Informer Term 3 - Week 8 - 2025

From Our Principal ...

Dear Families 

In many of my newsletters over the years I have referred to a book by Stephen Covey. He published his ‘Seven habits of highly effective people’ in the late 80’ s and it has been one of the best books around leadership and personal development I have read. I have hard copies and a version on my kindle. It is one of those books that you pick up regularly and just read a page or two, to bring what he is saying and advocating back into focus, and ultimately practice.

I won’t go into a full summary, but basically it is seven habits that Covey, and lots of other researchers, have identified as indicators of great leadership and practice.

The last one is one that he refers to as, ‘take time to sharpen the axe’. You are probably all familiar with the old story of the wood chopping competition where the winner was not the youngest, strongest wood chopper, but the old axeman who chopped, steadily and always took time to stop and sharpen his axe. That simple awareness enabled him to compete with a younger man who was physically superior but may not have understood the breadth and depth of his trade.

There are no hard and fast rules. Sharpening the axe may focus on improving or developing particular skills, getting a better understanding of particular issues or problems, or doing something that you enjoy, just for the sake of doing it.

A professional development session I took part in many years ago was run by Brendan Spillane, an Irish teacher who has made a career of being an executive coach. He spoke of a light bulb moment when his son asked him about joy. Basically, he was saying Dad, I understand happiness, but I don’t know if I have ever felt joy. For Brendan, it was a light bulb moment. His life focus was around developing his business and providing financially for his family. The one thing they didn’t get was his presence. It sparked a major change in the way they operated as a family. He still worked and provided, but they committed time to being together. As a family, they would hike in the Perth hinterland and just camp out together as a family. There is something special about sitting around a fire. I think it is something we are hardwired into after countless generations before us have sat and connected.

For his family, this worked. Each of us need to find the avenue that allows us to connect and engage with those that we love. Yes, we provide for them and meet all of their physical needs, but what is the two-way connection that gives our relationships strength and gives us those bucket-filling moments of joy. Our own children will very quickly grow into young adults, that time just seems to get quicker and quicker. Now is the time when we have the ability to make deposits into their memory banks.

Have a great week and hug your kids.

Regards
Jamie Emerick
Principal

Parents & Friends Meeting: TODAY

Parent Teacher Interviews: Prep - Year 6

Pupil Free Day - Friday 5 September

Student Drop Off/Pick Up

For the safety of our students, please be reminded that the front Administration car park is NOT for student drop-off or pick-up.

Students must be dropped off/picked-up in the allocated supervised areas (J Hickey Ave or Laner Street), or parents can bring/meet their children in the school grounds.

Disabled car parks are accessible in our main car park (off Laner Street).

The Administration Car Park is CLOSED DAILY between 2:30pm and 3:15pm.

Thank you.

Prep 2026 Enrolments: Important Diary Dates

Prep 2026 Information/Orientation sessions have been scheduled for the following dates:

Monday 27 October – First Orientation Session (compulsory for all students who have accepted placement)

Monday 24 November – Final Orientation Session (compulsory for all students who have accepted placement)

Singer Andrew Chinn Visiting: Thur 4 Sept

Andrew will be working with all year levels throughout the day, culminating with a whole school concert from 1:50pm to 2:50pm.

Learn to Pray

School Fun Run: Friday 19 September

Our much-loved Fun Run is on our last day of this term - Friday 19 September starting at 2pm.  The Fun Run begins with Buddy Classes leading out together for the 1^st lap (Year 6/Prep first Buddies go first) and then students complete the Fun Run at their pace.

All students need to wear their normal PE uniform, school hats and a water bottle. Please be reminded that the last day of Term 3 is NOT free dress day.

At the end of the Fun Run (approx. 2.45pm), all students will receive an ice block (if they would like one) before returning to class for dismissal.

If any parents want to join in on the Fun Run, the Risk Assessment must be read and signed. This Risk Assessment will be displayed near the oval for reading and signing. Please note the following:

• No strollers or prams are allowed on Fun Run track.
• Only students currently enrolled at St John’s can participate (no younger or older siblings).
• Parents are to wear closed in shoes and hats.

If you have any questions about the Fun Run, please see your class teacher or see Mrs Graham.

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)

St John's Way Awards for this week will be presented at parade on Tuesday.  This section of the newsletter will be updated after awards have been presented.

Capricornia School Sport

Year 6 Need Clean Bottle Tops For Artwork

Volunteer Tuckshop Roster

Tuckshop Ordering Information & Menu

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

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

Uniform Shop Hours

OSHC Vacation Care Program

Royal Far West Parent/Carer Webinars

Parish News

Gladstone Regional Council News ...

Cricket News ...

Strong Communities Fun Day

Foster Carers Needed