Race	No Wristband required 2012 written on lower leg before arriving at school

2024 Cross Country Courses

Prep – Year 1

Extended Fun Run Track

Starting line at Year 1-3 Playground area
Run down the straight, turning left behind the football posts at the J Hickey end of oval towards Year 4-6 playground.
Run behind Year 4-6 Playground, past the top of the Nature Playground and down the Fun Run track towards the carpark path.
Run along path in front of the groundsmens’ shed, taking a slight left turn into the carpark, roped off area.
Run to the end of the roped off area, turn left up the hill on to the oval up the hill onto oval and to the finish line.

Year 2 and Year 3’s born 2016

Starting line at Year 1-3 Playground area.
One full lap of oval (anti-clockwise) and back down the straight to the small gate at J Hickey Av.
Run down J Hickey footpath and left into bushland.
Follow the bush track until reaching ‘’junction’’. Turn left and run up the hill until exit track at Laner St.
Follow the footpath up to the school car park, toward groundsmens’ shed, up to the Fun Run track, around the 4-6 Playground and on to the 80m track to finish line.

Students born 2015 – 2012

Starting line at Year 1-3 Playground area
One full lap of oval (anti-clockwise) and back down the straight to the small gate at J Hickey Av
Run down J Hickey footpath and left into bushland.
Follow the bush track until you reach the ‘’junction’’.
Turn right down the hill, across the bridge, turning left to run up the grass verge to Aramac Dr.
Turn left on the grass path of Aramac Dr until you reach the bridge at J Hickey Av.
Take a hard left turn and run on the grass track behind the houses until you reach the exit at Laner St.
Follow the footpath up to the school car park, toward groundsmens’ shed, up to the Fun Run track, around the 4-6 Playground and on to the 80m track to finish line.

Approximate Race Times:

8.40am Girl’s Yr 1 Race (Girl House Captains run with Yr 1 girls)

8.45am Boy’s Yr 1 Race (Boy House Captains run with Yr 1 boys)

8.50am Girl’s Prep Race (Girl House Captains run with Prep girls)

8.55am Boy’s Prep Race (Boy House Capt run with Prep boys)

9.00am Girl’s Year 2 Race (regardless of Year of Birth)

9.05am Boy’s Year 2 Race (regardless of Year of Birth)

9.13am Girl’s and Boy’s Combined Year 3 Race (born 2016 only)

9.21am Girl’s 2015 Race

9.29am Boy’s 2015 Race

9.37am Girl’s 2014 Race

9.45am Boy’s 2014 Race

9.53am Girl’s 2013 Race

10.01am Boy’s 2013 Race

10.09 am Girl’s and Boy’s (combined) 2012 Race

Fitness Club

2025 Prep Sibling Enrolments: OPEN NOW

If you have not already completed your child's Prep 2025 enrolment application, please do so NOW!

Interviews will take place this term.

Visit our school website to complete the online enrolment application.
https://enrol.sjgrok.catholic.edu.au/primary-school-enrolment/start

Library News

Dia Daoibh [God to You]

With St Patrick’s Day to be celebrated this Sunday I thought an introduction to some of the wonderful Irish authors we carry in our library collection might be in order…

Eoin Colfer (/ˈoʊ.ᵻn/; born 14 May 1965) is an Irish author of children’s books. He worked as a primary school teacher before he became a full-time writer. He is best known for being the author of the ‘Artemis Fowl’ series.

Sam McBratney (born 1943) is a writer from Northern Ireland and is best known as the author of the best-selling children's picture books ‘Guess How Much I Love You’, ‘I’m Sorry’, ‘Once There Was A Hoodie’ and ‘You Are All My Favourites’.

Oliver Jeffers (born 1977) is a Northern Irish artist, illustrator and writer. We carry ‘The Heart and the Bottle’, ‘The Way Back Home’ and ‘A Child of Books’, just to name a few. You might best recognise his name as the Illustrator for ‘The Crayons’ Series by Drew Daywalt.

Taitneamh a bhaint as do seachtain! [Enjoy your week!]

Final week to borrow books Prep – Year Three

The winner from last weeks ‘Where On Earth Am I’ library competition was
Kaiden T (6G) with the correct answer being London.

Introducing the Fabulous "Floot Loops" Ensemble

Please welcome the St John’s ‘Floot Loops’ who are the school’s inaugural flute ensemble.

Current members are:

Mikaylah Erridge (ensemble leader)
Soriia Murray
Indiana Johnson
Kaiden Braes
Clara Robertson
Stella Hermann
Elise Johnston

These students have been playing for a number of years and have demonstrated an ability to work well as a group.

Port Curtis Sport

Congratulations to our Port Curtis AFL boys who played their hearts out in the torrential rain in Mackay last week. They had 2 wins one, against Central Highlands and one against Rockhampton, with a loss to Mackay.