Informer - Term 1 Week 9

From Our Principal ...

Dear Families

No one plans to have an accident but the reality is that they happen on our roads every day. I have grave concerns that we are very close to having a serious incident at the Chapman Drive traffic lights. Pick-up time at every school is always chaotic, and when we are moving nearly 400 families off our site in a twenty minute period, it is always going to be frenetic. The impact of the construction on our set down and pickup at the Laner Street pickup has meant more of our families are choosing to use the oval pickup on J.Hickey Ave.

In the ten minutes immediately after the 3pm bell, we have a significant number of cars attempting to enter this pickup with cars backing up to the intersection. It is totally unacceptable for cars to wait within the boundaries of the intersection. Pedestrians should not have to walk around cars to cross the road. This is a recipe for disaster.

I have received a significant number of phone calls and emails from local residents around the inability of our school community to follow the basic road rules. Gladstone police attended our pickup and the feedback I received is that they have also received calls regarding concerns about our families’ cars blocking traffic. The bus company and bus drivers regularly voice their frustration at not being able access the designated bus zone on J.Hickey because vehicles are queuing in this zone or preventing the bus from exiting the area.

As we approach the end of the construction, we are making arrangements to meet with traffic engineers, architects and the capital works team to ensure our school has appropriate processes in place to allow families to safely pick up their children in the afternoon. Regardless of what procedures we end up putting in place it will still require us as drivers to show patience and follow the road rules. At present this is not the case and the potential consequences could be at least expensive and potentially tragic.

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

Have a great week and hug your kids.

Jamie Emerick
Principal

Free Parent Webinar - Vaping

Parents and carers are encouraged to register and attend the below online Webinar.

Enhancing Catholic School Identity Survey

Recently, all parents were emailed instructions explaining how to complete the Enhancing Catholic School Identity (ECSI) survey. This anonymous survey is undertaken by an external provider who specialises in the gathering and collation of data.

This survey forms part of the accreditation process that allows schools to operate and we must show that there is a continuous process of reflection and improvement on our practice. Schools under the supervision of Catholic Education - Diocese of Rockhampton (CEDR) complete a range of reflective practices over each five year accreditation period. Our school will review not just our academic performance and standards, but will also look at financial and compliance processes to ensure our school is capable and fit to meet the needs of our families and students.

Staff have commenced the surveys and students in the upper classes will also be surveyed using an age appropriate survey tool. This task will be conducted and supervised by staff members at school.

Classroom Disruption Survey

Catholic School Parents Australia (CSPA) has developed a short five minute Parent/Carer Survey to assist with their submission to the Australian Government Inquiry into disruption in Australian school classrooms. We ask that our parents/caregivers please complete this survey by accessing the following website: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/cspaclassroomdisruption Further information is available at the attached flyer. 

Parent Teacher Interview Week – Student Supervision

With Parent Teacher interviews on this week, we need to ensure your child/ren are safe at all times. If your child will be on our school site during your Parent Teacher Interview, please ensure they are waiting quietly outside the room where your interview is taking place. Duty of Care and safety requirements, require NO students to be on any play equipment (including the oval), during Parent Teacher Interviews.

Magnesium – Every Family’s Best Friend!

There are many benefits of magnesium for children – particularly for their sleep and mood – therefore making it a family’s best friend!!! Oh, to have a child who sleeps well and never moody!

Magnesium is important for so many functions within the body, especially muscle and nerve function and recovery, blood sugar regulation, production of energy in the cells and bone growth and development (just to name a few!)

Often low magnesium is common in children which causes issues, as their bodies actually need more due to growth and development. This magnesium deficit can lead to a range of health issues including:

• ADHD and autism – studies have shown low magnesium levels in ADHD and autism are common
• Anxiety and depression
• Headaches and migraines
• Weight issues and obesity – due to the effect on blood glucose and insulin levels

Common symptoms of low magnesium include:

• Constipation (remember that the bowel is a muscle that needs to contract and relax)
• Twitching muscles and eyes
• Growing pains
• Restlessness and sleep issues
• Sensitivity to noise

Magnesium can assist the above as it is a “relaxing” mineral, especially to the nervous and muscular systems.

Magnesium promotes GABA which is an important brain chemical that calms the nervous system; when GABA is low, children can experience agitation, irritability, anxiety, poor attention and sometimes aggression.

As stated above low magnesium is often associated with sleep issues (restless sleep, “busy legs”, frequent waking and difficulty getting to sleep).

Strong research has indicated that by increasing magnesium in the diet (or via good quality supplements) sleep quality and duration can improve. Sleep is so important for children, as it  allows their developing bodies and brains to reset and repair.

Magnesium also supports the stress/anxiety response in children (and adults!). We need more magnesium when we are under stress and when our stress and anxiety levels are high; during these times we metabolise even more magnesium so if there is already a deficit, then coping during these times is hindered greatly.

While Magnesium is found in the foods we consume (nuts and seeds, green veggies, avocados, brown rice, legumes, fish and yes dark chocolate!) sometimes children are still not getting enough.

This is where a good quality magnesium supplement can help immensely. Magnesium bisglycinate or similar is a good source for children. Of course, the RDI of magnesium is relative to their age and build, but generally 100mg-300mg daily works well.

Try this Burrito Bowl to get some good quality magnesium into your diet this week!

Burrito Bowl

INGREDIENTS

• 1-2cups cooked brown
• Tomato Salsa(homemade – 1 punnett cherry tomato, ½ red onion, handful fresh basil and lemon juice) – you could just do tomatoes if you are time poor)
• 3 cups chopped spinach (with squeeze lemon juice)
• 1-2 cups corn (fresh is best but if you’re busy, just used a can of kernel)
• 1 can black beans drained and well-rinsed.
• 1avocado
• 1 cup chopped cucumbers.
• Handfulchopped fresh coriander

SAUCE

• 3 tbs whole egg mayo
• 1tsp Dijon mustard
• Splash or ACV or lemon juice

GET GOING

1. To make the sauce, whisk together mayo, Dijon mustard and ACV and set aside.
2. In a bowl arrange all ingredients and drizzle with sauce.

Harmony Day

Harmony Day (Tuesday 21 March 2023) is part of Harmony Week that celebrates Australia’s amazing cultural diversity. During this week, we celebrate inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for all Australians, from the traditional custodians of the land to those who have come from many countries around the world. 

This week of inclusiveness is celebrated from Monday 20 – Sunday 26 March 2023, so there are plenty of opportunities to create and participate in activities all week long. 

Harmony Day itself falls on 21 March, which coincides with the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. 

With its motto ‘Everyone Belongs’, Harmony Day is a day we appreciate our differences and similarities, promote inclusiveness and show mutual respect for everyone, regardless of race, colour, religion, or background. 

Give Generously to Project Compassion

Spanning across the six weeks of Lent, Project Compassion brings thousands of schools, parishes and supporters together to raise funds for the most marginalised communities around the world.

This year's theme of Project Compassion is ‘For All Future Generations’, and reminds us that the good we do today will extend and impact the lives of generations to come. It is also a call for all of us to play our part in making the world a better place by working together as sisters and brothers in finding long-term solutions to global issues.

To learn how to make a real difference visit Caritas Australia website.

Sacramental Program

No Chess And Robotics This Week

Due to Parent Teacher Interviews this week there will be NO CHESS CLUB or after school ROBOTICS on Wednesday.

Changed Uniform Shop Hours

This will be the last week for the changed uniform shop hours. Next term will return to Tuesday and Thursday mornings 7.45am to 9.15am.

THURSDAY and FRIDAY morning (THIS WEEK ONLY).
7.45am to 9.15am

Homework Club - Year 3, 4, 5

Whole School Beep Off

Our annual Whole School Beep-Off is on Tuesday 28 March (Week 10) @ 8.45am, straight after parade.

It is an event the students really look forward and it is always wonderful to see the whole school out on the oval showing their fitness and determination.

All things Cross Country..........

Our P-6 St John’s Cross Country is on Friday 31 March for all students, starting at 8.40am sharp.

General Information is as follows:

• Prep – Year 1 to meet teachers in their classroom from 8.20am
• Year 2-6 students are to put their school bags at their classrooms and move to their House Tents on oval from 8.20am. There will be NO Assembly.
• Students to wear their school polo or choose a sun safe shirt in house colour, sports shorts, runners, sunscreen, school hat and a large water bottle.
• The first race starts at 8.40am sharp (Year 1 Girls)
• Prep – Year 1 students complete the Fun Run Track course (approx. 600m)
• Year 2 and younger Year 3 students born in 2015 (only) compete the half course (approx. 1km).
• Students born in 2014 - 2011 compete in their year of birth and complete the full course (approx 1.6km).
• All students (P-6) receive a ribbon if they place 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, or 5^th
• Students born 2011 - 2014 receive points towards Athletics Age Champion if finish 1^st, 2^nd or 3^rd
• Students born 2011, 2012 and 2013 can be selected in the school Cross Country team to attend Port Curtis trials if they finish 1^st – 5^th.
• All races finish at approx. 10.45am and student return to their normal school day.
• All parent volunteers are always welcome! Please email Jakki Graham at jakki_graham@rok.catholic.edu.au if you would like to help out.

Wednesday Morning Fitness

Each Wednesday morning at 7.45am, Mrs. Graham will be running a 30 minute fitness session for any students who are keen. These sessions will help build on the fitness gains already made in HPE (from fitness card focus in Weeks 1-5) and help prepare students to do their best at the upcoming Cross Country (31 March) and Athletics Carnival (Term 2) as well as their own personal health benefits.

Fitness will begin on Wednesday 8 March and continue weekly until throughout Term 1 and Term 2.

All keen and committed students are most welcome!  Please meet Mrs. Graham on the oval.

Port Curtis Sport

Congratulations to Diaz Polo, Fabian Royston, Sonny Taylor and Lane Hillhouse who have been selected in the Port Curtis 10yrs Rugby League team.  These students will be participating in the Quad Series being held in Rockhampton on Saturday 22^nd and Sunday 23^rd April.  We wish them well.

Congratulations also to Blair Windress who has been selected in the Port Curtis 10-11 yrs Netball team. Blair will attend Capricornia trials in Emerald on Monday 24^th April. All the best Blair.

Capricornia Sport

Congratulations to Daneil Reid for his selection in the 10 - 12 yrs Australian Football Capricornia team.  We wish you every sucess. 

St John's Way Awardees

Library News ...

We celebrate Harmony Week from the 15 - 21 March. 

Harmony Day is a day during that week to celebrate Australian multiculturalism, based on the successful integration of migrants into our community.  Harmony Day is about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background, united by a set of core Australian values. Held every year on 21 March the day coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.  Since 1999, more than 70,000 Harmony Day events have been held in childcare centres, schools, community groups, churches, businesses, and federal, state and local government agencies across Australia.

Some books in our library that celebrate our amazing diverse country are pictured below.

Enjoy celebrating Harmony Week.

Mrs. Skelhorn
Librarian

Construction Update

Our construction area is now a little greener thanks to staff and students.

Donations Please ...

Cooking Utensils

Inclusive Education are requesting donations of the following items to support a specific school need.  They would be very grateful to receive used items in good condition if any families have a surplus.

Mixing bowls
Measuring cups 
Measuring spoons 
Frying Pan 
Baking tray  
Saucepan 
Cutting Knives (preferably safety knives) 
Mixing spoons 
Spatula 
Tongs  
Cutlery Peeler 
Grater 
Cutting boards 
Plastic containers for food storage ie flour 
Plates/bowls 
Aprons x 6 
Scales 
Cooling rack 
Electric fry pan 
Electric beater 

Woolworths Lego Bricks

If you don't have any use for Woolworths Lego Bricks, please donate them to St John's.  Donations may be left at the school office.

Volunteer Tuckshop Roster

Tuckshop Increased Hours - Term 2

As of the start of Term 2, the tuckshop will be open both breaks on Wednesday and Thursday (Friday is already open both breaks).

Tuckshop Special

Tuckshop Menu

Prep Enrolments 2024

If you have a child who is eligible for Prep in 2024 could you please go to our website and complete an online enrolment application as soon as possible.  We have an increasing amount of interest for 2024 and places are limited.

In And Around OSHC ...

Community Notices ...