Informer - Term 1 Week 6

From Our Principal...

Dear Families

In 1963 as the world emerged from the Cuban Missile Crisis and the very real prospect of nuclear war between the United States and the Soviet Union, Pope John the 23rd published ‘Pacem in Terris’ (Peace on Earth), one of the most influential encyclicals of modern times.

These documents are normally directed as teaching documents to the Catholic faithful. Pope John, as was common in his papacy, did something different. He addressed this document to "all people of good will". Commentators would say that with this specific change, the Pope was directly saying that the responsibility for seeking  the conditions for peace in our world does not lie solely with the great and powerful of this world, but with each and every one of us.  The Pope further explains in this encyclical that conflicts "should not be resolved by recourse to arms, but rather by negotiation".

As we begin this week, we see our world poised on the brink of another war that has the potential to drag us towards global conflict. Governments are quite rightly protesting the events in the Ukraine. Church and religious leaders continue to call for peace and a negotiated solution.

On the anniversary of the publication of Pacem in Terris, the American Jesuit Review  spoke of the influence of the document and its focus on a Culture of Peace. They would argue that " In the end, peace is not essentially about structures but about people. Gestures of peace spring from the lives of people who foster peace first of all in their own hearts.

As we enter into Lent, the preparation for the Easter, Pope Francis has asked that believers and nonbelievers alike to join together for peace.  He invited us all together on Ash Wednesday, March 2 to unite in prayer and fasting  and in a special way ask that "the world be preserved from the madness of war".

Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us,

Jamie Emerick
Principal

APRE News...

Lent:     Fast    Pray     Give 

This week is a special time as Christians prepare for Lent.  

We begin with Shrove Tuesday and in the past, it was a way to use up perishable food items, like eggs and milk, as people started their Lenten journey. Some Christians ‘fast’ during the 40 days of Lent. This can be linked to the 40 days Jesus prayed in the desert or to the forty ancient Hebrew scriptures. 

 Perhaps you think fasting is only for new believers or very religious ones? 

As we enter Lent on Ash Wednesday, it is handy to remember fasting does not only relate to food. We can ‘fast’ from negative ways of living such as being critical in our comments to ourselves and others. Instead, we can ‘feast’ on the positive comments that build up confidence and energise those around us.  

As we flip the negative to the positive, we can give ourselves quiet time for extra reflection through reading and prayer. I did not grow up as a Catholic, so prayer and meditation were uncertainties to me and at times very foreign. Tiny steps over the years have helped along with supportive friends and colleagues plus some handy Apps (Hallow and Marist Prayer). The main message is to ‘be still’ and take time to listen. 

During Lent, we also aim to give. This can be outreach to others who are in need through Project Compassion or a kind word to someone who is alone. Deciding to talk with someone you tend to avoid may bring them, and you, closer to Jesus’ message of love. Being aware that not everyone feels connected and actively including people in our conversations or games in the playground is one way of giving. My heart has been full as I witness the small acts of kindness weaving through our school community.  

Lent is a time when people are invited to grow in love, goodness and kindness.  

https://youtu.be/hB0OQyxVwjU  

Over the weekend, the escalation of conflict in Ukraine was difficult to witness. In a global address, Pope Francis highlighted the senselessness of violence. He has appealed to everyone, believers, and non-believers alike, to dedicate 2 March, Ash Wednesday, as a Day of Fasting for Peace. Whether you are a Catholic or belong to another faith, please consider a day of prayer and fasting for peace. 

Shrove Tuesday

Tomorrow is Pancake Tuesday. The school is desperate for volunteer helpers from 8:10pm (earlier if you can but not essential). Please bring an electric frypan with you if possible. So far we have three people to assist and we need a minimum of ten. (Must be double vaxed). If you can loan us your electric frypan rather than volunteer your time, that would be great too.

Aussie Bread Tags for Wheelchairs

St John the Baptist is supporting a company in South Africa to make wheelchairs from plastic bread tags. What a great way to re-purpose these tags. We will continue to collect bread tags until the end of Term 1, as this started in 2021, and donations will be sent over the holidays. Keep collecting and bring them into the office for Mrs O’Brien (APRE).

https://ozbreadtagsforwheelchairs.org.au/

Help For Tonga

The recent Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano in Tonga, and the resulting tsunami, has caused great suffering and loss of livelihood for many in the community. Father Andrew has spoken with Fr Aliki Langi SM who has described some of the devastation that has occurred:

“The island of 'Atata opposite my village was 90% destroyed by the Tsunami. A man from 'Atata was swept away by the wave and was swimming and hanging on to a tree branch for 28 hours and finally landed on dry land, praise the Lord. Last week the Tongan High Commissioner for Australia, Princess Angelika Tuku'aho residing in Canberra rang me asking me, to ask the people of my village residing here in Sydney to help this island, 'Atata.”

If you can help financially to support the rebuilding efforts and care for those affected, your gift would be greatly appreciated. Fr Aliki has offered to direct any donations to the High Commissioner, Princess Angelika Tuku'aho for the rebuilding efforts. If you would like to help, please bring any donations to the parish office in Herbert St, or log onto CARITAS and view a link to help Tonga at this difficult time.

https://www.caritas.org.au/donate/emergency-appeals/pacific/

Heartfelt thanks.

APC News...

Did you know that for the past twelve months, we have been part of the Gladstone Regional Council’s “Litter Education and Awareness Project” (LEAP) and that around our school are two stormwater “Drain Buddies” that capture rubbish. The LEAP Program provides opportunities for students to learn about stormwater pollution, environmental conservation, litter source reduction, and creates awareness of what kinds of waste is entering our region’s waterways. 

Last year, Aaron Horsey from CleanWater who regularly checks our drains, spent time with our Year 4 classes and talked about the types of rubbish he was finding (popper straws and the plastics around them being a huge culprit), and the ways in which we could reduce this.

This year, we are making a concerted effort to RECYCLE, REUSE AND REDUCE more here at St John’s. We are asking that as families, you make a conscious effort to help us by reducing the amount of plastic that you send to school in your children’s lunch boxes each and every day. Each Wednesday, I will be out and about with my “Waste Warrior” team to acknowledge students who are reducing their waste, identifying a “Waste Free Wednesday” winner, and at the end of term, we will be awarding a major prize and some multi-draws donated by the Tangaroa Blue Team in Townsville.

A reminder that we also have our “Turtle Trash” Bin located in the Year 1-3 Eating Area near the Tuckshop for any donations of empty recyclable cans, bottles and poppers to help our student, Laylah on her mission to raise $1000 for the Quoin Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.

Thank you for your ongoing support with these initiatives.  

SPORT

PORT CURTIS

These are our students selected for Port Curtis to compete in the below sporting events.

10 - 12 Years AFL - Thursday 15th March

Adam Taylor
Luke Bosniak
Joseph Granbauer

10 - 12 Years Hockey - Thursday 17th March

Isaac Allen
Alex Slean
Taylah Jarram
Morgan Wilkinson
Taylor Stoke
Layla Byers

CAPRICORNIA SPORT

Laylah Pimm

Beep Test Results

Week 3 Beep Test Results

GIRLS

BOYS

SPECIAL Mention

The majority of our students are improving their Fitness Card results each week which is fabulous to witness. St John’s kids defiantly have big hearts and work hard to improve! Super Proud.

Nature Playground Donations Please!

As you know, our students love the Nature Playground. We are always trying to replenishing ''stock''. If any families are pruning trees, we would love your larger branches or logs or if you are having a shed clean-out, we would love any old ropes, pipes, wood, hoses etc.

If you have any questions or donations please call the office or email Jakki Graham at jakki_graham@rok.catholic.edu.au

Thank you in advance!

School Fees

Just a reminder that school fees are due this Friday.

St John's Way Awards

Tuckshop Specials

Volunteer Tuckshop Roster

Tuckshop Menu

Seafarer's Colouring Competition

This year in conjunction with The Lucky Duck Derby, the Gladstone Seafarer's have decided to get the local students involved in wanting to learn about the centre and what they do.

Please see attached colouring competition that is eligible for all local primary school students to have the chance to win a small prize pack for the winner of the best picture and an excursion for their whole class to tour the facilities including a chat about our history and the ports history.

OSHC

Charlie And The Chocolate Factory

Congratulations to Tyler Watson and Charlotte Rippingale who are starring in this production.