Informer Term 4 - Week 5

From Our Principal ...

Dear Families,

The world we live in is governed by rules. Regardless of whether we agree with them or not, they dictate what happens across most of the activities in our society. Whether it is the road rules we all follow or the basic council regulations that governs our streets and homes, rules provide a consistent benchmark of how we operate or behave and have to conform with.

I am a big believer that the structures and scaffolding that we provide as both families and school provide the opportunities for our kids to get used to the reality of being governed by a range of rules.

You will continually hear me talking about the fact that many of our kids will end up in industry, it is a reality of our town. If you work at the smelter, you are clean shaven, no exceptions.  All employees on industrial sites whether in the office or on the site wear steel cap boots and high visibility work wear. Many sites stipulate sleeves down and shirts tucked in. Our kids don’t develop the ability to conform to these sorts of guidelines at 18 years of age, they learn these skills in the safety of family settings and the structure of school.

Our school has a range of rules and guidelines that are often about safety but at times can be about providing appropriate boundaries and expectations for what happens at our school.  There may be some processes or procedures that the purpose of may not be clear or apparent.  As always, we are happy to have conversations with families around these to clarify the whats and whys behind our processes.  Begging for forgiveness after the fact rather than asking for guidance beforehand is not a strategy we want our students to practice.

Traditionally, the end of the year is a time when choices are made that would not reflect our children’s normal behaviour.  A combination of mental and physical tiredness and just ‘being over it’ often ends in tears when they run up against school rules that stay the same and expect the same. As parents and educators, at this time more than any, we need to be proactive in our conversations and expectations.

Have a great week and hug your kids.

Regards,
Jamie Emerick
Principal.

Student Haircuts

In July this year, a letter was sent home from the Principal reminding all families of the expectations of within our school, in particular to haircuts.

While trends with fashion come and go, our expectations of conservative hairstyles that do not draw attention remains firmly in place.

Our full Uniform Policy can be found in our Parent Handbook (on our website and on our school ap) but please see below an extract for reference.

Hair styles should reflect a conservative image that doesn’t draw undue attention to individuals.

• Hair longer than collar length must be worn fully tied up in a full ponytail, bun or similar.
• Hair must be out of the face (especially eyes) at all times.
• Hairbands, ribbons or clips must be must natural, red, white or navy blue. Elaborate or oversized hair accessories are not acceptable.
• Hair styles must reflect a conservative image that doesn’t draw undue attention to individuals.
• Artificial hair colours, rat’s tails, undercuts, tracks (including tracks along the part-line) and extreme hairstyles (mohawk, buzz cut, styles including a gauge less than 3, mullets or dreadlocks) are unacceptable.
• Hair must be tidy and reflect good personal hygiene.

If doubt exists with a style of hair, a student or parent should check with the Principal or Assistant Principal Administration before having a style change.

Thank you for Socktober!

Socktober is a program run by Catholic Mission, and raises funds for programs benefiting children around the world. Each year, a focus country is chosen to represent how the funds raised through Socktober will benefit children overseas. In 2024, our focus projects are in Mongolia which students have been exploring this month. Thank you for supporting Crazy Sock Day and the bracelet stall run by our amazing Year 5 girls.

Message from Pope Francis:

“Go and invite everyone to the banquet” (Matthew 20:9)

Pope Francis' message of inclusion raises the question of what unites us all and presents a valuable opportunity for growth and unity, as it requires everyone to open their hearts and minds to each other.

Guided by the Gospel, we can find answers to creating ways of inclusion and dialogue.

The Gospel is made to gather and not divide, to invite and not to exclude. This is the message Pope Francis shares, reminding everyone of the importance of sharing the Gospel and, above all, reaching out to all by inviting them to be part of the celebration we call “life,” as we all have a seat at the table.

Year 5 Rosellas Liturgy: Mon 4 Nov - 2:15pm

Year Five Rosellas Liturgy
Monday 4 November
2:15pm in the Library
Families welcome to attend.

Year 1 Church Visit

A huge thank you to parishioners who captured the attention of 104 year one students last Monday! Students from St John’s enjoyed learning about the different ministries in our parish. Together we are the Church!

Is Your Family Leaving St John's?

Year 3 to 6 Enrichment Activities

Last year we trialed with the Year 3-6 students, Enrichment Lessons which the students overwhelmingly enjoyed.  The students have requested we do Enrichment Lessons again this year, so over the last few weeks, we have come up with a very large list of teacher-led activities and the students were able to nominate their 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd choices.

The list of activities encompass the following – creating a cookbook , fitness/bootcamp, diamond art, yarn crafts, water colours, painting the new buddy benches, football, drama, pottery, robotics, basketball, drones, chess/lego/boardgames, computer coding, tie-dying and graffiti art.

I think you would agree that this is a fabulously extensive list to suit all interests again this year!

With the term being very full (as always in Term Four), the activities will occur in Week 9 and Week 10.

St John's Way Awardees ...

Students who have embodied faith, dignity and integrity within our school.

We view our school as one body, with many parts, each in its own way contributing to our common mission.
(1 Corinthians 12: 12-26)

Lunch Box Treats

Pineapple Squares

Ingredients

2/3 block light cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
3/4 cup plain low fat Greek yogurt (room temperature)
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1 large egg yolk (room temperature)
1/3 cup pineapple juice
½ cup of finely chopped pineapple (fresh is best)
1 tsp vanilla extract

Get Going

1. In a large bowl beat the cream cheese on high speed until smooth.
2. Add in yoghurt and beat until combined and then add in eggs and the yolk and beat further until combined.
3. And for one last beat (!!) add in pineapple juice, vanilla extract and fresh pineapple until everything is combined.
4. Pour into an oven proof (greased) dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the it no longer jiggles around.
5. Allow to cool at room temperature, then transfer to the fridge to chill for 3-4 hours or even overnight.
6. Once chilled, cut into squares and enjoy!

• If you’d like to make it into a slice with a base – just make a very simple biscuit base and then add the filling and follow rest of the recipe from there.

Learn to Pray

Prayer is many things: an experience, a relationship, an expression of belief, a practice of religion, a realignment.

Prayer is a way to talk to God in the good times and the hard. Students, staff and parents are welcome to attend our Learn to Pray session each Tuesday.

Signing Club

Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love your spiritual family. Revere God.
(1 Peter 2: 17)

Library News

Exciting Times! 

Hello everyone, 

As you all know, while Mrs Skelhorn is away, I’m thrilled to be filling in at the library! I want to take a moment to say a huge THANK YOU to all the amazing staff, students and parents who have been lending a helping hand. Your support has made my time here a trouble-free journey. I appreciate all of you! 

Now, let’s talk about something super exciting - new books! We’ve added lots of fresh titles added to our shelves and I can’t wait for you to dive into them. One highlight is the fabulous New Landoval Series by Emily Rodda. These books are packed with adventure, action, surprises and unforgettable characters that will transport you to amazing new worlds! 

So, whether you’re a fan of fantasy, mystery, or just love a good story, there’s something for everyone. Make sure to stop by the library and check out our new arrivals. I can’t wait to hear what you think! 

Happy reading! 

Thanks, Mrs Lamb 😊  

Tuckshop Ordering Information

The following information will ensure the efficient ordering of tuckshop for your child/ren:

• Tuckshop must be ordered online via QuickCliq www.quickcliq.com.au  Orders will not be accepted at the Tuckshop or Office.
• Orders must be placed by 8:10am. Tuckshop can be ordered weeks in advance. Simply click on the day/s that tuckshop is required.
• QuickCliq operates very slowly at very busy times i.e. close to 8:10am.  During these times the system may boot you off and require you to log back in. Late orders put a lot of pressure on our tuckshop staff and volunteer helpers.
• If you miss the ordering cut off time, your order will be transferred to the following day.  You will be notified of this on the screen.
• Parents MUST check confirmation email to ensure the order has been processed for the correct food on the correct day.

If you have any problems with the online ordering system please contact QuickCliq via 1300 11 66 37, or email: support@quickcliq.com.au

Our tuckshop operates every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (first and second breaks).

Volunteer Tuckshop Roster

Tuckshop Menu

Tuckshop Assistant: Position Vacant

St John the Baptist Catholic Primary School is seeking a positive, energetic and enthusiastic person who enjoys cooking, and is dedicated to the health and well-being of children, to assist our tuckshop convenor. Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment.

Applicants must hold or be eligible to apply for a Working with Children Blue Card.  Food handlers certificate is preferred.  This position is 9am - 12pm every Friday, with extra hours when our convenor is unavailable or needs extra help. 

Applications close: Wednesday, 30 October 2024.

Please apply online via the following link:

https://cedr-portal.applynow.net.au/

Flute Recruiting For 2025

Uniform Shop Hours

All Girls Cricket

Parish Centenary Raffle

Got to be in it, to win it!

Our Lady Star of the Sea church is celebrating her 100^th birthday!

Raffle tickets are available from the front office for $5.

First prize is a fabulous dinner for six with a difference.

Star of the Sea Church Centenary Art Competition

Parish News