Informer - Term 4 Week 7

From Our Principal...

Dear Families

It doesn’t seem like five years since we held the Centenary of Armistice Day in 2018.  At 11am on the 11^th of November 1918, a wounded and weary world said enough to the tragedy that was the First World War. The first anniversary of Armistice Day in 1919 was commemorated by two minutes silence to remember those who had died. I have read an account of this and it was said that the entire city of London stopped and not a sound was heard. The Great War as it was known affected every  level of society.  No family was untouched by death, injury or mental scarring. The political cost of the war is still felt in our world today, however Armistice Day was always about the personal cost suffered by all combatants regardless of their side.

The day has changed over the years and, as we have been foolish enough to be involved in wars and conflicts again and again, the cost still keeps being paid by young men and women and their families. The name has changed to Remembrance Day, to acknowledge the need to remember not just the First War, but any conflict that has affected our society.

I spoke with our senior students on Friday as we prepared for the minute of silence at 11am and reminded them that any war is a conflict. Each and every one of us has personal conflicts in our day with people we may not get on with. The easy solution is to go to ‘war’ with our enemy. Remembrance Day is a lesson we should all learn at an early age. It is a lesson and constant reminder of the cost of an ‘easy solution’.

Lest We Forget

Have a great week and hug your kids.

Jamie Emerick
Principal

APRE News...

As a Catholic school, St John's teaches students about the gifts and fruits of the spirit. How wonderful to attend a camp and see these in action amongst the student body. Teachers, camp instructors and parent helpers witnessed character strengths and virtues through the words and actions of your children during their time at camp.  

The gift of wisdom enabled us to appreciate the beauty of creation and to treat each other with dignity. We saw children emulating understanding of how to live as a follower of Christ. When needing to make a good decision, students showed an ability to make a judgement call (counsel) to keep themselves and others safe. As children tried new and unfamiliar activities, their courage (fortitude) shone through, especially if they had to speak up for what is right and just. With knowledge we could see God's gift of love as we made new friends and connections with peers we may rarely spend time with. As we experience this love, along with humility and trust, the gift of piety (reverence) is at play. This can happen when we realise we can't always depend on ourselves to gain strength but all we can do is pray to God for guidance.  

Being away from home and experiencing new and unfamiliar activities pushed many students out of their comfort zones. It was wonderful to see their confidence grow throughout the three days. What a privilege to spend time with such a great group of kids and with adults who volunteered their time to make this experience happen. A huge thank you to Mrs. Mitchell for her organisation of the camp, along with Mrs. Graham with her behind the scenes support. A big shout out to our parent helpers, Mrs. Blomfield, Mrs. Larkin, Mr. Hogson and Mr. French plus our teachers Mrs. Rouse, Mr. Perrett, Mr. Langdon and Mrs. Guinea. Thank you for your smiles, laughter and unending support.  

Pic 1 - Kairo and Ashton at the Flying Possum
Pic 2 - Seth, Zander and Ryan at low ropes
Pic 3 - Steady on there Joseph and Curtis! 
Pic 4 - Bull's Eye (he really did) 
Pic 5 - Chelsea and Bridie have got this 
Pic 6 - Kym almost at the top (who was the photographer?)
Pic 7 - Sophie and Lexie on the river
Pic 8 - Maddie and Nate have got this

Year 5 Camp

St Vinnies Christmas Tree Appeal 2022

The St John's Christmas Tree has been set up in the front office! 

This is an opportunity for our school community to build awareness for children in families who are less fortunate than ours. Each year we ask families to consider buying a gift for a child or young person and placing it under the tree. There are gift tags hanging from the tree with the gender and age of a child written on the back e.g. girl aged 3 years. These ages range from 6 months to 16 years old.  

It is a great way to discuss the meaning of Christmas, to give rather than to receive. It is worth considering the Christmas story Christians around the world believe, that God gave us his son in the hope of building a close relationship with each of us. Ultimately the gift of God's grace and love.  

We hope your family feels the love, joy and peace of the Christmas season.  

St Vinnies Christmas Hamper Appeal 2022

https://donate.vinnies.org.au/appeals-nt/christmas-appeal-nt  

St John's has a proud tradition of supporting St Vincent de Paul each Christmas. Our focus is on donations of non-perishable food to support Central Queensland families. If you can provide food with at least a three-month 'in date' stamp your donation will help others in need during the festive season.  

Items could include packaged fruit cake, biscuits, lollies, pasta, rice, baked beans, tinned food, dry/tinned pet food or play items. Perhaps a box of Christmas crackers will bring a smile to a child's face.  

Donations can be left in the front office in the 'baskets' or with the front office ladies: Vicki, Melissa J or Mel D. 😊  

Thank you for your continued support.  

Sports News...

Congratulations to Lachlan Stoneley who has been selected to represent Capricornia School Sport in 2023 for 11-12 years Aquathlon.

Spirit Night

Students need to be seated by 5:15pm

Starts at 5:30pm

BBQ items on sale from 4:30pm – cash and EFTPOS available

Mozzie spray recommended

Students will sit with their class in an allocated area in front of the stage. Spectators can sit to the side and back of this area please.

Robotics 2022

Congratulations to the St John's Robotics Teams who battled it out against local primary and high schools at the 2022 First Lego League Competition, "Super Powered". The Enginerds (led by Mrs Seebacher), Tech Warriors (led by Mrs Anderson) and Energizers (led by Mrs Baron) worked incredibly hard in the leadup to the competition, coding missions and preparing informative and entertaining group presentations. Their hard work paid off, with the Enginerds taking out second place and receiving an invitation to compete at the National Championships in Brisbane and the Tech Warriors receiving the Rising Star Award. All of the teams represented our school with the admirable teamwork, dedication and sportsmanship that St John's is renowned for. Congratulations to all!

Families Leaving

As we have many students on our waiting list and our total enrolment drives many aspects of our school (staffing, budget, class sizes and structure) it is important that we try to be as accurate as possible in predicting the school enrolment for 2023. If you know that you will be leaving at the end of the year could you please notify the office as soon as possible? Your assistance with this matter is greatly appreciated.

Prep To Year 2 Swimming

St John's Way Award

2023 Instrumental Music

Testing for the 2023 Instrumental Music Program is currently taking place over the next few weeks.

Lessons are offered during school hours on a Friday, on Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone (Alto or Tenor), Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium and Percussion. Group lessons are available.

If your child is in Grades 2-5 this year, and you would like them to be tested for the program, please fill out the form here: ➡️ https://bit.ly/stj_im23 

For any questions relating to the program, please feel free to email greenroomlearning@gmail.com 

Kind Regards,

Chelsea Elvery
Instrumental Music Coordinator.

OSHC Vacation Care Program

Tuckshop

Volunteer Tuckshop Roster

Tuckshop Menu