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Informer - Term 2 Week 5

From Our Principal...

ENROLMENTS for 2023 at Chanel College and St John's

If you are looking at enrolment for your child at Chanel next year, enrolments close on 27 May. There is a significant number seeking admission into Year 7 next year and there will be more applications than available places again this year. If Chanel is your school of choice and you have not yet made contact with them, please make this a priority.

If you are an existing St John’s family and have a child who is eligible for Prep next year, an online application still needs to be completed so that we are aware of numbers for our classes. We are very close to 100 applicants already and will need to know this term, the number of existing families that will require a place next year. Please contact the office this week if you will be requiring a Prep enrolment for next year.

Hug your kids and have a good week.

Jamie Emerick
Principal

APRE News...

On Wednesday last week, the students participated in Christian Meditative Prayer as a whole-school. The lights were turned down, fairy lights displayed and candles lit. I am sure children become instantly engaged when fire is involved and I must say, Mrs. Graham's interest was immediate, as I had not read the 'Candle Risk Assessment' document prior (rooky error).

Meditative prayer begins from the Word of God in the Bible. By engaging the mind, emotions, and body, meditative prayer makes space "to deepen our convictions of faith, prompt the conversion of our heart, and strengthen our will to follow Christ". It brings us to a space where silence, stillness and simplicity are possible by using silent, still and simple strategies. As research learns more about well-being, this ability to centre and maintain equilibrium during adversity, becomes an essential trait.

Over the next few weeks, the students will participate in a variety of different prayer forms. The aim is to invite students to this time of stillness and to provide opportunities for staff to see this in action. As a Catholic Christian school, we would hope students can build a relationship with God and that this could offer comfort during difficult times in their lives. We also hope, as individuals, we can make a difference by living the gospel messages of Jesus.

I shared a story with the students last week and I hope this adds context to what we are trying to achieve. I attended a PD in Rockhampton last week and as I returned to my motel room, I noticed a car parked under a tree. The following morning, I went for an early walk and as I did, the car was still there, and an elderly gentleman was awkwardly exiting the car. It was obvious he had slept in the vehicle overnight. As I walked, I thought I should offer the man a chance to have a shower in my empty motel room while I exercised. Did I make that offer? No, I did not.

Once I ended my walk, the man was bent over feeding his small dog, a spaniel, and giving it some water. The man was not eating. Again, I thought perhaps I should offer him my delicious bacon and eggs with tomato and thick toast which room service would be delivering in 10 minutes. Did I make that offer and show kindness? No, I did not.

When I exited my room, freshly showered and satisfied from a big breakfast, the car, the man and the spaniel were gone. I had missed my opportunity to show kindness to someone. This really bothered me and I kept returning to it in my thoughts and during prayer over a few days. Then as clear as a bell, it came to me...all I had to do was say hello.

I had missed an opportunity to show God's kindness by treating someone with dignity and having a friendly chat. I had missed the chance to ask where the man was heading-north, south or west? Perhaps he was driving to visit a family member in need or to celebrate a grandchild's achievement. I had missed a chance to let this man know, he was noticed and counted. Prayer is not effective unless we discern what we need to hear and do something with this. Something as simple as saying, "Hello".

Respectful Actions

This week, we will begin reminding students to stop walking when a prayer is being said or the national anthem is being sung. Teachers will chat with students so they know they will not get into trouble if they are late to the line in the shed. Sometimes it takes a little while for children to ‘tune-in’ but together we can achieve this. We will encourage children to stop and stand silently when they hear the school prayer or anthem.

Your help in demonstrating respect in this way is appreciated.

Lisa O'Brien
Assistant Principal Religious Education

APC News...

This week, we recognise, UNDER EIGHT’S WEEK.

Introduced by Early Childhood Australia Queensland Branch, the annual event is a time to celebrate being under eight years of age. This year’s theme is "Play In A Changing World".

Children are curious, creative and playful. They are naturally interested in the world around them. It is vital that a young child’s love of learning is nurtured and encouraged through a variety of experiences. As parents and carers, we often don’t realise the learning opportunities in the everyday activities our children engage in. Learning through play, investigation and exploration is easy and valuable for children in the early years, and it is through these positive learning experiences that our kids will develop a lifelong love of learning.

Kym McAndrew
Assistant Principal Curriculum

No Waste Wednesday Winner

Congratulations to Kathryn Warner who is this week’s “No Waste Wednesday” winner. Kathryn was very happy to share her healthy ‘no-plastic’ lunch box. Her sushi looked so yummy!

St Vinnies Winter Appeal

Please consider donating unwanted blankets, quilts or doonas as the weather begins to cool.

Also any canned food to be distributed to families would be wonderful such as stews and soups.

Please drop off to the front office when you can 😊

International Day Of Families

St John's recognises parents and caregivers as the first and most important educators of our students. We know that family connection is evidenced to build a strong foundation of resilience for our young people, which is integral to their transition into adolescence and beyond. Today on the International Day of Families, we encourage you to take time to really connect with your kids, and we extend our appreciation to our St John's community of families for your ongoing support of and engagement with our students.

Library News...

This week in our Library we are celebrating International Family Day which was on Sunday the 15^th. We have a lovely collection of titles for you to borrow.

Books To Borrow

World Bee Day

Friday 20^th May is World Bee Day. Bees are important to our livelihood as they help to pollinate most of the crops we eat and many that feed farm animals. Nearly two-thirds of Australia’s agricultural production benefits from bee pollination. There are over 20,000 species of bee that exist globally, and Australia is home to around 2,000 species of native bee. We will have a small display in the library to celebrate.

Introducing Our P & F Committee

President – Monica Erridge
Secretary – Helen Attard
Treasurer – Nathan Rippingale
Vice President – Vacant
Events Coordinator – Lindsay Windress
Assistant Secretary – Danielle Slow
Assistant Treasurer – Tennille Pimm

Meetings will be Mondays 5:30pm in Week 2 & Week 9 of each term, in the school Library.

Dates:

Term 2: 13/06/2022

Term 3: 18/07/2022 & 05/09/2022

Term 4: 10/10/2022 & 21/11/2022